DNR receives almost 65,000 responses
The Wisconsin Conservation Congress received a record-setting 64,943 responses to the 2020 Spring Hearing Questionnaire.
The survey included topics ranging from baiting and feeding deer to the use of nontoxic ammunition on state-owned land.
Due to COVID-19, the state Department of Natural Resources canceled the in-person portion of the 72 public meetings – known as the spring hearings – that were originally scheduled for April 13 in each county.
The public was able to respond to the natural resources advisory questions from the DNR, state Natural Resources Board and Conservation Congress online April 13-16.
Results can be found by visiting the DNR website – dnr.wi.gov – and searching keywords “Spring Hearings.”
“I continue to be amazed by the level of participation by Wisconsinites,” Conservation Congress chairman Larry Bonde said. “It shows very clearly how much people care about the natural resources of this state. Given that this was only the second year we offered an online opportunity and the extenuating circumstances with COVID-19, I’m thrilled we had this opportunity in place to provide people an avenue for input.”
The spring hearings provide an opportunity for the public to weigh in on a wide range of natural resource-related advisory questions as well as citizen resolutions previously submitted for inclusion. The hearings also provide an opportunity for the public to elect Conservation Congress delegates to represent their county on natural resource issues.
The Conservation Congress is the only statutorily recognized citizen advisory body to the Natural Resources Board. Public input received through this process is advisory to members of the board, DNR and anyone working on these issues.
The results will help guide decision making on potential future rules. No final decisions have been made at this time and public input results will be considered during the Conservation Congress convention that may be held later this summer and during a Natural Resources Board meeting.