Wisconsin State Capitol building's domed roof behind peeks out from several green trees.

Wisconsin Conservation Congress

2026 Spring Hearing

Each year, Wisconsin residents have a formal opportunity to help shape natural resource policy through the Wisconsin Conservation Congress. The Congress is a citizen-led advisory body that gathers public input on issues affecting Wisconsin’s land, water, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. 
The 2026 WCC Spring Hearing will be held in each county in person on April 13 at 6:00 pm and online from April 13-15.
The annual Spring Hearing is an opportunity for the public to weigh in on proposed rule changes presented by the DNR, advisory questions presented by the Conservation Congress, and citizen resolutions submitted by residents across the state.
Read More >>
View all Spring Hearing locations>>

2026 Spring Hearing Locations

Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program Citizen Resolution

Thanks to the efforts of Team Knowles Nelson, citizen resolutions calling for the reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program will be considered in over 50 counties!
View Resolution

Submit A Citizen Resolution In-Person

If your county doesn’t have a Knowles-Nelson citizen resolution up for consideration at this year’s spring hearing, you can still submit one in person that night. You don’t have to start from scratch – feel free to use our template as-is or with minor edits, as long as the core intent remains the same.
View template >>
Read more about the submission process >>

View Resolution

Submitted Knowles-Nelson Citizen Resolutions by County

Support Materials & Resources

This is the heading

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit dolor
Click Here
Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program Citizen Resolution
For the 2026 cycle, we are asking supporters to submit a citizen resolution calling for permanent funding and reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.
The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program is set to expire in June 2026. This resolution would call for permanent funding to ensure continued conservation of publicly accessible land and continued access for hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife watching, and other outdoor recreation across Wisconsin.
We have already developed the resolution language to meet Conservation Congress requirements. Each submission is made by an individual resident in their county, using the same resolution text. When residents in multiple counties submit the resolution, it helps demonstrate the statewide support for the Stewardship Program.
The resolution text below is complete and ready to submit. You do not need to write your own language, simply use the template provided when completing the submission form.

Submit A Knowles-Nelson Citizen Resolution

1. Review the resolution text
Review the provided Knowles-Nelson citizen resolution template. You may submit it exactly as written or make minor edits, as long as the core intent remains the same. View template >>

2. Submit your resolution through the DNR
Submit the resolution using the DNR’s official 2026 Citizen Resolution Submittal Form between January 5 and February 9.

View Template
Submit

3. Attend your county’s spring hearing
You, or a designee, must be able to attend the in-person spring hearing in your county on April 13 to introduce your resolution.

4. Let us know you submitted
After submitting, please let us know so we can share reminders and updates as the resolution moves through the process.

I submitted a resolution
BEFORE YOU BEGIN…
  • You must be a Wisconsin resident.
  • You, or a designee, must be available to present your resolution at your county Spring Hearing on Monday, April 13, 2026, between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm.
  • Each individual may submit up to two resolutions per year.
More information about Spring Hearings and the citizen resolution process is available from the DNR. Read More >>
67
grants to support the Ice Age Trail
700,000
Wisconsin acres protected by Knowles-Nelson
$450 Million
in grants to nonprofits and local governments
17%
of Wisconsin land is conserved
2,600
Grants to support local parks, trails and campgrounds
$2.5 billion
annual economic value of Knowles-Nelson lands
1,600
grants to support Wisconsin Boating facilities
$11.00
annual cost per Wisconsin resident
$24 Billion
forestry industry supported
Team Knowles Nelson badge with a bird taking flight.

Thanks! We'll keep you in the loop about Team Knowles Nelson.