NEWS RELEASE:
Contact: Jane H. Larson, (608) 224-5005, DATCP Public Information
Gordon Stevenson, (608) 267-2759, DNR Runoff Management
MADISON-Recommendations from the Manure Management Task Force on how to minimize manure runoff events were presented to the secretaries of two state agencies charged with protecting Wisconsin’s water resources from the impacts of animal agriculture.
Secretary Rod Nilsestuen, Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and Secretary Scott Hassett, Department of Natural Resources, accepted the final report from task force co-chairs Brian Rude and Steve Born.
The state-appointed task force was convened to provide recommendations to limit manure runoff events and to protect Wisconsin’s ground and surface water. The 16-member group included representatives of farm, environmental and local government interests. The group met seven times over a six-month period, following numerous manure runoff events in the winter 2005.
“The task force unanimously agreed that our state goal should be for all farmers to implement winter spreading plans, emergency response plans and manure hauling procedures,” Steve Born, said. “Another critical step is increasing funding for nutrient management plans. For the sake of our economy and environment, the time for addressing these issues is now.”
“We engaged in respectful and knowledgeable dialogue that generated a comprehensive set of practical ideas, covering research, data collection, monitoring, information and education, planning, and emergency response efforts,” explained Brian Rude. “The task force rejected unworkable solutions such as a statewide ban on winter spreading.”
DATCP and DNR will evaluate the report of the Task Force and develop a strategy to implement its recommendations. The citizen boards of DNR and DATCP will jointly meet in June where they will receive an update on the progress of the two agencies as they work to implement these recommendations.
The final recommendations are available on the Task Force Web site at http://www.manuretaskforce.wi.gov/ or call 608-224-4617 for a copy.
