Wisconsin
Smith: Commission’s decision on solar farm likely dims future of prairie chickens in Wisconsin
Prairie chicken booms and dances at Paul J. Olson Wildlife Area
Prairie chickens boom and dance on a lek at Paul J. Olson Wildlife Area near Wisconsin Rapids. Video from 2022
The plight of the greater prairie chicken in Wisconsin appears set to take a turn for the worse.
As a longtime advocate for the native bird, that’s a hard statement for me to write.
And although it does include assumptions and uncertainties, species experts say it’s the logical conclusion.
On Jan. 16 the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin issued a final decision approving plans for a solar farm adjacent to Buena Vista State Wildlife Area, a public property home to most of the state’s threatened prairie chickens.
The project as designed by Vista Sands Solar will be the state’s largest solar farm, generating up to 1,315 megawatts and covering at least 7,110 acres, or more than 10 square miles, in the Village of Plover and Towns of Grant, Plover, and Buena Vista in Portage County.
As the climate warms and our energy demands increase, the project got wide support for its potential to add substantial solar power to the grid.
However it was strongly opposed in the conservation community for its planned location and potential risks to prairie chickens.
The prairie chicken requires large grasslands, a rare habitat in 21st century Wisconsin. The vast majority of native prairie in the state has been converted to agricultural fields or other human developments.
And as the grasslands have declined so have the prairie chickens and dozens of other species dependent on the habitat. In 2024 the Department of Natural Resources counted just 288 male prairie chickens on 37 leks, also known as booming grounds or breeding sites, in the state.
All were on four state-owned properties in central Wisconsin, with 73% of the birds on Buena Vista.
Since prairie chickens have called a “bird of avoidance” due to their aversion for trees, buildings and overhead structures, the prospect of thousands of solar panels on land adjacent to the state’s largest remaining population of prairie chickens raised alarms among wildlife conservationists.
The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation led the charge and, largely through the efforts of George Meyer, a lawyer, former Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and former WWF executive director, intervened in the process.
The WWF forced the PSC and DNR to perform an Environmental Impact Statement on the proposal.
The process played out over the last 10 months or so, including multiple reports, legal proceedings and public hearings.
The WWF asked for the solar project to be no closer than one-half mile from the grasslands and one mile from any lek.
Concerns identified through the EIS led Vista Sands to modify several aspects, including removal of most overhead transmission lines.
And though the developer offered other concessions, including funding positions for two researchers at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and donating $2.1 million to help the DNR implement the state’s prairie chicken management plan, it largely dug its heels in on the location. As designed, it will be closer to Buena Vista than WWF recommended.
The PSC agreed with the company’s arguments and voted 3-0 in favor of the modified plan in December. The decision was finalized in the Jan. 16 written announcement.
Supporters of the project have said no study exists showing negative effects of a solar farm on prairie chickens. That is true.
Absence of a study, however, is simply that.
Peter Ziegler of Slinger, past president of the Society of Tympanuchus Cupido Pinnatus, Ltd. (Greater Prairie Chicken Society), said past experiences with the species indicates development so close to Buena Vista would likely push prairie chickens only one way – closer to their end in Wisconsin.
The WWF has 30 days to file an appeal to the PSC decision. Meyer said the organization is considering its options.
“The big issue is the distance the solar arrays are from the grasslands and the leks,” Meyer said. “It’s tough because we need more clean energy but we took this on to try to help keep as much undisturbed habitat as possible for the prairie chickens. We’re studying it and will make a decision (on a potential appeal) in the next couple weeks.”
No matter the outcome, everyone who loves prairie chickens owes the WWF and Meyer a thanks for their efforts in this case.
And If you haven’t seen prairie chickens dance on a lek, make plans to do so. It’s one of the greatest wonders of Wisconsin wildlife.
Milwaukee County parks to host kid’s ice fishing clinics
Free ice fishing clinics for youth will be offered Saturday at four Milwaukee County parks.
The events will be led by members of local fishing clubs who will teach participants to ice fish and stay safe while enjoying the activity. Instruction will begin indoors with lessons on ice safety, fish identification, knot tying, proper equipment use and other fishing techniques. Fishing equipment is available to borrow, but attendees are asked to bring their own if possible.
Clinics begin on the hour from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The events are for youth ages 15 and under; children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
The locations are: Dineen Park, 6901 W. Vienna Ave., Milwaukee, clinic run by members of Inner City Sportsmen Club; Greenfield Park, 2028 S. 124th St., West Allis, run by Milwaukee Great Lakes Sports Fishermen; McCarty Park, 8214 W. Cleveland Ave., West Allis, run by Southside Sportsmen’s Club; and Scout Lake, 5902 W. Loomis Rd., Greendale, run by Walleyes Unlimited.
The clinics are sponsored by the Wisconsin Council of Sport Fishing Organizations, Hunger Task Force, Milwaukee County Parks and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Attendees don’t have to register but advance notice is appreciated for groups larger than 20. For more information, contact DNR fisheries biologist Laura Schmidt at Laura.Schmidt@wisconsin.gov or (414) 416-0591.
Urban Ecology Center reopens Washington Park branch
The Urban Ecology Center will hold a ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday to celebrate the reopening of its facility in Washington Park in Milwaukee.
The UEC’s Washington Park branch was established in 2007 and its building has been undergoing extensive renovations for the last 18 months. The updated facility will allow the organization to double the number of people it reaches, including more early childhood education programs, according to UEC.
Following remarks at the 10 a.m. ceremony, UEC staff will host its annual Winterfest from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public is invited for both events, which are free.
The UEC’s Washington Park branch is at 1859 N. 40th Street, Milwaukee.
