Important Timely News
Retired Rick
Jun 24, 2026
Spring Waterfowl Survey Shows Positive Results
The epartment of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that data is now available from the annual spring survey of breeding waterfowl. The survey indicated stable population numbers and habitat conditions for migratory birds.
The data from this survey is used as part of the overall survey of breeding waterfowl in North America, and the information helps the DNR make management decisions about waterfowl in Wisconsin. The survey has been conducted annually since 1973, except for 2020. Survey results are best interpreted as trends over several years rather than year-to-year comparisons.
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Retired Rick
Jun 24, 2026
DNR Seeking Public Comment On State Park System Strategic Plan Update
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comment on an update to the Wisconsin State Park Systems Strategic Plan.
The Wisconsin State Park System contains 126 unique properties offering a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities.
The updated plan will summarize the systems existing conditions, analyze conditions to identify issues and opportunities, and develop a strategy and direction for the system. This strategy and direction will serve to address potential issues and take advantage of opportunities over a 10-year period. Additional information on the plan and update process can be found on the Strategic Plan webpage.
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Retired Rick
Jun 18, 2026
New Round Goby Emergency Rule In Effect On The Winnebago System
The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (NRB) recently approved an emergency Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) rule regarding the capture and take of the invasive round goby in the Winnebago System.
A round goby from Lake Winnebago was first reported by an angler and confirmed by Oshkosh DNR staff on June 2, 2025, and additional gobies have been caught and reported by anglers since this initial capture.
The new emergency rule will allow anglers in the Winnebago System waters to keep in their possession any harvested round gobies provided that the fish are eviscerated, decapitated or had their gills removed. Since a round goby population has not been established in these waters, angler harvest and reporting of all gobies taken will serve as a critical tool for tracking the presence of round gobies in the Winnebago System. The rule will be in effect June 19 Nov. 16, 2026.
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Retired Rick
Jun 15, 2026
Learn And Take Action During Invasive Species Awareness Weekend
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites the public to get outside, learn and take action on slowing the spread of invasive species in Wisconsin during Invasive Species Awareness Weekend (ISAW), June 20-21, 2026.
Invasive Species Awareness Weekend is a collaborative initiative hosted by multiple DNR programs and partners. The goals of ISAW are to raise awareness on invasive species and promote action through local events taking place around the state during the weekend.
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Retired Rick
Jun 8, 2026
DNR Announces 2026 Spring Turkey Season Results
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced preliminary totals for the 2026 spring turkey season. Wisconsin turkey hunters registered 47,725 birds this season, 8.6% above the 5-year average of 43,953.
This spring marks 50 years since wild turkeys were successfully reintroduced to Wisconsin. The first statewide hunt took place in the spring of 1983. Turkey numbers continue to remain stable and they are now found in all 72 counties of the state. 125186
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Retired Rick
Jun 5, 2026
DNR Hosting Listening Session To Gather Feedback About PFAS Law Program Development
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced a public listening session to gather feedback from individuals and communities about the agencys PFAS law program development.
2025 Wisconsin Act 200 and 2025 Wisconsin Act 201 authorize the DNR to develop programs to understand the prevalence of PFAS throughout Wisconsin and then address it. The DNR has flexibility for how the programs are implemented but state law defines the type of activities that may be funded.
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Retired Rick
Jun 1, 2026
Take Action On Invasive Species This June
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asks the public to take action to avoid spreading invasive species in June, which is Invasive Species Action Month, and all year long.
Invasive species are non-native plants, animals and diseases that cause environmental or economic harm, or pose threats to human health. There are many species that are already widespread in the state, while others may pose a large risk if they are introduced and become established here.
The states invasive species rule makes it unlawful to transport, transfer, introduce or possess certain invasive species in Wisconsin without a permit. The regulations designate which species are Restricted or Prohibited based on factors including the degree of harm they may cause, the extent of their presence in the state, the potential for controlling the species and the socio-economic value a species may hold.
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Retired Rick
May 29, 2026
Find Your Next Outdoor Adventure In Wisconsin During Free Fun Weekend, June 6-7
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites the public to head outdoors for the 14th annual Free Fun Weekend happening June 6-7, 2026. State park admission fees, fishing licenses and trail passes are waived for all visitors.
With 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 84,000 miles of rivers and streams and roughly 15,000 inland lakes, Wisconsin has something for everyone to enjoy.
"If youve never checked out a Wisconsin state park before, Free Fun Weekend is the perfect opportunity to come visit for the first time," said Steve Schmelzer, DNR Bureau Director of Parks and Recreation Management. "Bring your friends and family to enjoy a day at the beach, have a picnic or go for a hike the Wisconsin State Park System has something fun for everyone!"
Free Fun Weekend is also an opportunity to try fishing for food or fun before purchasing an annual fishing license.
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Retired Rick
May 29, 2026
ATV/UTV Law Changes Take Effect June 1; Review Today
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges ATV and UTV riders to review recent law changes that take effect June 1.
Numerous law changes and updates pertaining to ATV and UTV operation are detailed in the 2026 ATV/UTV regulations.
Updates include:
Operators and passengers are all required to wear a seatbelt in a UTV.
Intentionally causing damage with an ATV or UTV can cost you more than a fine up to three times the cost to repair the damage.
ATV or UTV operators may not tow objects bearing any person on a trail or route. Towing persons on ice is limited to 10 mph.
UTVs now have window tint restrictions.
For questions or clarification regarding these new rules, contact your local DNR conservation warden or DNR Customer Service at 888-936-7463 (888-WDNRINFO).
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Retired Rick
May 21, 2026
DNR Celebrates Endangered Species Day
Together with partners across the state and beyond, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) celebrates Endangered Species Day today, May 15, 2026.
Endangered Species Day is an opportunity to recognize the successful recovery of species like bald eagles and trumpeter swans through decades of collaborative effort. Its also a time to look at species that continue to face threats and are endangered, threatened or rare.
Wisconsin is home to thousands of native species of animals, and 487 of those are considered at risk. This includes species like the little brown bat, which has faced massive declines due to white-nose syndrome, the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly and rusty patched bumble bee, as well as nearly half of Wisconsins 50 native mussel species. Wisconsin is also home to over 2,300 species of native plants, and over 20% of those are at risk.
The DNR's Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation works with partners to aid in recovery, conservation and habitat management for our rare and endangered species. Donations to the Endangered Resources Fund are a critical source of funding for this work.
Wisconsins rarest species continue to need our help, and the work of department staff, along with many collaborators across the state, helps conserve these species for the future, said Drew Feldkirchner, DNR Natural Heritage Conservation Bureau Director. Volunteers and donors to the Endangered Resources Fund continue to have a tremendous positive impact. Together, we can ensure a better future for Wisconsins biodiversity.
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