Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

DNR Completes Final Environmental Impact Statement on the Proposed Waukesha Great Lakes Water Diversion

Wisconsin Natural Resources Board Approves DNR Scope Statement for Manure Regulations Aimed at Protecting Drinking Water

Approval of the scope statement allows the department to develop detailed rules that require final approval from the Legislature.

State Leads in Cutting Pollution Control

Funding decline of 36% from 2008-2018, biggest in U.S., Walker helped drive change.

Gov. Evers Hosts 2019 Capitol Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony with DNR Sec. Cole and Wisconsin Students

“The best part about the holiday season at the Capitol is that it is a collaborative effort of folks all over our state that makes this season such a success.”

Milwaukee Riverkeeper annual report on river health shows drop from 2017 to 2018

Historic rainfall levels in 2018, land-use practices, failing infrastructure and other human activities, in both urban and rural parts of the Milwaukee River Basin, ultimately led to the decline in grade (C- to D).

Washburn County Hunting Incident Shooter Identified

The investigation is ongoing.

DNR Seeks Public’s Help in Washburn County Hunting Incident

Four Incidents Reported During Opening Weekend of Gun Deer Season

Deer Hunting License Sales On Par with 2018

Two areas have already exceeded last year's sales totals for the entire season.

Why PFAS Pollution Is So Scary

The chemicals are all over and very toxic. Evers has created two teams to target problem.

The River War in River Hills

Old Milwaukee family sues Village Board and state DNR over environmental damage.

Teamwork strikes again in major illegal deer harvest case

"This is a case of two people who are not hunters by any stretch of the imagination, and determined to steal wildlife from the public - wildlife observers and those who are ethical and law-abiding hunters."

Jennifer Sereno Joins WHEDA as Public Affairs Program Manager

Her experience includes marketing and public affairs campaign development, digital media strategy, issue management and brand advancement.

Mercury in Great Lakes Trout Persists

Though waters cleaner, invasive species have forced trout to eat food with higher mercury concentrations.

Wisconsin Collects More Than 30 Tons of Unused Medications During Drug Take Back Day; Ranks Second in Nation

Statewide 280 law enforcement agencies hosted Drug Take Back events and collected disposed drugs from 476 permanent drug disposal boxes at law enforcement agencies across the state.

Few Local Water Systems Test for PFAS

DNR says 2 of 125 treatment plants in state submitted results for toxic PFAS chemicals.

Polluted Wells Issue is Urgent, Legislator Says

Rep. Shankland, member of Water Quality Task Force, says state funding needed to help families.

Wisconsin Natural Resources Board Taking More Steps to Protect Drinking Water

PFAS Rulemaking Process Moves Forward

Gov. Evers Endorses Water Quality Recommendations from DNR, DATCP, DHS

“Folks should be able to trust the water coming from their tap”

DNR Finds 120 New Waters Impaired

Still, that’s half the number listed as impaired two years ago.

Community Members Demand that Public Service Commission Deny We Energies’ Rate Increase, We Energies Shut Down Oak Creek Plant

Ratepayers Angered Over Utility’s Continued Use of Expensive, Dirty Coal Plant

EPA Proposes Updates to Rules Impacting Lead and Copper in Drinking Water

DNR to Review Proposed Updates to Lead and Copper Rule

Behind Wisconsin’s Abandoned High Speed Rail

Former Gov. Tommy Thompson laid groundwork for the project that Gov. Scott Walker killed.

DNR Releases PFAS Contamination Data

PFAS chemicals have been linked to a multitude of health problems

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on PFAS Chemicals Detected in Wisconsin Surface Waters

"The dangerous levels of PFAS recently detected in Wisconsin surface waters are alarming and warrant serious action."

DNR’s First Round of Sampling Shows PFAS Contamination at Surface Water Monitoring Locations in Wisconsin

PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals used for decades in numerous products, such as non-stick cookware, fast food wrappers, stain-resistant sprays and firefighting foam.

DNR to Back Pro-Climate Policies

Unlike the previous administration, Evers Administration pledges to address climate change.

DNR Reaffirms Commitment to Addressing Impacts of Climate Change on Wisconsin’s Natural Resources During Climate Week

"Climate change is one of the defining issues of our time."

Majority of Wisconsin Public Water Systems Met Safe Drinking Water Standards in 2018; Challenges Still Exist

Some contaminants continue to present challenges, including nitrate, arsenic, and lead.

DNR to Implement Mandatory CWD Sampling and In-Person Registration for Six Townships in West Central Wisconsin During Nine-Day Gun Deer Season

CWD is a contagious neurological disease of deer, elk and moose that is caused by an abnormal protein called a prion.

