The Wisconsin DNR – Wildlife Management program (WM) is interested in contracting facilitation services to 1) design an approach to effectively engage a diverse committee, 2) facilitate a series of meetings with this committee, 3) design an approach for public input and 4) summarize the work performed. The goal of this process is to: 1) engage the committee in quality dialogue on the future on beaver management in Wisconsin, 2) engage the public to receive input as it relates to beaver management in WI, and 3) provide a summary of these 2 efforts to WM to use as guidance during development of a new beaver management plan. WM will collaborate with DNR social scientists to collect broad public input on beaver management via an online questionnaire and review of previous human dimensions work on beaver, and this information may be available for consideration by the DNR Beaver Management Plan Committee (BMPC). The Contractor must have demonstrated experience facilitating diverse groups of stakeholders toward substantial effective agreement and engaging the public on topics related to controversial natural resource topics. The expectations of the Contractor include: Design a process to effectively engage the DNR Beaver Management Plan Committee (BMPC). The BMPC will be an inclusive and diverse committee representing a diversity of interest areas relative to beaver management. The goal and expectation of the BMPC is to assist WM in the development of an updated beaver management plan that has broad public and scientific support by providing input and recommendations to WM staff. Qualified organizations (defined by DNR) will apply for a seat on the committee while other governmental and tribal agencies will be invited by DNR. The final committee makeup will be decided by DNR. Committee membership will also include representatives of invited government agencies, tribes and the Wisconsin Conservation Congress. Committee size may reach 40 members. WM will primarily draft the beaver management plan, but may consult with other government, tribal, or university experts outside of the committee to assist in plan development. Faciliate 4-6 meetings of the BMPC to engage all members of the committee and provide WM with public feedback on analysis, alternatives and/or decisions made, to ensure that public concerns are clearly understood and considered, and the development of alternatives with the identification of a preferred solution during the development of an updated beaver management plan.
