Wisconsin Conservation Congress invites all Wisconsinites to take part in its annual spring hearing process.

The WCC is an independent organization of residents that advises the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on how to responsibly manage Wisconsin’s natural resources.

Each year, residents have a chance to submit ideas as resolutions to the WCC. Wisconsinites can submit proposed resolutions via the online process now through Feb. 26. Resolutions must meet the following criteria:

• The concern must be of statewide impact.
• The concern must be practical, achievable and reasonable.
• The concern must be within the mission and vision of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress.

An individual citizen may submit no more than two resolutions per year. Those interested in submitting a resolution are encouraged to reach out to the resolution review committee or their WCC county chairperson for guidance in drafting a resolution. Additional tips on preparing a resolution are available on the WCC and DNR’s Spring Hearings webpage. Resolutions will be accepted until Feb. 26.

At the close of the submission process, the resolutions will be reviewed by a committee of WCC delegates to ensure they meet the criteria for inclusion and will be prepared for the online input, which kicks off April 10 and will close April 13.

For more details, contact Terri Roehrig, Executive Committee member of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress, at 920-540-2775.

Read last week’s column:Highlights of Fish & Game’s annual meeting, and more in the latest Manitowoc outdoors report

Scoping the Great Outdoors: Read on for more outdoors news from throughout Manitowoc County and beyond.

Fish & Game meets Feb. 14

The next Manitowoc Unit of Fish & Game meeting will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 14 at Lincoln Park Cabin No. 1. The meeting is open to the public and members. It includes a speaker followed by a short business meeting. Lunch and refreshments are also offered.

Guest speaker for this meeting will be Amanda Stewart, a falconer. She will share information about this unique sport and bring one of her birds, a red-tailed hawk. This is a great educational opportunity for youth and there will be opportunities for questions.

The unit reminds the community that memberships for the 2024 term are now available. Membership counts have been in decline in recent years, and the organization reminds the public of the importance of supporting all of the 25 conservation organizations in Manitowoc County. Membership is important to impacting the future rules and regulations and to protect rights and resources. Manitowoc Unit dues are still only $5 annually.

Two Rivers Coast Guard station to see limited staffing

Mike Hafertepe, from U.S. Coast Guard Station Sheboygan, reached out with an update regarding staffing. He said as a result of a Coast Guard personnel shortage, the station is no longer able to man the small station in Two Rivers.

Hafertepe said this means that from Memorial Day to Labor Day, when there would normally be a crew with assets ready to respond from Two Rivers, they will no longer have that luxury.

If they receive any search-and-rescue or law enforcement calls in the Two Rivers area, it is still their area of responsibility, “but with a much longer response time,” he said.

Wood duck and bluebird houses available

Maribel Sportsman’s Club, Francis Creek Sportsman’s Club and Friends of the Branch River Watershed members have been busy building wood duck and bluebird houses for the 2024 season.

We also have a very limited number of bat houses, so those will be limited to one per person.

Houses are given out to conservation-minded individuals who will place them out on the landscape to enhance nesting capabilities.

If you are interested in getting some of these houses, give me, Bob Schuh, a call at 920-682-3106 to make arrangements to pick them up.

Manitowoc Rifle and Pistol Club offers open trap shooting on Sundays

Manitowoc Rifle and Pistol Club, 7227 Sandy Hill Lane (north of Two Rivers between State 42 and County O on Viceroy Road), is hosting open trap shooting from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Shooting is open to the public.

The event is sponsored by the club on a weekly basis, and it runs through the end of April. Membership in the Manitowoc Rifle and Pistol Club is appreciated, but not required.

A fee of $5 per round of trap shooting is charged. 12-gauge target ammunition is available for purchase at $9 per box of 25 shells for use on the range. There are no team requirements. Scores are retained on an individual basis for reference by each participant. Enjoyment and camaraderie through participation in a safe shooting sport are the goals.

Additional information about the Manitowoc Rifle and Pistol Club may be obtained through the Facebook page or the website.

More Bob Schuh:Find more Scoping the Great Outdoors columns by clicking here

Maribel club’s rummage sale and chicken booyah is Feb. 17

Maribel Sportsman’s Club will hold its 16th annual Sportsmen’s Rummage Sale and chicken booyah Feb. 17.

The Sportsmen’s Rummage Sale is from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. and the chicken booyah is served from 10 a.m. until it’s gone.

Eat in or pre-order carry out booyah by calling Carl Bonde at 920-973-4151 or emailing bondecarl@gmail.com.

Direct questions to Shawn Seefeldt at 920-323-9412 or email shawnseefeldt@gmail.com.

Buy, sell or trade shooting, archery, hunting and fishing gear along with vintage collectables. Admission is free.

Maribel Sportsmen’s Club is next to Interstate 43, exit 164, State 147, Maribel.

That’s it for this week, so have fun in the great outdoors.