Meleesa Johnson Appointed to Sandhill Crane Study Committee

Bringing a science-based approach to legislation on sandhill cranes:

Meleesa Johnson, Wisconsin’s Green Fire’s Executive Director, has been selected to serve on the Legislative Council Study Committee on Sandhill Cranes beginning in July 2024. This committee is one of five study committees for 2024. The scope of this study committee’s work begins: “The study committee is directed to review and recommend options for legislation relating to the management of Wisconsin’s sandhill crane population.”

The committee will be examining topics like sandhill crane population trends, crop damage compensation for farmers, and a potential hunting season. The committee’s findings will inform the policy options and legislation they recommend to the Legislature.

What are Legislative Council study committees?

Established in 1947, the Joint Legislative Council’s primary responsibility is to establish study committees to study major issues and problems identified by the Legislature. Study committees do most of their work in even-numbered years during the interim between legislative sessions.

Who serves on study committees?

Members of the public can nominate themselves or others to serve on study committees if they have interest or knowledge on a topic. From these nominees, the Legislative Council appoints the members of the study committees. The committees are chaired by legislators. Citizens serving on these study committees not only help in developing public policy; they also learn more about how their state government works. The Legislature benefits from the knowledge and expertise of Wisconsin’s citizens.

On this study committee, Representative Tittl and Senator Quinn are chair and vice chair. Committee members include representatives from: International Crane Foundation, Wisconsin’s Green Fire, the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, Wisconsin Waterfowl Association, and Delta Waterfowl.

Meleesa’s role on this study committee:

“I am thrilled to represent Wisconsin’s Green Fire and bring a science-based, knowledge-driven background to the committee.  Focusing on how best to support farmers experiencing crop damage and financial losses is a priority.  Using the science of sandfill crane biology, reproductive rates and fledge rates is necessary in developing any conservation plans for these birds that were once nearly absent from the Wisconsin landscape.  I look forward to working as a team to address these issues.”

Our mission: Wisconsin’s Green Fire advances science-informed analysis and policy solutions that address Wisconsin’s greatest conservation challenges.

Sandhill Cranes and Moon by Robert Rolley