M a s h k i i z i i b i i N a t u r a l Re s o u r c e s (2025)

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1

M a s h k i i z i i b i i N a t u r a l Re s o u r c e s

(FALL)

Kristen Vensland, Wetland Specialist - wetlands@badriver-nsn.gov

F

rom new homes to community buildings,

Bad River has grown over the last few years

and will continue to grow with every new project. But

before a project starts, the plans must be reviewed for

environmental impacts so any necessary permits can

be issued to protect the community and the natural

resources of the Reservation.

Many permitting agencies, like the Mashkiiziibii Natural Resources Department (MNRD), Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the U.S. Army

Corps of Engineers, will often ask project managers

for more information about the natural resources on a

site before they can issue permits for a project. One

common source of information about natural resources

is a wetland delineation.

Special points of interest:

• Jelly Balls along Lake Superior

• White River Hydroelectric

Dam

• Non-Local Beings Program

Updates

The yellow arrows are pointing to pink flagging that trained

delineators use to mark the wetland boundary in the field.

A wetland delineation is a process that

identifies the type and location of wetlands on a site. Trained delineators use

online tools and on-the-ground observations to create maps of a site for project

….continued on page 7….

~MISSION STATEMENT~

Mashkiiziibii Natural

Resources Dep ar t ment

72682 Maple Street

PO Box 39

Odanah, WI, 54806

Phone: 715-682-7123

Fax: 715-682-7118

Email: NRDOutreach@badriver-nsn.gov

The Department strives for resource management which both conserves the natural resources

for the future generations and provide for the

needs of the present. The departments existence

reflects the importance the Bad River Tribe

places on its right and ability to exercise sovereignty, self-determination and self-regulation in

the area of natural resource management.

We’re on the Web!

Visit www.badriver-nsn.gov

Nick Blanchard, Water Quality Technician/Lab Coordinator - WaterTech@badriver-nsn.gov

E

ach summer, Bad River

members encounter

strange, jelly-like blobs along the

Lake Superior shoreline. These

translucent globules, often mistaken for pollutants or fish eggs, are

actually remnants of a native zooplankton species called Holopedium gibberum (Kinnunen, 2014).

What Are Holopedium Jelly

balls?: Holopedium gibberum is a

cladoceran zooplankton that lives

….Continued on page 4….

• Summer Youth Updates

• Forestry Updates

• New Staff Introduction

Inside this issue:

The White River Hydroelectric

Dam

2

Non-Local Beings Program update

3

Forestry Updates

5

Workplace Safety: Hazard

Awareness

6

IAS Summer Youth Recap

7

Manoomin Disease Survey Project

8

Powering Bad River Together

9

Metal Roofing Project

11

Weather Summary, NIXLE

Alerts, Public Notice

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2

11

COMMON GROUND

Page 11

The White River Hydroelectric Dam

Naomi Tillison, MNRD Director - nrdirector@badriver-nsn.gov

Jessica Strand, Environmental Specialist - environmental@badriver-nsn.gov

T

T

he Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians secured Tribal Climate Resilience funding from the BIA

to install metal roofs on the homes and community center located in the

Birch Hill community within the Bad River Reservation. Climate change

increases the risk of wildfire and heavier snowfall and increases the need

for energy efficient homes and renewable energy. Metal roofs handle

heavy snow loads, prevent snow accumulation, are fireproof, last longer

than asphalt roofs, are energy efficient, and can support solar arrays.

Replacing asphalt roofing with metal is a high priority mitigation action

that was identified in the Band’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan, which was

approved by tribal leadership and FEMA in 2018.

he White River Subwatershed is one of the six main

subwatersheds that form the larger Bad River Watershed. The White River is connected through its many tributaries

and drainages to approximately 334 square miles of land that is a

mix of farm and pastureland, small rural communities, and natural lands including hundreds of streams, wetlands, and lakes.

Within the watershed there are many smaller recreational dams

forming different lake flowages, including Lake Owen, Hay

Lake, Drummond Lake, and many others, but there is only one

larger hydroelectric dam in the watershed. The White River Hydroelectric Dam, operated by Northern States Power (i.e., Xcel

Energy) is adjacent to where State Highway 112 crosses over the

White River in Ashland County approximately 9.5 river miles

upstream of the western boundary of the Reservation at the location of a natural falls along the river.

