Policy

WGF analyses and statements on broad policy about science in natural resource management, as well as legislation and actions with wide-ranging policy implications for Wisconsin’s environment.

WGF Position Statement – Apostle Islands National Park Proposal

exposed rocks of Apostle Islands with waters of Gichigami and blue skies

In late July 2024, Congressman Tom Tiffany proposed a bill, HR 9111, to change the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore into a national park and preserve. Read our Wisconsin’s Green Fire position statement below, prepared as of August 15, 2024.

Wisconsin’s Green Fire Position Statement
Proposal to Replace Apostle Islands National Lakeshore with a National Park and Preserve …

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A Message from WGF Leadership on the Aug 13 Partisan Primary

Post-election update below!
There will be few times when Wisconsin’s Green Fire takes the bold step to ask members to consider voting a certain way.

It is just not how we operate. However, the referendum questions on the August 13th partisan primary ballot have serious ramifications for conservation efforts and further increase the …

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Two Important WI Supreme Court Decisions

Wisconsin State Capitol with blue sky and floral gardens

Two Important Wisconsin Supreme Court Decisions to Know About

(and an election date reminder for August 13, 2024)

Wisconsin State Capitol, by Warren LeMay via Flickr

There were two important Wisconsin Supreme Court decisions handed down on July 5, 2024.
1) Victory for Knowles-Nelson Stewardship funding for land conservation

In a ruling impacting spending of state Stewardship …

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Conservation Congress Spring Hearings April 2024

Help shape conservation policies during the Wisconsin Conservation Congress “Spring Hearings” this April. 

Photo: Dr. F Eugene Hester, USFWS

Every spring, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) seek input from the public on natural resources policies. Since 1934, these “Spring Hearings,” have been an important part of Wisconsin’s conservation …

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Discussing PFAS with Gov. Evers

Governor Tony Evers and WGF Executive Director Meleesa Johnson

by Meleesa Johnson, WGF Executive Director

Governor Tony Evers (left) and WGF Executive Director Meleesa Johnson (right) in Marshfield, March 14, 2024

On March 14th, I was proud to represent Wisconsin’s Green Fire (WGF) at an event in Marshfield to discuss PFAS funding with Governor Tony Evers. PFAS are the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances famous …

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2023-2024 Legislative Session is Over

By Paul Heinen, WGF Policy Director

Summary of WGF’s Legislative Activities during the 2023-2024 Session

Madison skyline from Lake Mendota. Photo by Michael Cain.

The Wisconsin State Legislature has completed its work for the 2023-2024 session and will not return until early January of 2025. Following the November 2024 elections, the Legislature will have a whole …

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WGF Asks Gov. Evers to Veto SB 312

WGF’s letter to Governor Evers requesting he veto SB 312.

On February 26, 2024, Wisconsin’s Green Fire (WGF) sent a letter to Governor Tony Evers, asking him to veto Senate Bill 312 (SB 312). For months, leaders from WGF worked with the authors of this bill in attempts to make it beneficial …

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Wisconsin’s Green Fire State and Federal Policy Issues for 2024

aerial view of Capitol and downtown Madison with lake in background

by Paul Heinen, WGF Policy Director

Top Issues for 2024

Every January, Wisconsin’s Green Fire (WGF) Policy Director, Paul Heinen, writes a “top issues” report on the policy issues that WGF is prioritizing for the year ahead. This is one way we keep members of WGF updated about the work ahead for this community of conservation …

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