Conservation Corner

Conservation Corner is a weekly article produced by the Forest County Land & Water Conservation Department.
For more information contact Steve Kircher, County Conservationist-Land Information/GIS Director at 715-478-1387 or by e-mail at

Disappearance of Bats

In an article I did back in June, I reported the possession limit for most fish species in Wisconsin is three times the daily bag limit.  The possession limit is the maximum number of a species that you can control, transport, etc., at any time. It is twice the total...

Blue-Green Algae in Northern Wisconsin Lakes

Here in Forest County our landscape is adorned with over 800 pristine lakes that provide a serene environment for recreation and aquatic life. However, in recent years, these beloved lakes have been facing a growing threat from blue-green algae, scientifically known...

Swimmers Itch

Swimmer’s Itch Outbreak Plagues Wisconsin Lakes in 2023 Last weekend, I sent my grandbabies on a mission to catch some crayfish for my office aquarium.  My youngest grandson came out of the lake and a few hours later said he was itchy.  My daughter checked him out and...

Moths vs Butterflies

Wisconsin, a state known for its diverse natural landscapes, is home to a remarkable variety of insect species, including butterflies and moths. Although butterflies and moths belong to the same order of insects, Lepidoptera, they exhibit several key differences in...

Raising Purple Loosestrife Beetles

Raising Purple Loosestrife Beetles Northern Wisconsin is home to diverse ecosystems and natural landscapes that require conservation efforts to maintain their ecological balance. One of the challenges faced in this region is the invasion of non-native plant species,...

Successful Plant Sale 2023

The Forest County Land & Water Department wrapped up another successful Plant Sale on Friday, June 2nd .  Native plant orders went out in February and plants were ordered from Hansen’s Greenhouse in Oneida County.  In all about a dozen pre-orders were received. ...

The Burn Pile

Reminder of the 2023 Forest County Land & Water Plant Sale PICKUP We are wrapping up our 3rd  Annual Plant Sale.  If you ordered plants from us (Land & Water), you can pick them up on Friday, June 2nd  beginning at 9am til 4pm in the Forest County Courthouse...

Safeguarding Wisconsin Turtles

Safeguarding Wisconsin Turtles Last week, on a trip to the Fox Valley, I saw a smashed Snapping Turtle on the highway.  It reminded me that we’re in ‘Turtle Crossing’ season.  Wisconsin, known for its abundant wildlife and diverse ecosystems, is home to several...