Wisconsin Conservation Congress

Committees

All advisory committees shall have set responsibilities and goals that consist of addressing citizen resolutions concerns; reviewing, studying and recommending to the Executive Council on assigned resolutions and review of Department opinions and positions regarding specific areas directly pertaining to the Advisory Committee. In order to make the most efficient use of time by delegates, the following advisory committees with specific responsibilities are established.

Study Committee Mission Statements

Big Game Committee

The WCC Big Game Committee receives a briefing on the
2009 deer season from DNR Big Game Biologist Keith Warnke
at their study committee meeting.

2011-2012 Study Committee Assignments

  • Air, Waste, and Water Committee -The mission of the Air, Waste and Water Study Committee of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress is to review properly noticed citizen resolutions, rules, policies, regulations, and legislation affecting the air, land and waters of the state of Wisconsin. Utilizing the best available knowledge, technical resources and citizen input, the Committee will study and discuss issues, with the intent to develop clear and actionable positions on those issues. The Committee will then advise and recommend a course of action to the Executive Committee and Executive Council of the Congress.
  • Bear Committee -The Bear Committee of the Conservation Congress mission is to ensure that we maintain a population of black bear in WI that allows the citizens the ability to harvest a percentage of that population each year but leave an ample amount of mature bears to continue the breeding process. We also want to promote all legal methods for hunting the black bear which include; 1) Training season for hounds 2) Hunting with aid of hounds 3) Use of hounds and bait 4) Ability to use bait 5) Other methods. The charge of the committee is to help make it possible that everyone that hunts the black bear has a chance to have an enjoyable and maybe a successful hunt and that the future of the black bear in WI remains a noble and well sought after animal.
  • Big Game Committee -The mission of the Big Game Committee of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress is to represent the citizens of Wisconsin by blending the social and biological concerns of hunters, citizens and the Department of Natural Resources to provide successful management of Wisconsin's big game animals which addresses the interests of all parties.
  • Endangered Resources & Law Enforcement Committee -The mission of the Endangered Resources and Law Enforcement Committee of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress is to provide input from the public through county delegates assembled from all areas of the State of Wisconsin making up that committee and addressing issues where public input is deemed appropriate on matters of protecting endangered resources and addressing natural resource law enforcement policies. These issues include but are not limited to: 1) Designated listings of flora and fauna (watch, endangered, threatened…), 2) Public education, 3) New laws and restrictions on natural resources (season framework, weapons and equipment restrictions, environmental practices, reviews and modification of laws and restrictions presently in place), 4) Law enforcement training, 5) Any other business that would come before the Committee. The charge of the Endangered Resources and Law Enforcement Committee is to ensure that the resources of Wisconsin are fully protected with every effort taken to enhance and upgrade their status whenever and wherever possible. The Committee will also assist with public input, the agencies that are involved in enforcing natural resource laws and regulations.
  • Forestry, Parks and Recreation Committee -The mission of the Forestry Parks and Recreation Study Committee of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress is to provide citizen input in the use and management of Wisconsin's forests, parks and trails on behalf of all those who utilize these resources. We accomplish this through monitoring the issues that affect the health, diversity and use of our forests, parks and trails. In doing this we want to: 1) promote diverse healthy forest communities; 2) support control of invasive species that threaten our forests; 3) promote environmentally sound sustainable harvest; and 4) encourage the compatible use of our public/private lands for the diverse interests of those who recreate in our state.
  • Fur Harvest Committee -The mission of the Fur Harvest Committee of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress is to promote the wise use, management and protection of the Wisconsin's natural resources; specifically its furbearing wildlife species. We promote the harvest of furbearers through regulated hunting and trapping. We will accomplish our mission by considering sound science and through cooperation and partnerships with user groups, researchers and regulatory agencies. We will take into consideration the ideas and input of citizens. We will make recommendations, through the application of science based management, to the Natural Resources Board and the legislature to assure future generations have ample and healthy furbearer populations and natural resources.
