Content referencing Natural Resources Board
Evers Vetoes GOP Bill Ending Tax on Overtime and Tips
Also vetos bill requiring counties to cooperate with ICE, and killing 400-year veto.
Apr 4th, 2026 by Baylor Spears
Republican Attacks Misleading on State Stewardship Program?
Data shows just 1.13% of all state land conserved by Knowles-Nelson program.
Dec 22nd, 2025 by Henry Redman
Bipartisan Push to Tell Counties Faster When Water Tests Fail
With PFAS standards still stalled, lawmakers advance a narrower plan to require DNR alerts on contamination.
Dec 19th, 2025 by Henry Redman
Former Wisconsin DNR Secretary George Meyer Has Died
For 50 years, Meyer influenced conservation at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Dec 12th, 2025 by Danielle Kaeding
Wisconsin Moves to Require Lead Service Lines Replaced By 2037
Some groups hail the move for strengthening protections, but others voice concerns about costs.
Dec 11th, 2025 by Danielle Kaeding
Wisconsin Lacks Standards for Pesticides in Water
Growers use millions of pounds of pesticides per year, but research needed on impact.
Nov 16th, 2025 by Danielle Kaeding
Wisconsin Wolf Harvest Regulations Take Effect in November
GOP lawmakers had requested modifications to the regulations, but the DNR decided against changes.
Oct 19th, 2025 by Danielle Kaeding
Wisconsin Moves to Bring PFAS Limits In Line with Contested Federal Standards
Industry groups continue to challenge lower levels set in 2024.
Oct 3rd, 2025 by Danielle Kaeding
GOP Lawmakers Trying New Move To Block Evers’ Rulemaking
Supreme Court previously gave Evers approval to avoid Legislature, which governor is now embracing.
Aug 22nd, 2025 by Rich Kremer
Gov. Evers Pushes Long List of State Rule Changes
Citing WI Supreme Court ruling, he declares end to Legislature's 'abuse of power.'
Aug 21st, 2025 by Rich Kremer
DNR Has Seen 500 Positions Cut Since 2003, Says It Is Causing Delays
Loss of 20 vacant positions is latest in a long-term trend, leaders say.
Aug 15th, 2025 by Danielle Kaeding
Appeals Court Rules Against DNR Board Holdout
Emails show Frederick Prehn was working with GOP legislators to stay in seat past appointment.
Aug 1st, 2025 by Henry Redman
The Decline of Lake Michigan Whitefish
Fears the fish might disappear. Harvest down by nearly 90% since 1999.
Jul 23rd, 2025 by Danielle Kaeding
Environmental Groups, Community Advocates Push for PFAS Deal
Funding approved but stalled by clash between Gov. Evers and GOP legislators.
Jul 14th, 2025 by Henry Redman
Evers Makes Two Appointments to Natural Resources Board
Board oversees state DNR, has seen partisan fights over governor's appointees.
May 4th, 2025 by Henry Redman
Wisconsin Sees Record Number of Wildfires This Year
Double the historical average this year; climate change, drought causing problem.
Apr 14th, 2025 by Danielle Kaeding
Wisconsin Debating New Regulations For Wolf Hunting
Regulations would protect wolf dens, shorten timeline for registering wolf kills
Mar 7th, 2025 by Danielle Kaeding
High Court Rules Meagan Wolfe Can Remain State’s Top Elections Official
Unanimous Supreme Court ruling rejects Republican legislators' attempt to fire Wolfe.
Feb 7th, 2025 by Rich Kremer
Rep. Tom Tiffany and Fellow GOP Lawmakers Bring Back Bill to Delist Gray Wolf
Bill would remove federal protections for gray wolves across most of the country.
Jan 31st, 2025 by Danielle Kaeding
State High Court Hears Arguments on Meagan Wolfe’s ‘Holdover’ Appointment
Is Wisconsin Elections Commission decision a 'case of careful what you wish for'?
Nov 19th, 2024 by Rich Kremer
The DNR Has Been Without A Leader For One Year
Gov. Evers has yet to appoint a replacement for Adam Payne. Power struggle with Legislature a factor.
Nov 1st, 2024 by Danielle Kaeding
Evers Appoints Fifth-Generation Dairy Farmer To DNR Board
After high-profile fight about appointee with expired term, Gov. Evers' appointees now control board.
Oct 20th, 2024 by Henry Redman
Despite Evers Appointing Her Replacement, A Walker Appointee Won’t Step Down
Georgia Maxwell's term on the labor and industry commission expired in March 2023.
Oct 15th, 2024 by Erik Gunn
DNR Requests Surge in Funding To Address Backlog, Increase Stewardship
Agency proposes reauthorizing Stewardship program for a decade with $100 million annually.
