Green Bay sustainability commission begins drafting 'rights of nature' resolution, seeks tribal collaboration

The Green Bay Sustainability Commission voted to proceed with a collaborative drafting process for a “rights of nature” resolution and requested presentations and broader stakeholder engagement, including outreach to tribal nations, before any formal referral to staff or legal review.

Commission member Walter Presley introduced the concept and said the resolution would affirm that natural ecosystems — rivers, wetlands and forests — have “the right to exist and flourish” and would provide a framework for evaluating development and investment decisions.

Presley described the measure as symbolic but potentially useful as a policy framework: “the idea of it is that it's it's a resolution... that affirms the council and city's belief that nature, nature ecosystems like rivers, wetlands, forests, have the right to exist and flourish in our community.” Staff cautioned that enforcement mechanisms and legal pathways are complex; one staff member noted that drafting should proceed carefully and suggested the commission do initial drafting work before asking staff and legal to evaluate implementation options.

Commissioners said they support learning more and recommended inviting external presenters. Commissioners pointed to local precedents and partners: Milwaukee County and tribal nations such as the Menominee and Ho‑Chunk Nation were cited as bodies that have considered or adopted similar language. Public commenter Sister Sally Ann Brickner urged the commission to include air, flora and fauna in the concept, saying the approach recognizes that “we are part of nature.”

After discussion, the commission adopted a motion referring the item to the commission to continue a collaborative drafting process for a rights of nature resolution, including outreach for educational presentations and stakeholder input. The motion carried on a voice vote.