Many people are aware that trees can be dated by counting the layers of tree rings in a cross section. But, less folks know that fish, snails, mussels, and the teeth of many local mammal species build seasonal growth rings that are used to age individuals. In most...
News
Wisconsin DNR asks hunters to report any bear dens they find
The Wisconsin DNR is asking hunters to keep an eye out for bear dens. Den reports from the public are critical for an ongoing study on black bear reproduction that will contribute to new population estimates within each of the state’s bear management zones and inform...
Deer donations can help feed recovering wildlife
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,...
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...










