Recently, my office was called upon to provide drone coverage for a couple events/investigations. These events prompted me to provide some information regarding how we use/plan to use drone technology within Forest County. The rapid advancement of drone technology...
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...
Wisconsin Braces for Drought and Wet Days Ahead in Summer 2023
The summer of 2023 brings a combination of drought conditions and wet days, posing significant implications for the state’s ecosystems, agriculture, and overall water management. Drought Conditions The drought conditions during summer 2023 in Wisconsin can be...
Preparing for More Smoky Summers in the Midwest and Northeast
Preparing for More Smoky Summers in the Midwest and Northeast The Midwest and Northeast regions of the United States have experienced an alarming increase in the frequency and intensity of smoky summers, especially this summer. The haze of smoke, often originating...
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,...
Wisconsin Bag Limits vs. Possession Limits: Understanding Regulations and DNR Fines
On Thursday, June 15th, I’ll be presenting, Three Fish, The Story of Invasive Species & the Great Lakes at the Crandon Public Library, Meeting Room @ 5:30pm. Wisconsin Bag Limits vs. Possession Limits: Understanding Regulations and DNR Fines On a recent fishing...
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...