Wild Rice Crop Forecast for 2024 Shows Below-Average Outlook » Urban Milwaukee

Wild rice harvest is open to all Wisconsin residents and provides an opportunity to obtain a natural food source that is unique to the upper Midwest. / Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today that this year’s wild rice production in northern Wisconsin lakes, rivers and waterways is generally below average.

“A mild winter in 2023-2024, combined with severe storms in mid-June, appears to have limited wild rice production this year in much of the northern regions of the state,” he said. Brandon Byrnewild rice biologist with the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission. “However, most lakes that have been reliable in recent years should still provide adequate harvest opportunities this year.”

The Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission maintains a website, Off-Reservation Wild Rice Harvest Regulations, that provides useful information for gatherers and wild rice production conditions for some wild rice waters. With a little research and exploration, gatherers can find good opportunities to harvest wild rice this year.

Wild rice harvest is open to all Wisconsin residents and provides an opportunity to obtain a highly nutritious, natural food source that is unique to the upper Midwest. Wild rice maturity typically ranges from late August to mid-September throughout the state and varies by body of water and rice field.

DNR emphasizes the importance of waiting to harvest wild rice until it drops relatively gently while “waving” or “tapping” with rice sticks. If the rice drops little or not at all, it is best to try to harvest it a few days later. The grains at the top of the seed head mature and drop first. Harvesting in immature beds inhibits the maturation of rice grains, which negatively affects the harvest experience for others and the long-term sustainability of wild rice production.

Declining wild rice production has been a noticeable trend in recent decades. Scientists point to the impact of climate change as a common stressor on wild rice populations. Additional stressors, both human-induced and natural, can exacerbate problems at the local level.

“DNR takes these issues seriously and, in collaboration with tribal nations and other partners, is working on research initiatives to better understand the threats to wild rice and develop better strategies to restore wild rice populations in Wisconsin,” he said. Jason FleenerDNR Wetland Habitat Specialist.

One such initiative is an active collaboration between the DNR, Menominee, Lac Courte Oreilles, and the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Commission, funded by the , to develop and implement an effective wild rice management plan for Wisconsin.

Boaters are reminded that one of the primary threats to wild rice production is improper boating throughout the growing season. Wave activity from boats and boating directly through rice fields often harms rice field production. DNR encourages all boaters to educate themselves about wild rice identification and modify their boating activities to reduce damage to this valuable Wisconsin resource.

More information about wild rice harvesting and harvest regulations can be found on the DNR Wild Rice Harvest website.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee author. While believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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