Department of Natural Resources

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Government    Executive Branch    Natural Resources

Administration

Vision Statement: The Ho-Chunk Department of Natural Resources shall be responsible for managing, exercising stewardship, and applying sound conservation practices over all of the Nation's lands and natural resources, with the vision to provide long-term cultural, social, political, and economic stability of the Ho-Chunk Nation and conserve, preserve and protect natural resources for future generations.

Executive Director
Brandon Bleuer

Data Coordinator
Karen Green

Land Management Division

The Land Management Division is responsible for land management and conservation practices for all Ho-Chunk Nation tribal lands. The mission is to serve the nation in environmental site assessments, restoration, and preservation. The Lands Specialists work corporately with various agencies such as Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). The Lands Specialists also work with other tribal organizations to ensure that cultural and natural resources are preserved and managed appropriately.

Division Manager – Russell Hunter

Land Management Crew Leader – Jamie Goodbear

Lands Specialist Staff – A.J. Mann, Paul Youngthunder, and Patrick Houghton

Wildlife Division

The Nation strives to preserve and protect cultural heritage by maintaining and restoring wildlife associated with tribal lands. The Wildlife Division is responsible for monitoring and enhancing habitat for native species on the Nation’s lands. The Division conducts wildlife surveys, aids in environmental assessments, and works closely with HCN internal departments and collaborates with State and Federal agencies in the management of wildlife resources. The Wildlife Division also provides outreach and educational programs for tribal members.

Division Manager – Greg Blick

Wildlife Biologist – James Swenson

Wildlife Technician – Early-wind Funmaker

Ho-Chunk Nation Hunting Packet 2024

Forestry Division

The Forestry Division is responsible for managing tribal forests and forestry resources on Nation lands. The division is divided into two specialties.  Rural Forestry which protects and guides management of outlying forests and Urban Forestry which provides oversight and management of trees situated in areas near housing, commercial and government structures, parks, and the powwow grounds on tribal lands

 

Division Manager – Greg Blick

Hoocᶏk Xatap Hirakara – Kjetil Garvin

Forestry Technician – Vacant at the moment

 

Natural Resources & Environmental Link

Kickapoo Valley Reserve Calendar

Tree Tapping Permit for Ho-Chunk Nation Lands

Minor Forest Product Permit from Ho-Chunk Nation Lands

Hazard Tree Request

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

US Fish and Wildlife

USDA

Natural Resource Conservation Services

Oak Wilt