The first earthen dam at the site failed in 1909 with a more modern dam completed in 1926, making it over 100 years since the

natural falls that were present at this site were seen. The current

dam is 775 feet long and 46 feet high which creates a 39.9-acre,

7 to 26-feet deep impoundment upstream. The dam currently

operates in a “run of river” mode, which means that a minimum

amount of flow must be maintained in the river at all times unless the river is so low that the amount of water filling the reservoir also dips below the 16 cubic foot per second requirement.

Additional water is released back into the river farther downstream after moving through the feedstock and turbines used to

generate electricity.

Currently the dam is up for relicensing, which includes and allows

for public comment and additional permit reviews. We here at the

Mashkiiziibii Natural Resources Department (MNRD) have

worked hard to ensure that the Tribe’s concerns about the impacts

the dam has on water quality, the environment, and historical and

cultural heritage is minimized by reviewing and commenting on

the relicensing as well as meeting with other agencies (like BIA,

the National Park Service, GLIFWC, and WDNR) to discuss the

project and share information. There have been at least six formal

comment letters that we have helped draft and submit, including

letters on December 31, 2020, June 2, 2023, July 31, 2023, December 13, 2023, August 13, 2024, and August 18, 2025. These

letters have touched on concerns like impacts to sturgeon spawning, water quality, and cultural uses of the river and previous impacts seen downstream.

Since the White River flows through the Reservation before it

empties into the Bad River upstream of the Powwow Grounds,

there are Tribal Water Quality Standards that apply to the onReservation portion of the river that the State and Federal governments must ensure are met when issuing upstream permits. This

means that since the White River Dam needs a FERC (Federal

Energy Regulatory Commission) license to operate, the federal

government has to complete an evaluation of whether the license

Following procurement policies and procedures, the Band hired Boozhoo

Construction LLC as the contractor to replace the existing asphalt roofs

in the Birch Hill Community with metal roofs, and this project is being

implemented in collaboration with the Bad River Housing Authority.

Approximately 15% of the work has been completed thus far, and the

contractor is using all tribal member crews. Work is anticipated to continue over the next 4-5 months. Please reach out to Tim Brown or Naomi

Tillison if you have questions about this project.

Tim Brown, Bad River Housing Authority Project Manager

(715) 682-2271 ext. 1669 (Work) (715) 292-8848 (Mobile)

BRHPM@badriver-nsn.gov

Picture captionView of the White River downstream from the dam

in 2021.

would impact the Tribe’s water quality downstream. MNRD has

recently provided additional information to EPA (the agency that

completes this evaluation) showing the dam already has impacted

water quality downstream and that continued operation of the dam

may also impair the Tribe’s water quality and uses.

In July 2013, during an emergency drawdown of the reservoir that

was necessary to complete maintenance on the dam, a larger storm

event dropped a significant amount of rain in the White River watershed and increased river flows and reservoir elevation. This

increased flow during drawdown and maintenance coupled with

operation choices made by Xcel resulted in a significant amount of

sediment (estimated by Xcel’s contractor to be 94,000 cubic yards,

or roughly three times the amount of annual sediment load in the

river) to be washed downstream from the reservoir. This sediment

release was observed in increased levels of turbidity (or particulates in the water) downstream, including on the Reservation where

it degraded water quality and disrupted fishing and other activities.

In July 2016, during the catastrophic flooding in the watershed

Xcel was also unable to maintain operation of the dam and ended

up opening up spillway gates to release water downstream, which

did ultimately protect the highway but impacted downstream

reaches instead and caused an elevated risk to the Reservation as

...continued on page 4...

• NR Aide (Watercraft Inspector) (LTE)

• NRD Forestry Aides LTE

**Visit www.badriver-nsn.gov/careers/ for

Full Job Descriptions**

Page 10

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COMMON GROUND

Page 3

IAS Continued...

Bridget Thornburg, Non-Local Beings Program Manager - nonlocalbeings@badriver-nsn.gov

Part of the program’s special emphasis is

partnering with Mashkiiziibii Natural

Resources Dept so that the youth get exposure to tribal natural resource careers.

The youth split up between the Manoomin, Forestry, Water Quality, Wildlife, and

Non-local beings programs to shadow and

assist the programs in their field work.

The youth learned important job skills as well as got a window

into aspects of MNRD work. The Wildlife program also took

the whole group out to Chequamegon Point to

observe and monitor the endangered Piping Plover

nest sites from afar.

