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Preservation Efforts

What Actions Have Been Taken So Far

A proposal was written and introduced at the Wisconsin Conservation Congress Hearing on April 8 in Baraboo, Wisconsin (see below or “What You Can Do“ page for details).  The resolution requests protection of white and albino deer within the Chronic Wasting Disease Zone, a change of legislative wording to include mostly white deer, and increased fines for taking a white deer illegally.  It would give the Leland white deer the same protection as white deer in the rest of the state and extend protection to mostly white deer.  The resolution passed by a large margin and will go to a second level of consideration with the Conservation Congress this summer.

We have spoken with or written letters to state representatives and senators and to people in the Department of Natural Resources about our concerns.  Since the WCC (Wisconsin Conservation Congress) is a slow process, getting an elected official to sponsor a bill on our behalf would be a faster and more sure route for protection of the deer.  We’ve had positive feedback from some of the offices, particularly from Rep. Fred Clark.  A jointly sponsored bill that would have bipartisan support would be ideal.

This website is a major part of our effort to bring the white deer issue to public attention and to keep people informed.  It brings together diverse sources, materials, and information on our local and other white deer for easy access and viewing.  With the online petition and legislative contact page, we have made it as easy as possible for people to get involved in helping the white deer.

Wisconsin Conservation Congress Hearings

The Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) is an advisory committee of elected delegates who represent local and state citizen interests in natural resources. The committee takes citizen recommendations on hunting and fishing to the DNR for consideration and action. 

The WCC outlines its purpose:  To work with the Natural Resources Board and the Department of Natural Resources to “effectively manage Wisconsin’s greatest asset, our abundant natural resources, FOR PRESENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS TO ENJOY.”  (We hope that includes Leland’s white deer!)
                         
There are procedures and guidelines for submitting a resolution to the WCC and it is a multi-layered, prolonged process.  We have already submitted a resolution at the WCC Spring Hearing in Baraboo, where the proposal was passed by a very large margin (71-37).  It will go on to a Big Game Committee this summer for further debate and another vote.  

To learn more about the Conservation Congress, check out their website:  http://dnr.wi.gov/about/wcc/

Preservation Updates

 Photo:  Several of the Leland area residents who attended the listening session at Prairie du Sac with Rep. Fred Clark.

April 8, 2013
There was a good attendance at the Wisconsin Conservation Congress Annual Spring Meeting at the UW-Baraboo campus last night.  Citizens can offer proposals to change laws on natural resource issues at these meetings.  A proposal was introduced by Amy Sprecher to protect white, albino, and predominantly white deer, with increased fines to deter illegal hunting.  Voting was by electronic ballot, so vote totals won’t be known until Wednesday, April 10, when they will be posted on the DNR website.  (Click here to view the complete proposal.)

Many people were at the meeting wearing their “Protect the White Deer” shirts.  Channel 3 Madison news reporter Theo Keith did a nice feature story on the Conservation Congress meeting at Baraboo.  He interviewed several white deer advocates about  their efforts, the proposal, and their hope for the Conservation Congress process.  The article and video broadcast are on the Channel 3 website: 

 http://www.channel3000.com/news/White-deer-advocates-rally-support-at-conservation-congress/-/1648/19674760/-/cchvorz/-/index.html

April 9, 2013
Here is a letter from Rep. Fred Clark that was sent to DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp.  The letter urges the DNR to consider changes in white deer protection in CWD zones.  It states in part:

“I write today to urge Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff to review administrative rules relating to protections for albino and white deer as they consider rule implementation of the Wisconsin White-Tailed Deer Trustee and Review Committee’s “A 21st Century Model for Deer Management in Wisconsin: Final Report and Recommendations”, commonly referred to as the Deer Trustee Report.”

The letter recognizes that this is a good window of time to review white and albino deer rules and implement changes:

“As you know, DNR and members of the public have already begun work that will lead to implementation of the Deer Trustee Report. Full implementation of the report will require revisions to administrative rules; I believe this is an appropriate time to review restoring protections for albino and white deer.”

“The Deer Trustee Report recommends the DNR adopt a more passive approach to managing CWD in management zones. As the DNR begins to shift its focus and strategy as it relates to CWD management I would ask that the Herd Health/Chronic Wasting Disease Action Team consider restoring protections for albino and white deer in CWD management zones as well as review the definition of an albino or white deer in NR 10.02.”

Click here to read all of Rep. Clark’s letter.

April 22, 2013
Two people from Leland attended the listening session with Representative Ed Brooks today in La Valle.  They presented their concerns about the area’s white deer and the need to get legislation to protect them.  Ed Brooks represents the 50th Assembly District, which includes Loganville, Reedsburg, Lime Ridge, and Hillpoint. 

Photos:  Amy Sprecher and Eileen Muchow with Rep. Ed Brooks at the April 22 listening session in La Valle.

July 4, 2013
Special deer in a special parade.  Some years ago, the little town of Witwen, not too far from Leland, was featured on a popular national television show called “On the Road with Charles Kuralt.”  Despite its tiny size, the town swells to a couple thousand for the biggest 4th of July parade and chicken barbecue around.  For Charles Kuralt, it epitomized a small town 4th of July celebration. 

This year the Witwen parade included a float with a white “deer” family and the message:  “Protect the Rare White Deer.”  The banner on the back of the float read:  “Sauk County’s Hidden Treasure.”  A stand near the parade route offered shirts, yard signs, photos, and information for those wanting to learn and do more.

Thanks to Janice and Palma for helping at the table; and to Bailey, Alex, and Ethan, who walked beside the float and handed out flyers with the website address.  They did a super job!  Special thanks to Jolene, whose idea and efforts put together statues, spray paint, chicken wire, and branches to make a pretty cool float.

July 28, 2013
White deer float makes another appearance.  Area residents got to see the white deer float and learn more about the area’s white deer at the annual Fire and EMS 3-Day Celebration at Plain, WI.  A table set up at the Plain Community Park provided pictures, information, and yard signs for those interested in learning and doing more.  Many people signed the petition to protect the deer.  Thanks again to Jolene Ballweg for her work on the float, and to Devin and Ethan, who handed out flyers advertising the website.  Thanks also to Vilas Richards who helped at the table.