Polk County WI Environmental Services Division

06/03/2026

This weekend is Wisconsin's free fishing weekend!

More information can be found on the DNR's Website: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/anglereducation/freeFishingWeekend

06/01/2026

This year Polk County will be hosting Snapshot Day at the North Boat Landing on Bone Lake Friday, August 7th.

06/01/2026

Yellow iris is starting to bloom! Now is a great time to get out and monitor.

If you think you found a new population of yellow iris, send us a message or give us a call at 715-485-8699.

05/27/2026

The boating viewer can be found here!

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/8cd4fe07739042c6815daf8873dafd32/

05/20/2026

Did you know that zebra mussels begin their life cycle in a larval form called a veliger, which are free-floating in the water column and invisible to the naked eye?

“Always remember to Clean, Drain, Dry, and Dispose!” Many of us have heard this phrase often, likely at the boat launch before a day on the water.

What most folks don’t know is that the importance of the message lies within the reasoning behind each of these important steps. Read on our blog to learn about the ‘why’ behind these critical actions and be sure to follow these steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in the St. Croix watershed this open water season.

📖 Read more on the blog: https://wildriversconservancy.org/2026/05/clean-drain-dry/

📸 Zebra Mussel Veliger | Photo Credit: EcoAnalysts, Inc

05/18/2026

Now is a great time to get out and monitor for the invasive species Garlic Mustard!

Check out this short clip on how to identify Garlic Mustard.

05/15/2026

Now is a great time to start monitoring for the invasive species Yellow Iris.

If you think you found a new population of yellow iris please contact Colton at

715-485-8639 or [email protected]

05/05/2026

The Polk County Land and Water Resources Department held its 3rd annual youth Earth Day photo poster contest on April 22nd.
Many talented students from kindergarten through 12th grade showcased their photography skills for this year’s contest. Each poster emphasized the students’ unique views of nature from wildlife, to water, skies and landscapes.

All the posters will be displayed until Thursday, May 7th in the front lobby of the government center at:
100 Polk County Plaza, Balsam Lake

Winner’s of the 2026 Earth Day Photo Poster Contest:
K-2:
1st Place: Maverick Schmidt
2nd Place: Jameson Meyer
3rd Place: Audra Belisle

3-5:
1st Place: Peyton Schmidt
2nd Place: Jasper Erickson

6-8:
1st Place: Carter Grass
2nd Place: Esmae Dougard
3rd Place: Charlotte Ens

9-12:
1st Place: Sophie Decker
2nd Place: NaBreigha Leggins
3rd Place: Onyx Avery

04/29/2026

The Environmental Services Division is hiring a county planner.

Apply today using the link below!

SummaryThis position supports the County’s overall planning program through research, analysis, plan development, technical assistance, and administrative work. Responsibilities include preparing comprehensive and functional plans, drafting grant applications, conducting technical studies, and pro...

04/29/2026