This map viewer was created for use by the general public to view water quantity data collected by Wisconsin DNR (WDNR), the US Geological Survey (UGSG) and the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS).

This viewer also provides a means for the public to view pending high capacity well applications and recently approved wells. As required by Wisconsin law, these locations are generalized to display at the public land survey section level. Therefore, any well or surface water intake is symbolized by the section in which is located. Clicking identify on sections may return multiple records, one for each data point. This viewer contains a number of layer groups:

Well Applications and Approvals – This layer displays the locations of pending and approved high capacity well applications. It includes:
High capacity wells that have been applied for by the owner but have not yet been approved by the Department
High capacity wells approved in the last 30 days
High capacity wells approved by WDNR but that have not yet been constructed

High Capacity Withdrawal Locations – This layer show the location of high capacity wells constructed and available for use as well as currently registered high capacity surface water withdrawals. It includes:

Existing high capacity wells
Existing surface water withdrawals

USGS Water Quantity Monitoring – This layer shows the locations of groundwater level monitoring points, streamflow gages, and lake level gages monitored and recorded by USGS. It includes currently active monitoring locations as well as historical monitoring locations. Symbol sizes are scaled according to the number of measurements taken at each location.

WDNR Water Quantity Monitoring Groundwater Protection Features – This layer shows the locations of streamflow and lake level measurements maintained by WDNR. It includes a variety of measurement types taken by WDNR staff, partner organizations, county staff and volunteers.

WGNHS Spring Monitoring – This layer shows the location of springs surveyed by WGNHS staff between 2015 and 2017. Note that spring flow varies seasonally and annually. In addition, many spring locations are located on private land and not accessible by the public without landowner permission.

Groundwater Protection Features – This layer displays the locations of groundwater protection features as defined by Wisconsin Rule NR820. It includes trout streams, outstanding and exceptional water resources, and springs with a flow rate surveyed by WGNHS of 1 cubic foot per second (CFS) or greater. Note that all 1 CFS may not have been surveyed.

Guidance for how to use WDNR Geocortex viewers can be found here. For more information, please contact the water use section at 608-266-2299 or at DNRWATERUSEREGISTRATION@wisconsin.gov

The Wisconsin Environmental Mesonet (WiscoNet) is a growing network of weather and soil monitoring stations across Wisconsin, designed to provide high quality data at high spatial and temporal resolutions. There are currently 14 Wisconet stations with plans to expand to around 90 by 2026. Each Wisconet station provides more than one dozen measurements every 5 minutes.

The stations measure temperature, dew point, wind, rain, soil moisture and temperature, and more.

You can view data through an interactive map or a list of stations.

The Champion Tree Program recognizes and celebrates the state’s largest trees. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources began documenting these trees in 1941 with the help of the community. People around the state discovered these trees in the Northwoods, in neighbors’ yards and along city streets. The program has endured as a result of people such as yourself. We invite you to join us in honoring and preserving Wisconsin’s natural resources heritage.

Do you know your Wisconsin fish? Wisconsin is home to more than 160 different fish species. The fish species below are most commonly caught by Wisconsin anglers.

Also links to these resources:
Wisconsin's state record fish
Hooked on Wisconsin Anglers' Club
Game fish of Wisconsin poster
Fish Wildcards - A set of 45 fish, plus games, knots, basic fish anatomy, a common fish parasite, and a handy trick to estimate your fish’s weight with a ruler! Two versions:
Match Your Catch, Low-Res Version [PDF] or
Match Your Catch, Hi-Res Version [PDF]
Fish of Wisconsin [exit DNR]
Fish identification database [exit DNR]
Burbot, bowfin and snakehead identification
Wisconsin fish species list [PDF] - a printable document with Wisconsin's fish species.

This is a map showing the location and severity of each of the Earthquakes which have occurred in Wisconsin in recorded history. This site is also where one can find recent or historic earthquakes, lists, information on selected significant earthquakes, earthquake resources by state, or find webservices.

Fishing in Wisconsin's waters is enjoyed by many, but only a few anglers apply their skills to the extent that they catch a verified record fish. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recognizes anglers who have legally taken the largest fish on record by hook and line and those fish that have been taken by alternate methods (for example, spearing or bow fishing).

Live release record fish category
Hook and line records
Alternate method records (spear, bow and arrow, crossbow)
The DNR does not keep line-class or lake-specific records. However, you may contact the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame [exit DNR] for national line class records.

DO YOU THINK YOU'VE CAUGHT A RECORD FISH?
If you think you or someone you know has caught a fish that might be a state record, there are several things you should do:

don't clean or freeze the fish
keep the fish cool - preferably on ice
get the fish weighed as soon as possible on a certified scale (found in grocery, hardware stores, etc.) and witnessed by an observer
contact the nearest DNR office to get the fish species positively identified and to find out whether the fish is a state record
obtain and complete a record fish application [PDF]
An official record fish application must accompany all prospective record fish entries.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources dataset of current Wolf population and distribution of wolf packs found throughout Wisconsin.

Following a federal court ruling on Feb. 10, 2022, gray wolves are listed as an endangered species in the lower 48 states (excluding the northern Rocky Mountains region). As such, wolves are federally protected. Harvest and lethal depredation control are prohibited.

Wisconsin's wolf population remains healthy and secure in the state. The department will continue its robust wolf population monitoring program and the development of an updated wolf management plan.

The DNR will continue to partner with USDA-Wildlife Services to address wolf conflicts in Wisconsin. If you suspect wolves in the depredation of livestock, pets or hunting dogs, or if wolves are exhibiting threatening or dangerous behavior, contact USDA-Wildlife Services staff immediately. If in northern Wisconsin, call 1-800-228-1368 or 715-369-5221; in southern Wisconsin, call 1-800-433-0663 or 920-324-4514. While gray wolves are listed as a federally endangered species, it remains unlawful to shoot a wolf unless there is an immediate threat to human safety.