June 2009, Around the State
Northwest WI
Wisconsin’s cranberry growers assist in loon research
Grower members of the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association are joining with biologists from the U.S. Geological Survey in La Crosse and the Wisconsin DNR for a national survey of common loon nesting habits. The spring/summer survey began the first week in May and focuses on nesting habitat requirements and productivity of breeding loons in Wisconsin.
“Our state’s cranberry growers have a long history of being good stewards of the environment and providing habitat for a wide diversity of wildlife,” says Tom Lochner, WSCGA executive director. “Our growers welcome this important project to central Wisconsin and are excited about working with the biologists to monitor the loons’ activities including chick production and overall nesting success. We’ve had strong initial interest from the growing community and are reaching out to recruit a good group.”
The common nesting loon is best known for its warbling call that echoes across northern and central Wisconsin each year. However, nesting habits of the black and white waterfowl are more elusive, which is what brings the survey project to the marshlands of Wisconsin.
“We are excited about the opportunity to conduct our nesting loon research in central Wisconsin with the help of the many cranberry growers and others here,” says Kevin Kenow, research wildlife biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey. “The cranberry marshes are an important nesting resource for common loons. We’ll be comparing nesting habitat requirements and productivity at the marshes to common loon habitats in northern Wisconsin. We’ll also look at how climate change may be impacting the breeding distribution of loons in this state.”
Bayfield Electric Cooperative receives rural development grant
The United States Department of Agriculture has awarded a $300,000 Rural Economic Development Grant to Bayfield Electric Cooperative for the creation of a revolving-loan fund. The initial loan from Bayfield Electric Cooperative will be to Willow Manor Inc. to assist in the construction of an assisted living facility. When completed, the facility will create seven new jobs. Bayfield Electric Cooperative is one of 28 organizations in 11 states to receive $15 million in loans and grants to create or retain jobs and spur economic development in rural communities.
“These funds help rural communities build stronger local economies,”
says Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “One of this program’s strengths is that USDA works with organizations that are best positioned to help address an area’s economic needs.”
The funding is being provided to rural utility and telecommunications cooperative organizations through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program. Recipients will re-lend loan funds to local businesses by establishing rural revolving-loan funds. From this funding, loans will be made to new and expanding rural businesses to create or retain jobs in rural areas. Funds can be used for a variety of purposes, including community facilities and infrastructure, improving access to local medical care and other projects that encourage a favorable climate for jobs and growth.
“These grants reflect USDA Rural Development’s ongoing commitment to supporting our rural communities,” says Lori Wells, USDA Rural Development acting state director. “By working together and maximizing our resources we can bring new economic vitality to underserved areas and ensure greater opportun-ities and sustainability for the citizens of Wisconsin for generations to come.”
The Bayfield Electric Cooperative received one of two $300,000 grants awarded in Wisconsin. A second USDA Rural Development Grant was awarded to Riverland Energy Cooperative in Arcadia. The first loan from this new fund will be to Holmen Public Elementary School to assist in the construction of a new facility. This project is expected to create more than 70 new jobs.
MOVERS
>> Junior Achievement of Wisconsin Inc.—Northwest District (JA) is proud to announce the appointment of Keith Dawson, retail district manager and vice president at U.S. Bank, and Gail Prock, CEO of Pine Harbor Holding Company Inc., to the JA Board.