Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Natural Resources Board Officers Re-elected

MADISON – The seven-member State Natural Resources Board reelected its officers at its January 28 meeting in Madison.

Dr. Christine L. Thomas was reelected chair. Thomas is the Dean and a professor of resource management at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources. She was appointed to the Board by Gov. Jim Doyle in March, 2004. Her term expires May 1, 2009.

Madison conservationist Jonathan P. Ela was reelected vice-chair. Ela is retired from the Sierra Club. He was first appointed to the Board by Doyle on Jan. 22, 2003, and was reappointed by Doyle on Jan. 8, 2007. His term expires May 1, 2011.

Attorney John W. Welter, Eau Claire, was reappointed secretary. He was first appointed to the Board by Doyle on May 5, 2004, and was reappointed by Doyle on May 1, 2005. His term expires May 1, 2011.

The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board sets policy for the Department of Natural Resources and exercises authority and responsibility in accordance with governing statutory provisions. Chapter 15 of the Wisconsin Statutes delineates the formal duties of the seven-member board.


Board members are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the state senate. Three members each must be selected from the northern and southern portions of the state and one member serves at large. Terms expire on May 1.

The board meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month except for July and November. Board meetings are held at the DNR Building in Madison from October through March and at locations throughout the state from April through September. Board meeting dates and locations are listed in the Natural Resources Board Calendar. Tentative out-state meetings for the Board in 2009 are: April, Pewaukee; May, Merrimac/Lake Delton; June, Menomonie/River Falls; August, Hayward; and September, Egg Harbor.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Laurie Ross, Board Liaison, (608)267-7420

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