Endangered Resources Permits & Licenses

The Endangered Resources Program issues several types of permits, authorizations and licenses for activities that involve rare and endangered species and habitats as well as wild ginseng. There are different requirements and application procedures for each of these permits/licenses. Note that additional permits may be required by other DNR programs or other agencies depending on the nature of the project or activity.

• Endangered and Threatened Species permits authorize the taking, exportation, transportation or possession of listed plant or animal species if the activity is for zoological, educational, or scientific purposes, or for propagation in captivity for preservation purposes
• Incidental Take Permits and Authorizations authorize the taking of a protected species if the taking is not for the purpose of, but will be only incidental to, the carrying out of an otherwise lawful activity.
• Falconry permits authorize qualified individuals to practice falconry in Wisconsin.
• Ginseng Regulations require licenses for harvesting and buying/selling wild ginseng in Wisconsin.
• Permit for Collecting or Researching in Wisconsin State Natural Areas

You can find information about other DNR permits on the DNR Licenses, Permits and Registrations page, or by using the Wisconsin Permit Primer, which provides a step-by-step, question-and-answer tour of DNR regulatory programs for small businesses.