Vote in the Wisconsin Conservation Congress’ 2023 Open House Elections and Spring Hearing

by | Mar 23, 2023 | Action Alert, Get Involved

Vote in the Wisconsin Conservation Congress’ 2023 Open House Elections and Spring Hearing

Support wildlife friendly delegates and resolutions supporting restrictions for killing wildlife and promoting coexistence this April!

The Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) will be holding in-person ‘Open Houses’ in each county the first week of April, during which you can meet county delegates and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources staff and vote in WCC elections (for two of five county delegate seats). This is a great opportunity for Wisconsin residents to shift the culture toward better wildlife conservation by running as a delegate and/or voting for wildlife friendly delegates within an institution that is currently ignoring broader public values and promoting consumptive uses of wildlife.

The Open Houses will precede the annual Spring Hearing, which provides citizens across the nation (not only from Wisconsin) with the opportunity to submit input on state wildlife and natural resource issues by voting on introduced resolutions. Despite major concerns over the fairness of the resolution approval process within the WCC, participation in this survey is still important to show the public support for promoting coexistence and restricting the killing of wild animals. This year, there are various resolutions relevant to animal wellbeing, and we encourage you to:

    • Oppose the use of infrared lights to hunt predators at night
    • Oppose hunting bobcats at night
    • Oppose extending the beaver season
    • Support a ban on shining of (‘casting light on’) wild animals
    • Support implementation of a wanton waste law
    • Support restricting lead fishing tackle
    • Support ending lead poisoning of bald eagles
    • Support a public outreach program increasing the use of non-lead ammunition

You can access the rest of the proposed rules and questions here.

Please act TODAY in support of coexistence with wildlife in Wisconsin!

Here’s how you can help:

  1. Run for a seat or vote for delegates(Wisconsin residents only): Open Houses will be held between April 3-6 in each county, from 6-9pm (check the link for your county’s date). Delegate elections will start at 7pm, and only county residents can participate in the process (see here for more information and delegate eligibility requirements).
      • To vote for delegates, you can request a ballot (provide proof of residence) when you arrive at 6pm. 
      • To run for a seat, make sure you meet the requirements and bring proof of residence. You can let agency staff know when you arrive at 6pm. There is no way to know who is running prior to the Open House, but you can check out who your delegates are and which seats are up for election here. If you run, you will be able to address the audience for three minutes. We recommend you bring plenty of family and friends to support you!
  2. Submit input in the 2023 Spring Hearing (residents and nonresidents): The 2023 Spring Hearing is a virtual survey allowing for broader participation (check out the WCC Online Input FAQ). There is no residency or age requirement, so everyone’s input will be considered (out-of-state votes are counted separately). The survey can be accessed through the department’s page, and the voting period will be open from Monday, April 10 at noon to Thursday, April 13 at noon. 
      • Once you log in, please follow the survey directions carefully, and remember to refer to the Online Input FAQ above in case of issues.
      • Please reserve at least 45 minutes to complete the survey.
      • You will encounter other resolutions to vote on besides the resolutions highlighted above. Please feel free to vote using your best judgment, or skip if desired (you have the option to answer “NO OPINION” to most questions).
  3. Spread the word: Share this alert with friends and family and encourage them to take action.
  4. Write a Letter to the Editor (LTE) and submit it to your local newspaper. Use our recent editorial and talking points.
  5. Seek additional information: If you require more information about the delegate process or would like to get more involved, please feel free to email us or contact Waukesha County wildlife advocate Amy Mueller (amymueller10@gmail.com). 

Thank you for helping Wisconsin’s wildlife!