I

f you see flagged plots around

the Reservation, you are looking at buckthorn removal test

plots. The non-local beings program

is experimenting with different removal methods for buckthorn. We

have set up these plots, pictured on

the right, to test the best methods for

the removal of buckthorn. The control

methods we are testing include complete removal of the buckthorn plant, severing the roots of the plant, and repeated cutting at the base of the plant.

A select few of the youth who will be aging-out of

the IAS program had the option of joining an intertribal group of youth and mentors from Mashkiiziibii, Miskwaabekaang (Red Cliff Band), and

Gichi Onigaming (Grand Portage Band) to travel to

Minong Minis (Isle Royale). This group set nets,

hiked, kayaked, and learned together for four days.

You may be noticing purple flowers around

the Reservation that look similar to fireweed. These purple flowered plants are

called purple loosestrife, and although they

Overall, this was a fun and dynamic summer full of unique

learning opportunities and memorable experiences.

are very pretty, they can outcompete other

native plants and alter the environments that they

invade. An easy way to tell the difference between

purple loosestrife and fireweed is to feel the stem.

The stems of purple loosestrife are square shaped,

and the stems of fireweed are round. The non-local

beings program has put a lot of effort into removing

...Continued on page 8...

out of a 1,000 (whom never smoked) are still estimated that

could develop cancer¹. Where can we hide and why test if

even low levels can cause cancer?

The idea when monitoring and/or lowering radon levels is to

minimize the amount and time of exposure, therefore lowering the chances of developing lung cancer. A person who

wants to reduce their smoking wouldn’t smoke more just

because they found one cigarette can still cause lung cancer.

The same should go for your home. Just because you found

rather low levels does not mean you should not apply radon

reduction methods and techniques to your home, if the opportunity is available.

The trend in construction will eventually be to build every

home radon resistant utilizing material, methods, and techniques during the beginning stages of constructing. Building

a home radon resistant may be found sufficient for reducing

levels initially, and if levels are still found high, will make

the application of future radon reduction methods and

techniques less labor intensive and less expensive.

Although some contractors and companies do emphasize their radon resistant structures, which they offer,

many still remain passive. Many contractors, developers, renters and even housing authorities are aware of

radon but still do not apply or even offer these options

when it is available, possible, convenient, and/or least

expensive. Right now, it is up to the homeowner to empha-

size radon resistance and protection to the contractor and/or

renter. Testing can be very persuasive and a powerful

tool!

Radon is everywhere! It is very difficult to find a city,

country-side, or suburban community that has not found at

least one home with high indoor radon levels. Unfortunately

radon will always be an issue and even at low levels, possibly cause a person to develop cancer. However, it may be

important to utilize radon resistant construction and reduction methods/techniques, in the beginning stages of construction or during any time of your home’s-lifespan. Testing your home is still essential in knowing the extent of

your radon issue. Once you have a known concentration

lowering that amount effectively can ultimately lower your

chances of developing lung cancer.

If you have any questions please contact Zakk Zander, the

Air Quality Technician, at 715-682-7123, extension 1553 or

email at Airqualitytech@badriver-nsn.gov.

PLEASE START BY TESTING YOUR HOME

FOR RADON!

Testing is free for Bad River Tribal Members!

¹ A Citizen’s Guide to Radon: The Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Radon, U.S.

EPA 402-K-07-009, Revised 2007

Everyone is at Risk!

Zakkary Zander, Air Quality Technician - air1@badriver-nsn.gov

U

nfortunately a person who doesn’t

smoke isn’t always awarded with a

lifetime absence of lung cancer; however, the risk

is still there! Radon is the second leading cause of

lung cancer behind tobacco smoke and the first

leading cause for those who have never smoked

(less than 100 cigarettes in a lifetime)¹. The chances of developing lung cancer from indoor radon

can depend on three factors: 1) how much radon is

in the home, 2) the amount of time you spend in

your home, 3) and whether you are a smoker or

have never smoked.¹

home with high levels the risk is still there, but much lower. Studies have shown that out of 1,000 people living within a home at 20pCi/L, and whom smoke, 260

could likely get lung cancer. If those same 1000 people have never smoked, and lived within a home at

the same level, an estimated 36 people could get lung

cancer¹. The obvious answer is quit smoking and

mitigate your home, if you are a smoker. However,

what if you are a non-smoker is it worth fixing your

home? Short answer…YES! The rise in concentration of radon and an extended length of exposure

increases your chances; therefore, if you can lower

your indoor radon levels it will likely lower your

chances.¹

Smokers are at an obvious risk of developing lung cancer, and with the addition of living within a home that

has high levels of indoor radon, are at an even higher

risk. However, if you do not smoke and live within a

Unfortunately, radon can cause cancer at very low concentrations, as well. Even at levels between 2 and 4pCi/L people still could get lung cancer. In addition, the EPA’s action level for radon is 4pCi/L, which an estimated 7 people

Continued on page 10...

