Make Your Voice Heard: Wisconsin Conservation Congress Spring Hearings

My Friend,

There is an important opportunity coming up to help shape the future of Wisconsin’s public lands—and we are urging you to take part in the conversation.

The Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) Spring Hearing will take place statewide on April 13 from 6:00–9:00 PM, with in-person meetings hosted in every county.

👉 You can find your local hearing location here: Spring Hearing Locations

The WCC is the only statutory body in Wisconsin where citizens elect delegates to advise the Natural Resources Board and the Department of Natural Resources on to how to responsibly manage Wisconsin’s cherished natural resources.

If you’re unable to attend in person, an online survey will be available starting at 6:00 PM on April 13, allowing you to participate from anywhere.

Why this Matters

The annual Spring Hearing is a unique public forum where you can provide input on a wide array of natural resources topics. The questionnaire includes proposed rule changes from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and advisory questions from the Conservation Congress.

Public input gathered through this process is advisory to Natural Resources Board members, DNR staff, and decision-makers—but it plays a critical role in shaping policy, funding, and management priorities across Wisconsin.

The 2026 Spring Questionnaire includes 44 questions, covering wildlife management, fisheries, license fees, and broader conservation issues.

Key Topics Impacting State Parks, Forests, and Trails

We encourage you to pay special attention to a few questions that (we feel) relate to the future of Wisconsin’s public lands:

Public Lands Access Fee
Do you support charging an access fee (similar to a state park sticker) for all users of public lands, with funds directed toward habitat management, public access, and infrastructure?
Non-Motorized Watercraft Registration
Do you support requiring registration (and fees) for canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards, with funding directed toward outdoor recreation and conservation efforts?
Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program Reauthorization
Would you support legislation to reauthorize the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program for at least 10 years, with funding up to $1 billion?

👉 You can review all 44 questions here: 2026 Spring Hearing Questionnaire

New in 2026: Submit Your Own Resolution In-Person at Spring Hearing

This year, the WCC will also accept public resolutions submitted during in-person county hearings—a powerful way to bring forward new ideas.

Key Criteria for Submitting a Resolution:

You (or a designee) must present it at your local hearing on April 13 (6–9 PM)
It must address a statewide issue
It should be practical, achievable, and aligned with WCC’s mission
Clearly define the concern and propose a solution
Include supporting facts, data, or research
Submit 2 printed copies (8.5” x 11”) at the start of the hearing
Include your contact information at the bottom

👉 Full submission details here: Resolution Submission Criteria

Your Call to Participate

As members and supporters of Friends groups across Wisconsin, you bring valuable perspective, experience, and passion to these conversations. The places we care for—our parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas—depend on engaged voices like yours.

Whether you attend in person, complete the online survey, or submit a resolution, your participation matters.

If you’d like to discuss any of these topics or prepare for the hearing, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Let’s keep moving forward, friends.

Seth Taft, Executive Director
Friends of Wisconsin State Parks
E: execdir@fwsp.org
P: (608) 294-0810
fwsp.org

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Make Your Voice Heard: Wisconsin Conservation Congress Spring Hearings – April 13