Binary Explosive Devices There have been several complaints regarding the use of binary explosive devices, such as Tannerite, in our town. Tannerite is a brand of binary explosive target that is intended for use in firearms practice as a shot-indicator. It is sold as a kit with two separate components that are mixed by the user; as such, it can be sold legally without the restrictions that would otherwise apply to explosives. The product is relatively stable, and a reaction is initiated only when it is subjected to the force of a high-velocity bullet.On the Tannerite website, users are instructed to “…not shoot targets larger than 1 pound unless it is required due to extreme long-range competition…If there are complaints about the noise, please be respectful and stop.” Recent incidents in locations throughout the United States have made it evident that “large explosions have the potential to cause harm to oneself, neighbors or to property.” The Town of Cross Plains encourages anyone in possession of Tannerite, or other binary explosive devices, to use the product properly and to abide by the noise ordinance. Out of courtesy to others, users should consider notifying neighbors within a reasonable amount of time of their intent to shoot Tannerite targets. Residents who are concerned about an explosion should call the non-emergency number for the Dane County Sheriff’s Department, 608-255-2345, let the dispatcher know that you heard an explosion, and also indicate whether you suspect that it was due to the use of Tannerite. A Dane County Sheriff’s Deputy will come to investigate the incident and could consider charging someone who has misused Tannerite with a noise disturbance. |
Burning Open burning is not regulated by the DNR in the Town of Cross Plains, which means that a burn permit is not necessary or available. Make sure to check the DNR website Open Burning | Wisconsin DNR for the types of burning that are allowed in Wisconsin and the daily burning restrictions Burning Restrictions and Fire Activity - DNR (wi.gov).Responsible Burning Pamphlet |
Invasive Species/Noxious Weeds The invasive species rule, Wis. Admin. Code NR 40, makes it illegal to possess, transport, transfer or introduce certain invasive species in Wisconsin without a permit. Everyone is responsible to comply with these regulations.To ensure that invasive weeds are destroyed, and the seeds not redistributed, the DNR’s Natural Heritage Conservation and Waste Management programs are asking property owners to separate and bag any invasive plants in clear bags and label the bags "Invasive plants–approved by WI DNR for landfilling." People found responsible for a prohibited species' presence on a property they own, control, or manage may be ordered to carry out approved control measures. Chapter 66, Wisconsin Statutes, establishes the state’s general municipal law. Among other regulatory authorities, local units of government, town chairs, village presidents, and city mayors and managers can annually require the destruction of all noxious weeds within their respective municipalities. The statute defines “noxious weed” as “Canada thistle, leafy spurge, field bindweed, any weed designated as a noxious weed by the department of natural resources by rule, and any other weed the governing body of any municipality or the county board of any county by ordinance or resolution declares to be noxious within its respective boundaries” (s. 66.0407(1)(b), Wis. Stats.). The law requires that landowners destroy all noxious weeds on lands they own or control. Chapter NR 40: The Invasive Species Rule Summary & Reference Guide Full Text of NR 40 WI Invasive Species Rule DNR Invasive Species Website Garlic mustard | Wisconsin DNR |
|
Noise By town ordinance, it is unlawful for any person to make, continue, or cause to be made or continued any loud and unnecessary noise. The ordinance restricts the operation of any set, instrument, phonograph, loudspeaker, sound amplifier, machine, or device in a manner as to be plainly audible at the property line of the building, structure, or vehicle in which it is located between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. According to Wisconsin Statute § 66.0411(1), “’sound producing device’ does not include a piece of equipment or machinery that is designed for agricultural purposes and that is being used in the conduct of agricultural operations.” |
Sky Lanterns Sky Lanterns, which are also known as Kongming lanterns, sky candles, or fire balloons, are small hot air balloons made of paper or other similar light-weight material, with an opening at the bottom where a small fire is suspended. The town ordinance states that “No person shall in any way allow a Sky Lantern to be launched into the air within the Town.” |
| Binary Explosive Devices |
|
