ABOUT US
YOUR VOICE MATTERS
The founding members of Minnesotans United for Conservation overlap with the Organizing Committee of the 2026 Minnesota Duck Summit, which in March 2026 attracted more than 300 concerned waterfowler-conservationists to Nicollet, Minn., near the shores of Swan Lake.
While we have been, and remain, primarily concerned about Minnesota waterfowl and the wetlands and grasslands they need to thrive, we recognize these prized birds and their population downturns represent only one wound among many on the state’s landscape.
That’s why we’ve broadened our focus to advocate for the same rights and privileges that residents of most other states have: A place at the table when key decisions are made involving Fish, Game and Wildlife.
To accomplish this, Minnesota needs a Citizens Conservation Advisory Council to bring the public’s viewpoints to the DNR, the Legislature and the Governor.
The Duck Summit Group will continue as needed to hold statewide waterfowl convocations. In the meantime we cannot, and will not, turn a blind eye to the status of other Minnesota natural resources and the threats that imperil them further.
The state’s conservation past need not foretell its future.
Photo by Bill Marchel
THE BOTTOM LINE: OUR MISSION
The time is now to advocate for a Minnesota Citizens Conservation Advisory Council. The state’s next governor has the authority to appoint a group of eight or perhaps as many as a dozen passionate, informed and experienced Minnesotans to advise them as well as the Department of Natural Resources and the Legislature, on conservation issues critical to all Minnesotans.
Only a handful of states don’t have similar councils. Minnesota — and Minnesotans — are long overdue! For questions, collaborations, or to learn more about how you can contribute, please reach out to us. Your engagement is vital to our success in conservation efforts across the state.
Guiding Principles
1.
Science over politics. Decisions on habitat, harvest, and land management should follow data and biology, not election cycles.
2.
Outcomes over process. Success should be measured in duck counts, pheasant broods, deer camp occupancy, and water quality — not in plans written and shelved.
3.
Access for everyone. Quality hunting, fishing, and birding should be a birthright of all Minnesotans.
4.
Collaborative effort among the DNR, legislators and the governor, working with Minnesotans passionate about the state’s natural resources.