Among the many natural phenomena that grace the Northwoods, one of the most intriguing is the annual event known as “lake turnover.” What is Lake Turnover? Lake turnover, often referred to as lake mixing, is a vital process that occurs in temperate and...
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
Reflecting on the Success of the Forest County, WI Summer Conservation Tour
Reflecting on the Success of the Forest County, WI Summer Conservation Tour Last Friday, a remarkable conservation tour unfolded, bringing together Conservationists from nine counties in northern Wisconsin to explore some of the treasures of Forest County. The summer...
Battling the Spongy Moth Outbreak in Northern Wisconsin
Battling the Spongy Moth Outbreak in Northern Wisconsin Forest County and Northern Wisconsin, is currently facing a challenging ecological situation: a widespread outbreak of the Spongy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae). These voracious defoliators have the potential...
Private Well Testing for PFAS Contamination in Northern Wisconsin
Recent concerns about the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the region’s private wells have raised alarm among communities. PFAS, a group of man-made chemicals known for their water- and grease-resistant properties, have been linked to...
Leveraging Drones in County Conservation and Land Information Offices
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...
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,...