Page 4

in cold, nutrient-poor lakes. It is encased in a gelatinous

mantle that increases its size and helps deter predators

(Kinnunen, 2014). This mantle, composed of Acid mucopolysaccharides, also aids in buoyancy and slows sinking

(Central Michigan University, n.d.). As part of their life

cycle, Holopedium shed this mantle, which then floats to

the surface and washes ashore, forming the jelly balls observed by swimmers (Kinnunen, 2014).

Life Cycle and Behavior: Holopedium reproduce both

sexually and asexually. Females hatch from overwintering

eggs and produce parthenogenic generations throughout

summer. In fall, sexual reproduction occurs, producing the

next generation of overwintering eggs (Central Michigan

University, n.d.). They also exhibit diel vertical migration—rising to the surface at sunset and descending during

daylight (Kinnunen, 2014).

Ecological Role and Disruption : Holopedium are omnivorous filter feeders, consuming phytoplankton and nannoplankton (Central Michigan University, n.d.). However,

their increasing abundance is disrupting freshwater eco-

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COMMON GROUND

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Powering Bad River Together: Why the 3Phase Line Matters

systems. They are outcompeting Daphnia, a more nutritious

zooplankton vital to fish diets and algae control (Thelen,

2012). Holopedium’s larger size and lower nutritional value

make them less suitable for fish, leading to reduced food

quality and quantity (Thelen, 2012).

Brandon Semerau, Mashkiiziibii Minigrid Project Manager - b.semerau@badriver-nsn.gov

The Calcium Connection : The rise of Holopedium is

linked to declining calcium levels in lakes—a phenomenon

dubbed “aquatic osteoporosis.” Acid rain and forest runoff

have reduced calcium concentrations, which are critical for

Daphnia to build their exoskeletons (Jeziorski et al., 2008).

As Daphnia populations decline, Holopedium, which require

less calcium, thrive (Jeziorski et al., 2008).

ad River has embarked on an opportunity to

improve the quality of life for its members: upgrading the current single-phase electrical lines

to modern 3-phase power lines. This project is more than

just wires and poles — it is about building the infrastructure that will support homes, facilities, and businesses for

future generations.

Broader Impacts: This shift affects the entire food web.

Daphnia act as “lawnmowers” of lakes, grazing on algae and

keeping water clear (Thelen, 2012). Their decline can lead to

algal blooms, reduced water quality, and stress on fish populations. Holopedium blooms have also been known to clog

water intake systems, posing infrastructure challenges

(Thelen, 2012).

White River Dam continued….

What is 3-Phase Power?

Much of Bad River’s existing power infrastructure is old

“single-phase”, which is sufficient for basic household

needs. However, single-phase lines are limited in how

much power they can deliver and how efficiently they

deliver it. 3-phase power is standard across much of the

country for communities and businesses because it:

Delivers power more efficiently with less energy

loss.

Supports larger equipment, making it easier to attract

new business opportunities and maintain government services.

Provides more reliable electricity, reducing outages

and “brownouts” when electricity demand is high.

Benefits for the Bad River Community

Stronger Infrastructure – The upgrade will provide reliable power for homes, childcare centers, the clinic, and other government buildings.

Support for Growth – Local businesses, small industry, and future housing developments will all benefit from having modern electrical capacity.

Energy Projects – The Tribe’s renewable energy projects, like new solar rooftops and the Mashkiiziibii Minigrid cannot be built without upgraded 3-phase systems.

