Cooperating for Wildlife Habitat

Lunch will be provided. Register online or by sending sending registration information and payment to Golden Sands RC&D, 1100 Main Street, Suite #150, Stevens Point WI 54481. Before April 1st, only landowners may register. After April 1st, other interested parties may register. Registration must be completed by April 13th (postmarked April 6th). 

Speakers include:

Dr. Scott Hygnstrom - UW Stevens Point Douglas R. Stephens Endowed Chair in Wildlife

Wildlife depend on diverse types of habitat over the landscape. The average deer depends on 640 acres of habitat. In order to enhance wildlife habitat in your area, you need to think beyond the borders of your property. Dr. Hygnstrom will share information about the importance of landowner collaborative action at the landscape scale to enhance wildlife habitat. 

Curt Rollman - WI Department of Natural Resources Deer Biologist

The state's Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) encourages landowners to form cooperatives and learn more about how a community can collaborate to enhance wildlife habitat. Curt will share information about this program and how landowners can get involved.

Joshua Beneŝ - Executive Director of Golden Sands RC&D

A Central Wisconsin nonprofit, Golden Sands RC&D has worked with over 80 landowners in 8 counties to form cooperatives that collaborate to enhance wildlife health, manage for invasive species, and complete sustainable timber sales. Josh will share information about how these cooperative groups came together and how landowners across Wisconsin can form similar groups.

Geoff Hale - Landowner involved in Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) of Wisconsin

Founded in 1988, the QDMA has more than 60,000 members in all 50 states and several foreign countries. Members work together to promote safe and ethical hunting, restraint in harvesting young bucks, hunter involvement in education and management, cooperation with wildlife biologists and enforcement officers, and stewardship and appreciation of all wildlife. Geoff will share information about the benefits he has experienced through involvement in a group QDM cooperative. 

Cooperative Landowner Leadership Panel (not confirmed)

Landowners currently involved in DMAP and QDMA will share thoughts on the benefits and challenges of landowners collaborating to improve wildlife habitat.