Wisconsin residents will soon have a direct opportunity to shape the future of the state’s natural resource policies through a process unique in the nation.
The Wisconsin Conservation Congress’ annual citizen resolution submission period opened Jan. 5, giving residents the chance to propose changes they would like to see become state regulations affecting fish, wildlife and natural resources.
The Wisconsin Conservation Congress, an independent body that advises the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, works alongside the DNR to gather public input on conservation issues. Each spring, the two agencies host hearings in every county, allowing citizens to vote on proposed conservation questions. In addition to voting, residents may also introduce their own ideas through the citizen resolution process.
The 2026 citizen resolution form will be available on the DNR website from Jan. 5 through Feb. 9. Residents may submit up to two resolutions per year. Authors are encouraged to consult with their county’s Conservation Congress delegate before submitting a proposal.
To qualify, a resolution must address an issue of statewide importance, fall within the mission of the Conservation Congress and be practical, achievable and clearly defined. Each proposal must include a concise title, describe the concern and outline a specific solution. Supporting facts, data and research are encouraged. Submissions are limited to 2,000 characters, excluding the title and contact information.
Resolution authors must attend their county’s in-person spring hearing, held on the second Monday in April, to formally introduce their proposal. While identical resolutions may be submitted in multiple counties, each author must reside in the county where they present.
After the submission period closes, a committee of Conservation Congress delegates reviews each proposal to ensure it meets all criteria. If revisions are needed, committee members work directly with authors to bring resolutions into compliance.
Approved resolutions are first presented at the following year’s spring hearings in the author’s home county. If passed there, the proposal advances to a Conservation Congress advisory committee for further review, typically in the fall. Successful resolutions may then appear as statewide questions at the next round of spring hearings.
Votes at spring hearings are advisory rather than binding. However, proposals that receive support in a majority of counties carry greater influence. Hearing results are forwarded to the DNR and then to the Natural Resources Board for consideration. Some citizen resolutions have ultimately become state law.
While the process can take several years, it remains one of the few avenues in the country that allows citizens, including hunters, anglers and trappers, to directly influence conservation policy at the state level.
More information on the Wisconsin Conservation Congress and the citizen resolution process is available at dnr.wi.gov by searching “Wisconsin Conservation Congress.”