|
|
There have been several complaints regarding the use of binary explosive devices, such as Tannerite, in our town. Tannerite is a brand of binary explosive target that is intended for use in firearms practice as a shot-indicator. It is sold as a kit with two separate components that are mixed by the user; as such, it can be sold legally without the restrictions that would otherwise apply to explosives. The product is relatively stable, and a reaction is initiated only when it is subjected to the force of a high-velocity bullet. On the Tannerite website, users are instructed to “…not shoot targets larger than 1 pound unless it is required due to extreme long-range competition…If there are complaints about the noise, please be respectful and stop.” Recent incidents in locations throughout the United States have made it evident that “large explosions have the potential to cause harm to oneself, neighbors or to property.” The Town of Cross Plains encourages anyone in possession of Tannerite, or other binary explosive devices, to use the product properly and to abide by the noise ordinance. Out of courtesy to others, users should consider notifying neighbors within a reasonable amount of time of their intent to shoot Tannerite targets. Residents who are concerned about an explosion should call the non-emergency number for the Dane County Sheriff’s Department, 608-255-2345, let the dispatcher know that you heard an explosion, and also indicate whether you suspect that it was due to the use of Tannerite. A Dane County Sheriff’s Deputy will come to investigate the incident and could consider charging someone who has misused Tannerite with a noise disturbance. |
|
|
| Burning |
|
|
|
Open burning is not regulated by the DNR in the Town of Cross Plains, which means that a burn permit is not necessary or available. Make sure to check the DNR website Open Burning | Wisconsin DNR for the types of burning that are allowed in Wisconsin and the daily burning restrictions Burning Restrictions and Fire Activity - DNR (wi.gov). Responsible Burning Pamphlet |
|
|
| Invasive Species/Noxious Weeds |
|
|
|
The invasive species rule, Wis. Admin. Code NR 40, makes it illegal to possess, transport, transfer or introduce certain invasive species in Wisconsin without a permit. Everyone is responsible to comply with these regulations. To ensure that invasive weeds are destroyed, and the seeds not redistributed, the DNR’s Natural Heritage Conservation and Waste Management programs are asking property owners to separate and bag any invasive plants in clear bags and label the bags "Invasive plants–approved by WI DNR for landfilling." People found responsible for a prohibited species' presence on a property they own, control, or manage may be ordered to carry out approved control measures. Chapter 66, Wisconsin Statutes, establishes the state’s general municipal law. Among other regulatory authorities, local units of government, town chairs, village presidents, and city mayors and managers can annually require the destruction of all noxious weeds within their respective municipalities. The statute defines “noxious weed” as “Canada thistle, leafy spurge, field bindweed, any weed designated as a noxious weed by the department of natural resources by rule, and any other weed the governing body of any municipality or the county board of any county by ordinance or resolution declares to be noxious within its respective boundaries” (s. 66.0407(1)(b), Wis. Stats.). The law requires that landowners destroy all noxious weeds on lands they own or control. Chapter NR 40: The Invasive Species Rule Summary & Reference Guide Full Text of NR 40 WI Invasive Species Rule DNR Invasive Species Website Garlic mustard | Wisconsin DNR |
|
|
| Noise |
|
By town ordinance, it is unlawful for any person to make, continue, or cause to be made or continued any loud and unnecessary noise. The ordinance restricts the operation of any set, instrument, phonograph, loudspeaker, sound amplifier, machine, or device in a manner as to be plainly audible at the property line of the building, structure, or vehicle in which it is located between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. According to Wisconsin Statute § 66.0411(1), “’sound producing device’ does not include a piece of equipment or machinery that is designed for agricultural purposes and that is being used in the conduct of agricultural operations.” |
|
|
| Sky Lanterns |
|
|
| Sky Lanterns, which are also known as Kongming lanterns, sky candles, or fire balloons, are small hot air balloons made of paper or other similar light-weight material, with an opening at the bottom where a small fire is suspended. The town ordinance states that “No person shall in any way allow a Sky Lantern to be launched into the air within the Town.” |