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Public pushes DNR to pilot mobile boat decontamination and to expand lead‑poisoning outreach
Summary
At open forum, attorney Jim Olson offered citizen funding to buy a mobile HydroBlaster decontamination unit and asked the DNR to partner on a 2025 pilot; Dana Herman of the Sierra Club urged broader education and adoption of lead‑free alternatives to reduce wildlife lead poisoning.
Two public commenters addressed invasive species decontamination and lead exposure in wildlife during the Natural Resources Board’s open forum on Dec. 11.
Jim Olson, a practicing lawyer representing petitioners on a Home Lake rule petition, said current ballast‑drain rules (NR 19.055) are effectively unenforceable and pointed to recent quagga mussel detections as evidence of elevated risk. Olson said a mobile thermal unit (a "HydroBlaster") that has been used in western states can decontaminate boat hulls, ballast systems and live wells. He told the board citizens have begun fundraising and expect a mobile HydroBlaster in Wisconsin in 2025, and requested the department partner on a pilot project to install and operate a unit in coordination with DNR staff.
"The HydroBlaster... can decontaminate all boats... The quote we have gotten is about $30,000," Olson said, and added organizers expect to raise $50,000 to make the pilot viable. Chair Smith and Deputy Secretary Steven Little responded that the department would refer the project to staff for further discussion and possible staff support.
Dana Herman, speaking for the Sierra Club Wisconsin chapter, urged the department to expand educational materials about lead poisoning in wildlife, citing a 2022 study and local clinical findings of widespread lead exposure in raptors. Herman recommended including education about lead‑free alternatives in hunter education, at shooting ranges, on state park pages and in DNR literature, and offered contacts for organizations that work on lead‑free transition programs.
Deputy Secretary Little acknowledged the public submissions and suggested staff follow up. The chair referred Olson’s HydroBlaster proposal to Deputy Secretary Little for initial staff work and potential pilot planning.
