Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Partnership

Do you have wild rice growing on a lake near you? Let us know in the comments!
Check out these great tips to protect this very important water plant.

The DNR encourages shoreline owners to recognize and protect wild rice growing near their properties.

Wild rice is important to the culture, identity and spirituality of many Tribal Nations in Wisconsin and provides a rich food source and habitat for wildlife.

Here are a few steps you can take to avoid impacting wild rice. Be aware that any removal or destruction of wild rice requires approval from the DNR.

– Maintain one direct path to your dock that avoids the thickest areas of wild rice.
– Operate boats at slow, no-wake speeds near wild rice beds with the motor raised as high as possible. Wild rice is especially vulnerable this time of year. The rice will likely have leaves growing above the water and become more visible as a grass growing out of the water.
– Avoid activities that disturb the shoreland and harm wild rice, such as installation of rip rap, boat shelters and dredging.
– Keep your dock as small as possible if you have wild rice along your shore.

Learn more about wild rice in Wisconsin: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/rice

As America celebrates 250 years of independence, Wisconsin's lakes and rivers remind us of a legacy that stretches back thousands of years. These ancient waters have shaped our landscapes, sustained wildlife, and connected generations of people long before our nation was founded.

This Independence Day, let's honor both our country's history and the timeless natural treasures that make Wisconsin special. Whether you're boating, fishing, paddling, or relaxing at the water's edge, make safety your first priority: wear a life jacket, boat sober, watch the weather, and look out for one another.

Here's to 250 years of American history and to protecting and preserving our shared waters for the next 250 and beyond.

🦅 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆'𝘀 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹: 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗱 𝗘𝗮𝗴𝗹𝗲 🦅
The Bald Eagle was placed on Wisconsin's endangered species list in 1972, mainly due to the wide use of the pesticide DDT. These majestic birds rely on abundant fish and safe nesting areas found only in thriving aquatic ecosystems.
💧𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝘂𝘀.💧