Topics

View topics in grid.

Topic Sort descending
About	In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin.
Adventure - Deer	Welcome to Wisconsin's online deer camp — your one-stop shop to get out and hunt this season. Whether you're a new hunter going out for the first time or returning for another exciting hunt, we've got everything you need to get started.
Aid	The DNR administers many grant and loan programs.
Air Emissions	Each year facilities throughout the state that emit air pollutants are required to report their emissions to the DNR.
Air Permits	Owners or operators of industrial sources that emit pollutants to the atmosphere need to get an air permit.
Air Quality	Good air quality is important for human health and the environment. The DNR both monitors the state's air quality and implements regulations to improve and protect it.
ATV	All-terrain vehicle and utility terrain vehicle riding is a growing sport in Wisconsin. Along with the privilege of enjoying the sport comes the responsibility of making sure you are operating these vehicles safely and responsibly.
Beaches	From the cobble beaches of Washington Island, to the gently rolling dunes of Sheboygan, to the soft, sandy beaches of our inland lakes and rivers, beaches are nature's nirvana.
Boat	Water-based outdoor activities are among the most popular recreation activities in Wisconsin. Abundant water resources across the state offer a wide variety of recreation options from high speed motorboating to lazy lounging at the beach.
Brownfields	Brownfields are abandoned commercial or industrial properties where reuse is complicated by potential or actual contamination.
Business	Whether your business is large or small, starting up or looking to expand, or striving to go above and beyond environmental requirements, our team is here to help you be successful.
CAFO	Wisconsin’s agriculture businesses contribute more than $88.3 billion to our economy. Agribusinesses, however, have potential for discharging pollutants to Wisconsin’s waterways.
Contact	Call Center Staff Available 7 Days a Week (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) Call Toll Free 1-888-WDNRINFO (1-888-936-7463)Email us for help.
County Forests	Each year, county forests generate anywhere from $40-50 million in timber revenues, resulting in approximately 16,000 jobs and $4.6 billion in forest products production. County forests also provide many recreational and tourism opportunities.
Dams	A dam is a barrier that impounds water and generally serves the primary purpose of retaining water.
Demo	If you are working on a demolition, construction or renovation project, there are several DNR programs you will want to work with.
Drinking Water	Safe, clean drinking water is what we expect when we turn on our faucets.
E-cycle	TVs, laptops, cellphones and other electronics are made out of valuable materials that can be reused through recycling.
E-Pay	The Wisconsin DNR issues invoices and collects money for many different environmental and conservation programs. If your invoice specifically states that E-Pay is available, then you may use the options on the E-Pay page.
Education	DNR education, outdoor skills and recreational safety programs provide great opportunities for students to develop both environmental and conservation ethics to ensure Wisconsin's natural resources remain sustainable for generations to come.
Emergency	The DNR's emergency management officer is responsible for coordinating DNR activities in response, recovery and mitigation of natural or human made disasters or emergency situations, such as floods, high winds, wildfires, dam outages, spills and d
Employment	The DNR employs a large, diverse workforce throughout our state. We seek employees with a strong customer service philosophy and an attitude of helpfulness.
Endangered Resources	The DNR's Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation helps protect and restore Wisconsin's rare plants, animals and state natural areas.
Enviro-Check	Enviro-Check empowers businesses and facilities to proactively verify they are meeting environmental requirements through a third-party assessment.
Environmental Contamination & Cleanup	The Remediation and Redevelopment (RR) Program oversees the investigation and cleanup of environmental contamination and the redevelopment of contaminated properties.
Environmental Impact Analysis	Under the Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act, the DNR is required to analyze, consider and publicly-disclose the environmental impacts of certain department actions.
ER Review	We partner with landowners, businesses, communities and other customers to consider potential impacts of land development and management projects on rare species very early in the project planning process.
Facilities and Lands	The Bureau of Facilities and Lands provides professional technical services to other programs within the department for planning, development, and maintenance of department facilities.
Fishing
Floodplains	The goals of the Wisconsin floodplain management program are: to protect life, health and property; to minimize costs for flood control projects; to reduce tax dollars spent for rescue, relief and repair of flood damage; to shorte
Forest Businesses	Commercial markets for forest products provide over 60,000 Wisconsin jobs and allow landowners to realize the economic benefits of managing forests.
Forest Fire	Wildland fire management in Wisconsin prioritizes the protection of human life, property and natural resources from unwanted wildfires while strategically using prescribed fires to enhance our natural communities and the ecosystems we manage.
