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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                                           Nov 27, 2025

Deadlines Approaching For 2026 Bear And Turkey Harvest Authorization Applications

Applications for the 2026 black bear and spring turkey hunting seasons are due by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 10.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds bear and turkey hunters that applications for the 2026 black bear and spring turkey hunting seasons are due by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. Hunters can apply for harvest authorizations or purchase preference points toward future drawings, or edit an existing application, through Go Wild or an authorized license agent up until the deadline.

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Retired Rick                                           Nov 27, 2025

Wisconsin NRB Meeting Dec. 10

The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (NRB) will meet in-person for the December meeting to consider proposed rulemaking documents and other matters.

The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10 in public meeting room G09, State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 South Webster Street, Madison, Wisconsin. The Board will act on items 1-4 and 7 as listed on the agenda.

The public is encouraged to watch the December meeting on the DNRs YouTube channel.

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Retired Rick                                           Nov 21, 2025

Natural Resource Foundation Tree Planting Event for Bruce Braun

What: Tree planting to honor Bruce Braun and his lifelong dedication to conservation efforts in Wisconsin.

Bruce will not be able to attend due to his health as he battles cancer, but we will be taking photos and videos of the event to share with him.

Date: December 2nd at 2:00PM

Location: Governor Nelson State Park; the tree will be planted at the entrance of the park.

When entering the park, take your first left onto a service road, where you can park. The tree will be planted just left of the road.

Coordinates to the service road are here:

Map to Governor Nelson State Park

Attire: Please dress warmly as we will be outdoors

Event Plan:

2:00 - 2:10: Arrival & Welcome (hot chocolate available)

2:10 - 2:20: Remarks from Board and Staff members

2:20 - 2:25: Tree planting ceremony

2:25 - 2:30: Group photos

2:30: Closing remarks

Retired Rick                                           Nov 14, 2025

DNR Celebrates Wisconsin Recycling Excellence Award Winners Ahead Of America Recycles Day

In honor of America Recycles Day on Saturday, Nov. 15, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announces the winners of the 2025 Wisconsin Recycling Excellence Awards.

Wisconsins recycling law bans certain materials from the trash and establishes a statewide recycling program.

For the last 13 years, the DNR has celebrated outstanding recycling and waste minimization efforts through its annual awards recognizing high-performers and highlighting proven ideas and strategies that other organizations may use to improve their recycling efforts.

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Retired Rick                                           Nov 10, 2025

DNR Seeking Public Comment On Draft 2026 Program Guidance For Federal Recreational Trail Program. Public Comment Period Open Through Dec. 1

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comment on the Draft Program Guidance for the Federal Recreational Trail Program (RTP) Grant Program.

The RTP Grant Program guidance will no longer be combined with the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Local Assistance Program or the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program guidance. This notice also includes a date change for the RTP grant application deadline, changing from May 1 to March 1 annually.

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Retired Rick                                           Nov 10, 2025

Grants From The Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund Will Improve Wildlife Habitat In Dane, Dodge, Fond Du Lac, Ozaukee And Wood Counties. Hunters Can Donate While Purchasing Licenses

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin (NRF) are pleased to announce that over $100,000 from the Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund will be supporting six habitat projects on public lands this year in Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Ozaukee and Wood counties.

The DNR and NRF invite hunters purchasing their licenses this fall to consider donating to the Cherish Fund, which helps fund critical conservation projects in Wisconsin each year.

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Retired Rick                                           Nov 7, 2025

Wisconsin NRB/DATCP Joint Meeting Nov. 13

The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (NRB), in conjunction with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Board, will convene for a joint meeting.

The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13 in room 106, Prairie Oaks State Office Building, 2811 Agriculture Drive, Madison, Wisconsin. The agenda will consist of information items only; no action will be taken during the joint meeting. The DATCP Board will welcome public appearances and consider action items in the afternoon.

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Retired Rick                                           Nov 4, 2025

Wisconsins 2025 Nine-Day Gun Deer Season Opens Nov. 22

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters that the 2025 gun deer season opens on Saturday, Nov. 22, and runs through Sunday, Nov. 30.

Similar to last year, this years gun deer season runs later in the month. Fewer deer may be on the move relative to years with earlier openers. Other factors could create better deer hunting conditions, such as colder temperatures and snow cover.

Through Oct. 31, 2025, year-to-date sales for gun, bow, crossbow, sports and patron licenses reached 463,983. Of that total, 137,394 are for gun privileges only.

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Retired Rick                                           Nov 3, 2025

Know Your Target: Dont Accidentally Shoot Elk This Hunting Season

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters to know their target and understand the difference between elk and white-tailed deer this hunting season.

Elk occasionally venture outside of Wisconsins two elk ranges (the Clam Lake and Black River ranges), especially during the fall breeding season. Positively identifying the target ensures the safety of other people and avoids accidental shooting of non-target animals.

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Retired Rick                                           Nov 3, 2025

Wisconsin DNR Launches Online Merchandise Store

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the launch of its official online merchandise store, featuring a variety of items celebrating the states fish, wildlife, plants, public lands and recreation traditions.

Consider DNR merchandise items for the nature lovers, hikers, hunters, anglers, birders, campers and parkgoers in your life this holiday season with gifts that give back: proceeds from DNR merchandise sales directly support conservation and environmental education and outreach initiatives across Wisconsin. Proceeds from Smokey Bear merchandise directly support the National Fire Prevention Program.

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