The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) uses a variety of external advisory groups and task forces as one way to work with Minnesotans for 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 an enabling authority. Participation in one of these appointed roles is one way that Minnesotans can contribute ideas and perspectives.
This page lists current and upcoming DNR groups where membership is a public participation opportunity.
Get notifications for opportunities to serve on the DNR’s ongoing advisory groups and notices of final appointments. Frequency of messages is two per year per group. Note that appointments for a particular group may not occur every year.
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Individuals with a disability who need a reasonable accommodation to participate please contact the meeting organizer listed within the event details.
List of advisory groups
The DNR's advisory groups are successful because of people like you. Don't wait to be a part of it! Mark your calendar to check back when an opportunity opens up or get in touch to express interest.
This list covers advisory groups that are ongoing and also may list some temporary advisory groups.
| Group | Purpose | Authorization | Membership | Appointments | DNR contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Advisory Committee | Provides advice and recommendations for AIS programs and activities and achieve shared understanding among committee members of AIS issues and their impacts on citizens, lakeshore property owners, and recreationalists, as well as public, private, business, and non-profit organizations. | Created by DNR commissioner Expiration date: None. |
Appointed by DNR commissioner | Members appointed for terms up to four years (same cycle, not staggered). | Kelly Pennington Ecological and Water Resources Division |
| Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area Citizens Advisory Council | Provides direction for management planning and advice about major management decisions. | Minn. Stat. § 85.0146 | Composed of representatives and designees as outlined in Minn. Stat. § 85.0146. | Appointments create staggered, two-year terms with appointments occurring every January. | Barry Osborne Parks and Trails Division |
| Deer Advisory Committee | Forum to enhance two-way dialogue with stakeholders on specific deer management topics. | Created as part of the DNR's 2019-2028 Deer Management Plan. Expiration date: None. |
Appointed by DNR commissioner | Members appointed for multiyear terms. Applications are typically open every one to two years when seats are open. Applications are currently closed. | Barbara Keller Fish and Wildlife Division |
| Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee [formerly known as the Game and Fish Fund Oversight Committee] |
Reviews the DNR's annual Game and Fish Fund Report, including expenditures, budgets, spending plans and other information related to the Game and Fish Fund. Makes recommendations to the Legislature and the commissioner for desired outcomes related to: protecting, restoring, and enhancing fish and wildlife habitat; fish and wildlife population management; fish and wildlife monitoring and research; communications and engagement; and improvements in the management and use of money in the game and fish fund. | Minn. Stat. § 97A.055, subd 4b. Expiration date: Sunset renewable by the Legislature. Next sunset is June 2025. |
Appointed by DNR commissioner | Members appointed for up-to three years terms on staggered schedule. Current members can re-apply but may serve no more than three consecutive terms (six years). Committee chair appointed year-to-year. | Kelly Wilder Fish and Wildlife Division Yengmy Thao Operations Services Division |
| Fisheries work groups | Provides input and feedback on DNR policies related to bass; catfish; northern pike and muskie; panfish; walleye; and the commercial production of minnows (new in 2024). | Created by DNR commissioner to establish and support quality fish management in Minnesota. Expiration date: None. |
Appointed by DNR commissioner | Members appointed for two- or three-year terms. Each workgroup will be chaired by a DNR regional fisheries manager or DNR fisheries program manager. Current members may re-apply but may serve no more than two consecutive terms (six years). | Shannon Fisher Fish and Wildlife Division |
| Mille Lacs Fisheries Advisory Committee | Forum to enhance two-way dialogue with stakeholders about Mille Lacs Lake fisheries management. | Created by DNR commissioner. Expiration date: None. | Appointed by DNR commissioner | Members appointed for multiyear terms. Applications are typically open every one to two years when seats are open. Applications are currently closed. | Brian Nerbonne Fish and Wildlife Division |
| Natural Heritage Advisory Committee | Makes recommendations to several DNR programs concerning:
|
Minn. Stat. § 86A.05, subd. 5 (c) requires consultation with qualified persons. Expiration date: None. |
Appointed by DNR commissioner | Members appointed for three-year terms. | Heidi Wolf Ecological and Water Resources Division |
| Parks and Trails Legacy Advisory Committee | Champions the 25-year Parks and Trails Legacy Plan through recommendations to enhance promotion, coordination and accountability for implementation of the plan. | Created as a part of implementation of the 25-year Parks and Trails Legacy Plan. Expiration date: None |
Appointed by DNR commissioner, Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission and Metropolitan Council. | Members appointed for two years on staggered schedule and maximum of 3 consecutive terms. Chairs serve a one-year term and may be elected for a second year. | Lars Erdahl Parks and Trails Division |
| Minnesota R3 Council | The public's voice in developing strategies recruiting, retaining and reactivating hunters and anglers in Minnesota. | Created by DNR commissioner as a response to the 2016 R3 Summit. Expiration date: None. |
Appointed by DNR commissioner | Members appointed for multiyear terms. Applications are typically open every oe to two years when seats are open. | Andrea Jones Klein Fish and Wildlife Division |