Forest Health	Whether you're a rural landowner or a city dweller, you can help promote healthy Wisconsin forests. Learn the distributions, life cycles and management options for the pests, plants and diseases that impact them.
Forest Landowners	Private woodland owners hold over half of Wisconsin's forested land. Properly managed forests provide important social and economic benefits like clean water, wildlife habitat, aesthetics and recreation.
Forest Management	The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry provides a suite of tools and resources to assist private and industrial foresters. The resources below are intended for those engaged in actively managing Wisconsin's forests.
Forest Planning	As stewards of Wisconsin's forests for over 100 years, the Division of Forestry is dedicated to long-range planning and managed forest growth. Effective plans start with good data and a comprehensive understanding of issues at hand.
Forests	The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources works to protect and sustainably manage Wisconsin's forest ecosystems to supply a wide range of ecological, economic and social benefits.
Fox River	The Lower Fox River PCB cleanup effort began in 2004 and is one of the largest of its kind worldwide. After decades of scientific investigation and years of dredging river sediments, sediment removal and capping activities were completed in 2020.
Go Wild	Looking for outdoor adventure? The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is making it easier than ever to get out and Go Wild by offering key licenses and registrations all in one place.
Great Lakes	The Great Lakes hold one–fifth of the world's fresh water and Wisconsin's Lake Michigan and Lake Superior waters are critical for those who live along them and for the state's economy, environment and quality of life.
Green Tier	Green Tier empowers organizations who are on the path to sustainability by helping them use a systematic approach to minimize environmental risk. We add value by helping align business objectives with environmental stewardship.
Groundwater	Approximately two thirds of people living in Wisconsin get their drinking water from groundwater.
Health Waste	Healthcare waste may be generated in households or healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, clinics and nursing homes, as well as medical research facilities, laboratories, veterinary practices, first aid stations and schools.
High Water Levels	Over the past several years, Wisconsin has received a record-breaking amount of precipitation. Climate change has affected rainfall events by increasing the likelihood that they will occur with much more intensity and frequency.
Hunt	In the months leading up to the various Wisconsin seasons, hunters across the state anxiously await their favorite time of year.
Invasives	Invasive plants, animals and pests are taking a toll on Wisconsin's lakes, rivers and landscapes. The DNR is working with citizens and partners to slow the spread of invasive species.
Laboratory Certification	The DNR accredits laboratories to perform testing in aqueous (non-potable water), non-aqueous, and drinking water (potable water) samples for the agency’s covered programs.
Laboratory Services	The Department of Natural Resources receives laboratory data from many sources for environmental monitoring.
Lakes	It's easy to fall in love with Wisconsin's 15,000 lakes. The DNR partners with the University of Wisconsin - Extension and citizens around the state to help protect and maintain these amazing natural resources while providing some of the best recr
Landfills	Solid waste landfills in Wisconsin are professionally designed, constructed and operated to minimize the risk of pollution. The DNR regulates landfills to prevent negative impacts to people and the environment.
Lands	Wisconsin has a variety of outstanding natural resources, such as rushing trout streams, native prairies, vast green forests, pristine wild rivers and picturesque waterfalls.
Maps	The DNR produces a wide range of publications and information for the public on hundreds of topics related to the environment, recreation, wildlife, and natural resources.
Mercury	Mercury is a hazardous material that causes serious environmental and human health problems.
Mines	Local governments have primary responsibility for regulating nonmetallic mines, but the DNR provides oversight for local reclamation programs and ensures that quarries, gravel pits and other operations meet state reclamation requirements.
NHI	Wisconsin's Natural Heritage Inventory (NHI) Program is part of an international network of inventory programs, and it is one part of the
Nonpoint	Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution, also known as polluted runoff, is a leading cause of water quality problems in Wisconsin.
OHM	Off-highway motorcycle riding in Wisconsin
Open Burning	Open burning is outdoor burning in an unconfined area, container or pile. Wisconsin regulations generally prohibit open burning due to the associated health and environmental impacts. There are some exceptions for certain activities.
Open Outdoors	The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is committed to providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities for people of all abilities around the state.
Operator Certification	The program is responsible for ensuring that various types of professional operators have adequate training to perform the necessary tasks at their facilities or businesses.
OutWiGo	OutWiGo is a statewide initiative of Wisconsin's state park system that encourages everyone to improve their health and wellness by getting out and active outdoors.
Parks	The Wisconsin State Park System provides places for outdoor recreation and for learning about nature and conservation. State parks, forests, trails and recreation areas see more than 20 million visits a year.
