Public News Service

Congressional Republicans have taken steps to remove the gray wolf from the endangered species list but the White House strongly opposes such a move. (Adobe Stock)

New legal action stems from WI wolf management plan

Wisconsin's wolf management plan has been in place for months now but the legal fallout continues. Wildlife organizations have filed a court appeal …

The federal government collects more than $1 billion every year through an excise tax on such items as licenses, guns, arrows and fishing tackle to fund wildlife conservation programs. (Adobe Stock)

Farm Bill debate is back on; hunters, anglers hope for more support

This week, Congress is picking up work on a new Farm Bill and hunters and anglers say billions of dollars in investments in private-lands …

Researchers found cities with the highest ParkScore rankings are healthier places to live based on the metrics of physical inactivity and mental health. (Adobe Stock)

Wisconsin Does Well in Park Rankings

Two of Wisconsin's largest cities land in the top twenty in a new ranking for parks. The nonprofit Trust for Public Land has issued its annual …

A new study says when a wolf pack leader dies, the chances of reproduction for that wolf pack are reduced by 49%. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Wolf Packs Suffer Greatly When One Dies by Human Action

Wolf packs lose their ability to thrive when one of their members dies as a result of human activity, according to a new study that comes amid calls …

The Department of Natural Resources estimates Wisconsin's wolf population to be around one thousand. (Adobe Stock)

Public Comments Urged for WI Wolf Management Plan

Wisconsin residents have one month left to comment on a new wolf management plan for the state and conservation groups encourage people to express the…

According to the Wisconsin DNR, nearly 130,000 hunters applied for black-bear hunting licenses in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

WI Wildlife Advocate: Bear Hounding, Baiting Unethical

Over the next several weeks, Wisconsin's bear hunters will be training their hounds on free-roaming black bears in preparation for this fall's bear-…

Enbridge says its Line 5 pipeline currently transports more than a half-million barrels of oil daily. (Adobe Stock)

Line 5 Drilling Method Raises Environmental Concerns

Enbridge's plan to relocate a portion of its Line 5 pipeline in northern Wisconsin could involve a drilling method even the company admits will like…

Gray wolves were removed from the federal endangered species list last January, following an order from former President Donald Trump issued in October 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Experts Propose New Methods for Managing WI Wildlife

A federal judge has restored endangered species protections to gray wolves across much of the Lower 48, including Wisconsin. While conservation …

While most animals are safe at Lake Michigan's current salinity levels, small critters - like zooplankton, mussels and amphibians - can experience negative effects at lower concentrations. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Lake Michigan Getting Saltier

The Great Lakes hold about one-fifth of the Earth's fresh water, but a new report indicates they're getting saltier - and says that's reason for …

The Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources issued a draft Environmental Impact Statement on Enbridge's Line 5 project on Dec. 16, and will continue to gather public input on the proposal through March 4, 2022. (Adobe Stock)

WI Tribes Raise New Concerns Over Enbridge 'Line 5' Reroute

Wisconsin tribal organizations are raising new concerns about a proposed reroute of Enbridge's Line 5 oil pipeline. The Great Lakes Indian Fish and …

Cases of chronic wasting disease among Wisconsin's deer population increased to a 20-year high of nearly 1,600 animals in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Public Can Weigh In on WI Efforts to Tackle Chronic Wasting Disease

MADISON, Wis. - The Department of Natural Resources wants Wisconsinites to weigh in on its efforts to address chronic wasting disease. The always-…

Wildlife-protection groups say despite promising numbers in certain regions, America's gray wolf population has not recovered enough to allow hunting of the animal. (Adobe Stock)

WI Group: Multiple Ways to Weigh In On Wolf Hunt

MADISON, Wis. - This week, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources began gathering public input on a new gray wolf management plan following …

Supporters of Wisconsin's Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program say it protects hundreds of river miles for hunting, fishing, wildlife watching and other types of recreation. (Adobe Stock)

Calls Amplify for WI to Renew Outdoors Stewardship Funding

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. -- Wisconsin residents have shown a renewed interest in outdoor activities during the pandemic, but conservation groups and …

A new Wisconsin report says increases in precipitation and temperatures are likely to drive more extreme weather events, such as floods and heatwaves. (Adobe Stock)

Flood Concerns at Center of WI Climate Report

MADISON, Wis. -- Reducing the threat of historic floods in Wisconsin is being touted as a key benefit of this month's report from the Governor's Task …

In addition to the Midwest and East Coast, the rusty patched bumble bee was also common in many parts of Canada. (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)

Feds Lay Out Recovery Plan for Endangered Bumble Bee

MADISON, Wis. -- A certain kind of bumble bee that once thrived in the Midwest and along the East Coast is now endangered, and federal officials are …

Wild pigs have become such a nuisance in Texas that this year, the state passed a new law allowing people to hunt them without a license. (NASA/Wikipedia)

Wisconsin DNR Asks Hunters to Shoot Wild Pigs

MADISON, Wis. — Hunters are fanning out across Wisconsin for the nine-day firearm deer season, which got underway over the weekend. As they …

