A residential area near the Hampton Country Club in north central Iowa has been discharging excessive ammonia and bacteria into Otter Creek, violating state limits 23 times since 2021. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has ordered the Terrace Hill Sanitary Sewer District to upgrade its wastewater treatment system by May 2028, after failing to meet new contaminant limits. The DNR also fined the district $2,500.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is urging the public to avoid outdoor burning as the state continues to face elevated fire danger, responding to over 35 wildfires in a single day and battling a major fire in Shawano County. The hot, dry, and windy conditions have fueled numerous wildfires across the state, with one fire in Cecil quickly spreading due to the wind and cattails. Fire departments and the DNR have been working to contain the blazes, emphasizing the high risk of fires getting out of control in such conditions.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed the state's first case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in a white-tailed deer in LaGrange County, prompting comprehensive reforms to deer hunting practices. The DNR is considering statewide bag limits and changes to crossbow licenses, and urges the public to report sightings of sick or dead deer and submit harvested deer for testing. While there have been no reported cases of CWD infection in humans, the CDC recommends testing harvested deer before consumption and taking precautions when hunting in areas with CWD.
A gray wolf was found and killed in Michigan's southern Lower Peninsula during a January coyote hunt, prompting an investigation by the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as the known wolf population is located in the Upper Peninsula. Gray wolves are federally endangered in Michigan and can only be killed if posing a direct threat to human life. The DNR does not believe the wolf was part of an established population in the southern Lower Peninsula and is conducting genetic testing to learn more about its origin. Despite occasional signs of wolves in the Lower Peninsula, the DNR has found only a few since the wolf population was re-established in the 1980s.
A death investigation is underway at Devil's Lake State Park in Wisconsin, with the Sauk County Coroner called to the scene. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources confirmed that one person was found dead, but there is no danger to the public. The park remains open, and the identity of the deceased individual has not been released pending notification of family members.
The body of 18-year-old Carson Hughes was recovered from Versailles Lake in Ripley County by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources after he was reported missing on Friday evening. His vehicle was found near a boat ramp in Versailles State Park with the keys inside and an empty kayak nearby. Conservation officers located Hughes in six feet of water using sonar devices, and the Ripley County Coroner pronounced him dead at the scene. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is offering solar eclipse glasses for purchase ahead of the April 8 event, with options to buy a four-pack for $10 or individual glasses for $3 at state park gift shops, property offices, or online, all of which are approved by the American Astronomical Society for safe viewing.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has canceled the 2024 lake sturgeon fishing season on Black Lake due to concerns about marginal ice conditions and the inability to effectively track harvests. The cancellation aims to protect the lake sturgeon population and ensure the safety of anglers and staff. Despite the fishing season being called off, the annual Black Lake Sturgeon Shivaree event will still take place, featuring live music, a poker run, and activities for kids. Efforts to rehabilitate the lake sturgeon population in Michigan have been ongoing due to habitat loss, overfishing, and declining populations since the 1800s.
The cold temperatures in Michigan have created the perfect conditions for winter pruning, according to the Department of Natural Resources. It's recommended to prune most trees in late winter to early spring before growth starts, using the appropriate tools and techniques outlined in the DNR's pruning guide. Pruning stimulates new growth by removing dead or damaged parts of a branch, but it's important not to remove more than 25% of the tree each year to allow for recovery. For larger trees or projects requiring a ladder, it's advisable to seek help from certified professionals.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) killed a buck in Rusk County after it was observed acting strangely, with symptoms including a hanging tongue, green fluid from its mouth, and collapsing. The DNR biologist sent the deer for testing for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), but other potential causes for the behavior include cranial abscess syndrome, injuries from a fight with another buck, or being hit by a vehicle.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary-designee Adam Payne has announced his resignation, citing the need to spend more time with his aging parents and support his wife as a caretaker. Payne, who was appointed by Governor Tony Evers less than a year ago, expressed his admiration for the agency and its employees in his resignation letter. He had been vocal about addressing water quality issues and was involved in the debate on the wolf management plan. Payne's departure will not impact the upcoming wolf management vote, and Governor Evers is expected to appoint a replacement soon.
The Indiana man who died at Devil's Lake State Park has been identified as Jason Gillum. The Department of Natural Resources revealed that Gillum had fallen nearly 50 feet and his death was determined to be an accident. Gillum and another hiker got separated on the West Bluff, and after being unable to find him, the second hiker alerted authorities. Gillum's body was discovered near the north shore, and no foul play is suspected in his death.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has determined that a person burning debris is responsible for starting a wildfire in central Wisconsin. The individual could potentially be held liable for the costs associated with fighting the fire, which has already burned over 1,400 acres. The DNR is urging caution and reminding residents to follow proper guidelines when engaging in debris burning activities to prevent future wildfires.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently suppressing a 400-acre wildfire in Waushara County, southeast of Coloma. The fire is now 99% contained, with lines along the perimeter holding. Evacuations have taken place, and a few structures have been lost. The cause of the wildfire is under investigation. DNR fire suppression resources, local fire departments, and other agencies are assisting in the efforts. Elevated fire danger due to weather conditions and drought has resulted in several wildfires being suppressed in DNR protection areas.
A wildfire in Waushara County, Wisconsin has burned over 800 acres and is still growing. The fire, known as the Pallet Fire, is burning in pine and mixed hardwoods and is being battled by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and local fire departments. Evacuations have been conducted, and some structures have been lost. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and fire suppression efforts are ongoing. The fire danger in the area has been elevated due to warm temperatures, low humidity, gusty winds, and dry vegetation caused by drought conditions.
