ORAL PRESENTATION TITLE: Wisconsin springs inventory ABSTRACT: Springs provide critical connections between groundwater and surface water and support unique ecosystems. In Wisconsin, springs are defined as groundwater discharge features and are protected through water quality, water quantity, and wetland regulations. Wisconsin spring ecosystems are characterized by stable cold temperatures and consistent groundwater chemistry, which sustain specialized, groundwater-dependent biological communities. These conditions provide important habitat and thermal refuge and influence downstream wetlands and streams. Springs play a key role in sustaining wetlands and coldwater trout streams by contributing to baseflow, thermal regulation, and ecological resilience. The previous spring survey conducted by the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey focused primarily on hydrogeologic research. In contrast, the Wisconsin DNR Springs Inventory is management-based and designed to support water resource protection, water use regulation, and applied conservation. Led by the Wisconsin DNR Water Use Section in collaboration with agency partners, local experts, and landowners, the inventory compiles standardized information on spring location, discharge, hydrogeologic setting, and ecological context statewide. It integrates historical records, targeted field surveys, existing datasets, and landowner-reported information. To date, nearly 500 springs have been documented, with landowner participation essential for site access, data verification, and identification of previously undocumented springs. The inventory provides a practical tool for identifying groundwater inputs, supporting site assessments, and informing wetland delineation and is designed for continual updates as new data become available. BIO: Joe Rosnow is a Water Resource Management Specialist with the Wisconsin DNR, focusing on statewide water quantity monitoring, GIS analysis, fieldwork, and public outreach. He previously worked in wetland invasive species, fish propagation, and fish management. He continually supports conservation goals and collaborative resource management across Wisconsin.