Treasured places in Wisconsin, such as the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, benefit from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. (National Park Service)

Congress Poised to Protect Land and Water Conservation Fund

MADISON, Wis. - Congress is poised to pass landmark legislation that could ensure the future protection of some of Wisconsin's most precious outdoor …

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is home to nine lighthouses, the most in any national park. It also has a backlog of maintenance needs. (The.dharma.bum/Wikimedia Commons)

Groups Say Funding Nat'l Park Maintenance Backlog is Good for Economy

MADISON, Wis. — National Park Service sites in Wisconsin, such as Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and St. Croix National Scenic Riverway…

Trout fishing had an annual economic impact of $1.6 billion in the Driftless area in 2015, according to the

Conservationists Call on WI Legislature to Protect Water, Trout Streams

MADISON, Wis. — The latest twist in the bitter dispute over state groundwater playing out in the courts and at the Capitol includes the …

Several municipalities passed resolutions opposing any Wisconsin decisions to reduce environmental standards that apply to Foxconn. (Pixabay)

Flood-Weary Residents Concerned Over Impact of Foxconn Development

MILWAUKEE — Residents in Lake County, Illinois, are pushing to make sure the Foxconn development in Racine County won't result in additional …

The Land and Water Conservation Fund has protected lands in Wisconsin such as the North Country National Scenic Trail. (Aaron Carlson/Flickr)

Fund Important for WI Recreation and Timber Set to Expire

MADISON, Wis. – As the clock ticks down, conservation groups are calling for the permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation …

Place clothes in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any ticks being carried on clothing. (Pixabay)

DHS Urges Caution Following Tick-borne Disease Death

MADISON, Wis. – The first-ever death in Wisconsin from Rocky Mountain spotted fever has state health officials warning residents to stay …

Hunters killed 654 wolves during three consecutive hunting seasons in Wisconsin when they were taken off the endangered species list according to DNR. (Pixabay)

DNR: Wisconsin Showing Signs of Secure Wolf Population

MADISON, Wis. – For the first time in a quarter-century the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is seeing a slow down in the population …

Veterans rallied this week in support of a bill to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which has 220 bipartisan cosponsors in the U.S. House. (Pixabay)

Veterans Rally Behind Land & Water Conservation Fund

MADISON, Wis. – As Americans observe Memorial Day, more than eight thousand veterans from across the nation have signed a letter urging …

Much of Wisconsin's Northwoods is considered a highly resilient area in a changing climate. (Chumlee10/Flickr)

Scientists Map Most Climate-Resilient Areas of Midwest

MADISON, Wis. – With climate change becoming a larger and larger headline, many wonder what their part of the Midwestern landscape could look …

A potential mining site was identified in 2014 near the Eau Claire River. (Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources/Flickr)

Marathon County Braces for Sulfide Mining

EASTON, Wis. – Wisconsin's moratorium on gold and silver mining will be lifted as of July, so a number of counties are now looking into …

The Kinnickinnic River is popular for kayaking, trout fishing and more. (Friends of the Kinni)

Wisconsin River Among 10 "Most Endangered" in U.S.

RIVER FALLS, Wis. – The Kinnickinic River is at the heart of River Falls, Wisconsin, and offers visitors to the Twin Cities area opportunities …

The Great Lakes provide drinking water for 48 million people and are estimated to generate 1.5 million jobs. (NASA)

Coalition Heads to Washington in Support of Great Lakes Restoration

MADISON, Wis. – With shorelines on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, Wisconsin has a vested interest in keeping the Great Lakes clean. On …

Wisconsin's strong tradition of public hunting and fishing areas is threatened by massive budget cuts from the Trump administration, says a veteran outdoorsman. (WI DNR)

Wisconsin Outdoor Recreation Fares Poorly Under Trump Budget

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsinites have long believed in funding and maintaining public lands and access to outdoor recreation areas. But the …

Chronic Wasting Disease has been found in the deer herd in 24 Wisconsin counties. The disease is progressive and always fatal. (WI DNR)

Wisconsin State Lab Ramps Up For CWD Testing

MADISON, Wis. – With the nine-day gun deer hunt now under way in Wisconsin, it's expected half a million hunters will take to the woods…

Wisconsin has seen strong bipartisan support for public lands, for the recreational and economic benefits they bring to the state. (Clean WI)

Wisconsin Trump Supporters: Hands Off Our Public Lands

MILWAUKEE – A new survey shows Wisconsinites clearly disagree with President Donald Trump's proposals to roll back federal protections on public…

Warmer Wisconsin summers are bringing more blue-green algae blooms, and shorter winters are affecting fish populations in Northern Wisconsin. (Clean Wisconsin)

Wisconsin Outdoorsman: Climate Change Affecting Recreation

MADISON, Wis. – Experts on climate, wildlife habitat, winter sports and other outdoor activities will participate this week in a panel …

Wisconsin residents who live near this national forest say the state's bear hunt is diminishing the recreational value of public lands. (USDA photo)