Permits	General information for many common licenses and permits issued by the DNR for recreation, environmental, professional/commercial, businesses and municipalities.
PFAS	Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of human-made chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1950s.
Public Input	The DNR has many opportunities available for public input. We offer a central calendar for public hearings and meetings. We also offer opportunities to comment on proposed permanent and emergency administrative rules.
Recycling	Wisconsin has a strong history of recycling and composting, and each of us has a role to play in continuing this success. Wisconsin's commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle is shown by its comprehensive recycling laws.
Research	The DNR team of research scientists and field technicians work to supply the DNR agency and stakeholders with objective, applied scientific information to support their decision making and to assist in the responsible stewardship of Wisconsin's na
Rivers	Wisconsin's 84,000 river miles flow through 15,000 lakes and millions of wetland acres. Explore river information through the links below.
Sectors	Environmental Analysis and Sustainability provides a single point of contact service to business and governmental agencies regarding utility, electric generation and transportation projects.
Shoreland Zoning	A refreshing dip in clean, clear water. Waking up to songbirds and going to bed to a chorus of frogs. Pulling in panfish one after another.
Small Business	Confused by environmental regulations? Wondering where to go for help? You have landed in the right spot!
Snowmobile	Wisconsin is the birthplace of snowmobiling and continues to offer some of the best snowmobiling opportunities you are likely to find, especially in northern Wisconsin.
Spills	All spill incidents should be reported immediately using the 24-hour toll-free hotline: 1-800-943-0003
State Forests	Wisconsin’s state forests provide a wide variety of outdoor activities, while sustainable management and planning play an important role in protecting these valuable resources.
State Natural Areas	State natural areas (SNAs) protect outstanding examples of Wisconsin's native landscape of natural communities, significant geological formations and archeological sites.
Stewardship	The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund was created in 1989 to preserve important natural communities, protect water quality and fisheries, and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Storm Water	Urban storm water runoff contains pollutants from roads, parking lots, construction sites, industrial storage yards and lawns.
Surface Water	Wisconsin is a state rich with surface water, including lakes, streams, wetlands, aquifers and springs.
Switchboard	The DNR Switchboard is for people who need to securely log in and access forms and reporting systems which are usually related to a specific company or municipality.
Timber Sales	The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources manages the state's forestlands for multiple uses following the principles of sustainable forestry.
TMDLs	Impaired waters in Wisconsin are largely addressed through an analysis known as a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL).
Trap	The Wisconsin DNR supports modern, regulated trapping as a safe, efficient and practical means of taking target species of furbearers.
Tree Planting	Wisconsin's reforestation program grows high-quality native tree seedlings and shrubs to plant on private and public lands for conservation.
Upper Mississippi River	As the mighty Mississippi River winds its way along 230 miles of the western border of Wisconsin, it passes through the heart of the majestic bluff country.
Urban Forests	Like electricity and water, an urban tree canopy is part of a community's infrastructure.
Vapor Intrusion	Chemicals used in commercial activities – such as dry cleaning chemicals, chemical degreasers and petroleum products like gasoline – are known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Volunteer	Do you have talents and interests you'd like to share? Concerned about our state's natural resources? If so, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources needs your skills and talents.
Warden Recruitment	Since 1879, conservation wardens have been proudly protecting the people and natural resources of Wisconsin.
Waste	The DNR ensures proper management of solid waste through regulation of landfills and other solid waste management facilities.
Wastewater	The DNR regulates municipal and industrial operations discharging wastewater to surface water or groundwater through the Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit program.
Water Use	Wisconsin is water-rich and DNR is committed to ensuring that our water use is sustainable. The DNR’s Water Use Program implements the Great Lakes–St.
Watersheds	Wisconsin's abundant waters extend over 330 watersheds and 32 basins.
Waterways	You can help us preserve Wisconsin waters for current and future enjoyment.
Wells	About one-quarter of Wisconsin's population drinks water drawn from over 800,000 private wells. Wells are safe, dependable sources of water if sited wisely and built correctly.
Wetlands	Wetlands are nurseries for fish and wildlife, purifiers for lakes, rivers and groundwater, and storage for floodwaters.
Wildlife Habitat	Nothing quite compares with the experience of watching a wild animal in its native habitat.
Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine	Wisconsin Natural Resources keeps the public updated and informed about DNR programs, recreational opportunities, partner news and the state’s bountiful and beautiful natural resources.