Science

12 Top WisContext Stories Of 2019

WisContext

WisContext is focused on the long haul. Examining how Wisconsin's history shapes its contemporary issues and looking forward at how these trends may develop was a consistent element of our coverage in 2019.

Series: Climate Science And Wisconsin

How Climate Change May Make The Fight Against Great Lakes Sea Lampreys Costlier

Weiting Du

Great Lakes Echo

In the longer term, warmer waters that come with a warming climate may make it more expensive to combat sea lampreys, longtime predators of Great Lakes fish.

The Lily Leaf Beetle Jumps To New Footholds Across Wisconsin

PJ Liesch

UW-Extension

It's been a big year for the lily leaf beetle in Wisconsin.

Series: Wisconsin's Wolves

As Wolves Recover, Calls In Wisconsin To End Endangered Species Listing Grow

Rich Kremer

Wisconsin Public Radio

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WPR

Nearly 60 years after gray wolves were considered extinct in Wisconsin, the population has rebounded dramatically. But the conservation success story has turned into a nuisance for hunters, farmers and others whose animals are increasingly encountering wolves.

Series: Chronic Wasting Disease In Wisconsin's Deer

How Could CWD Impact Wisconsin's Elk Population?

Audio:

Rachael Vasquez

Wisconsin Public Radio

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WPR

With Wisconsin's wild elk population numbering only in the hundreds, wildlife managers are keeping tabs on the threat chronic wasting disease may pose to the animal. WisContext associate editor Will Cushman discusses work to reintroduce elk in the state and assess its risk to CWD.

Series: Chronic Wasting Disease In Wisconsin's Deer

What The Advance Of CWD Means For Wisconsin's Elk

Will Cushman

WisContext

The threat of chronic wasting disease to Wisconsin's booming whitetail deer herd is motivating efforts to track and research its spread, but this deadly ailment also imperils efforts to reintroduce wild elk to the state.

Doctors Underscore Cannabis Risks For Some Users As Legalization Expands

Benita Mathew

Wisconsin Watch

As Wisconsin and other states eye possible legalization of marijuana for medical or recreational use, many effects of using cannabis are still not fully understood.

Series: Chronic Wasting Disease In Wisconsin's Deer

Why Wisconsin Deer Hunters Do Or Don't Test For Chronic Wasting Disease

Video:

Zac Schultz

PBS Wisconsin

Frederica Freyberg

PBS Wisconsin

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PBS Wisconsin

The 2019 gun deer season marks the 18th since the discovery of chronic wasting disease in Wisconsin's herd. Four hunters explain why they do and do not get their harvest tested for CWD. Meanwhile, researchers are using a depopulated deer farm to investigate how the disease is spread.

Series: CAFOs, Manure And Water

Public Health Group Questions CAFOs' Impacts As More Counties Halt Expansion

Audio:

Hope Kirwan

Wisconsin Public Radio

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WPR

The American Public Health Association is calling on federal, state and local governments to halt approval of large livestock farms until more is known about their impacts to public health.

Series: CAFOs, Manure And Water

Whose Manure Smells Worse: Cows, Pigs Or Poultry?

Will Cushman

WisContext

Large livestock and poultry farms generate complaints for the stenches they can produce. But do any stink more than the others?