Directory

The Association of Retired Conservationists was organized by a group of retirees from the Wisconsin Conservation Department in the 1960's. By the mid-1970's, the WCD had been combined with the Department of Resource Development to form the Department of Natural Resources, and the retirees group had grown significantly, met monthly for lunch and began inviting speakers to address the group on issues of interest to the members. Today, the organization has more than two hundred members.

website contact: retiredrick@wisarc.org

Welcome to the ARC Breaking News/Action page where you will see articles you may find interesting that are too timely to wait for discussion at our next monthly meeting.

Important Timely News

Retired Rick                                           Jan 22, 2026

DNR To Host Public Meeting On Fisheries Genetic Management Plan Jan. 28

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a public meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 28, to discuss the Fisheries Management Bureaus statewide genetic management plan.

This meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in person at the UW-Stevens Point DeBot Dining Center in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and virtually via Microsoft Teams. The Fisheries Management Bureau is committed to stocking fish with the greatest potential for survival and has been working over the past several years to update the statewide genetics management plan using the most current data and science.

DNR Fisheries staff will present and discuss the updated statewide genetics management plan and seek public comments and input.

Read More Here

Retired Rick                                           Jan 22, 2026

DNR Publishes Wisconsin Food Waste Evaluation

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has released a Wisconsin Food Waste Evaluation report that provides key details about Wisconsins existing food waste generation and management.

The report includes recommendations for individuals, businesses and government agencies to reduce food waste going to landfills as part of a statewide goal.

Read More Here

Retired Rick                                           Jan 21, 2026

DNR Seeking Nominations For 2025 Hunter And Archery Education Awards
Deadline To Submit Nominations Is Feb. 15

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting nominations for the 2025 Hunter Education Instructor of the Year, Hunter Education Group of the Year and Archery Education Instructor of the Year awards.

Current hunter and archery education instructors and hunter education groups that have significantly advanced hunter safety on a voluntary basis through extraordinary service are eligible to be nominated.

Read More Here

Retired Rick                                           Jan 20, 2026

Wisconsinites Reminded To Participate In Wisconsin Conservation Congress Resolution Process

The Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) invites all Wisconsinites to take part in its annual spring hearing process.

The WCC is an independent organization of residents that advises the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on how to responsibly manage Wisconsins natural resources.

Wisconsin residents are invited to submit ideas as proposed resolutions now through Monday, Feb. 9. An individual may submit no more than two resolutions per year, and the resolutions must meet the following criteria:

The concern must be of statewide impact.
The concern must be practical, achievable and reasonable.
The concern must be within the mission and vision of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress.

Those interested in submitting a resolution can visit the DNR and WCCs Spring Hearings webpage.

Read More Here

Retired Rick                                           Jan 17, 2026

Wisconsin NRB Meeting Jan. 28

The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (NRB) will meet in-person for the January meeting to consider proposed rulemaking documents and other matters.

The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28 in public meeting room G09, State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 South Webster Street, Madison, Wisconsin. The Board will act on items 1-4 and 7-8 as listed on the agenda.

The public is encouraged to watch the January meeting on the DNRs YouTube channel.

Read More Here

Retired Rick                                           Jan 17, 2026

Help Protect Our Waters By Reducing Winter Salt Use

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Wisconsin Salt Wise invite the public to learn more about the impacts of road salt on our drinking water and freshwater ecosystems during Winter Salt Awareness Week, Jan. 26-30, 2026.

Winter Salt Awareness Week will include a series of YouTube livestreams featuring speakers and topics focused on the true impacts of salt and ways to be a freshwater advocate.

Speakers and topics include:

Monday, Jan. 26, Megan Rippy and Dr. Stan Grant (Virginia Tech) discuss their research on freshwater salinization.
Tuesday, Jan. 27, Phil Sexton (Maryland) and Aron Rodman (West Bend, WI) discuss their experience with using salt-reduction practices in winter maintenance.
Wednesday, Jan. 28, Martin Tirado (Snow & Ice Management Association) and Jim Turban (Cornerstone Partners Horticultural Services Co.) discuss implementing Smart Salting contracts for winter property maintenance.
Thursday, Jan. 29, Connie Fortin (Bolton & Menk) and Wilf Nixon (Department of Public Works, Pella, IA) discuss engineering solutions to reduce salt use.
Friday, Jan. 30, Abby Hileman (Izaak Walton League of America) and Mary Rooney (EnviroAce) will discuss ways to mobilize action in your community and advocate for change.
Friday, Jan. 30, Laura Eaton (Friends of the Rouge) and Paige Vicholoa-Silva (Farmington River Watershed Association) discuss monitoring for salt in your local waterbodies.
Register in advance or watch afterward on the Wisconsin Salt Wise YouTube Channel.

Read More Here

Retired Rick                                           Jan 13, 2026

Winter Free Fishing Weekend Opens Doors To The Outdoors Jan. 17-18

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting its annual Winter Free Fishing Weekend Jan. 17-18, 2026 to share the fun and excitement of winter fishing.

Winter Free Fishing Weekend gives families, friends and newcomers an opportunity give fishing a try or introduce another to the sport. Fishing offers more than just a chance to hook a fish it is a great way to connect with nature, share time with loved ones, learn about Wisconsins aquatic resources and put some delicious food on your table.

During Winter Free Fishing Weekend, residents and nonresidents may fish most state waters without purchasing a fishing license, trout stamp or salmon stamp (see exceptions regarding trout waters).

Retired Rick                                           Jan 8, 2026

Visit Bald Eagle Watching Days In Sauk Prairie Jan. 17. All Events Are Free And Open To The Public

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites the public to participate in the annual Bald Eagle Watching Days happening on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Sauk Prairie. All Bald Eagle Watching Days events are free and open to the public.

Bald eagle lovers can watch eagles soar above the Wisconsin River from a newly renovated overlook located at 490 Water St. in Prairie du Sac. Volunteers from the DNRs Natural Heritage Conservation Bureau will be available at the overlook to answer questions and help visitors spot eagles from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Read More Here

Retired Rick                                           Jan 8, 2026

Sharp-Tailed Grouse Viewing Blind Reservations Opening Soon

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will begin accepting reservations for sharp-tailed grouse viewing blinds at Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area on Saturday, Jan. 10. Additional viewing blinds at Crex Meadows Wildlife Area will become available for reservations on Sunday, Feb. 1.

Sharp-tailed grouse viewing blinds are available from April 1 through May and Namekagon Barrens and from March 21 through May at Crex Meadows.

Read More Here

Retired Rick                                           Jan 5, 2026

DNR Confirms CWD In Wild Deer In Clark County

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirms the first positive test result for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in a wild deer in Clark County. The deer was a hunter-harvested adult doe and was not harvested within 10 miles of any other county.

This detection will cause the following:

Clark County was already under a 2-year baiting and feeding ban prior to this detection. That ban will be extended for another three years and will reset following any future detections, as required by state law.
Since the detection was not within 10 miles of any county lines, no other counties are impacted by a baiting and feeding ban from this detection.

Read More Here

Page - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 .....- 11