Evers Expands Effort Against “Forever” Chemicals

Directs DNR to create standards for drinking, surface water on PFAS chemicals.

Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order #40 Relating to PFAS in Wisconsin

Executive Order #40 directs the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to take additional steps to address PFAS contamination.

Wisconsin Women in Government Announces 2019-2020 Board of Directors and Leadership Team

Flip-Flop on Mine Threatens State Waters

Why the sudden change to approve copper-zinc mine? Will it pollute Lake Michigan?

Gov. Evers Requests Federal Disaster Aid for July’s Severe Storms

"Damage assessments by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) verified more than $19.5 million in eligible damages."

DNR hosts hearing to discuss wetland and water permits related to water diversion project

The hearing will also cover the DNR's Environmental Impact Statement on the overall diversion project.

Study Warns Asian Carp Could Thrive

Invasive fish could survive throughout Lake Michigan if introduced here, new research finds.

City of Waukesha proposed water diversion public hearing

Waukesha is applying for wetland and waterway permits to construct a water supply system to divert water from Lake Michigan and a return system.

The Cleanup Of Solvay Coke Site

We Energies is leading $15.9 million cleanup. No tour of site allowed.

DNR Wants Local Tests for PFAS

Asks 125 wastewater treatment plants to test for chemicals linked to health problems.

DNR taking more steps to protect Wisconsin drinking water

The DNR will ask 125 municipal wastewater treatment facilities to begin sampling and analyzing water flowing in and out of the facilities for PFAS compounds.

New DNR Staff Will Probe Pollution

Added scientists will look at impact of “forever chemicals” contamination by Tyco company.

DNR Secretary Appoints Beth Bier To Deputy Secretary

Beth began her career at the DNR in 2001 in the Secretary's Office.

Sas-Pérez Appointed to City Plan Commission

Mayor appoints south side leader to design and zoning oversight board.

What Makes A Lake Healthy?

Algal blooms, invasive species and shoreline development disrupt the healthy balance of lakes.

Gov. Evers Appoints William H. Smith to Natural Resources Board

Save the Yellow Perch!

Perch count way down in Lake Michigan. Strong leadership needed to protect state waters.

Great Lakes Leaders To Target Asian Carp

Region’s governors, Canadian premiers meet next month about preventing carp invasion.

Coal Ash Pollutes Midwest States

Most sites pollute groundwater; 6 are in Wisconsin, including We Energy’s Oak Creek plant.

Budget Committee Debates Stewardship Program

Funding for preserving land has been slashed by 61% in last 12 years. State Sen Tiffany wants more cuts.

Fishing and Fun at the Washington Park Pond

Dozens of Milwaukee children learned about the joys of fishing and the great outdoors at a how-to event at Washington Park.

State Gets $61 Million in EPA Grants

$43 million for state’s Clean Water program and $18.7 million for Safe Drinking Water Loan Program.

DNR Secretary announces leadership change

Tim Cooke, current deputy division administrator, will assume the administrator role.

Kaul Sides With Environmentalists in Cases

Attorney General reverses DOJ position on lawsuits over dairy farm expansion, high-capacity wells.

A breath of fresh air: DNR celebrates Clean Air Month as Wisconsin’s air quality continues to improve

Clean Air Month is held annually each May.

Shall We Gather at the Rivers

Volunteers at 65 locations along city's three rivers pitched in for Riverkeeper's Spring Cleanup.

Supervisor Logsdon Opposes Increased Mercury Pollution in Wisconsin Waterways

"I'm opposed to WE Energies request for a variance to dump more than three times the safe limit of mercury into our water..."

Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail to Unveil Two Sculptures on May 4

Sculptures a powerful reminder of history and the workers of the Milwaukee Road

Arbor Day Edition

Mayor, MPS Superintendent, 4th graders plant 32 trees at Ohio Playfield.

Trump Policies on Great Lakes Opposed

Conservation groups resist proposed changes in wetland, stream protections, note impact on Great Lakes.

EPA Hires Third Ex-Walker DNR Staffer

Regional EPA office in Chicago embraces Walker staffers, philosophy .

Counting the State’s Frogs and Toads

Annual survey overseen by DNR covers about 100 roadside routes across the state, measuring growth or decline.

Drug Take Back Day is April 27

"Through proper disposal, we can prevent prescription drugs from being diverted—and help prevent addiction."

DNR Investigating Dogs Killed by Poison

Dogs, coyotes, other wildlife were poisoned on public lands in Northern Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Could Face a Mining Disaster

Mining company's proposed tailings dam could cause massive pollution of Lake Michigan.