Community Resilience – More reliable power means Bad River is better prepared for extreme weather, emergencies, and long-term

sustainability.

communication with the

Tribe did not occur prior

to the release. In 2022,

during a scheduled drawdown for maintenance,

Xcel reported that there

were at least two instances where turbidity levels

below the dam exceeded

the turbidity level of the

river above the reservoir

by twice the amount,

likely indicating sediment

Picture captionMNRD Air Quality Specialist, Nathan Kilger, was one of the MNRD staff who

from the reservoir was

participated in a June 2021 field visit to the White River Dam to learn more about the

operation of the dam from Xcel Energy and their contractors from Mead & Hunt (in red shirts).

being washed downstream. Through commenting and engaging in the relicensing process, MNRD is working to prevent and

minimize risk to the Tribe for the next licensing period, including for impacts like the

ones listed here.

If you would like to see more information about the relicensing, please visit FERC’s

website at https://elibrary.ferc.gov/eLibrary/search and type “P-2444” in the “Enter

Docket Number” box of the search. This will allow you to see not only the comment

letters submitted by MNRD and other groups, but also access application information

provided by Xcel Energy.

B

Why Right of Way Consent Matters

For the upgrade to move forward, Bayfield Electric needs permission to place new poles and lines along existing corridors. This is called a

Right of Way (ROW) process. A ROW agreement has to be issued under both federal and tribal laws.

By signing the ROW consent form you may have received, you are not giving up ownership of your land — you are granting permission

for the line to be safely placed and maintained. This cooperation ensures that the project can move forward smoothly, benefitting the entire

Bad River community.

Building Together

This project reflects the Bad River Tribe’s commitment to self-determination, sustainability, and economic growth. By working together —

each household, each landowner, each community member — we can ensure reliable and modern power for decades to come.

Former MNRD Wildlife Specialist, Abi Fergus, was

one of the MNRD staff who participated in a June 2021

field visit to the White River Dam to learn more about

the operation—here Abi (farthest right) is standing on

the dam listening to Xcel staff and WDNR staff.

If you have questions about the Right of Way consent form or about the 3-phase upgrade project, please contact the Mashkiiziibii

Minigrid Project Manager via email at b.semerau@badriver-nsn.gov

Chi Miigwech,

Brandon Semerau

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Bad River Forestry

Dan Powless, Manoomin Oshkaabewis- Manoomin@badriver-nsn.gov

Dagwaagin Newsletter

ad River MNRD was awarded USDA funding in the

amount of $5,000.00 for WTCAC FY25 Aphis

PPA7721 to implement a Manoomin Disease Survey " project.

The main objective of this project is to better understand the

presence of the brown spot fungal disease impacting wild rice

beds and other possible contributors indicating the spread of the

disease. This objective includes: field survey activities by manoomin program staff throughout the growing season to identify

the prevalence and assessment of the Brown Spot fungal disease.

Brown spot disease which basically has gone unnoticed until now

in the Kakagon- Bad River sloughs. Most of the tribal harvesting

community has misunderstood it as a natural part of the life cycle

or ignored it. They do not know it is one of the most common and

damaging diseases, but it is now coming into focus

with the effect of climate change. According to recent

research by the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife

Commission (GLIFWC), wild rice is one of the most

vulnerable plants when considering climate change

“Brown spot creates lesions on the leaf tissue of the

plant, causing destruction of photosynthetic tissue and

reduction in seed production. Outbreaks are favored by

high day- and night-time temperatures, high humidity,

leaf wetness periods of more than 8 hours, and high

plant densities. Under these conditions, the air-borne

spores produced on infected tissue can spread rapidly.” (David, Manoomin, Version 1.0, 2019 GLIFWC).

When infection occurs in seeds or florets, unfilled

Mashkiiziibii Natural Resources’ Forestry Program

B

By Gena Abramson, Forestry Specialist

grains (known to harvesters as Ghost Hulls or hay creating %5-50%

loss or more in yield as described by a local tribal processor) or spotted or discolored seeds are formed. The fungus can survive in the

seeds for more than four years and can occur at all life cycle stages.

To better understand the prevalence of the brown spot

fungal disease impacting wild rice beds program staff

have visited the Kakagon hatchery head waters, Big

and Little round rivers, Wood Creek, Shit Island, Bear

trap, Big Sloughs, and Snake Island areas to identify

the initial presence of the rice disease with basic field

materials for symptoms and signs of color and leaf

patterns. They are then sampled to undergo a more

rigorous lab protocol to verify the disease.

We are collaborating with GLIFWC in the lab process

as we lack the refrigeration to hold samples.

