Conservation Wardens Need Your Help!

Assembly Bill 411 Seriously Undermines Fish and Game Enforcement

Assembly Bill 411 threatens the ability of Conservation Wardens to effectively enforce hunting, fishing and trapping regulations on the 80% of Wisconsin that is privately owned.

Under current law any law enforcement officer including conservation wardens has the authority to enter open fields of private land to assure compliance with laws. They do not have authority to enter buildings or areas near buildings.

Wardens need the authority to enter open fields to assure that individuals hunting, fishing or trapping have the appropriate licenses and stamps to hunt, fish or trap and to assure that individuals on private land are complying with all hunting, fishing and trapping regulations.

Fish and wildlife are owned by the public and unless conservation wardens are allowed to go onto the open fields of private land to enforce hunting, fishing and trapping regulations, fish and game on that property from a practical standpoint becomes private.

There should be the same fish and game regulation enforcement on private lands as public lands.

Support your local Conservation Warden

Ask your State Senator and State Representative to Vote NO on Assembly Bill 411.

Go to the legislative website first page to find out how to contact your legislators: www.legis.wisconsin.gov

Source: Wisconsin Wildlife Federation’s - Wisconservation

Bipartisan Group of Senators Introduce the Modern Fish Act

Recreational Fishermen Laud Wicker, Nelson and Colleagues July 10, 2017 (Washington, DC) - Today, the recreational fishing and boating community praised the Senate introduction of the Modern Fish Act by Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), John Kennedy (R-La.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.). The "Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2017" (Modern Fish Act) would improve public access to America's federal waters, promote conservation of our natural marine resources and spur economic growth. A companion bill, H.R. 2023, was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on April 6, by Congressmen Garret Graves (R-La.), Gene Green (D-Texas), Daniel Webster (R-Fla.) and Rob Wittman (R-Va.). "On behalf of America's 11 million saltwater anglers, we thank Senators Wicker, Nelson, Blunt, Schatz, Kennedy and Manchin for their leadership and commitment to modernizing federal recreational fishing management," said Jeff Angers, president of the Center for Sportfishing Policy. "Recreational fishing is a tradition worth safeguarding through proper management policies and a critical component of the U.S. economy, with an annual economic contribution of $63+ billion. With a bipartisan bill introduced in both chambers, we are hopeful the Congress will ensure all Americans have fair and reasonable access to our nation's marine resources by passing the Modern Fish Act." For years, the recreational fishing community has been hindered by antiquated policies that restrict access to public waters, hurt the U.S. economy and detract from conservation goals. The Modern Fish Act addresses many of the challenges faced by recreational anglers, including allowing alternative management tools for recreational fishing, reexamining fisheries allocations, smartly rebuilding fish stocks and improving recreational data collection. The bill aims to benefit fishing access and conservation by incorporating modern management approaches, science and technology to guide decision-making. "We applaud Senators Wicker, Nelson, Blunt, Schatz, Kennedy and Manchin for working across the aisle to introduce the Modern Fish Act in the Senate. When passed, this landmark legislation will modernize the federal regulations governing access to the public's natural resources by boaters and anglers," said National Marine Manufacturers Association President Thom Dammrich. "We appreciate the commitment of Senators Wicker, Nelson, Blunt, Schatz, Kennedy and Manchin to finding solutions that allow for better management of our recreational fisheries and bring federal management into the 21st century." "The Modern Fish Act will achieve many goals, the most important of which is getting more Americans outdoors and enjoying our wonderful natural treasures," said Mike Nussman, president of the American Sportfishing Association. "This bipartisan legislation includes key provisions that will adapt federal fisheries management to manage recreational fishing in a way that better achieves conservation and public access goals. Recreational fishing provides many economic, social and conservation benefits to the nation, and with this legislation, the federal fisheries management system will better realize those benefits." "The Magnuson Stevens Act is designed to be reviewed regularly because the management needs of our nation's fisheries are constantly evolving. Since the last reauthorization, it has become abundantly clear that the law needs to be revised to provide quality angling opportunities for all stakeholders," said Patrick Murray, president of Coastal Conservation Association. "This legislation signifies that our elected officials on both sides of the aisle recognize the unique needs of the recreational angling sector and the changing nature of fisheries management. We commend Senators Wicker, Nelson, Blunt, Schatz, Kennedy and Manchin for providing a pathway that provides for proper conservation and better management of our marine resources in the future." "The Modern Fish Act offers reasonable solutions to a management system designed primarily for commercial fisheries but which has failed to address the needs of millions of saltwater anglers," said Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation President Jeff Crane. "The simple adjustments in this bipartisan bill would continue to ensure conservation of our nation's saltwater fisheries, while finally establishing greatly needed parity for the recreational fishing community." "The Modern Fish Act would fix key issues in the law governing marine fisheries that keep recreational anglers from enjoying access to healthy fisheries," said Jim Donofrio, executive director of the Recreational Fishing Alliance. The coalition of groups supporting the Modern Fish Act includes American Sportfishing Association, Center for Sportfishing Policy, Coastal Conservation Association, Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, International Game Fish Association, National Marine Manufacturers Association, Recreational Fishing Alliance, The Billfish Foundation and Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

