Now that the 2007-2008 legislative session has ended, it's time to pick the Conservation Priorities for 2009-2010.
Two years ago, after a series of Listening Sessions around the state, local groups and citizen like you helped pick four Conservation Priorities. Because these issues were top concerns of citizens, they became top priorities for legislators as well.
The focus on Conservation Priorities and the combined efforts of citizens, the conservation community, and policy-makers resulted in impressive victories for land and water conservation; reauthorization of the Stewardship Program and passage of the Great Lakes Compact. Progress was made on all Priority issues.
There were also some "significant almosts" on several good conservation bills last session, like the bill that would have places statewide ban on phosphorus in lawn fertilizer. This bill passed the Senate, but not the Assembly. While it was not one of the four Conservation Priority issues last session, it could be for the next time around.
Eleven Conservation Listening sessions are being held around the state in August and September to get citizen's perspectives and opinions on what next session's Conservation Priorities should include.[Only four are listed here; the others are in distant parts of the state.] If you are a member of a conservation organization, involved in a local group, or simply concerned about conservation, we encourage you to attend and share your thoughts!
An RSVP is not required, but would be appreciated. Please RSVP to jessica@conservationvoters.org [copy and paste the address in your e-mail address line] and tell us which city you'll be attending.
The listening session closest to Sawyer County is:
Ashland
Thursday, August 14
6:30-8:00 pm, Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center, 29270 County Hwy G
Other sessions that are in the northern part of the state are:
Minocqua
Thursday, August 7
6:30-8:00 pm, Minocqua Community Center, 415 Menominee St., Board Room-Third Floor (Town Hall building)
Wausau
Wednesday, August 13
6:30-8:00 pm, UW-Marathon County, Room 194, (entrance near Marathon County Park)
Eau Claire
Monday, August 25
6:30-8:00 pm, L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, 400 Eau Claire St, Chippewa Room