Manoomin Program

Dagwaagin (Fall) is a busy time for Forestry. We have several priorities in the works right

now, so here’s a partial list. If you have any questions at all, please give us a call or email at 715-6858929 or Forester@badriver-nsn.gov

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Skidsteer repair and Insurance Payment Processing

Urban Forestry Management Plan Community meeting prior to tribal council approval

(coming soon)

Contracting of arborists for Urban Forestry Hazard Removal Project

Birch Study Contract for insight on rules for a potential Birch pole and twig ordinance

Birch Study public meeting (coming soon)

Purchase additional Forestry Vehicle

Development practices – Convert aspen cover type to long lived conifer cover type by brush

removal and planting mixed pine in southwest portion of the reservation.

Hire and guide 2 LTEs for white pine seedling release work along Birch Trail (by removing

competing vegetation mostly manual)

Look to the Biboon Common Ground Newsletter for updates on these and other projects that Bad

River Forestry is involved in!

purple loosestrife this summer. The photo on page 3

shows one of the largest purple loosestrife

plants (left photo) we removed this summer. The area in the red circle in the photo below on the right shows a population

of many small purple loosestrife plants

that were removed this summer.

We are still looking to hire a natural resources aide to work as a watercraft inspector at the boat launches on the reservation, if you or anyone you know is interested, you can find the job posting on

the Bad River website under “Careers.”

We hope everyone is having a great

Fall, and as always, if you have

any concerns related non-local beings on your property or around the

Reservation please contact nonlocalbeings@badriver-nsn.gov or

call 715-979-1510.

New Staff Introductions...

Boozhoo/Hello:

I am the new Lease Specialist in the Land Office, Natural Resource Department. I have been around the Bad

River Tribal organization for 25+ years, and I am still interested in tribal issues. Actually, I have been involved

in tribal issues since I was in my teens; was fortunate enough to grow up with/in a generation that was very

active. I continue to find myself lucky enough to be in a position with great co-workers. I am enthusiastic about

contributing to efforts to address land issues for the Bad River Tribe. I look forward to collaborating on landrelated projects and assisting tribal members with their lease inquiries. Lastly, my name is known to some, for

those who do not know me, my name is Loretta Livingston.

Phone: 715-682-7123 ext. 1591 Email: NRDLease@badriver-nsn.gov

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COMMON GROUND

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COMMON GROUND

Workplace Safety: Hazard Awareness

By: Andrew Spychalla, Brownfield Program, brownfields@badriver-nsn.gov

H

AZWOPER is the acronym

for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency

Response. It is a type of training for

individuals who deal in those very lines

of work: hazardous substances or waste

and responding to emergencies or disasters. While this is a more specific type

of training that environmental or industrial workers might take, it also covers

many standard lessons in general workplace safety.

Workplace safety is a fundamental aspect of any job, whether it be in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, or

an office environment. The two main

groups tasked with overseeing protocols for workplace safety are the National Institute for Occupational Safety

and Health (NIOSH) and the Occupational Safety and Health Association

(OSHA). While they approach the idea

of occupational health a bit differently,

both groups agree that employees and

employers alike must prioritize safety

to prevent accidents in the workplace.

A safe workplace is not just a legal requirement, it’s an obligation to good

ethics and a sign of respect for everyone on the job.

One of the most important aspects of

workplace safety is being aware of potential hazards. These hazards can

come in many forms. For instance,

chemical exposure is a significant concern in industries that use toxic substances. Without proper handling,

these chemicals can cause burns, res-

piratory issues, or long

-term health effects.

Fumes and airborne

contaminants also

pose serious risks. Inhaling toxic fumes

from paints, solvents,

or manufacturing processes can lead to dizziness, nausea, or

chronic lung conditions. Adequate ventilation, proper respiraThe "Environment" Hazard Communication

tory protection, and

Pictogram, OSHA

regular air quality

larly worrisome hazard – mercury.

monitoring are essential to prevent harm.

