The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is recruiting new members to serve on key advisory groups related to the Game and Fish Fund, and wildlife and fisheries management, and has extended the application deadline to Friday, Sept. 30. Interested people can learn how to apply on the Engage with DNR website.
In addition to the specific knowledge and experience required for each committee, the DNR seeks inclusive and well-rounded advisory committees, encompassing differences including but not limited to race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, age, gender, sexual orientation, mental or physical ability, life experience, ideas, knowledge and learning styles.
Game and Fish Fund
Each year, the Fisheries Oversight Committee and the Wildlife Oversight Committee review how the DNR spent funds from the Game and Fish Fund during the previous fiscal year. The Budgetary Oversight Committee, an umbrella committee composed of select members from the FOC and WOC, combines those reviews to produce an annual report and spending recommendations.
Appointees to these oversight committees have a range of experience, knowledge, and interests related to hunting, fishing and trapping. Applicants must have a strong interest in reviewing the proper expenditure of funds received from licenses, permits, stamps and related revenue sources, and participating in writing an annual report.
New member appointments with two-year terms will begin January 2023 and extend through December 2024. Any Minnesota resident with interest or expertise in citizen oversight of the Game and Fish Fund may apply online until 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept 30. Interested applicants can learn more by visiting the committee page of the DNR website.
Minnesota’s Game and Fish Fund is the DNR’s source of funding for delivering fisheries and wildlife management as well as natural resource law enforcement. Nearly $100 million flows in and out of this fund each year. The revenue is primarily the product of hunting and fishing license sales, federal reimbursements and a sales tax on state lottery tickets. The DNR’s use of money from the Game and Fish Fund is subject to legislative approval.
Wildlife and fisheries committees
Seats are currently available on several committees that advise the DNR about important fisheries and wildlife topics.
The application period continues until 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, for the Deer Advisory Committee, the Mille Lacs Fisheries Advisory Committee, the Minnesota R3 Council (R3 stands for recruiting, retaining and reactivating hunters and anglers), and the state’s five fisheries work groups (bass, catfish, northern pike and muskellunge, panfish, and walleye).
Members will serve two- to three-year terms and must commit to attending at least three of the four videoconference meetings their committee has annually. Detailed committee and application information for each group is available on the DNR website:
Natural Heritage Advisory Committee
The DNR is also recruiting new members to serve on the Natural Heritage Advisory Committee, which advises the DNR on issues related to sustaining the state’s natural heritage, biological diversity, and ecosystem services. Those interested can apply online until 4:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17.
NHAC members make recommendations to help protect high quality prairies, forests, wetlands and other native habitats and the diversity of plants and animals they support.
NHAC applicants should have knowledge, demonstrated dedication or experience related to natural resource management, conservation, biological or ecological education/outreach, or other aspects of Minnesota’s natural heritage.
New member appointments with three-year terms will begin in January 2023 and extend through December 2025. Interested applicants can learn more by visiting the committee page of the DNR website.