The Assembly Committee on Forestry, Parks and Outdoor Recreation convened on May 2, 2023, to discuss a bipartisan bill aimed at waiving admission fees to Wisconsin state parks on Earth Day. The proposal, introduced by Representatives Green and George, seeks to encourage public engagement with the state's natural resources while promoting stewardship and conservation.

During the meeting, Representative Green highlighted a specific incident where a school group was unable to visit a state park for a service project due to admission fees. This experience underscored the need for the proposed fee waiver, which aims to make state parks more accessible to all, particularly for educational and volunteer activities. Green emphasized that allowing free access on Earth Day would not only promote the parks but also foster a connection between young people and the outdoors.

Support for the bill was echoed by Steve Smelzer from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), who noted that Earth Day is one of the largest civic events globally, aimed at raising awareness about environmental protection. He stated that last year, Wisconsin's state parks welcomed over 19 million visitors, and a fee waiver could inspire even more people to explore these natural spaces. Smelzer assured that the implementation of the waiver would be manageable, likening it to existing free admission weekends.

Former Representative Hasselbein, now a senator, also voiced her support, recalling past instances where volunteers were turned away due to admission fees. She stressed the importance of allowing everyone to enjoy the outdoors on Earth Day, regardless of their ability to pay. Hasselbein acknowledged the challenges posed by unpredictable weather during Earth Day activities but remained optimistic about future participation.

The committee members did not raise any objections during the discussion, indicating a strong consensus on the bill's potential benefits. The proposed legislation aims to enhance public access to Wisconsin's state parks, promote environmental stewardship, and encourage future visits, ultimately contributing to the preservation of the state's natural resources. The next steps will involve further deliberation and potential voting on the bill.