WI Conservationists: Wash Politics Out of the DNR
Monday, July 20, 2009
MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin conservationists are hoping to get a bill passed that would restore an independent secretary for the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR), by having that appointment filled by the DNR Board rather than by the governor. Next week the State Assembly Natural Resources Committee will hold a public hearing on a proposal to make the change.
Tom Thoresen, a former conservation warden, is president of the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters Institute. He says the current system makes it more likely that important decisions will be affected by politics.
"The voters might perceive the governor as opposed to what's in the long-term best interest of protecting our natural resources."
Thoresen says legislators have an opportunity to restore confidence that natural resources decisions will be based on science and not politics, by changing the way the DNR secretary is selected.
Opponents of the change say it would mean less oversight over the DNR, but Thoresen says that's just not the case.
"The Legislature and the governor still have oversight over the DNR and the board, because of their review of all policy actions and also their control of the budget."
Thoresen says the political appointee system makes it hard to follow through on important conservation initiatives because the players are constantly changing.
"In 2001 through 2008, we've already had four DNR secretaries, so there is a real loss of continuity in a political appointee system."
The hearing on the measure is slated for Tuesday, July 28, at 11 a.m. at the Capitol in Madison.
get more stories like this via email
Health and Wellness
A recent report examined how some rural Tennessee hospitals have managed to stay afloat despite financial challenges. The report includes interviews …
Social Issues
Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …
Social Issues
Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…
Social Issues
A mix of policy updates and staffing boosts has helped to put wage theft enforcement on the radar in Minnesota, and officials leading the efforts are …
Social Issues
Colorado is working to boost the state's agricultural communities by getting more fresh, nutritious foods into school cafeterias - and a new online …
Social Issues
Missouri lawmakers are concerned with protecting people from the potential risks of the increasing accessibility of AI-generated images and videos…