Future of Lake Michigan Gets Discussion

Experts say progress has been made protecting Great Lakes, but not enough.

The Hidden Lives of Wild Animals

DNR has thousands of trail cameras recording changes of forests, deer, wolves and bobcats.

How Walker, Trump Hurt Dairy Industry

Their policies helped fuel a dairy crisis.

Reps. Kind, Sensenbrenner Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Manage and Prevent the Spread of Chronic Wasting Disease in Wisconsin

The Chronic Wasting Disease Management Act will support state and tribal efforts to develop and implement management strategies and support research regarding the causes of chronic wasting disease.

Over 30 Organizations Call on DNR to Stop We Energies’ Mercury Variance

Momentum to Oppose Water Permit As Written is Growing

Sup. Shea Condemns We Energies’ Pollution

Many Oak Creek residents oppose request for DNR permit, company says others along lake pollute more.

Huge Water Project for Foxconn Continues

Racine water utility expected company to use 7 million gallons daily, but current needs unclear.

Summit Credit Union Coming to Walker’s Point

New branch of growing credit union will be located along S. 1st St. at Freshwater Plaza.

State To Review Foxconn Air, Water Permits

Evers says DNR review needed to see whether changes are necessary.

DNR Secretary Cole announces additional appointments to leadership team

Todd Ambs has been named DNR Assistant Deputy Secretary.

Karen Dettmer Will Lead Water Works

Committee puts veteran engineer through the ringer before endorsing her appointment.

Can MPS Be Fixed?

The school board seems opposed to any innovations that might fix struggling schools.

DSPS Secretary-Designee Crim Announces Leadership Team Appointments

Crim said she would announce additional appointments as they are made.

DNR Secretary Cole makes first appointments to leadership team

Cole said he would announce additional appointments as they are made.

WisDOT announces more than $7 million in harbor grants

Funds cover safety, construction and dredging projects

Governor-elect Tony Evers and Lt. Governor-elect Mandela Barnes Announce Agriculture, Energy, and Natural Resources Policy Advisory Council

"We’re going to bring science back to decision-making in Wisconsin."

State’s Dead Deer Help Detect Disease

Data from Wisconsin’s deer used for early detection of Chronic Wasting Disease.

Evers Questions Foxconn Air Quality

Democrat says permits should be revisited, Walker says no need for this.

Walker, Evers On Wisconsin’s Drinking Water Woes

Evers says lack of local input and DNR scientists are root cause of drinking water problems

Governor Walker Requests Federal Disaster Aid for 18 Wisconsin Counties Following Severe Storms and Flooding in August and September

"It is essential that the federal government provide needed assistance."

Sturgeon Fest set for Sept. 29 at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee

The family-oriented event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features the opportunity for participants to sponsor and hand release one of the young sturgeon into the Milwaukee Harbor.

State Quietly Hiked Water Diversion in 2010

Tripled Pleasant Prairie’s allowable diversion of Lake Michigan water, greater than planned Foxconn diversion.

County Exploring Options to Relocate South Shore Beach

For years, South Shore Beach has been plagued by water quality problems that lead to frequent beach closures.

Runoff At Foxconn Site Raises Concerns

Project director says rain event was unusual and problem was addressed the same day.

DNR Wastewater Permit Backlog Still a Problem

One year after critical audit DNR still slow to review potential municipal, industrial and agricultural pollution.

Could Foxconn Increase Downstream Flooding?

Illinois officials fear Foxconn development will worsen Des Plaines River flooding.

Clean Wisconsin Sues EPA Over Smog Rules

Advocacy group says federal government too lax on smog in state’s “non-attainment” areas.

Snapshot Day on August 18th is a Statewide Water Monitoring Event

Volunteers needed to search for invasive species!

Governor Walker Administration Awards More Than $26 Million for Lead Service Line Replacement in 42 Wisconsin Communities

"The health and well-being of our citizens is a top priority."

Storm Update – June 18 & 19, 2018

This is the first tunnel related overflow since September of 2016.

Wrangling Over Foxconn’s Massive Water Plan

Legal battle over Great Lakes Compact language and company’s draw down of Lake Michigan water.

Diversion of Great Lakes Water for Foxconn Challenged

Integrity of the Great Lakes Compact at Risk

2017 Milwaukee Water Works Consumer Confidence Report

The report provides evidence that Milwaukee’s drinking water quality is clean and safe and meets all U.S. EPA and Wisconsin DNR regulations.

Statement on legal win for wetlands

"This is a significant victory for the people of Wisconsin, our pristine wetlands, and the integrity of our environmental laws."