We are excited to share one of our board members Bill Smith has recently been appointed to the Natural Resources Board (NRB), the governing body of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Bill has served on our board since 2014 and has contributed to the Foundation’s continued growth and success in connecting generations to the wonders of Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife.

“This is a superb appointment,” shared our executive director Ruth Oppedahl on hearing the news. “Bill is intelligent, thoughtful, and has a strong natural resources background. He is extremely diplomatic and will be a great addition to the board!”

You can read more about Bill’s background and appointment to the NRB, in the article below written by freelance outdoor writer and photographer, Tim Eisele.

DNR veteran administrator named to Natural Resources Board

Originally published in OutdoorNews.com on June 25, 2019

by Tim Eisele

William H. “Bill” Smith, of Shell Lake, is the newest appointee to the Natural Resources Board (NRB).

The appointment, which eventually will require confirmation by the State Senate, was announced by Gov. Tony Evers on June 21.

Smith is a veteran with 21 years of active duty and reserve service in the U.S. Air Force and retired after working for more than 34 years for the DNR.

Smith began working at the DNR in 1978 when he was hired as an environmental engineer. He later became district director of the DNR in Spooner and then went on to work as the deputy secretary of the DNR in Madison until 2007.

“I am looking forward to the new role, and once again a chance to serve our state and our wonderful natural resources,” Smith said in a phone interview.

It is not surprising to know that he is looking forward to “working” on behalf of the natural resources and citizens of Wisconsin, because that is what he has done all of his life.

Following his retirement from the DNR, Smith spent many hours volunteering as a board member of the Natural Resources Foundation, board member of the International Crane Foundation, and serving on the local board of appeals in Shell Lake.

Smith emphasized that he “believes strongly in providing a healthy environment, managing for rich and diverse natural resources and enabling quality outdoor experiences for all.”

Smith enjoys hunting and fishing, as well as spending quality time on the water with his family.

Smith’s appointment is scheduled to begin June 27. He will be filling the position vacated by Gary Zimmer, whose term on the board expires with the June board meeting.

Board members serve six-year terms, and the board sets policy for the DNR and approves hunting and fishing regulations. It’s comprised of seven individuals, three from the north, three from the south and one from any region of the state.

Welcome to Wisconsin Fat Bird Week

Fat Bird Week is here! Vote for your favorite chonky bird every day from Friday, April 19th to Friday, April 26th.

Wing it with these tips for new birdwatchers

Wing it with these tips for new birdwatchers from Kim Kreitinger, our resident bird expert (and NRF’s Field Trips Coordinator)!

2023 Photo Contest Winners

Every year you send us your best photos that capture incredible moments in nature. Take a look at our 10th annual Photo Contest winners!

(Un)Lovable Wisconsin Wildlife

Here’s some of the most lovable “unlovable” Wisconsin wildlife, in honor of Valentine’s Day. These stereotypical “pests” are so much more.

Welcome to the Foundation, Tee!

We’re thrilled to welcome our new volunteer, Tee Karki!

Explore, Love, Protect: NRF’s 2023 Grants for Conservation and Environmental Education

In 2023, NRF invested over $940,000 in grants for conservation and environmental education projects across the state.

From PlayStation to Potawatomi State Park: How Camping Transformed My Life

Escuela Verde senior, Jonathan, led a three-day camping trip at Potawatomi State Park for 12 students thanks to a Go Outside Fund grant.

Watershed Health and Outdoor Fun on the Namekagon River

Thanks to a 2023 Go Outside Fund grant, 46 students canoe the Namekagon River for hands-on learning about watersheds.

Welcome to the Foundation, Brenna!

We’re thrilled to welcome our new Grant Writer, Brenna Holzhauer!

Snapshot Wisconsin Trail Cams Capture Rare Wildlife Interactions

Snapshot Wisconsin trail cameras sometimes capture rare wildlife interactions. These photos support research on how different species coexist.