Sep 26th, 2024 by Danielle Kaeding
2017 Law Resulting in Long List of Outdated DNR Water Standards
Nearly 50 groundwater standards for PFAS, pesticides, metals and other compounds remain unaddressed.
Sep 5th, 2024 by Danielle Kaeding
Wisconsin Seeks To Match PFAS Rules To Federal Regulations
EPA set new standards for the forever chemicals in April.
Aug 27th, 2024 by Danielle Kaeding
Wake Boats on Wisconsin Lakes Cause Controversy
Surfers love the waves; others cite impact on fishing, canoeing, shoreline erosion.
Aug 13th, 2024 by Danielle Kaeding
Evers Names 3 New Members of UW Board of Regents
But one would replace Republican-appointed regent who refuses to step down.
Jun 3rd, 2024 by Henry Redman
GOP Holdover on UW Board Says He Won’t Step Down
UW Regent Robert Atwell advised by Vos to stay on Board until replacement confirmed.
May 25th, 2024 by Sarah Lehr
GOP Senate Hurts Evers’ Talent Searches
Difficult to find cabinet secretaries when Senate keeps firing governor's appointees.
May 20th, 2024 by Steven Walters
EPA Slaps Two PFAS Chemicals With Superfund Law Designation
The listing will force PFAS manufacturers and others to pay for cleaning up contamination.
Apr 19th, 2024 by Danielle Kaeding
Evers Vetoes Bill Limiting His Appointment Power
GOP plan took away governor's power to fill vacancies in constitutional offices.
Mar 23rd, 2024 by Sarah Lehr
Republicans Appeal Court Order Protecting Top State Election Official
Dane County judge ruled that GOP legislators can't remove Meagan Wolfe from office.
Feb 27th, 2024 by Rich Kremer
Senate Republicans Fire Four Evers Appointees
GOP boots one from DNR board, three from UW Health board.
Feb 21st, 2024 by Erik Gunn
Senate Votes to Fire Evers Appointee from Public Service Commission
Tyler Huebner rejected. Senate also passes electric vehicle, nudity ban and tax cut bills.
Jan 17th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
Judge Rules Wolfe Legally Holds Position as State Elections Leader
Judge chastises 'hyper-partisan' GOP legislators for attack on WEC leader Meagan Wolfe.
Jan 13th, 2024 by Henry Redman
Evers Says Republican Firings Make It Hard to Find DNR Secretary
Stop blocking his appointees, governor pleads. GOP lawmakers defend their actions.
Jan 8th, 2024 by Danielle Kaeding
Wisconsin Conservation Leaders Tally 2023 Wins and Losses
DNR has become a political football as state experiences record temperatures.
Dec 21st, 2023 by Henry Redman
GOP Legislators Probe Views of Evers’ New DNR Appointees
After firing first Evers picks, Republicans raise issues of wolf management, PFAS cleanup.
Dec 20th, 2023 by Danielle Kaeding
Evers Calls On Legislature to Release PFAS Funds
Also pushes GOP legislators to approve DNR groundwater rule targeting pollution.
Dec 20th, 2023 by Henry Redman
PFAS Cleanup of State Drinking Water Would Cost $208 Million
New report by conservation group estimates cost, urges legislative action.
Dec 4th, 2023 by Henry Redman
Lawsuit Challenges DNR’s State Wolf Plan
Charges that private meetings with pro-wolf group influenced plan ignoring science and public comments.
Nov 25th, 2023 by Rich Kremer
Environmental Groups Want Evers To Block Lakefront Golf Course Land Swap
Kohler, seeking to build golf course near Lake Michigan, needs land swap with state park.
Nov 21st, 2023 by Danielle Kaeding
Political Obstruction is Climate Destruction
Lawmakers in Washington and Madison are playing games while our climate crisis grows.
Oct 31st, 2023 by John Imes
Court Injunction Prevents Ouster of Election Administrator, At Least For Now
Dane County grants temporary protection for Meagan Wolfe's job while case plays out.
Oct 31st, 2023 by Erik Gunn
Republican Bullying Isn’t Working
Tactic is backfiring as Democrats and public officials resist.
Oct 25th, 2023 by Bruce Murphy
DNR Secretary Payne Resigns After Just 10 Months
Cites personal reasons as agency faces debates over wolf management, PFAS pollution.
Oct 24th, 2023 by Isiah Holmes and Henry Redman
Republicans Reject 7 Evers Appointees
Including elections commissioner and 4 DNR board members. 'This is insanity,' says Evers, then immediately names replacements.
Oct 17th, 2023 by Henry Redman
GOP Legislators Admit They Can’t Fire Top Elections Official
In court filing Republican leaders say vote to fire Meagan Wolfe was 'symbolic.'
Oct 16th, 2023 by Rich Kremer
Senate Targets 6 Evers Appointees
Republicans leave elections commission unbalanced and board overseeing DNR unable to act.
