The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is using May as a month to share their message on air quality and how residents can take part in improving it. With May being Clean Air Month, Wisconsin is also celebrating two decades of steadily improving air quality according to the most recent Wisconsin air quality trends report that’s released each fall. The most recent reports is that 95% of Wisconsinites live in areas that meet FDA Air Quality standards. 

The Public Information Specialist for the DNR’s Clean Air Program, Craig Czarnecki, says that Door County and the Lake Michigan shoreline are seeing improvements in air quality as well. These areas have experienced an average reduction of ozone concentrations of about 25% since 2001. While this is good news, ozone concentrations do remain a concern in Door County and other communities along the Lake Michigan shoreline. 

Door County attained the ozone standard in 2019, but in 2020 the air quality monitor exceeded it, which required the DNR Air Program to implement an improved maintenance plan for the area. Czarnecki said that these air quality challenges in Door County and on the shoreline will require help with reduced ozone emissions from upland areas outside of the county and state. Recognizing Door County as a popular destination, Czarnecki mentions this mission as a collective effort.

Resources to help people learn more about what they can do include going to the Clear Air Month webpage. The interview with Czarnecki in its’ entirety can be found on the News Podcasts page.

(Photo via LinkedIn)