BRULE, Wis. — The ongoing drought has reached ‘exceptional’ levels in a portion of northwest Wisconsin, the most extreme level according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
The darkest shade of red on the drought map includes portions of Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, Iron and far northern Sawyer counties. Those areas have as much as a foot of precipitation deficit for the year.
Wisconsin DNR leaders are tracking the impacts. They are watching rivers like the Brule, saying rivers and small bodies of water could be most at risk.
Low water levels are creating hidden hazards across northwest waterways. Local kayak and canoe outfitters have not paused rentals, but staff are seeing the drop firsthand.
“I have noticed a change from the beginning of the season, which has now fluctuated a bit, but it’s been a small change, but a noticeable change,” said Griffin McCafferty, Brule River Canoe Rental.
Beneath the surface, the lack of rain poses an additional threat. Wildlife experts say turtles, clams and other aquatic life are preparing to burrow for the winter, and dry shallows could force them into deadly spots.
“Then the additional problem is, if we do get a bunch of rain after they have found their hibernating locations, they could essentially be drowned out,” said James Yach, Wisconsin DNR.
The dry spell is creeping onto the shoreline, straining surrounding plant life.
“This stress is obviously associated with our vegetation across the landscape. We can kind of see some of the trees are showing a little bit of stress,” Yach said.
Land wildlife and recreation remain mostly steady for now, with hunters expecting only slight shifts in waterfowl movement. Experts warn that without soaking rains, the effects will grow.
“Continued low water levels, higher fire danger risk, continued stresses to agriculture and native plant species, and it all just depends on how severe it gets,” Yach said.
As experts keep watching conditions, they are reminding the public to be cautious of their surroundings and respectful of local wildlife.
The DNR is also reminding the public to stay off dry riverbeds. Riding four-wheelers or ATVs there is illegal and can damage recovering wildlife habitats.
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