Important Timely News
Retired Rick
Apr 21, 2026
DNR Invites Public To Work Play Earth Day Events
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites the public to make a lasting impact during the month of April by participating in a Work Play Earth Day event.
Annually, Wisconsinites have several opportunities to celebrate Earth Day (April 22) through acts of service and outdoor recreation at Wisconsin state parks, forests, trail and recreation areas.
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Retired Rick
Apr 18, 2026
Help Birds During Spring Migration
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages Wisconsinites to enjoy the return of migratory birds to Wisconsin this spring and take a few simple steps to help our feathered friends.
The Mississippi River flyway and Great Lakes shorelines make Wisconsin an important place for more than 350 species of birds during spring migration. In addition, our state's diverse grasslands, marshes and forests provide key habitats for migratory birds.
Spring migration brings hope and excitement for birdwatchers, said Ryan Brady, Wisconsin DNR conservation biologist. But its also a dangerous time for birds, many of which need our help.
Warblers, orioles, thrushes, hummingbirds, tanagers, indigo buntings and shorebirds are among the favorite long-distance migratory birds that people will likely see in the upcoming weeks. Their migration is influenced primarily by changes in the duration of daylight.
Give Birds A Hand This Spring
Native bird populations in the U.S. and Canada have declined by nearly 3 billion birds since 1970.
The public can help birds during this key time by taking a few small steps at home:
Shut off exterior lights at night during May, which is historically peak migration.
Reduce window collisions with external screens, markers or cords. Get DIY solutions from SOS Save Our Songbirds.
Visit the Wisconsin DNRs listings of native plant sales and nurseries so you can add native plants to your landscaping. Fruit-bearing native trees like serviceberry, dogwood and cherry, provide both food and cover for birds.
Avoid pesticides to help insect-eating birds, which include many backyard species as well as swallows, swifts, nightjars and flycatchers.
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Retired Rick
Apr 18, 2026
DNR Rare Plant Monitoring Program Volunteer Training Opportunities
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking volunteers for the Wisconsin Rare Plant Monitoring Program, a community-based science program that allows plant enthusiasts to conduct surveys for rare plants around the state.
Volunteers collect information to help assess rare plant population trends for both state and national conservation efforts. The volunteer program is Wisconsin's largest source of rare plant data.
Our volunteers come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Whether you have botanical knowledge, a commitment to conservation or are just passionate about plants, this is a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while making a difference, said Jessica Ross, Wisconsin DNR Rare Plant Monitoring Program coordinator. Volunteer efforts play a significant role in helping us understand the state of rare plants in Wisconsin and inform how we might conserve them.
Since 2013, Rare Plant Monitoring Program volunteers have checked on the health and size of rare native plant populations in nearly every county in the state. In 2025, nearly 100 trained volunteers from around the state submitted 427 reports of rare plants, including 74 new populations.
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Retired Rick
Apr 10, 2026
2026 Spring Turkey Season Opens April 15
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds turkey hunters that the 2026 spring turkey season opens on Wednesday, April 15.
The regular season is open through May 26, and all seven turkey management zones will be open for hunting during the spring season.
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Retired Rick
Apr 8, 2026
Ojibwe Spring Fishing Season Starting Soon
Wisconsinites Reminded Of Protected Tribal Right To Fish
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds Wisconsinites of the protected tribal right to fish in certain Wisconsin waterways and the legal consequences they could face if found interfering with that right during the upcoming Ojibwe spring fishing season.
The DNR fully supports Ojibwe sovereignty and the rights of tribal members to hunt, fish and gather in the Ceded Territories. These rights are guaranteed by federal treaty and affirmed by the judicial system, said DNR Secretary Karen Hyun. Any interference with tribal members engaged in this traditional practice is illegal and will not be tolerated. The safety of Ojibwe fishers is a top priority for the DNR, and any reports of violence or other harassment of tribal members exercising their treaty rights will be swiftly addressed.
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Retired Rick
Apr 7, 2026
Wisconsin's General Fishing Season Opens May 2; New Regulations In Effect
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anglers the 2026 2027 general inland fishing season will open statewide Saturday, May 2. Several new regulations and season structures are now in effect, and anglers are encouraged to review the regulations before hitting the water.
With more than 15,000 inland lakes, 42,000 miles of perennial streams and rivers, 1,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline and 260 miles of the Mississippi River, there are plenty of great places to wet a line over opening weekend and all season long.
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Retired Rick
Mar 31, 2026
Take A Field Trip With The Natural Resources Foundation
NRF Offering 280 Unique Field Trips To Celebrate Its 40th Anniversary
The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin (NRF) has just announced 280 outdoor adventures available during its 2026 Field Trip season.
In celebration of its 40th anniversary, NRF is offering a wide variety of hands-on, expert-led nature experiences for adults and families all over the state. NRF has been protecting Wisconsin's lands, waters and wildlife and connecting all people with nature since 1986, and has been leading field trips since 1993.
Each year, NRF members eagerly await the announcement of the years trips and begin planning which ones theyd like to attend. NRF field trips are available to all NRF members and proceeds from trips support conservation.
Trip registration is first-come, first-served, and opens at noon on April 8. People who are interested in NRF field trips are encouraged to renew their NRF memberships well in advance of the busy registration date.
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Retired Rick
Mar 30, 2026
DNR Seeking Safety Education Instructors
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)'s Safety Education programs are seeking avid hunters, passionate recreationalists and outdoor enthusiasts to join their safety education volunteer corps.
Instructors are needed in all areas of safety education: hunter/bow, ATV/UTV, snowmobile and boat.
Instructors are an important part of the Hunter Education Program.
They leave a lasting impression with their students and help create a safe hunting environment for all who recreate in Wisconsin, said Lt. Renee Thok, DNR hunter education administrator. Hunter Education takes great pride in our instructor corps, and we are looking for more exceptional individuals to help continue safe hunting in Wisconsin.
The other safety education programs also depend on instructors.
Wisconsin is safer because of the dedication of instructors, and we need more to join our teams," said Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, DNR off-highway vehicle administrator.
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Retired Rick
Mar 29, 2026
Read about Torchy Timberloss a 1950's Wisconsin developed forest fire prevention tool created about the same time as Smokey Bear.
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Retired Rick
Mar 18, 2026
DNR And Wisconsin Conservation Congress To Host Spring Hearings.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) invite the public to attend the annual Fish and Wildlife Spring Hearings held in their county on Monday, April 13, at 6 p.m. to learn about and provide input on resource management in the state. An online opportunity for public input will also be available from 6 p.m. on April 13 through 6 p.m. on April 15.
At the in-person spring hearings, DNR staff and WCC delegates will be on hand to discuss local issues of importance, answer questions from the public and open a dialogue between the public, the DNR and the WCC about areas of interest and concern.
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