By Bruce Ross, Executive Director – bross@wisducks.org
This article appeared in the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s May 2025 Newsletter edition.
Disruption Opportunities: Today, significant disruption is occurring in the conservation sector due to the federal government’s shifting priorities, which include reducing efforts in areas such as environmental protection while increasing focus on energy production. The long-term ramifications for organizations like WWA are not yet clear.
These changes are already affecting colleagues at partner organizations such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the US Geological Survey, and others. Some employees have taken early buy-outs or have been terminated, while others remain but face uncertain employment futures. Despite this challenging transition, these talented individuals will likely find better opportunities.
Organizational Opportunity: Such market disruptions present opportunities for capable and adaptable organizations like WWA. As government workforces shrink, WWA can expand its service-for-hire programs to address conservation gaps. With greater efficiency and lower overhead costs than federal agencies and benefiting from the high level of trust established with state and federal partners, WWA is well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities.
Service-for-Hire Programs: One recent example at the state level is our Public Lands Ecologist program, which meets the Department of Natural Resources’ need for wetland restoration biologists amid staffing shortages. Additionally, for nearly a decade, WWA has managed wetland construction contracts for the Fish and Wildlife Service. We are currently exploring a similar agreement to administer invasive species management efforts on waterfowl production areas. Furthermore, WWA serves as the project coordinator for the Little Yellow River watershed restoration project.
Another Example: In the next two weeks, we will hire a field technician to evaluate private wetlands and uplands enrolled in NRCS federal conservation programs. This addition will bring our ecological team to four members. Since our ecologists are involved in all habitat programs, WWA can efficiently extend its services across larger sections of the state.
A Win-Win for Wisconservation: Providing cost-effective conservation services that advance our waterfowl habitat mission ensures our conservation funds are utilized more effectively. This also contributes to WWA’s financial stability.
