Newsroom
Flood Waters Begin To Recede At Portage; Road Closures Remain, Well Water Testing Offered
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the Wisconsin River at Portage peaked at 20.47 feet in the afternoon yesterday, April 16, 2026, nearly reaching the highest water level on record of 20.66 feet. While the river level did not set a new record and currently rests at 19.9 feet, it did impact several areas of the Caledonia-Lewiston levee, prompting the evacuation of the Blackhawk neighborhood, and raised enough concern to sandbag a 2-mile stretch of I-39 at the Highway 33 exit.
Historic Flooding Of Wisconsin River Threatens Portage Community; Critical Infrastructure At Risk
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that local officials are responding to historic flooding along the Wisconsin River as water levels continue to rise, placing significant strain on levee systems and threatening to breach in the Portage area. There is concern regarding the integrity of the Caledonia Levee, south of Highway 33 near Blackhawk Park.
DNR Rare Plant Monitoring Program Volunteer Training Opportunities
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking volunteers for the Wisconsin Rare Plant Monitoring Program, a community-based science program that allows plant enthusiasts to conduct surveys for rare plants around the state.
Help Birds During Spring Migration
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages Wisconsinites to enjoy the return of migratory birds to Wisconsin this spring and take a few simple steps to help our feathered friends.
Wisconsin River Rising In Columbia County; DNR Continues To Monitor
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that as of 12:45 p.m. today, April 16, the Wisconsin River is at 19.85 feet, major flood stage and is continuing to rise. The National Weather Service predicts the river to crest at 21.0 feet tomorrow, April 17, at 7 a.m.