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: Two per year per group. Note: Some do not do appointments every year.
Calendar of upcoming appointment opportunities
The DNR's advisory groups are successful because of people like you. Don't wait to be a part of it! Apply today, mark your calendar to check back when an opportunity opens up, or get in touch to express interest.
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Group |
Next appointments |
| Governor's Council on Minnesota's Coastal Program | Three seats for individuals living in Carlton County or the Fond du Lac Reservation are open for applications. The Office of the Secretary of State will accept applications until the governor appoints individuals to all three seats. The governor will announce appointments when made. |
Request a reasonable accommodation
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
MnDNR Advisory Groups Overview
This list covers advisory groups that are ongoing and may list some temporary advisory groups as well.
| 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 |
| Natural Heritage Advisory Committee | Makes recommendations to several DNR programs concerning
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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 |
| Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area Citizens Advisory Council | Provides direction for management planning and advice about major management decisions | Minn. Stat. § 85.0146 Expiration date: none | Composed of representatives and designees as outlined in Minn. Stat. § 85.0146 | Members serve for two-year terms and can be reappointed. Next application deadline is January 2022. | 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 2019-2028 MN White-tailed Deer Management Plan Expiration date: none | Appointed by DNR commissioner | Members appointed for multiyear terms. Applications are typically open every 1-2 years when seats are open. Applications are currently closed. | Barbara Keller,
Fish and Wildlife Division |
| 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 | Minn. Stat. § 97A.055, subd 4b Expiration date: Sunset renewable by legislature (next sunset is June 2025). | Appointed by DNR commissioner to Fisheries Oversight Committee (FOC) and Wildlife Oversight Committee (WOC), along with a chair for the joint Budgetary Oversight Committee (BOC) | Members appointed for two-year terms on staggered schedule. Current members can reapply but may serve no more than three consecutive terms (six years). BOC Chair appointed year-to-year. | Beth Carlson,
Office of Policy and Planning, Operations Services Division |
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| Governor's Council on Minnesota's Coastal Program | Makes recommendations to DNR commissioner on grant priorities, projects to receive grant funding, and the program's annual administrative budget | Governor's Executive Order 99-12 (enabled) and extended by EO 19-29 Expiration date: none | Appointed by the governor under Minn. Stat. § 15.0593 | Applications accepted to fill vacancies. Governor sets terms at time of appointment. | Amber Westerbur,
Ecological and Water Resources 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 1-2 years when seats are open. Applications are currently closed. | Tom Heinrich,
Fish and Wildlife Division |
| Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Task Force | Make actionable plans to connect more people to the health and wellness benefits of outdoor recreation, improve equitable access to outdoor recreation, and better support the state's thriving outdoor recreation economy |
Minn. Stat. §§ 15.014; 15.059; and 84.01, subd. 5
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Selected by Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Explore Minnesota Tourism (state agency) in consultation with the governor's office | Members appointed for the duration of the task force. | [email protected]
Gratia Joice, Parks and Trails Division |
| Minnesota R3 Council (recruitment, retention, and reactivation) | 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 1-2 years when seats are open. Applications are currently closed. | Jeff Ledermann,
Fish and Wildlife Division |
| Parks and Trails Legacy Advisory Committee (PTLAC) | 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 |