WCSFO Opposed to Proposed State Budget Cuts to WDNR

WCSFO held its’ Annual Spring Meeting in Franklin, WI recently. One of the hottest topics discussed by delegates attending was the release  of the Governor’s proposed State Budget.

A motion was made and passed unanimously to go on record as being opposed to any changes in the WDNR budget.

Click Here for letter

WCSFO Joins Other Statewide Sports/Conservation Groups Opposed to State Budget

In a joint letter to the Joint Committee on Finance, the Wisconsin Council of Sport Fishing Organizations (WCSFO) and 14 other statewide Sport and Conservation Groups went on record as being opposed to portions of the proposed State Budget presented by Governor Scott Walker.

The Statewide groups represent over 200 Clubs in Wisconsin with over 100,000 members. The letter was written to urge the Committee to support retaining the 18.4 DNR research scientist positions in the 2015-2017 state budget.

Click Here to review letter and fact sheet.

^{Wisconsin Trappers Association}

^{Ruffed Grouse Society,}

^{Wisconsin Waterfowl Association}

^{White Tails Unlimited,}

^{Wisconsin Federation of Great Lakes Sports Fishing Clubs}

^{Walleyes for Tomorrow}

^{Wisconsin Sporting Dogs Association}

^{Sturgeon for Tomorrow}

^{Wisconsin Deer Hunters Inc.}

^{Sharp Tailed Grouse Society}

^{Wisconsin Muzzleloaders}

^{Wisconsin Council of Sport Fishing Organizations}

^{Izaak Walton League-Wisconsin Division}

^{Wisconsin Association of Field Trial Clubs}

^{Wisconsin Wildlife Federation}

Letter Concerning Boat Transfer @ Rapide Croche Navigational Lock

Click Here for pdf copy

Department of Natural Resources Annual Spring Fish & Wildlife Informational Hearing & Wisconsin Conservation Congress Annual Spring County Conservation Meeting

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 9, 2012, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress will hold its election of county delegates in each county. Upon completion of the delegate elections, the joint Spring Department of Natural Resources Informational Hearing and Conservation Congress Meeting will convene to take comments on the department and Conservation Congress advisory questions.

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Department of Natural Resources will take public input on advisory questions relating to hunting, trapping, and the management of department lands.

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Department of Natural Resources will take public input on advisory questions relating to fishing on the inland, outlying, and boundary waters of Wisconsin.

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that following the completion of the advisory questions from the department and the Conservation Congress, the Conservation Congress will hold town hall meetings to get input from citizens on ways to simplify regulations and identify barriers to hunting and fishing participation.

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the informational hearings/meetings will be held on Monday, April 9, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at the following locations:

Click Here – For the 2012 Spring Hearing Questionnaire

Important time sensitive issues:

FCC extends comment period on GPS decision to March 16

Comment Period for Cormorant Management ends April 6 Here are two issues that are of importance to us in the Great Lakes region, issues that could impact our fishery resources and our GPS finding capability. Your action is important on both.

 

Dan Thomas, President

Great Lakes Sport Fishing Council

Glsfc444@gmail.com FCC extends comment period on GPS decision to March 16

 

BoatUS recently cautioned that America's boaters weren't out of the woods yet with the possibility of the country's sole electronic navigation system failing as the result of radio signal interference issues from a newly proposed cellular broadband network.

 

The Federal Communications Commission extended the public comment period to the network's proposed builder, LightSquared, allowing comments through March 16. Boaters and all users of GPS are urged to submit comments to the FCC to ensure that the nation's system of global positioning devices keeps Americans safely on course.

