Clean drinking water is something most of us take for granted, until a test result raises questions we don’t know how to answer. For the nearly one million Wisconsin residents who rely on private wells, understanding water quality reports can be confusing, technical,...
Conservation Corner
Conservation Corner is a weekly article produced by the Forest County Land & Water Conservation Department.
For more information contact Kayla Littleton, County Conservationist-Land Information/GIS Director at 715-478-1387 or by e-mail at
Wisconsin First Ice
When the first bitter cold of December sweeps across Wisconsin, a familiar ritual begins. Lakes glaze over with a thin, glassy sheet, and anglers itching for the season to begin start eyeing their gear. Early ice is a cherished tradition here, but it’s about the...
9-day Gun Season Stats
The 2025 Wisconsin nine-day gun season, held from November 22 to November 30, has wrapped up, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has released preliminary statistics. While the season remains a cultural cornerstone for hunters across the state, the...
The American Woodcock
The American Woodcock is one of Northern Wisconsin’s most intriguing and elusive birds. Often overlooked due to its cryptic plumage and secretive habits, this small, rotund shorebird has adapted to life far from the coasts, thriving in the brushy woodlands and...
The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network
The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network – known as CoCoRaHS is a volunteer-based program that collects detailed precipitation data across the United States and beyond. Founded in 1998 after a flash flood in Fort Collins, Colorado, its goal is simple:...
Rifle Deer Season
Every November, Northern Wisconsin transforms. For many residents and visitors, rifle deer season is more than just a hunting period; it’s a cultural event, a conservation tool, and a deep-rooted tradition that ties generations together. Cabins fill with relatives,...
The Ring-Necked Pheasant
The ring-necked pheasant is native to Asia, where it has long been celebrated for its beauty and adaptability. It was first introduced to the United States in the late 19th century, with early populations established in Oregon. By the early 20th century, the bird had...
Leaf Litter in Lakes
As the vibrant hues of autumn blanket Northern Wisconsin, the beauty of falling leaves is undeniable. However, beneath this attractive scene lies an environmental challenge that often goes unnoticed: the impact of leaf litter on the health of our lakes. While leaves...
Forest Products Week in Wisconsin
Every year, the third week of October marks a special occasion for Wisconsin: Forest Products Week. This celebration, observed nationwide, highlights the vital role forests and forest products play in our daily lives, economy, and environment. In 2025, Wisconsin once...
Environmental Day
On October 2nd, the Forest County Association of Lakes (FCAL) hosted Environmental Day. Roughly 55 high school science students from Crandon, Laona, and Wabeno were...
Trapping season
Northern Wisconsin offers a landscape abundant in forests, rivers, and wetlands—ideal habitats for a variety of fur-bearing species, including beavers, minks,muskrat, foxes, and fishers. The state’s trapping history is tied closely to both subsistence and commerce....
Golden Oyster Mushrooms
Golden oyster mushrooms are a striking variety of the oyster mushroom family, known for their bright yellow caps and fan-like shape. Native to subtropical regions of East Asia, they thrive in warm, humid environments and are often cultivated for their culinary appeal....












