FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2025
Wisconsin Conservation Congress Honors
Youth Delegate Of The Year
Tommy Burr of Eagle River was recognized with the first annual Youth Delegate of the Year Award by the Wisconsin Conservation Congress.
MADISON, Wis. – On behalf of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC), the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is pleased to acknowledge Tommy Burr of Eagle River as the first annual recipient of the Youth Conservation Congress (YCC) Delegate of the Year Award.
This honor recognizes individuals who have dedicated their time and efforts to conserving Wisconsin’s natural resources. It is part of the WCC’s ongoing mission to acknowledge the exemplary leadership and hard work of individuals committed to sustaining Wisconsin’s outdoor legacy for future generations.
Tommy Burr, a high school junior at Northern Pines High School in Eagle River, has been involved with the YCC since 2019. He first learned about the program through former WCC delegate Jim Heffner and his wife, Carol Heffner (currently a WCC delegate in Oneida County). Since then, Burr has fully embraced the program’s mission, participating in numerous YCC events and activities.
“The YCC has been an amazing experience for me. It has taught me more about Wisconsin’s natural resources and, most importantly, how to respect and use them wisely,” said Burr. “We do so many fun events throughout the year, and it’s great meeting other delegates and seeing the different activities they participate in across the state.”
Despite the challenges of balancing a busy schedule, Burr has participated in nearly every YCC event he could. His family even adjusted their annual summer vacation plans to accommodate the YCC Summer Program.
Burr has grown into a respected leader within the YCC, and his passion for the outdoors is truly contagious. He always has a huge smile and is eager to share the joy of outdoor adventures with others. During the 2024 YCC Summer Program, Burr brought his boat to Lake Tomahawk. He invited fellow delegates to join him on early morning fishing trips, demonstrating his commitment to fostering shared experiences in nature.
Wisconsin’s lake sturgeon spearing season has been a big part of Burr’s life. He is proud to continue the family tradition by joining his dad and grandpa each year on the ice. This year, he wanted to experience part of the season from the viewpoint of a fisheries biologist. He spent an entire day at one of the sturgeon registration stations, learning about the information gathered from each harvested sturgeon. Burr helped weigh fish, record measurements, check for tags and determine the sex of speared sturgeon. He noted that he especially enjoyed interacting with the public, learning about their spearing experiences and furthering his understanding of conservation efforts surrounding the species.
“Tommy truly embodies the spirit of the YCC. He’s a compassionate, dedicated individual who speaks up for what he believes in,” said Kyle Zenz, DNR Youth Conservation Congress coordinator. “His passion for conservation and respect for Wisconsin’s natural resources are evident in everything he does. We are proud to have him as a representative of the YCC.”
Burr’s commitment to conservation, leadership and service ensures that his influence as a young conservationist will continue to grow. His kindness and dedication to preserving Wisconsin’s natural environment set a high standard for future YCC delegates.
About The Youth Conservation Congress
The YCC is a statewide youth 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 resource policy.
The YCC program offers opportunities for students of all backgrounds, from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to newcomers to conservation. Although the program is primarily aimed at high school students, younger individuals are also welcome to apply.
For more information on the YCC, visit the DNR’s website. |
