Rep. Vincent Miresse’s desk might look like that of a typical legislator with a family photo, Wisconsin Blue Book and other assorted items. But Miresse’s drawer contains something different — Wisconsin conservationist Aldo Leopold’s “A Sand County Almanac.”
“I got [it] when I was in junior high school, and it literally has a duct tape cover on it and binding because I've read it so many times it's falling apart,” Miresse said.
Leopold’s 1949 book, an instrumental piece of environmental literature, inspired some of Miresse’s early work. While attending the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, he worked at the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station (CWES), teaching environmental education as a head naturalist and site manager. Miresse continued this work after graduation.
“I never intended to get into politics,” Miresse told The Daily Cardinal. “Politics got into me.”
Miresse was elected to Wisconsin Assembly District 71 in 2024 and has held a seat on the Portage County Board of Supervisors since 2017. Born in Fond Du Lac, Miresse spent time living on the west coast and internationally before settling back in Wisconsin.
“I lived internationally, and then boomerang back when [I] came back for a close friend's wedding, and [I was] like, ‘Wow, this is where [my] community is,” he said. “My home is definitely in central Wisconsin and the Stevens Point area.”
Miresse got his initial start in local politics, filling a seat on the Portage County Board of Supervisors, attending meetings to understand the basic process.
“I was completely dumbfounded by how local and county government worked, or maybe in this case, wasn't working for the greater community,” he said. “I knew at that point I had to throw my hat into the ring.”
It was a great way to learn the “nuts and bolts” of government, Miresse said. He used the fundamentals he learned through county government in his role with the statewide assembly today.
Miresse is one of 23 freshmen legislators who began their term in January 2025 and has been vocal about making a difference in the new assembly. The representative said he was frustrated Democratic bills receive few public hearings and often don’t make it out of committee.
Miresse focused legislation concerning conservation, combating climate change and rural livability. His upbringing in Central Wisconsin and time as an environmental educator fueled his desire to work on these issues.
“As an educator, educating children for a number of years now, I'm finding myself having to educate grown adults,” Miresse said. “I get to use all those tools for inspiration and meeting people where they're at.”
In September, Miresse co-authored Assembly Bill 435 to reauthorize the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson Stewardship 2000 program, named after two famous Wisconsin conservation leaders.
“We have some of the great conservationists who have helped define the movement… and made sure that we preserved and conserved pieces of land,” he said.
This bill would increase funding to preserve natural areas, protect water quality and expand outdoor recreation opportunities. The current program funds the Department of Natural Resources land acquisition and recreational development as well local communities and non-profits.
“It is a really good piece of legislation, [and is] … emblematic of the representatives legislative priorities,” said Ben Pilson, a legislative aide currently working for Miresse. “[He is] ensuring our local communities have access to the resources they need.”
Miresse said environmental legislation needs to combat misconceptions and criticism. He explained Wisconsin has historically proven conservation and land preservation are non-partisan issues. Given the number of people who go up north to recreate, Miresse said “it’s … in our DNA in Wisconsin.”
Miresse, his wife Gina and their two children emulate this Wisconsin DNA, often going on family outings to hike, paddle and hunt whenever they can. “We live a pretty simple life, and whenever we get an opportunity, we also love to travel,” he said.
The family loves growing their own food and attending local music festivals during the summer. Before politics, Miresse worked as a musician and called it “the more soul-soothing part” of his life. The representative played some gigs over the summer where he played the congas and the cajon, a box drum set.
“I just love to play music with people and at an elevated level. I really love playing with people who want to do this work seriously because it pushes the boundaries of what we think we're capable of.”
