Proclaiming January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, as Wisconsin State Park System 125th Anniversary.
Senate Joint Resolution 62 is a commemorative resolution that proclaims January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025, as the Wisconsin State Park System 125th Anniversary. The resolution recites the history of the state park system, noting that Interstate Park was established in 1900 and that the system now includes state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas covering more than 307,000 acres of public land.
The resolution highlights the system’s role in outdoor recreation, education, conservation, tourism, and public access, and it recognizes the work of DNR staff, partners, Friends Groups, and volunteers. It also references the OutWiGo initiative, annual visitation of more than 20 million people, annual sticker sales, and the broader economic contribution of outdoor recreation to Wisconsin.
As a joint resolution, SJR62 does not change substantive state law or create new regulatory requirements. Its legal effect is limited to an official legislative proclamation honoring the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System and encouraging public appreciation of state parks and related outdoor activities.
The available context shows no recorded committee debate or votes, so there is no documented opposition or support beyond the resolution’s introduction and sponsorship. The tone of the bill is strongly celebratory and bipartisan in appearance, with many senators and representatives listed as sponsors, reflecting broad appreciation for conservation, recreation, and the state park system’s public value.
No notable points of contention are evident from the provided materials, likely because the measure is ceremonial rather than policy-driven. The resolution’s emphasis is on recognition, heritage, and promotion of outdoor recreation rather than on funding, land management changes, or statutory amendments.
SJR62 has no direct impact on Wisconsin statutes, administrative rules, or agency authority because it is a nonbinding joint resolution. Its practical effect is symbolic: it formally designates 2025 as the Wisconsin State Park System 125th Anniversary and publicly recognizes the Department of Natural Resources, park staff, volunteers, and partners. The resolution may help promote tourism, public awareness, and participation in state park activities, but it does not alter rights, duties, or programs under state law.
The overall sentiment around the bill is positive and celebratory. The resolution frames the state park system as a longstanding public asset tied to conservation, recreation, education, health, and economic activity, and the large list of bipartisan cosponsors suggests broad legislative support. Because there were no recorded committee transcripts or votes, there is no evidence of substantive controversy or organized opposition in the available record.
No notable points of contention are apparent in the provided materials. The resolution is ceremonial and noncontroversial on its face, so there is no indication of disagreement over policy, spending, land use, or agency authority. If any concern existed, it would likely be limited to the general question of whether legislative time should be spent on commemorative measures, but no such objection appears in the available context.