Green Unveils Plan to Protect Wisconsin's "Outdoors Heritage"

Green Unveils Plan to Protect Wisconsin's "Outdoors Heritage"

Green would split Department of Natural Resources into two agencies -
restore board appoiontment for conservation secretary.

GREEN BAY - During a speech before the Wisconsin Conservation Congress Convention, Congressman Mark Green, the Republican candidate for governor, outlined how he would reshape the state's natural resources management should he be elected governor.

In a speech in which Green spoke about his commitment to Wisconsin's "sporting heritage," he said that "more than anything else, our sporting heritage - our commitment to the outdoors - unites us as Wisconsinites."

"In so many ways, our natural resources and the manner in which we utilize those resources define who we are, and they bring us closer together," said Green. "When we draw a bead or drop a line or pitch a tent, we aren't Republicans or Democrats, we're Wisconsinites. There is a commonality of spirit associated with a good catch, good shot or walk in the woods that transcends geography, age, economic status, race or gender."

Green used his speech to announce a plan to restructure and modernize the Department of Natural Resources by splitting the huge bureaucracy into two new agencies:

The Department of Conservation, Forestry and Outdoor Recreation, which will retain the traditional conservation programs - parks, fisheries, wildlife, forestry and conservation law enforcement. The secretary of this new department would be appointed by the Natural Resources Board, just as the DNR secretary was appointed prior to 1995.

The Department of Environmental Quality, which will be responsible for air quality management, water quality, remediation and redevelopment, solid waste management and environmental enforcement.

Green said he believes the current scope of responsibilities for the DNR is too broad for one agency, and has led to a lack of focus and poor decision making.

"From trying to ban fireworks at Milwaukee's lakefront to threatening fines on families for their long-standing piers, the DNR has shown it is in need of significant reform," said Green. "We're going to let scientists and the experts in the field guide our resource management decisions instead of politicians in Madison."

As a candidate for governor in 2002, Jim Doyle said he would propose having the DNR secretary appointed by the Natural Resources Board, but he did not follow through with that promise as governor.

"I guarantee you'll find this proposal in my very first budget - not just in my campaign rhetoric, as some candidates for this office have done," said Green.

Green's reform plan already has the backing of some of Wisconsin's leading conservationists including Conservation Congress leader Dave Ladd of Dodgeville, former Natural Resources Board Chairs Herb Behnke of Shawano and Trig Solberg of Minocqua, and Onalaska conservation advocate Sandy Heidel.

Wisconsin sporting organizations also expressed support for Green's plan, including Whitetails Unlimited and Sporting Heritage, Inc.

Green, who cited conservation hero President Theodore Roosevelt as his top political influence, said he plans to be very active in promoting Wisconsin's outdoors as governor.

"My friends, I want to champion our outdoor life," Green said during his remarks. "I want more hunters and fisherman, not less. And I'll help lead the way in promoting what Wisconsin has to offer every chance I get. You'll see me on the lakes, and in our streams…you'll see me in the woods, you'll see me on our trails … you might even see me in a tree stand … just keep it down please."

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