Advisory group appointment opportunities
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) relies on public advisory groups and task forces as one way to work with Minnesotans to achieve the department's mission. Some are open-ended and others are limited in duration. Membership design differs according to the purpose and sometimes provisions in statute. Participation in one of these appointed roles is one way that Minnesotans can contribute ideas and perspectives.
The DNR's advisory groups are successful because of people like you. If you would like to receive a notice when new opportunities arise, go to the DNR’s Advisory Groups Webpage and sign up for updates.
Current open opportunities:
- Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee (SAISAC)
- Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee (FWAC), formerly known as the Game and Fish Fund Oversight Committees
- Fisheries Work Groups, there are five work groups: Bass, Commercial Minnow, Northern Pike and Muskellunge, Panfish, Walleye
- Mille Lacs Fisheries Advisory Committee (MLFAC)
- Natural Heritage Advisory Committee (NHAC)
- Parks and Trails Legacy Advisory Committee (PTLAC)
- Minnesota R3 Council
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.
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Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee
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Aquatic invasive species present one of the state’s most pressing natural resource issues. Preventing the spread of zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, invasive carp, starry stonewort and other invasive plants and animals is of critical environmental, recreational and economic importance.
The statewide Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee (AIS) is a core element of the DNR’s partnership approach to addressing aquatic invasive species. The committee comprises 15 members who provide advice and diverse perspectives on programmatic direction, emerging research needs, communications, and funding strategies.
New member appointments will begin in January 2025 and extend through December 2027. Applications are open for 2024 and will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. Friday, September 27, 2024.
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Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee
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The Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee (FWAC) replaces the citizen oversight committees that operated from 1994 to 2024. The committee focuses on biennial budget outcomes achieved from Game and Fish Fund expenditures, including outcomes related to protecting habitat, fish and wildlife population management, monitoring and research, and communications and public engagement.
Nearly $100 million flows into and out of the Game and Fish 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 Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee reviews how the DNR spent funds from the Game and Fish Fund during the previous fiscal year and combines those reviews to produce an annual report and spending recommendations.
Minnesota residents with a hunting, fishing or trapping license or an active critical habitat license plate can apply for any of these advisory committees.
Applications are open for 2024 and will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. Friday, September 27, 2024.
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Fisheries Work Groups
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Fisheries work groups provide input and feedback on DNR policies related to bass, northern pike and muskie, panfish, walleye, and the commercial production of minnows.
The commercial minnow work group is a new advisory group created established to enhance dialogue between the DNR and commercial minnow interests to discuss research, population, harvest trends and fisheries management in Minnesota.
Applications are open for 2024 and will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. Friday, September 27, 2024.
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Mille Lacs Fisheries Advisory Committee
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The Mille Lacs Fisheries Advisory Group engages in discussions with DNR staff and makes recommendations to the DNR on fisheries management for Mille Lacs Lake. Members include representatives of area resorts, fishing guides and other businesses; property owners; county officials; representatives of the DNR’s work groups that focus on walleye, bass, and northern pike and muskellunge; and others.
The DNR supports the committee by supplying information that is used to help manage the Mille Lacs fisheries, including standard fish population assessments, creel harvest surveys, status of invasive species, or other available information requested by the committee.
Applications are open for 2024 and will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. Friday, September 27, 2024.
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Natural Heritage Advisory Committee
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The Natural Heritage Advisory Committee (NHAC) advises the DNR on issues relating to sustaining the state’s natural heritage, biological diversity and ecosystem services. 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 biology, ecological education and outreach, and other aspects of Minnesota’s natural heritage.
New member appointments will begin in January 2025 and extend through December 2027. Applications are open for 2024 and will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. Friday, September 27, 2024.
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Parks and Trails Legacy Advisory Committee
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The Minnesota Parks and Trails Legacy Advisory Committee's (PTLAC) mission is to champion the 25-year Parks and Trails Legacy Plan. People with enthusiasm for Minnesota parks and trails can help guide efforts to provide welcoming, engaging, accessible, rewarding and sustainable outdoor recreation experiences for everyone. The partner agencies of the Parks and Trails Legacy Advisory Committee include the Metropolitan Council, the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
The committee meets every two months at park and trail facilities around the state, with an online meeting option. Meetings typically include tours of state and regional parks and trails and provide members with the opportunities to experience the impact of projects and programs supported by the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund.
Terms are two years, with the option of being re-appointed for a maximum of three terms. Applications are open for 2024 and will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. Friday, September 27, 2024.
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Minnesota R3 Council
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The Minnesota R3 Council, also known as the Hunter and Angler Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation Council, works with and is facilitated by the DNR to recommend, develop a plan and implement strategies to promote knowledge and skills and participation in hunting, fishing and closely related outdoor activities. Members work to educate the public and make it easier to get involved in hunting, fishing, and related outdoor recreation. The group makes recommendations for recruiting new, retaining current and reactivating former hunters and anglers in Minnesota.
Applications are open for 2024 and will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. Friday, September 27, 2024.