  • Great Lakes Committee -The mission Statement of the Great Lakes Committee of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress is to provide input from the public through county delegates assembled from all areas of the State of Wisconsin making up that committee and addressing issues where public input is deemed appropriate on matters concerning the Wisconsin territorial waters of Lakes Superior, Michigan and the Bay of Green Bay. The charge of the Great Lakes Committee is to ensure that the waters of the Great Lakes that boarder Wisconsin are managed to sustain a healthy fishery and pristine beauty while fully protected with every effort taken to enhance and upgrade their status whenever and wherever possible. The Committee will also assist the agencies that are involved in enforcing natural resource laws and regulations, by offering and facilitating public input. Specifically, the areas of concern will be defined as: 1) For issues related to regulations pertaining to resource management the committee will use outlining waters and their tributaries as defined in NR 20, Wis. Adm. Code., 2) For issues related to the general health of the Great Lakes, including water quality and ecological impact to native flora and fauna, the committee will use the Great Lakes Basin boundary as described in the Great Lake Compact.
  • Habitat Committee -The Habitat Study Committee of the Conservation Congress mission is to ensure that the habitat in the State of Wisconsin remains healthy. We wish to maintain a habitat that will support the wildlife, flora, fauna and aquatics of the State of Wisconsin. We further want to halt the spread of invasive species throughout the State of Wisconsin.
  • Hunting with Dogs Committee -The committee will review all matters that are related to the seasons and laws involving game animals and game birds that are pursued by dogs. Also any matters assigned by the Executive Committee or the Executive Council and to work jointly with other Conservation Congress committees the Department of Natural Resources and the Natural Resources Board. All meeting minutes will be provided to Conservation Congress Liaison or Assistant.
  • Legislative Committee -The mission of the Legislative Committee of the Conservation Congress is to advise the legislature of the official positions of the Congress and to testify to such at legislative hearings and meetings; to review resolutions and legislation in order to advise and recommend positions to the members and leadership of the congress; and to work with the department of natural resources in the development and implementation of wildlife, habitat and conservation legislation and administrative rules.
  • Migratory Committee -The mission of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress Migratory Committee is to represent the stakeholders of Wisconsin by working with the Natural Resources Board and the Department of Natural Resources to effectively manage Wisconsin's local ducks and geese, as well as migrating ducks, geese, swans, and other migratory birds for present and future generations to enjoy.
  • Mississippi River Committee -Within and to the support of Wisconsin Conservation Congress process; it is the mission of the Mississippi River Committee (MRC) to advise the Wisconsin NRB on issues, rules, or policies which affect the river and/or other associated natural resources. The MRC strives to stay acquainted with current river resource management; the science in support or opposition to that management; and with public opinion thereof. The MRC encourages river management agencies to seek public participation in management decisions or policy. Influence stemming from the MRC shall be generated with greatest intentions toward long term benefits to all wildlife resources; and with an emphasis toward preserving public access and harvest of game resources, (i.e., preserving outdoor heritage activities of hunting, fishing, and trapping).
  • Outdoor Heritage & Education Committee -The mission of the Outdoor Heritage and Education Committee of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress is to explore ways to help recruit new outdoor enthusiasts, both young and old, and to develop and review strategies to retain those groups and individuals who currently participate in outdoor recreation opportunities in Wisconsin. To accomplish these goals the committee will take into account the diversity, demographics, social demands and expectations of those using Wisconsin's rich natural resources.
  • Outreach Committee -The mission of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress Outreach committee is to: 1)Review both internal and external issues, suggestions, and procedures that have been advanced by Congress members, the Natural Resources Board, and the public pertaining to the role, visibility and function of the Congress. 2)Discuss potential ways to help the Congress more effectively accomplish its mission, as well as remain a relevant and responsive institution. 3)Make recommendations to the Executive Council on proposed changes to the Code of Procedures, and any other opportunities to expand or improve the role, visibility, and function of the Congress.
  • Public & Private Land Use Committee -The purpose of the Private and Public Land Access Study Committee is to explore and increase private land access for outdoor recreation including hunting, trapping, fishing, and other nature based activities, such as hiking and biking. It will also support and expand the consumptive sportsman's access to public lands within the state of Wisconsin.
  • Rules & Resolutions Committee -The mission of the Rules and Resolutions Committee is to review the "Code of Procedure" doctrine that governs the Congress in order to ensure its relevance. This Committee will also provide a conduit for citizen resolutions allowing the exchange of ideas and information between individuals or groups and the Congress by reviewing and assigning voter approved resolutions to Conservation Congress Study Committees. It is our purpose to support the noble concept that all citizens have a voice in regards to Wisconsin's Natural Resources. We will review the Rules governing the Conservation Congress when asked by the Executive Council or Executive Committee and will provide possible changes for their review. We will regularly review and assign citizen-approved resolutions to Study Committees for action on said resolutions. We value citizen involvement, to ensure the prosperity of our Natural Resources, full and proper use of our Natural Resources, now and for future generations.
