By Reed Kabelowsky
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s June, 2023 Newsletter edition.
The Youth Conservation Congress (YCC) was started by some forward-thinking folks from the Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) and the Wisconsin DNR, including then Secretary Preston Cole and present Chairman, Rob Bohman. Wanting to pass on the legacy of this great conservation minded body of elected folks, the involvement of youth was a sure way to engage students in the importance of conservation advocacy. It was the vision of these folks to include youth from all Wisconsin counties.
The YCC started out as a small group of young people mentored by WCC delegates from various counties. The volunteer mentors and leaders share their time and talents with youth delegates, connecting them with the workings of the WCC and all things conservation related. In 2019, the growth and success of this youth organization was secured with the hiring of a DNR Coordinator – Kyle Zenz. Presently, the YCC has grown to 51 youth delegates and 15 “alumni” that are now graduated from high school, but still wish to be connected with this fantastic group. Again, a goal is to have a YCC delegate representing each county.
The 2023 YCC schedule consists of six major programs – each designed to offer the delegates engaging experiences in conservation disciplines, career exploration and outdoor activities. This year’s activities include:
- Ice Fishing Event
- Each year, YCC delegates gather on the “Free Fishing Weekend” in Wisconsin to learn about ice fishing. Information and instruction is shared by mentors, peers and natural resource professionals. In 2023, the event was held on Shawano Lake. 14 young folks took a hand at ice fishing, fish cleaning, and fish eating. A presentation by Walleyes for Tomorrow was offered by the Shawano Chapter at the lodge – home base for this two day event.
- Wisconsin Conservation Congress Annual Convention
- This is the one time of year when WCC delegates from all 72 counties come together. All YCC delegates are invited to attend this convention. The 2023 Annual Convention was held in Oshkosh, on the Fox River. YCC delegates attended general Conservation Congress meetings, toured the Asylum Bay Rough Fish Research Station, learned about fish management, engaged with DNR staff as they gave an electro fish shocking demonstration, learned how to make jigs, fished on the Fox River, participated in nightly socials, and tested their knowledge with a friendly trivia tournament.
- Summer Career Day
- YCC delegates are provided many opportunities to learn about careers in natural resources. Each year, a career day is offered for an in-depth dive into what it takes to work as a natural resource professional. In June, the YCC delegates will visit Sandhill Wildlife Area. This event is designed to learn about careers and support that are necessary to operate a state property like Sandhill. YCC delegates will tour Sandhilll by taking a wagon ride on the Trumpeter Trail. During this property tour, they will stop to see the bison herd, learn about endangered Karner Blue Butterflies, discuss deer management, search for wildlife using radio telemetry, talk about heavy equipment & habitat management, learn about hiking trail maintenance, and much more.
- Summer Program
- The YCC Summer Program will be held in Calumet County. The group will camp at Calumet County Park on Lake Winnebago. Activities and lessons will include cave exploration, bat ecology, survival skills, duck banding, fishing, hiking, trap shooting, archery and much more.
- Waterfowl Hunters Expo – Youth Zone
- The YCC is the engine that provides the youth activities at the Expo. This will be the second year of offering our young delegates the opportunity to serve the public by providing insightful, entertaining, educational, and fun activities to help folks, young and old, learn about waterfowl and waterfowl hunting.
- Fall Mentored Hunt Activity
- This fall program will feature an afternoon waterfowl hunt at the McMillan Marsh near Marshfield. Mentors and volunteers will offer YCC delegates insight and practical experience on waterfowl hunting.
Presently, the organization is exploring fundraising to keep this ever-growing group of young people exploring the outdoors and our natural resources. Much of the funding often comes from the dedicated volunteer committee which helps drive the YCC and from friends that offer shelter and activities to the group.
The Waterfowl Hunters Expo is a fantastic opportunity for these delegates to learn about waterfowl themselves, but also the opportunity to start a life of serving which will be the staple for many of these folks’ life experiences ahead. The Expo Youth Zone was enthusiastically staffed by 13 youth delegates and ten WCC volunteers last year.
Noteworthy success story – of the eleven 2022 graduates, seven are enrolled and pursuing conservation disciplines at various programs. Yet others are still actively engaged as alumnus. Please consider helping to fund or help this organization grow, by encouraging young people to join in the fun and learning.
Wisconsin Youth Conservation Contacts
YCC Oversight Committee Chair: Trent Tonn (262) 534-1962 / ttonn@basd.k12.wi.us
YCC Oversight Committee Vice Chair: Reed Kabelowsky (920) 242-3144 / r.kabelowsky@sbcglobal.net
YCC Oversight Committee Secretary: Tashina Peplinski (262) 483-2483 / tashina@startistries.com
YCC Coordinator: Kyle Zenz (715) 299-0925 / kyle.zenz@wisconsin.gov
Visit our website: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/about/wcc/ycc