Local Policy Input Process
Is there an issue impacting your county's ability to implement successful conservation programs? Bring your issue to the state level to initiate robust discussion with key stakeholders, engagement with members statewide, and integration into the state association's advocacy efforts.
To begin, have a discussion with your area association to determine that the issue is shared outside of your county, is in need of state intervention, and is a priority WI Land+Water members and committees should tackle.
Contact Christina Anderson or Matt Krueger with questions.
Understand the process
- An issue arises at the local level. An issue arises at the county level. The issue is brought forward for discussion at the next area association meeting, and if warranted, is elevated to the state association level.
- An issue is elevated to the state association level. The area association completes the online Local Policy Input Form on the WI Land+Water website to provide background information on the issue. The form will be submitted to the WI Land+Water Executive Director, who, in consultation with the President, will advance the issue to the Chair of the relevant Committee for consideration.
- The issue is deliberated at the referring Committee level. The Committee Chair puts the issue on the next meeting agenda, or calls a special meeting to take up the issue. The Committee Chair invites the appropriate representatives from the area association to be a part of that meeting discussion. Committee members will utilize the vetting questions on the Local Policy Input Form to consider the issue. The Committee, in consultation with the area association representatives, determines the next best steps to address the issue.
- The Committee Chair reports back to the state and area associations. After determining the Committee’s next steps and course of action on the issue, the Committee Chair reports back to the WI Land+Water Executive Director and the appropriate area association representatives. WI Land+Water tracks internally the area association’s input on the issue, as well as the Committee’s action.
There are many avenues to resolving issues depending on the complexity.
Some outcomes may include:
Advocate for legislative or administrative rule changes
Convene partners to discuss program improvements
Develop communication and training strategy