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Open the Outdoors
Marsh blazing star in bloom at one of Wisconsin's state natural areas
- Sign up to receive email and text updates about the Natural Resources Board:
- Related links
- Contact information
- If you have Board-related questions or would like to request information, to submit written comments, or to register to speak at a Board meeting or listening session, email or call:
- Laurie J. Ross, Board Liaison
Office of the Secretary
Laurie.Ross@wisconsin.gov
608-267-7420 - The Natural Resources Board and Department of Natural Resources are committed to serving people with disabilities. If you need Board information in an alternative format, please email or call the Board Liaison.
Wisconsin Natural Resources Board overview
The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (NRB or Board) sets policy for the Department of Natural Resources and exercises authority and responsibility in accordance with governing state laws.
Chapter 15 of the Wisconsin Statutes establishes the 7-member Board and describes its duties. Under the law, 3 Board members each are selected from the northern and southern portions of the state while 1 member serves at large. Board members are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Wisconsin Senate. Terms expire on May 1.
Board member biographies and contact information provide detailed information about each Board member.
Meeting agendas are posted 2 weeks prior to each meeting on the web and as PDFs. The PDF is the official meeting agenda.
Briefs of action (BOAs) are summaries of motions and votes at each Board meeting. The Board will make a draft BOA available to the public within a week after each meeting; the Board will approve the BOA at its next meeting. As of April 2013, the brief of action and webcast serve as the official meeting record.
Webcasts of Board meetings are streamed live and are permanently available on demand. As of January 2013, webcasts are edited after Board meetings so that viewers can easily find and watch any item on a meeting agenda. All regular Board meetings between 2010 and October 2012 are audio only with some special presentations in video. Some Board webcasts from December 2012 to February 2013 are slide and audio only. As of April 2013, the brief of action and webcast serve as the official meeting record.
The Board calendar lists upcoming meetings. The Board meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month in January, February, May, June, September, and October. The Board meets on the second Wednesday in April, August, and December. The Board does not have regular scheduled meetings in March, July, and November. Board meetings are held at the DNR Building in Madison from October through May and at locations throughout the state from June through September.
The public is welcome to attend any Natural Resources Board meeting unless it is noticed as a closed or executive session. The Board welcomes public input. Citizens may appear at Board meetings or submit written comments about issues that come before the Board. See complete information about public participation at Natural Resources Board meetings
Meeting minutes were discontinued by the Board as of March 2013. As of April 2013, the brief of action and webcast serve as the official meeting record. Board minutes from 1999 to 2013 will continue to be posted and available to the public.
General DNR information
The DNR Call Center can help you with questions or information about licenses, hunting regulations and seasons, state parks and forests, and other DNR issues. The Call Center is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
