The 2025 Senate Joint Resolution 125 honors the life and public service of George Meyer, a dedicated conservationist and former secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), who passed away on December 10, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on a dairy farm in New Holstein, Wisconsin, Meyer exemplified hard work and environmental stewardship throughout his career, which began in 1970 at the DNR. He played a pivotal role in developing Wisconsin's wetland protection regulations and championed the Public Trust Doctrine to safeguard the state's waterways. His leadership during critical moments, such as the Ojibwe off-reservation treaty rights negotiations, showcased his commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting tribal rights.

Meyer served as DNR secretary from 1993 to 2001, during which he oversaw significant land acquisitions for recreational use, the reestablishment of the wild elk population, and the implementation of the nation's first mercury emission regulations. After retiring, he continued to advocate for conservation as the first executive director of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, mentoring future leaders in conservation policy. Recognized for his contributions, Meyer was inducted into the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame in 2018 and received a lifetime achievement award from the National Wildlife Federation in 2025. The resolution expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's gratitude for his decades of service and extends condolences to his family and friends.