  • Trout Committee -The mission of the Trout Committee of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress is to provide input from the public through county delegates assembled from areas throughout the State of Wisconsin making up that committee and addressing issues where public input is deemed appropriate on matters of cold water resources including the flora and fauna that make up those resources. These issues include but are not limited to: 1) water quality, 2) water resource management, 3) class and category water designations, 4) bag limits, 5) tackle restrictions, 6) season framework, 7) environmental practices effecting cold water resources, 8) enforcement policies, 9) any other business that would come before the Committee. The charge of the Trout Committee is to ensure that the cold water resources of the State of Wisconsin are not degraded or impaired in any manner, with the necessary steps taken to improve them whenever and wherever possible.
  • Turkey Committee -The mission of the Turkey Committee of the Conservation Congress is to ensure the continued success of the Wild Turkey program in Wisconsin. Ensure that future generations have the ability to enjoy spring and fall turkey hunting. Promote expanded harvest opportunities based on sound science. Work with the department to review management objectives. Encourage the participation of youth in turkey hunting. Promote sound conservation practices and habitat management for turkeys.
  • Upland Game Committee -The mission of the Upland Game Study Committee is to review matters assigned by the WCC that deal with Upland Game issues including, but not limited to harvest and population, boundaries, land use, licensing, and research.
  • Warm Water Committee -The mission of the Warm Water Study Committee is to review, discuss, and make recommendations on questions, rules, and policies concerning warm water fisheries in the State of Wisconsin. The scope of this review includes all bodies of water (lakes, rivers, and streams) located within the state as well as boundary waters surrounding Wisconsin. Furthermore, it includes all fish species traditionally known as "warm water" species regardless of what type of water body they may be located in. Our recommendations are made in an advisory capacity to the public, the Department of Natural Resources, the Natural Resources Board, and the Conservation Congress. The committee supports the long term goal of protecting and enhancing our warm water fishery resource for future generations of Wisconsin citizens.
  • Wildlife Health & Invasive Species Committee - (proposed) The mission of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress Wildlife Health & Invasive Species Committee is to review current policies and practices that are in effect to manage the health and spread of disease of all wild animals and fish in the state of Wisconsin. The committee will also review the current policies and practices that are in effect to control the spread of invasive species in all lands and waters of the state. The committee will work with DNR staff and the citizens of the state to effectively protect the health and integrity of Wisconsin's natural ecosystems.
  • Wolf Committee -The mission of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress Wolf Study Committee is to help implement and review current policies and practices that are a part of Wisconsin's Wolf Management Plan. To effectively accomplish this mission, the committee will take into consideration a wide array of biological and sociological issues critical to Wisconsin's Wolf Management Strategy, including but not limited to: management boundaries, depredations, zones, harvest goals, nuisance research, trapping, population modeling, rehabilitation, habitat and other issues of statewide conservation or environmental concern.
  • Ag Damage ad hoc Committee - The mission of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress Ag Damage Ad-Hoc Committee is to review current regulations, policies, and practices of Wisconsin's agricultural damage permit program for all species of wildlife currently included, while considering the social and economic concerns of hunters, farmers, landowners, and citizens, and the biological concerns of the species. The Committee is to provide any input and recommendations for changes to this program at the annual Executive Council meeting held in January 2012.
  • Shooting Range ad hoc Committee - The mission of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress Shooting Range Ad-Hoc Committee is to represent the sporting public involved with shooting ranges in this state. The committee will look into and work with, but not be limited to the following issues at present: standardization of rules and regulations, the use of Pittman-Robertson funds allocated for range use, and environmental, legal, and social issues on shooting ranges by working with the DNR, the legislature, the Governor and Wisconsin citizens to effectively manage current and future Wisconsin shooting ranges for present and future people involved with the shooting sports to enjoy. The Committee is to provide any input and recommendations at the annual Executive Council meeting held in January 2012.
    • Last Revised:Monday November 21 2011