MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking qualified stakeholder applicants to serve on the DNR’s Wolf Advisory Committee (WAC). Applications will be accepted until Sunday, May 4, at 11:59 p.m.
The purpose of the WAC is to assist the DNR with the implementation of the Wisconsin Wolf Management Plan. Approved in 2023, the plan details the objectives, strategies and products that will help guide wolf conservation and management efforts in Wisconsin.
The WAC provides input and recommendations to the DNR on various topics, including policies, plans, season structures and harvest quotas. The committee acts as an advisory body to help identify and discuss emerging issues related to wolves in Wisconsin. In addition, the WAC provides an opportunity for public input on and awareness of the DNR’s wolf conservation and management activities.
The WAC will be comprised of relevant DNR staff, representatives from government agencies/entities, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress, Wisconsin’s Ojibwe tribes and up to ten stakeholder seats. The stakeholder seats are structured to represent a broad and balanced spectrum of interest groups and viewpoints. These stakeholder seats will be filled via a competitive application process and are subject to three-year term limits.
The ten stakeholder seats will be divided evenly among five stakeholder categories (two each). Full descriptions of the categories and requirements to be considered for a category are listed on the DNR’s Wolves in Wisconsin webpage under the Advisory Committee tab.
The five stakeholder groups are:
- Hunting and Trapping
- Agricultural and Ranching
- Environmental
- Conservation Science and Education
- At-Large, Unaffiliated
Learn more about how the five stakeholder categories are defined.
Being a committee member is a privilege and requires significant time and work commitment. Members will be expected to attend all scheduled meetings and come prepared to discuss relevant topics by reviewing supporting materials and the agenda before each meeting. They will also be expected to work collaboratively with those whose views may significantly differ from their own.
Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate the ability to engage in constructive dialogue regarding wolf conservation and management, recognize the complexity of issues surrounding wolf conservation and management, and genuinely work toward mutual understanding and durable management solutions.
More information, including the committee’s charter, an FAQ document, blank applications and the link to apply, can be found on the DNR’s Wolves in Wisconsin webpage under the Advisory Committee tab.
