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YCC Helps Shape The Next Generation Of Conservation
Jonna Mayberry
Jonna Mayberry is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.
What if something like the Wisconsin Conservation Congress existed, but for youth?
Well, it does: It’s the Wisconsin Youth Conservation Congress!
The YCC, currently about 60 members strong, is a statewide program designed to foster the growth and development of future conservation leaders across Wisconsin.
As an extension of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress, the YCC provides young people with opportunities to engage in conservation activities, mentored hunting and fishing, service work, career development and educational experiences related to natural resources policy.
“The YCC was created to help develop conservation leaders,” said Kyle Zenz, the DNR’s Youth Conservation Congress coordinator. “We hope that YCC youth might eventually join the WCC as adults, but the program also just gives youth a better understanding of conservation and advocacy in general.”
The YCC focuses on county-level initiatives, mirroring the WCC. WCC delegates serve as mentors and as a local contact point for the YCC delegates.
The WCC’s 21-member YCC Oversight Committee is responsible for setting the YCC’s curricula and guiding all aspects of the organization, including incoming donations. They give generously of their time to plan and participate in the many YCC activities, and often give monetarily as well.
“The Youth Conservation Congress is an important way to keep young people engaged in our conservation efforts,” said Mary Ellen O’Brien, WCC’s Dane County vice-chair. “It has been an absolute bright spot in the WCC's endeavors."
Policy Perspective
YCC activities cover every facet of conservation.
“When I was younger, I decided I would love to be a wildlife biologist. But I never considered the fact that there’s policy involved, that many moving pieces create a framework for natural resource management,” Zenz said.
“And so, I’m helping to try to give these youth a broad perspective of everything involved with natural resource management, conservation and the sporting community as well, like hunting, fishing and trapping.”
YCC participants also strengthen valuable skills, such as problem-solving, effective communication, teamwork and leadership by working with other YCC delegates, WCC members and DNR staff. YCC members are encouraged to learn more about the WCC and participate in county meetings, local initiatives, mentored hunting and other activities.
Making Connections
Along with the WCC connection, YCC delegates also volunteer with local conservation groups and natural resources professionals to learn more about careers. YCC delegates can assist with research tasks such as duck and goose banding, pheasant stocking, fish stocking, and fish and wildlife surveys.
Delegates often promote the YCC through civic organizations, local clubs, school classes and youth groups. YCC members may be eligible for academic credits (such as for a high school independent study project) by participating in YCC initiatives.
The YCC program offers opportunities for students of all backgrounds, from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to those who might be newcomers to conservation.
The program is primarily meant for high school students, with some DNR volunteer activities only available for ages 16 and up. But there are no specific age requirements to join the YCC, and younger individuals are welcome to apply.
Youth can participate in the YCC through the end of the summer after their senior year of high school.
YCC Events
The Wisconsin Youth Conservation Congress offers year-round opportunities for young people to grow as future conservation leaders. Here are some highlights.
January: Ice fishing weekend. All YCC delegates learn new fishing techniques from mentors and peers, review ice safety tips, learn about local aquatic ecosystems and enjoy fishing with friends.
March: Explore UW-Stevens Point. The YCC Oversight Committee meets yearly at UWSP, and YCC delegates get a behind-the-scenes tour of the school’s College of Natural Resources.
May: Annual Conservation Congress Convention. YCC delegates learn about the business of the WCC, participate in field trips, listen to presentations on local conservation initiatives, meet new YCC delegates and much more.
June: YCC career day. Delegates explore natural resource-related professions, discover jobs within the DNR and get information about educational institutions with natural resources degrees.
August: YCC summer program. At this four-day program, YCC delegates can investigate conservation careers, help with service work, develop leadership skills and spend time recreating outdoors. The YCC also partners with county, state and federal natural resources managers to find out more about local conservation efforts.
August: Youth Zone at the Waterfowl Expo in Oshkosh. YCC delegates lead learning stations and help with hands-on activities for families and youth.
October: Fall YCC hunt for upland birds or waterfowl. Novice and experienced hunters are welcome; equipment and instruction are provided.
Learn More
Wisconsin students interested in the outdoors are invited to join the Youth Conservation Congress, a statewide program to support future conservation leaders. The YCC helps members learn about related careers and understand the processes that determine Wisconsin’s natural resources policies. Learn more on the DNR's website.
