t takes a lot to feed the roughly 1,300 animals Wild Instincts treats and cares for each year. The Rhinelander non-profit depends entirely on donations for its work. “In a normal year, we probably go through between 3,000 to 4,000 pounds of venison. Between foxes,...
News
Wisconsin Lakes Annual Meeting 12-9-25
Dear Friend of the Lakes, Our Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday December 9th, 2025 from 4:30 until 6:30. A follow-up email with the link and agenda will be coming soon! Join or donate today! As a supporter of Wisconsin Lakes, you know that the organization...
2025 FCAL Annual Meeting with Christian Cold
The Annual meeting was held ar the Wolf River Rendezvous located on Hwy 8 North of Crandon on October 18 4PM – 8PM Catered by Jameson’s 1930 Inn.
FCAL 2025 Essay Contest
“What (fill in the blank) Taught Me About My Relationship with Nature” was the topic for this year’s Forest County Association of Lakes (FCAL) essay contest. Students from 5th and 6th grades in Crandon, Laona and...
Report finds lakes aren’t shielded from microplastics
When measuring public health threats, researchers say microplastics have jumped to the top of the list. New samples from a citizen science effort in Minnesota show these tiny particles are present in dozens of waterways. The advocacy group Environment Minnesota, part...
Tribe, state, and county celebrate Highway 8 safety improvements in Forest County
In a four-year span, there were 109 car crashes on Highway 8 between Crandon and Laona, according to a highway study. While none of those crashes between 2005 and 2009 were fatal, about a third of them did result in injuries. “We've had a lot of close calls,” said...
Gov. Evers signs Executive Order creating Wild Rice Stewardship Council
Governor Tony Evers signed an executive order Monday to preserve cultural resources and languages of Wisconsin’s Tribal Nations. Evers said the order is meant reaffirm the state’s commitment to respecting Tribal Sovereignty and fostering strong...
Wild Instincts releases rescued bear cubs back to the wild
Five young bears now roam the wilds of northern Wisconsin, thanks to the help of a wildlife rehabilitation center north of Rhinelander. Wild Instincts posted video of the five cubs being released over the weekend. They’ve been raised over the last few months by the...
Wisconsin’s first Rustic Road turns 50
50 years ago, the first Rustic Road in Wisconsin received its formal designation. Now, the program is up to 126 roads spanning hundreds of miles across the state. Katie Thoresen / WXPR Sam Osborn has travelled every mile of designated Rustic Road in Wisconsin behind...
Get your firewood close to where you burn it to prevent the spread of invasive species
Warming up by a campfire can be a great way to spend a fall evening, but the DNR hopes you’ll get your firewood close to where you burn it. Moving firewood can give a ride to invasive species, spreading them to new areas. When untreated firewood is transported away...










