How to Get Involved in Wisconsin Natural Resources Decisions Through the DNR

You can participate in Wisconsin natural resources decisions through four main channels on dnr.wisconsin.gov: the Natural Resources Board, which sets DNR policy; the Conservation Congress, which gathers public input on natural resources management; the site's Public Input Opportunities page; and speaker requests for events. Each channel serves a different purpose, so the right one depends on whether you want to influence policy, weigh in on management questions, track open comment periods, or invite DNR staff to speak.

Understand who decides what

The DNR website describes two distinct bodies, and knowing the difference keeps you from sending input to the wrong place.

The DNR itself carries out the work under that policy, which is why the site also points businesses and individuals to compliance and permit resources separately.

Use the Public Input Opportunities page

The site lists "Public Input Opportunities" alongside Customer Service, For Media, Financial Assistance, and Events in its main navigation area. This is the central place to check what comment periods or input requests are currently open.

To use it:

1. Go to dnr.wisconsin.gov.
2. Locate the Public Input Opportunities link in the site's navigation or utility links.
3. Review the current opportunities listed and follow the instructions given for each one.

Expected result: you see which decisions are accepting public comment and how to submit your input. Because the specific opportunities change over time, check back rather than relying on a single visit.

Get involved through the Conservation Congress

If your interest is natural resources management rather than a specific permit or rule, the Conservation Congress is the entry point the DNR highlights. The site frames it as the place for people interested in natural resources management to provide input. Start there when you want to raise a management concern or support a proposal rather than comment on a pending departmental action.

Request a DNR speaker

For organizations, schools, or community groups that want DNR staff or members of the Secretary's Office at an event, the site provides a speaker request form. Submit a request describing your event through that form; the DNR reviews requests and arranges speakers based on availability. This is an outreach channel, not a formal comment route, so use Public Input Opportunities or the Congress for anything you want on the record.

Know where to report problems

Public involvement also includes reporting violations and spills, and the site lists dedicated lines for each:

• Spills: 1-800-943-0003, a 24-hour spill emergency hotline.
• Violations: 1-800-TIP-WDNR (1-800-847-9367) for confidential reports of suspected wildlife, recreational, and environmental violations.
• General questions: 1-888-936-7463, seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Use these when your concern is an incident rather than a policy question.

A practical sequence

If you are new to this, a workable order is: check Public Input Opportunities for anything open now, read the Natural Resources Board and Conservation Congress pages to understand which body matches your issue, then submit input through the matching channel. For a group event, file a speaker request separately. Keep the general line handy for questions about which route fits.