Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

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."

Pruitt Ruling Allows Foxconn Pollution

EPA head overrules his own staff to deliver victory for Walker and Trump.

The Contrarian Professor

Geoscientist John Skalbeck backed Waukesha diversion of lake water but opposes it for Foxconn.

Child Care Centers Still Have Lead Pipes

City has so far replaced lead service lines at 163 of 347 facilities.

Legality of Foxconn’s Water Use At Issue

New York and Michigan officials question whether Lake Michigan water diversion only for residential users.

Racine Diversion Request Raises Serious Questions; Compact Coalition Urges Regional Review

The purpose of the diversion is to provide Great Lakes water to Foxconn Technology Group, a private, large multinational electronics manufacturer, for its first U.S. manufacturing plant.

The Future of the Great Lakes

Climate change, Foxconn, other issues could impact this huge reservoir of water.

Humboldt Park Lagoon Restoration Nets Sweet Water Funding

HPF cleared cattails and other invasive plants from two sections of shoreline in autumn 2016 and 2017.

The Battle Over Great Lakes Water

Big users Nestlé and Waukesha to be joined by Foxconn. Who’s next?

How Foxconn Will Pollute Wisconsin

And why the company may get away with it.

Foxconn Water Request Violates Law

Company wants massive diversion of Lake Michigan water. But DNR won't oppose it.

DNR asks public for input on draft Wisconsin River Basin Total Maximum Daily Load study to improve water quality

Once finalized, the TMDL plan is sent to EPA for their review and approval.

How Golf Tees Kill Trees

What the DNR had to say about the new Kohler golf course.

Wisconsin State Director of Strategic Economic Initiatives, Matthew Moroney to speak on the FOXCONN Development at AGC Corporate Dinner

The FOXCONN development project is expected to be the largest single economic development project in Wisconsin history.

New Zealand Mudsnails Invading Southern Wisconsin, Anglers are Likely Culprit

It is essential that wading anglers and other stream users prevent the spread of mudsnails and other invasive species.

Make Your Voice Heard on Biking

State DNR holding meetings on outdoor Recreations Opportunity planning, wants citizen input.

Governor Walker Announces New Water Technology Partnerships

The Water Council signs two agreements to increase collaboration during trade mission

$2.3 Million in Grants for Estabrook Dam Removal

NEW Analysis Shows Project Would Take 50+ Homes Out of Floodplain

Governor Walker Announces DNR Forestry Headquarters Move to Rhinelander

The Chief State Forester will move to the DNR-owned facility north of Highway 29 by January 1, 2018.

DNR Decision Pleases Big Dairy

Settles lawsuit on terms that restrict state oversight of factory farms.

State’s Recreational Future Being Planned

More motorized recreation pushed for; what about biking and walking trails?

League of Women Voters Presents a Public Program on Wisconsin’s Changing Environmental Laws & Regulations on November 11

This free public program will be held at the Shorewood Village Center, 3920 N. Murray Ave.

Hank Aaron Trail Has Historic Murals

Walkers, bikers encounter murals celebrating historic Open Housing Marches of 1967.

Sturgeon Fest set for Sept. 30 at Lakeshore Park in Milwaukee

The festival is free for all ages; a donation of $10 is appreciated for sponsoring a sturgeon.

Matt Moroney Named Strategic Economic Initiatives Director

Wisconn Valley Special Session bill creates new project position at DOA focusing on economic development

Flambeau Mine Was Bad For State

Mining bill supporters distort its impact on environment and jobs.

Bay View Wetland Will Be Restored

One of city’s last wetlands, near Barnacle Bud’s, will be naturalized, may allow public access.

In Multi-Agency Effort, Wisconsin Sends Resources to Hurricane Harvey

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims as they recover from this devastating storm."

Governor Walker Statement on DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp

"Cathy is a strong, trusted reformer who will serve the country well at the EPA."

Will Stepp Join U.S. EPA Wrecking Crew?

Her radical reshaping of state DNR may make her the perfect candidate.

Open house set to initiate amendment process to Kohler-Andrae State Park Master Plan

Kohler is proposing to construct a new roadway with a roundabout that would provide access to the park and to the golf course.

Governor Walker Signs 20 Bills Into Law

Acts 37 - 56

Foxconn Could Be Environmental Disaster

Marginal jobs for enormous tax subsidies, plus air and water pollution.

Governor Walker Declares a State of Emergency for 17 Wisconsin Counties

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the flooding."

Governor Walker Surveys Flood Damage, Declares State of Emergency

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the flooding.”

Don’t Give Away Acres of State Park

State allowing for-profit golf course to take over public land on Lake Michigan.

2016 Milwaukee Water Works Consumer Confidence Report

Milwaukee water complies with all state and federal drinking water standards.