The Conservation Congress is the citizen-advisory body to the Natural Resources Board, which advises the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). It offers policy suggestions on bag limits, hunting rules, and other issues that impact our natural resources. The Conservation Congress also advises on the process of making permitting decisions and legislation that should be supported.
Every year, the Conservation Congress hosts a ‘Spring Hearing’ in April where people answer questions to help the Conservation Congress delegates make their opinion. Attendees are also able to introduce resolutions that the attendees vote on and could be asked in all counties on the following year.
The Spring Hearing will be held on April 10 at 7:00 PM.
There is one hearing in every county. RSVP here.
This year, there are a number of really important questions on the questionnaire this year including questions about our water policy, the DNR permitting process, state parking funding and more. There are also questions about a moratorium on frac-sand mining permits and repealing the Bad River Destruction Act.
You can show up and fill out the questionnaire and leave. If you stay, there will be an opportunity to stand and speak in support or opposition of any of the questions. You also have the opportunity to vote for delegate for your county to serve on the Conservation Congress. You must bring your ID to show you are a resident of that county if you want to vote for delegates for your county.
We are looking for someone who is willing to speak on behalf for one or more of the important resolutions in each county. We are also looking for someone in each county to introduce a resolution opposing the repeal of Wisconsin’s Mining Moratorium. Click here to RSVP and sign-up to speak.
The results are forwarded to the full Conservation Congress, which votes on its position at the annual conference in May. Those positions are formally forwarded to the Natural Resources Board. Although the resolutions and results are non-binding, they are an important indicator of public opinion for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the media, and legislators to consider. You may introduce up to two resolutions. The hearings are also a great opportunity to educate the audience (many of whom may not know about the impacts of the proposals).
Click here to download Sierra Club’s 2017 Conservation Congress Voter Guide.