Newsroom
Debris From Recent Storms And Dry Forecast Increase Risk Of Wildfires
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asks the public to check fire danger and burn permit restrictions before conducting outdoor burning activities, as the spring fire season is underway and recent storms have increased the amount of debris on the landscape across much of Wisconsin.
Columbia County Floodwaters Drop, Emergency Operations Center Winds Down
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that floodwaters in the Portage area continue to recede and are predicted to drop further over the next several days. The DNR will continue to monitor water levels as the Columbia County Emergency Operation Center returns to normal operations and damages are assessed.
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.
Need an expert?
- The Office of Communications connects journalists with DNR experts on a wide range of topics. For the fastest response, please email DNRPress@Wisconsin.gov and the first available public information officer will respond to you.