Environmental Groups: Keep Hounding Out of Wisconsin’s National Forests

MADISON, Wis. – A number of environmental groups, including the Endangered Species Coalition, want to keep hunters who use packs of dogs out of …

People are successfully coexisting with wolves, says a Wisconsin conservationist, who opposes changes to the Endangered Species Act. (AFP/Getty Images)

Wolf Population Stabilizing in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. – With talk in Washington about changing or reforming the Endangered Species Act, a Wisconsin wolf expert says this is not the …

Protecting Wisconsin's water will be one of the principal topics at a gathering in Madison next week. (Clean Wisconsin)

Activists Will Gather to Protect Wisconsin Water, Public Lands

MADISON, Wis. – Each year in early spring, scores of conservationists, hunters, fishers and public-health officials gather in Madison for the …

High-capacity wells are causing lakes and streams in Wisconsin to dry up. (TT/iStockPhoto.com)

Another Wisconsin Groundwater-Protection Measure Dropped

MADISON, Wis. – Opponents of a legislative move (HB 105 and SB 76) to drop a provision that would have strengthened protections for Wisconsin's …

A Wisconsin conservationist looks forward to the challenges 2017 will bring. (Jag_cz/iStockPhoto)

Wisconsin Conservationist: Don't Take Clean Tap Water for Granted

MADISON, Wis. – Looking back on 2016, one of Wisconsin's leading conservationists says some of the best things that happened were proposed laws …

The gray wolf once flourished in Wisconsin, but is now on an imperiled species list. (kjekol/iStockPhoto)

New Report Lists Gray Wolf Among Top Ten Imperiled Species

MADISON, Wis. – As the Obama administration prepares to hand over power to President-elect Donald Trump, the Endangered Species Coalition has …

Chronic wasting disease continues to take a toll on the Wisconsin deer herd. (twildlife/iStockPhoto.com)

Wisconsin Deer Herd: Wasting Away?

WAUPACA, Wis. – Wisconsin's annual gun deer hunting season is over, and preliminary figures from the Department of Natural Resources show more …

Both political parties will need to work together to preserve the nation's wildlife refuges. (Katie Dobies/iStockPhoto.com)

Working Together to Preserve Wisconsin's Wildlife

MADISON, Wis. – Through generations of bipartisan action, nearly 20 percent of the land in Wisconsin is protected as part of the state's …

High capacity wells are causing lakes and streams to disappear in Wisconsin, says the state's largest environmental group. (Clean Wisconsin)

Wisconsin’s Lakes, Streams Drying Up

MADISON, Wis. – The increase in the number of high-capacity wells across the state, particularly in Central Wisconsin, is draining lakes…

Environmental groups are fighting to keep Wisconsin's public lands from being sold to private interests. (Clean Wisconsin)

Maintaining Public Ownership of Wisconsin’s Public Lands

HUDSON, Wis. – While the fight over public lands and who owns them has largely been played out in the West, there are plenty of implications …

30 million people, including many Wisconsinites, rely on the Great Lakes for drinking water. Several groups want the presidential candidates to signal support for protecting them. (MRRTxpilot/iStockPhoto.com)

Groups: Presidential Candidates Should Pledge To Protect The Great Lakes

MADISON, Wis. - The Great Lakes are a part of the heritage of Wisconsin, and the Healing Our Waters Great Lakes Coalition and a number of other …

Conservation groups are trying to make sure public lands in Wisconsin and other states stay public, and are not sold off or privatized. (Clean Wisconsin)

Protecting Wisconsin's Heritage Public Lands

MADISON, Wis. – Dozens of groups around the nation representing sportsmen, wildlife, and environmental activists want the candidates for …

Many Wisconsin conservation groups are opposed to a Republican Party platform plank that calls for the sale of public lands. (Clean Wisconsin)

Wisconsin Conservationists: Don't Sell Off Public Lands

MADISON, Wis. - A large number of conservation organizations are adamantly opposed to a platform plank approved at last week's Republican Natiopnal …

Environmentalists say many of Wisconsin's small, clean streams are drying up because of high-capacity wells used to provide water for huge factory farms. (USGS-WI)

Environmentalist: High-Capacity Wells are Draining Wisconsin’s Lakes

COLOMA, Wis. - As some of the lakes and streams in central Wisconsin are being drawn down or even disappearing, environmentalists are urging the …

Several groups of Wisconsin experts have come together to create a new plan to help protect pollinators, with steps to improve their health and survival. (Pacotoscano/iStockPhoto.com)

Plan Bee? New Wisconsin Strategy To Protect Pollinators

MADISON, Wis. – Pollinators are critical in the chain of elements and events that puts food on our plates, and the Wisconsin Department of …

Conservation organizations are supporting bipartisan legislation to permanently reinstate the lapsed federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, which has been used in counties all across Wisconsin to preserve scenic beauty and natural resources. Credit: CleanWisconsin

Conservationists: Wisconsin Needs Land-Water Conservation Fund

MADISON, Wis. - For decades, the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) has helped the state preserve the scenic beauty for which Wisconsin …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - September 20, 2024

2024Talks - September 20, 2024

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WI: Public Lands/Wilderness