Hmong Conservationsists Meeting

On July 20-21, 2007 conservationists from the Hmong community, leaders with outdoor sports groups, the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and an outdoor writer (Jerry Davis) met to discuss conservation issues and more.

DNR Diversity Affairs Director Teresa Scollon said “the purpose of our meeting was to meet, share cultural and historical information, compare perspectives on natural resources and identify common ground and opportunities to work together in the future.”

Wisconsin Wildlife Federation Executive Director George Meyer introduced participants to the Mackenzie Environmental Center and for two days, leaders met, got to know each other, discussed culture and the future of hunting and fishing.  Chief warden Randy Stark said, “I’m very pleased by what was started here.” 

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DNR Warden Supervisor Carl Mesman stated, “I think there was a lot of very good exchange that came from it (the meeting) and definitely a good foundation to start building on.” 

The meeting was enhanced when several speakers talked about the history of Wisconsin conservation, Indian history, and Hmong interaction with Americans in Vietnam during the 1959-1975 war.  DNR Deputy Chief Warden Karl Brooks said he was fascinated by Koua Vang’s historical account of how Hmong saved downed American pilots in Vietnam.  “Hmong assistance to Americans and their interaction in this conflict was greater than I realized”, said Brooks.  “Because of mounting issues involving economic and political repression of certain people during that time, Hmong people really had to improvise, all the way from their living conditions to gathering and hunting food”, he continued.

On the second day, Wisconsin Waterfowl Association Executive Director Jeff Nania escorted the group to a wetland area north of the Mackenzie center.  Nania detailed the Association's involvement to restore the area once known as a low production corn field.  Annual work has helped restore the area to a premier wetland full of waterfowl, wildlife and hundreds of species of plants.  It was a great example of how conservation works and a perfect ending to the meeting.

Scollon said that additional meetings are planned in the future to continue what was started.  She hopes that in the end, Hmong conservation leaders will be able to engage more in everyday conservation issues.”