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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                                           Sep 10, 2025

Wisconsin NRB Meeting Sept. 24

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

The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24 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 September meeting on the DNRs YouTube channel.

Read More Here

Retired Rick                                           Sep 10, 2025

DNR Launches Updated Air Quality Data Map

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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has improved its air quality data map to help the public stay "air aware."

The map displays real-time data from the states air quality monitoring network and provides a color-coded guide to pollution levels based on the Air Quality Index (AQI).

The latest updates offer a more intuitive and user-friendly experience, making it easier to stay informed about air quality.

Read More Here

Retired Rick                                           Sep 8, 2025

DNR To Host Open Houses At Fish Hatcheries And Spawning Facilities Across The State

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the dates for fall open houses at two fish spawning facilities and two fish hatcheries. Over the coming weeks, the DNR will host open houses at the Governor Tommy G. Thompson Fish Hatchery, Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility, Root River Steelhead Facility and the Wild Rose Fish Hatchery.

Each of these free events will give attendees a chance to see fish up close and learn how hatcheries and spawning facilities help sustain Wisconsins fish populations.

Read More Here

Retired Rick                                           Sep 4, 2025

Discover Public Land To Hunt This Season

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages the public to explore and hunt on public land this hunting season.

There are over 6 million acres of public lands across Wisconsin, with most of them open for hunting. In addition to state lands, there is another 28,000 acres known as Voluntary Public Access (VPA) lands that private owners allow the public to access.

Hunters can search for and discover new public hunting areas using the DNRs mobile-friendly online public lands mapping tools. These tools provide information on state-owned properties, voluntary public access lands and more.

Public Access Lands Tool This tool shows DNR properties and nearly all federal and county-owned lands.

Read More Here

Retired Rick                                           Sep 2, 2025

Groundwater Coordinating Council Releases 2025 Report To The Legislature

The Groundwater Coordinating Council (GCC) recently shared its recommendations for protecting and preserving the states vital groundwater resources in its 2025 annual report to the Wisconsin State Legislature.

The recommendations address the most prevalent and pressing groundwater issues in Wisconsin, such as:

The continuous presence of PFAS in both public and private wells that pose a threat to public health and the environment.
Nitrate contamination in both private and public wells a long-standing concern that has impacted the state for five decades.
The presence of pesticides in over 40% of private potable wells.

Read More Here

Retired Rick                                           Aug 29, 2025

Get Ready For Hunting Seasons Opening In September

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters to prepare for the opening of several hunting seasons in September. Hunters can once again head to Wisconsins wild spaces as these seasons open across the state.

There are six dates throughout September when seasons open. Hunters are encouraged to double-check season dates and that they have acquired all necessary licenses and stamps before going out for a hunt.

Read More Here

Retired Rick                                           Jul 30, 2025

Eligible Hunters: Sign Up For Fall Gun Deer Hunt For Hunters With Disabilities. Deadline To Apply Is Sept. 15

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds eligible hunters hoping to participate in the Gun Deer Hunt For Hunters With Disabilities to contact and confirm a location with a hunt landowner sponsor before Sept. 15, 2025.

Thousands of acres of land are available for this year's hunt, which will take place Oct. 4-12, 2025. Hunters should contact sponsors directly to participate in the 2025 hunt.

Read More Here

Retired Rick                                           Jul 25, 2025


Applications For 2026 Upriver Lakes Sturgeon Spearing Season Due Aug. 1

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds sturgeon spearers that the deadline to apply for an Upriver Lakes spearing tag for the 2026 sturgeon spearing season is Aug. 1, 2025.

Due to the higher harvest rate associated with the Upriver Lakes (lakes Poygan, Winneconne and Butte des Morts), anyone wishing to spear on the Upriver Lakes is required to apply for a tag. A total of 500 applicants will receive a tag to spear a sturgeon from the Upriver Lakes during the 2026 sturgeon spearing season.

Read More Here

Retired Rick                                           Jul 23, 2025

DNR Announces 2025 Spring Turkey Season Results

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced preliminary totals for the 2025 spring turkey season. Wisconsin turkey hunters registered 50,287 birds this season, a 14% increase from the five-year average.

The 2025 spring turkey season started on April 12 with the two-day youth hunt for hunters under 16 years old. A total of 3,981 birds were registered during the youth hunt, an increase from 3,967 in 2024.

Read More Here

Retired Rick                                           Jul 22, 2025

Special Fall Hunting And Trapping Season Application Deadlines Approaching

e Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters and trappers that less than two weeks remain to apply for bobcat and fisher permits or a chance to hunt sharp-tailed grouse this fall.

The harvest of bobcat and fisher is regulated through a special permitting system, and harvest permits are awarded through a preference point lottery system. To receive a permit, a hunter must apply by the Aug. 1 deadline and be a drawing winner.

Read More Here

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