Wisconsin
Rubber bullet carnage as 1,000 animal welfare activists storm beagle breeding lab in Wisconsin | Fortune
About 1,000 animal welfare activists who tried to gain entry Saturday to a beagle breeding and research facility in Wisconsin were turned back by police who fired rubber bullets and pepper spray into the crowd and arrested the group’s leader.
It was the second attempt in as many months by protesters to take beagles from the Ridglan Farms facility in Blue Mounds, a small town about 25 miles (about 40 kilometers) southwest of the capital, Madison.
Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett, said in a video statement that 300 to 400 protesters were “violently trying to break into the property” and assault officers. He said protesters have ignored designated areas for peaceful protest and blocked roads to prevent emergency vehicles from entering.
“This is not a peaceful protest,” Barrett said.
The sheriff’s department said a “significant” number of people were arrested out of about 1,000 protesters at the site but did not give an exact total as they were still being processed as of the afternoon.
Protesters tried to overcome barricades that included a manure-filled trench, hay bales and a barbed-wire fence. Some protesters did get through the fence but were unable to enter the facility, where an estimated 2,000 beagles are kept, the Wisconsin State Journal reported.
“I just feel defeated,” activist Julie Vrzeski told the newspaper about three hours into the operation after no dogs had been successfully seized.
Activists later moved from the Ridglan facility to protest outside the jail in downtown Madison.
The group Coalition to Save the Ridglan Dogs had publicized plans to seize the dogs Sunday but launched its operation a day earlier. The X account of the group’s leader, Wayne Hsiung, posted a picture of him being arrested.
The sheriff’s department said a person who “recklessly” drove a pickup through the front gate of the property was arrested, “preventing a potentially deadly outcome.”
Protesters broke into the facility in March and took 30 dogs. Twenty-seven people were arrested on trespassing and other charges.
Ridglan has denied mistreating animals but agreed in October to give up its state breeding license as of July 1 as part of a deal to avoid prosecution on animal mistreatment charges.
On its website it says “no credible evidence of animal abuse, cruelty, mistreatment or neglect at Ridglan Farms has ever been presented or substantiated.”
Wisconsin
Wisconsin authorities put total arrests from clashes at beagle breeding facility at about 25
MADISON (AP) — Around 25 protesters were arrested as around 1,000 animal welfare activists tried to gain entry to a beagle breeding and research facility in Wisconsin and were met by officers firing pepper spray and rubber bullets, authorities said Sunday.
Saturday’s protest was the second attempt in as many months by demonstrators to take beagles from Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds, about 25 miles (about 40 kilometers) southwest of the capital, Madison. They were turned back by officers who arrested the group’s leader.
Owen Ziliak/Wisconsin State Journal via AP
The Dane County Sheriff’s Office said the situation was “significantly calmer and more peaceful” on Sunday, when around 200 people assembled outside the farm. They dispersed after around two hours, it said.
“We’re pleased with the group’s cooperation today, and their willingness to remain peaceful, while still sending their message of concern for the dogs at Ridglan Farms,” Sheriff Kalvin Barrett said in a statement. “We are happy to support anyone who wants to exercise the right to protest, as long as they do so lawfully.”
Owen Ziliak/The Wisconsin State Journal via AP
The sheriff had said in a video statement Saturday that 300 to 400 protesters were “violently trying to break into the property.” They tried to overcome barricades that included a manure-filled trench, hay bales and a barbed-wire fence.
Owen Ziliak/Wisconsin State Journal via AP
Some got through the fence but were unable to enter the facility, where an estimated 2,000 beagles are kept, the Wisconsin State Journal reported.
Amber Arnold/Wisconsin State Journal via AP
Those arrested included the leader of the Coalition to Save the Ridglan Dogs, Wayne Hsiung, 44, of New York, who was being held on a tentative felony charge of conspiracy to commit burglary. But most arrestees were just booked and released, the sheriff’s office said Sunday.
“No one should be assaulted for giving aid to a dog, even if damage to property is part of that rescue effort,” Hsuing said in a statement from jail Sunday that also accused authorities of using excessive force. “The animals of this Earth are not “things.” They’re sentient beings. And we have the right to rescue them from abuse,” he concluded.
Protesters took 30 dogs when they broke into the facility in March, when authorities arrested 27 people.
Ridglan denies mistreating animals but agreed in October to give up its state breeding license as of July 1 in a deal to avoid prosecution on animal mistreatment charges.
On its website, the company says “no credible evidence of animal abuse, cruelty, mistreatment or neglect at Ridglan Farms has ever been presented or substantiated.”
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About 1,000 animal welfare activists who tried to gain entry on Saturday to a beagle breeding and research facility in Wisconsin were turned back by police who fired rubber bullets and pepper spray into the crowd and arrested the group’s leader.
It was the second attempt in as many months by protesters to take beagles from the Ridglan Farms facility in Blue Mounds, a small town about 25 miles (about 40 kilometres) southwest of Wisconsin’s capital, Madison.
Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett said in a video statement that 300 to 400 protesters were “violently trying to break into the property” and assault officers. He said protesters have ignored designated areas for peaceful protest and blocked roads to prevent emergency vehicles from entering.
“This is not a peaceful protest,” Barrett said.
The sheriff’s department said a “significant” number of people were arrested out of about 1,000 protesters at the site but did not give an exact total as they were still being processed as of the afternoon.
Protesters tried to overcome barricades that included a manure-filled trench, hay bales and a barbed-wire fence. Some protesters did get through the fence but were unable to enter the facility, where an estimated 2,000 beagles are kept, the Wisconsin State Journal reported.
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