Mercury is a toxic pollutant that can

A common group of hazards when going

bio-accumulate in fish and wildlife

to a job site, or even around your own

and can cause serious health risks to

home, are electrical hazards. Faulty wirhumans. If anyone has any button cell

ing, overloaded circuits, or improper use

batteries containing mercury lying

of equipment can result in electric shocks,

around their home, please reach out

fires, or worse. Regular inspections and

to MNRD for proper disposal.

proper training on electrical safety are

Being aware of these and other hazcrucial for preventing these potential acciards, such as slips, trips, and falls, is

dents. Going back to HAZWOPER from the

key to maintaining a safe work envibeginning of the article, hazardous waste

ronment. Safety is not a one-time

is another critical area that demands

effort but an ongoing practice that

attention. Improper disposal or storage of

includes training, communication,

dangerous materials can lead to environand a culture of awareness. Safety is

mental contamination and health hazards.

an “everyone” topic, whether one is

Employees on all job sites must follow

at home, on the road, or at work. If

protocols for handling and disposing of

something looks dangerous or like it

waste safely, in compliance with Tribal,

may cause a future issue, it likely is,

state, and federal regulations. Even things

and it should be addressed for the

around the house like a thermometer or

safety of everyone around.

button cell batteries can contain a particu-

managers and permitting agencies to use

when designing a project. Delineators often

use pink flags or ribbon to mark the wetland

boundary in the field, as shown in the picture on page 1.

The MNRD Water Resources Program uses

information from a wetland delineation to

identify the impacts a project will have on

wetlands. By knowing where the wetlands

are, the Water Resources Program can help

project managers avoid and minimize impacts to wetlands from their projects by

suggesting alternative locations or project

designs.

How does a project manager know if they need

to get a wetland delineation? Project managers

should get a wetland delineation before creating

a project site plan and submitting them to permitting agencies. However, in most cases, the

Water Resources Program will determine if a

wetland delineation is needed during the Project

Review Process. https://www.badriver-nsn.gov/

natural-resources/projectreviews/

A wetland delineation must take place during

the growing season (usually May to October)

because delineators use vegetation as one of

three indicators to identify if an area is a wetland or not. Therefore, completing a wetland

delineation and working through the

Project Review and permitting process takes time, so it is important for

project managers to work with permitting agencies and to plan their project

so that permitting agencies have

enough time to review each project.

Please reach out to MNRD and the

Water Resources Program with any

questions or concerns about wetland

delineations or permitting. By understanding the Project Review and permitting process, projects can continue

to forge ahead and help Bad River

Nathanael Secor, IAS Coordinator - IAS@badriver-nsn.gov

T

he Mashkiiziibii Indigenous Arts

and Sciences IAS Tribal Summer

Youth Program ran for 5 weeks again this

past July. Over the course of these weeks,

20 high school students explored the lands

and water of the reservation and ceded territories, learned about Ojibwe arts, culture,

and language, and shadowed tribal natural

resources professionals.

The IAS Summer Youth Program started

the year with learning the Grandfather

teachings and making medicine pouches

with elder Bill Roundwind. Also in the first

week, the group traveled to Webber Lake in

Iron County to learn canoe and kayak safety

under the tutelage of water safety instructor

and kayak guide Maddy Boler.

For the 3rd year in a row, the youth participated in an overnight trip to Mooningwaanekaaning Minis (Madeline Island).

During this trip, the youth visited the Madeline Island Museum’s exhibit featuring Bad

River tribal craftswoman Ogemaakwe April

Stone’s Black Ash basketry exhibit. They

also contributed to building a lodge on the

island to house a wiigwaasi jiimaan (birch

bark canoe) building workshop. The youth

helped set and pull gillnets off the north end

of the island as well as process fish under

Mashkiiziibii’s

Genawendang

Aki David Nevala’s mentorship. Miskwaabekaang (Red Cliff)

elder and flute

player Anakwad

Frank Montano

came to share his

flute and stories

around the campfire, and Skabewis Paul Demain

led a historical

tour of the island

which spanned

thousands of years and gave the group

new perspective on their surroundings.

This trip was as full as it was fun and

promises to be a feature of this program

for years to come!

During one outing, Ogemakwe April

Stone lead a contingent of youth to harvest, process, and make cordage with

wiigoob, or the inner bark of the basswood tree. The youth learned about proper harvesting techniques and timing, how

to separate the inner and outer bark, how

to process the fiber in a stream, and then

got the satisfaction of making their own

twine from this fiber. Additionally, the

whole group participated in the annual

Healing Run/Walk that the Great Lakes

Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission coordinates between the GLIFWC member

communities. The youth learned the historical importance of the Sandy Lake Tragedy

as well as how the Lake Superior Ojibwe

negotiated the treaties to maintain their

homelands and lifeways.

….continued on page 10….