Oct 9th, 2023 by Steven Walters
Vos Won’t Attempt To Impeach Elections Administrator Until Lawsuit Finished
Senate President Chris Kapenga has asked the Assembly to start process.
Oct 6th, 2023 by Sarah Lehr
Republican Legislators Deny Evers’ Appointment to Elections Commission
Vote nixes Joe Czarnezki, the Democratic appointee to bipartisan commission.
Oct 4th, 2023 by Henry Redman
Republicans Vote Down 4 of Evers’ 5 DNR Board Nominees
But full Senate must still weigh in.
Sep 29th, 2023 by Henry Redman
Despite Outside Objections, DNR Approves Increased Waterway Protections
WMC says it adds "red tape," but DNR board is following 2015 EPA requirements on discharge permits.
Sep 29th, 2023 by Danielle Kaeding
Election Deniers Make False Charges at Senate Hearing on Top Election Official
Attorney General says Republicans' hearing to consider ousting Meagan Wolfe is illegal.
Aug 30th, 2023 by Anya van Wagtendonk
State Election Board Leaves Administrator In Legal Limbo
Commissioners split on whether Wolfe should testify to Senate.
Aug 17th, 2023 by Henry Redman
Wildfires Spike In Wisconsin Amidst Drought Conditions
Approximately 250 more wildfires than normal have started in 2023.
Aug 11th, 2023 by Danielle Kaeding
4% of Tested Water Systems In Wisconsin Exceed EPA’s Proposed PFAS Limits
But all tested systems are meeting the state's less-stringent standard.
Aug 10th, 2023 by Danielle Kaeding
Wisconsin Regulators Propose New Wolf Management Plan
Plan doesn't include population target, drawing ire of Republican lawmakers and hunters.
Aug 2nd, 2023 by Danielle Kaeding
Republican-Controlled Senate Laying Groundwork To Fire Wisconsin Elections Chief
But Democrat on election board says there is nothing for Senate to actually vote on.
Jun 29th, 2023 by Shawn Johnson
Elections Commission Deadlocks on Executive Director
3-3 vote means Meagan Wolfe will continue as director. Issue could go to courts.
Jun 28th, 2023 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Business Group Threatens To Sue Over Water Quality Regulations
WMC says proposal would cost $57 million over two years, DNR says $2.5 million.
Jun 1st, 2023 by Danielle Kaeding
Evers Makes 3 Appointments to DNR Board
All members of Natural Resources Board now appointed by Democratic governor.
May 7th, 2023 by Henry Redman
Legislative Committee Rejects Funds for State’s Largest Land Conservation Plan
Republicans spike proposal to preserve 70,000 acres of forest in northern Wisconsin.
Apr 18th, 2023 by Danielle Kaeding
DNR Secretary Promises Review of How Agency Works With Local Governments
Potential changes coming as a result of Pelican River Forest mix-up.
Apr 14th, 2023 by Danielle Kaeding
The Wisconsin Conservation Congress Is Broken
Three-fourths of state citizens, the non-hunters, getting stonewalled by group.
Apr 8th, 2023 by Francisco J. Santiago-Ávila and Amy Mueller
DNR Pledges Changes to Wisconsin’s Wolf Management Strategy
But draft legislation from Republicans might overrule DNR Secretary's plan.
Mar 16th, 2023 by Danielle Kaeding
Republicans Holding Confirmation Hearings For Gov. Evers’ New Appointees
Agriculture, DNR secretaries get hearings, a marked change from Evers' last term.
Mar 16th, 2023 by Henry Redman
Judge Dismisses Open Records Case Against DNR Board Member
Yes, Fred Prehn delayed providing records but no, plaintiff can't collect attorney fees.
Feb 27th, 2023 by Danielle Kaeding
DNR Member Warns Wisconsin Needs Money To Maintain Its Conservation Land
The state has acquired approximately 1.5 million acres of land through stewardship programs.
Feb 23rd, 2023 by Danielle Kaeding
DNR Avoids Drama With New Secretary, New Board
Wednesday's meeting was first without expired members who had refused to resign.
Jan 27th, 2023 by Henry Redman
Evers Wants $100 Million For PFAS, Will Republicans Back Proposal?
Residents with polluted water want solutions, but have waited years.
Jan 26th, 2023 by Danielle Kaeding
Will New Overseers Change DNR Policies?
As Evers appointees replace Walker holdovers on Natural Resources Board, environmental groups hope for changes.
Jan 15th, 2023 by Danielle Kaeding
Southwestern Wisconsin Farmer Appointed To DNR Board
Gov. Evers appoints Paul Buhr to replace Walker-appointee William Bruins.
Jan 12th, 2023 by Danielle Kaeding
Conservation Groups Cite Damage From Prehn’s Time on Natural Resources Board
Serving beyond his term limits and favoring lobbyists and PFAS polluter, critics charge.
