Madison Reporter

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced it is inviting public input on the updated Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan for 2025-2035. The plan, which guides conservation efforts for rare and declining species as well as their habitats, has been in place since its initial publication in 2005.

The Wildlife Action Plan serves as a voluntary guide for partners, organizations, and individuals interested in protecting native plants, animals, and habitats throughout Wisconsin. It was last updated in 2015 to maintain eligibility for funding through the federal State Wildlife Grant Program. This program is recognized as the only nationwide effort designed to prevent wildlife from becoming endangered by supporting proactive conservation measures across states.

The DNR notes that over time, the plan has evolved into an important resource. It helps various stakeholders identify key conservation actions that contribute to maintaining healthy ecosystems in the state. Throughout the past year, the department has provided opportunities for technical input and knowledge sharing from interested parties during the updating process.

In a statement from the department: "The Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan is a voluntary plan that focuses on the conservation of rare and declining species and their habitats. First published in 2005, it was updated in 2015 to satisfy funding eligibility through the federal State Wildlife Grant Program – the only nationwide program to prevent wildlife from becoming endangered."

According to DNR representatives: "Over time, the plan has become a resource to help partners, organizations and individuals identify and implement important conservation actions to keep native plants, animals and habitats healthy. Opportunities to share knowledge and technical input have been offered throughout the updating process over the last year."

Members of the public are encouraged to review details about both the update process and changes made by visiting the DNR's Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan webpage. Feedback can be submitted until September 24, 2025 via email at DNRWWAP@wisconsin.gov.

The involvement of public stakeholders plays an essential role in shaping statewide conservation strategies aimed at preserving biodiversity. With each revision of this action plan, input from residents contributes to efforts that aim to protect threatened wildlife before they reach critical levels requiring more urgent intervention.

This initiative aligns with national trends where states use comprehensive wildlife action plans not only as planning documents but also as tools for leveraging federal grants dedicated to wildlife protection. By encouraging broad participation, Wisconsin aims to continue building partnerships that support sustainable management of natural resources across different landscapes.

As Wisconsin updates its strategy for another decade, feedback from local communities will be instrumental in guiding future priorities for wildlife management programs.