Wetlands
WGF reports and educational materials about the values of wetlands, and state and federal regulation affecting wetlands in Wisconsin, developed by the Public Trust and Wetlands Work Group.
Federal Government Proposes Wetland Protection Rollback (WOTUS Rule)
Blue-spotted salamander on a tree trunk. Salamander was moving from upland winter habitat to ephemeral pond, Washington County, WI, March 31, 2024. These salamanders and many other wildlife species depend on intact wetlands and waterways to complete their life cycles. Photo by Don Behm.
Federal Government Proposes Wetland Protection Rollback (WOTUS Rule)
The US Environmental …
Read More >Providing Input on Wisconsin’s Beaver Management Plan
Beaver in Douglas County, Wisconsin. Photo via Snapshot Wisconsin.
A new chapter in managing beaver in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) uses 10-year plans to guide the management of different species throughout Wisconsin. The existing Beaver Management Plan (2015-2025) is currently being updated so it can be implemented over the next …
Read More >U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issues permit for Enbridge Line 5 Re-route despite challenges to state permits
On October 29, 2025, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a permit that allows construction of the Enbridge Line 5 oil pipeline re-route in northern Wisconsin. Legal challenges to the required state permits continue.
Read More >Enbridge Line 5 Pipeline Update – August 2025
Contested Case Hearings on DNR Water Permits Begins August 12
Prepared by Nancy Larson, WGF Water Resources Specialist
The contested case hearings on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) water permits for the Enbridge Line 5 oil pipeline reroute in Wisconsin begin August 12 in Ashland, WI. The hearings will be held in Ashland and Madison …
Read More >Updates on Enbridge Line 5 Pipeline – December 2024
Enbridge received permits from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for oil pipeline Line 5 Reroute to cross streams and wetlands in northern Wisconsin.
Meanwhile, crude oil spilled from Line 6 in southern Wisconsin.
Enbridge Line 5 Segment Relocation Map, 2020
Prepared by Nancy Larson, WGF Water Resources Specialist
Wisconsin’s Green Fire (WGF) has followed and commented …
Read More >Remembering Joanne Kline
Brule River State Forest with storm clouds moving in, June 2024, photo by Ed Culhane
Remembering Joanne Kline
Blog post written by Nancy Larson
Joanne Kline was an inspiring colleague and friend. We are honored to have known her.
Joanne Kline, WGF Science Council member
In this remembrance of Joanne, we share some reflections by several …
Read More >Vista Sands Solar Farm – WGF Public Testimony
WGF’s Public Testimony on the proposed Vista Sands Solar Farm
An update on how we’re fighting for renewable energy and wildlife conservation.
Wisconsin’s Green Fire (WGF) continues to seek several modifications to the proposed Vista Sands Solar Farm development. We’re working so this unprecedented expansion of renewable energy production – a necessary step toward attaining the …
Read More >WGF on NR 320: Protecting Navigable Waters
Working to Protect Navigable Waters in Wisconsin
WGF members kayaking on Bark Bay Slough, Bayfield County, July 2024, Photo by Don Behm
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) is updating Chapter NR 320 of the state administrative code regulating placement of bridges, culverts, other structures, and fill material in or over navigable waters …
Read More >US Supreme Court Decision Reduces Protections for Wetlands
By Michael Cain, Chair of the WGF Public Trust and Wetlands Work Group
The US Supreme Court recently rendered a decision which reduced the scope of protections for wetlands and small ephemeral waterways under the Clean Water Act. In the case, Sackett v. EPA, a 5-4 majority of …
Read More >Wisconsin Tribes: Leading the way in protecting and restoring wetlands and watersheds
May is American Wetlands Month, and in celebration the Wisconsin Wetlands Association and partners have collaborated with Wisconsin Tribal communities to produce videos highlighting the work Tribes have done to protect wetlands in Wisconsin.
Tribes in Wisconsin are doing vital work to protect and restore wetlands and watersheds. The Wisconsin Tribal Conservation Advisory …
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