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The Association of Retired Conservationists was organized by a group of retirees from the Wisconsin Conservation Department in the 1960's. By the mid-1970's, the WCD had been combined with the Department of Resource Development to form the Department of Natural Resources, and the retirees group had grown significantly, met monthly for lunch and began inviting speakers to address the group on issues of interest to the members. Today, the organization has more than two hundred members.

website contact: retiredrick@wisarc.org

Welcome to the ARC Breaking News/Action page where you will see articles you may find interesting that are too timely to wait for discussion at our next monthly meeting.

Important Timely News

Retired Rick                                           Jul 2, 2026

Wisconsinites Invited To Participate In Wisconsin Conservation Congress Resolution Process

The Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) invites Wisconsinites to submit proposed resolutions for the 2027 Spring Hearings.

The WCC is an independent organization of residents that advises the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on how to responsibly manage Wisconsins natural resources.

Each year, Wisconsin residents have an opportunity to submit ideas as resolutions to the WCC.

Wisconsinites can submit proposed resolutions via the online process starting on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.

Read More Here

Retired Rick                                           Jul 2, 2026

NRB Approves 2026 Deer Season Quotas And Framework

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that on June 24, 2026, the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (NRB) approved the deer harvest quotas and framework for the 2026 Wisconsin deer hunting season.

Beginning Aug. 17, 272,720 total bonus antlerless harvest authorizations will be available for purchase across the state. These authorizations are in addition to the free antlerless harvest authorizations issued in farmland zones, which are not reflected in this total.

These recommendations were formed in partnership with Citizen Deer Advisory Councils (CDACs) and based on public feedback and deer population objectives.

Read More Here

Retired Rick                                           Jul 2, 2026

Become A Community Scientist By Surveying Game Birds This July And August

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that Wisconsinites can become community scientists by participating in the Game Bird Survey, open today, July 1, through Aug. 31, 2026.

Data from these surveys are used by DNR scientists to track population productivity of game birds (i.e. wild turkeys, ruffed grouse and pheasants).

"Wherever you are out in Wisconsin, you can help the DNR manage wildlife by collecting data in your area," said Paul Frater, DNR surveys coordinator. "Sightings can easily be submitted through our app, and every submission increases our dataset and helps build a more complete picture of how game birds are doing throughout the state. The DNR encourages everyone interested in wildlife from hunters and trappers to outdoor enthusiasts to take part."

Read More Here

Retired Rick                                           Jun 24, 2026

DNR Announces 2026 Ruffed Grouse And Pheasant Survey Results

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that 2026 data is now available from annual spring surveys of Wisconsin ruffed grouse and pheasant.

Pheasant observations were above the 5-year average for the third consecutive year. The results of the ruffed grouse survey are on track with the 10-year population trend. Find these wildlife survey reports and others on the DNR's Wisconsin Wildlife Reports webpage.

Read More Here

Retired Rick                                           Jun 24, 2026

Spring Waterfowl Survey Shows Positive Results

The epartment of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that data is now available from the annual spring survey of breeding waterfowl. The survey indicated stable population numbers and habitat conditions for migratory birds.

The data from this survey is used as part of the overall survey of breeding waterfowl in North America, and the information helps the DNR make management decisions about waterfowl in Wisconsin. The survey has been conducted annually since 1973, except for 2020. Survey results are best interpreted as trends over several years rather than year-to-year comparisons.

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Retired Rick                                           Jun 24, 2026

DNR Seeking Public Comment On State Park System Strategic Plan Update

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comment on an update to the Wisconsin State Park Systems Strategic Plan.

The Wisconsin State Park System contains 126 unique properties offering a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities.

The updated plan will summarize the systems existing conditions, analyze conditions to identify issues and opportunities, and develop a strategy and direction for the system. This strategy and direction will serve to address potential issues and take advantage of opportunities over a 10-year period. Additional information on the plan and update process can be found on the Strategic Plan webpage.

Read More Here

Retired Rick                                           Jun 18, 2026

New Round Goby Emergency Rule In Effect On The Winnebago System

The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (NRB) recently approved an emergency Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) rule regarding the capture and take of the invasive round goby in the Winnebago System.

A round goby from Lake Winnebago was first reported by an angler and confirmed by Oshkosh DNR staff on June 2, 2025, and additional gobies have been caught and reported by anglers since this initial capture.

The new emergency rule will allow anglers in the Winnebago System waters to keep in their possession any harvested round gobies provided that the fish are eviscerated, decapitated or had their gills removed. Since a round goby population has not been established in these waters, angler harvest and reporting of all gobies taken will serve as a critical tool for tracking the presence of round gobies in the Winnebago System. The rule will be in effect June 19 Nov. 16, 2026.

Read More Here

Retired Rick                                           Jun 15, 2026

Learn And Take Action During Invasive Species Awareness Weekend

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites the public to get outside, learn and take action on slowing the spread of invasive species in Wisconsin during Invasive Species Awareness Weekend (ISAW), June 20-21, 2026.

Invasive Species Awareness Weekend is a collaborative initiative hosted by multiple DNR programs and partners. The goals of ISAW are to raise awareness on invasive species and promote action through local events taking place around the state during the weekend.

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Retired Rick                                           Jun 8, 2026

DNR Announces 2026 Spring Turkey Season Results

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced preliminary totals for the 2026 spring turkey season. Wisconsin turkey hunters registered 47,725 birds this season, 8.6% above the 5-year average of 43,953.

This spring marks 50 years since wild turkeys were successfully reintroduced to Wisconsin. The first statewide hunt took place in the spring of 1983. Turkey numbers continue to remain stable and they are now found in all 72 counties of the state. 125186

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Retired Rick                                           Jun 5, 2026

DNR Hosting Listening Session To Gather Feedback About PFAS Law Program Development

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced a public listening session to gather feedback from individuals and communities about the agencys PFAS law program development.

2025 Wisconsin Act 200 and 2025 Wisconsin Act 201 authorize the DNR to develop programs to understand the prevalence of PFAS throughout Wisconsin and then address it. The DNR has flexibility for how the programs are implemented but state law defines the type of activities that may be funded.

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