Jan 8th, 2023 by Henry Redman
Republican Lawmakers Oppose Record-Breaking Wisconsin Land Conversation
Sen. Felzkowski leads opposition to preserving 56,000 acres of forest near Rhinelander.
Jan 6th, 2023 by Danielle Kaeding
After 4 Years, 180 Appointees by Gov. Evers Haven’t Been Confirmed
Republican Senate leaves them in limbo. 'Tell me what I need to do,' Ever says.
Jan 3rd, 2023 by Sarah Lehr
Embattled Former DNR Board Chair Resigns, Ending Saga
Prehn, whose appointment had expired, was able to stay on because Republicans wouldn't confirm his replacement.
Dec 23rd, 2022 by Danielle Kaeding
Wisconsin Seeking Federal Help For Town With PFAS Contamination 170 Times Safe Levels
“We don't really have an idea where it's coming from,” says DNR official.
Dec 23rd, 2022 by Danielle Kaeding
DNR Will Again Attempt To Draft PFAS Groundwater Standards
DNR board approved drinking and surface water standards in February, but failed to pass limits for groundwater.
Dec 15th, 2022 by Danielle Kaeding
Group Sues As Prehn Won’t Comply With Records Request
Prehn has refused to step down from DNR board.
Dec 1st, 2022 by Adam Voskuil
DNR Secretary Preston Cole Retiring
Cole rose through ranks of Milwaukee's Department of Public Works before taking state job.
Nov 18th, 2022 by Danielle Kaeding
Did Fred Prehn Flout Open Records Law?
Judge hears arguments whether Natural Resources Board member who refused to resign withheld records.
Nov 16th, 2022 by Danielle Kaeding
What Will Happen to Evers’ Appointees?
After four years, a long list of his appointees to head departments, serve on state boards still haven't been approved by GOP Senate.
Nov 14th, 2022 by Henry Redman
Would Michels Break Up Wisconsin DNR?
GOP canddidate for governor says he'd consider this. Other Republicans have tried and failed.
Oct 31st, 2022 by Danielle Kaeding
Republican-Controlled Legislature Has Hindered Environmental Protection
Conservation group releases report claims politics have trumped environment since 2011.
Sep 30th, 2022 by Danielle Kaeding
Controversial 2021 Wolf Hunt Caused 14% Population Drop
DNR says population is stable, but now below 1,000.
Sep 30th, 2022 by Danielle Kaeding
After Texts Released, DNR Board Member Publicly Calls For Prehn To Resign
Walker appointee with expired term has refused to leave board, which texts reveal is politically motivated.
Sep 29th, 2022 by Danielle Kaeding
State PFAS Council Releases Progress Report
State making progress on PFAS remediation, but political barriers remain.
Aug 19th, 2022 by Henry Redman
DNR Wants Water Utilities Notifying Customers of PFAS
DNR urges notice after EPA releases much stronger PFAS standards.
Aug 8th, 2022 by Danielle Kaeding
State DNR Adds New PFAS Rules
Regulating 'forever chemicals' in drinking water, surface water and fire fighting foam.
Aug 2nd, 2022 by Isiah Holmes
Should Wisconsin Establish Right to Clean Water?
5 counties will have referendums on this question in November election.
Jul 31st, 2022 by Danielle Kaeding
Digital Records At Issue In Suit Against Natural Resources Board Member
Fred Prehn, who refused to step down from board, will provide cell phone records under court order.
Jul 14th, 2022 by Rob Mentzer
High Court Leaves Kohler-Andrae At Risk
State Supreme Court decision leaves just one obstacle to land swap for Kohler golf course.
Jul 13th, 2022 by RT Both
How Governor’s Power Was Weakened
Recent high court decision latest of several rulings reducing governor's power.
Jul 5th, 2022 by Steven Walters
State High Court Throws Out Challenge To Kohler Land Swap
4-3 ruling allows transfer of state park land for a proposed golf course.
Jun 30th, 2022 by Danielle Kaeding
State Supreme Court Says Natural Resources Board Member Can Stay
Legislature won't okay Evers appointee to replace Fred Prehn so Prehn won’t step down.
Jun 29th, 2022 by Danielle Kaeding
State PFAS Standards Take Effect July 1
First standards for ‘forever chemicals’ require public water systems to test for PFAS.
Jun 15th, 2022 by Danielle Kaeding
Kleefisch, Nicholson Promise Overhaul of UW Regents
GOP challengers for governor promise to recall, replace Evers’ 9 appointees to the board.
Jun 14th, 2022 by Henry Redman
PFAS Shuts Down Wells In Marshfield, Adams
Drinking water contaminated. Waukesha court ruled DNR can’t regulate deadly pollutant.
Jun 1st, 2022 by Isiah Holmes