Here is how to file comments to the FCC through its online comment form:

 

Click here for the FCC online Comment form: http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/hotdocket/list

• Select ―Proceeding Number 11-109.‖

• Enter contact information.

• In the box that says ―Type in or paste your brief comments,‖ here are some points to select from:

• Explain how you use GPS in your life — on the water, on land or in the air.

• What would happen to your business/personal life if GPS became unavailable or unreliable?

• Wireless broadband service is important, but it should not come at the expense of GPS.

• All of the studies show that LightSquared's proposed network would cause interference and that there are no remedies.

• Tell the FCC that you rely on it to protect the integrity of the GPS signal and that you support its recommendation to stop LightSquared's current proposal.

• Click ―Continue.‖

• If the review page is correct, click ―Confirm.‖

 

Comment Period for Cormorant Management ends April 6

 

Click here to submit comments: http://www.regulations.gov/#!searchResults;rpp=25;po=0;s=FWS-R9-MB-2011-0033%252B

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is requesting public comments to guide the preparation of a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement related to revising regulations governing the management of Double-crested Cormorants.

 

USFWS requesting input

 

These latest comments will update the original 2003 Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS): Double-crested cormorant management in the United States (USFWS 2003, 208 pp). USFWS is requesting comments to help them determine future national policy for effective management of double-crested cormorant populations in the United States.

 

One group, the Lake Huron Citizens Fishery Advisory Committee is supporting the Michigan DNR’s recommendation to amend the 2003 Final Environmental Impact Statement to incorporate a regional approach. Managing the cormorant population at the Flyway level ensures that the cormorant population is protected and significantly increases efficiency and flexibility for the action agencies (State fish and wildlife agencies, federally recognized Tribes and State Directors of USDA Aphis Wildlife Services). The cormorant take for each state would be determined by discussions between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and each Flyway Council with the goal of each State maintaining breeding cormorant abundance above minimum thresholds while reducing bureaucratic hindrances within each State.

Fact Sheet--SS SB24/SS AB24--Alteration of Navigable Waters

SS SB24 and SS AB24 will have significant adverse impact on Wisconsin lakes and streams and will greatly limit the opportunity for Wisconsin citizens to have public input on lake and stream development projects. Specifically;

SS SB24 and SS AB24 substantially limit Wisconsin Citizen’s ability to protect their lakes and streams. Lake and stream users including hunters, anglers and trappers and riparian owners have the Constitutional right to object and intervene in DNR decisions that adversely affect lakes and streams. The bills specifically:

1. force citizens to evaluate proposed projects on incomplete information from applicants;

2. eliminate notices of applications to citizens in their local newspapers. Many citizens, especially in rural areas, do not have easy access to internet notices;

3. reduce the amount of time that citizens have to review applications from 30 days to 20 days;

4. put the burden of proof on an application on the citizen rather than the permit applicant.

SS SB24 and SS AB24 significantly weaken environmental regulations protecting fish and wildlife habitat. The bills substantially reduce DNR’s ability to evaluate projects that will lead to inadequate application of environmental regulations and also directly remove environmental standards. The bills specifically:

1. limit DNR’s authority to ask the applicant for additional information about a project even when the applicant continues to not provide the needed information;

2. force DNR to make permit decisions on incomplete applications;

3. prohibit DNR from denying a permit application on grounds that the application is incomplete even when the applicant does not provide the needed information;

4. create default permits when DNR is unable to process an application in time even when the DNR has insufficient staff to process the permit or even when the applicant has not provided adequate information;

5. remove DNR’s authority to prevent serious environmental damage by the construction of piers in the state’s most sensitive water areas known as “Areas of Special Natural Resource Interest”

6. require DNR to issue a general permit to any riparian owner to remove five 10 yard dump trucks of material from the bed of a lake or stream on an annual basis for their pier or boatlift. The cumulative affect of this considering the hundreds of thousands of piers in Wisconsin can have serious adverse affect on fish and wildlife habitat and water quality;

7. require DNR to issue a general permit to any riparian owner to remove fifty 10 yard dump trucks of “plant and animal nuisance” (undefined) from the bed of a lake or stream on an annual basis. Once again, individually or cumulatively, this can have serious adverse impacts on fish and wildlife habitat and water quality;

8. remove DNR’s authority to designate additional areas of the most valuable and significant scientific value for protection from development in lakes and streams;

9. require DNR to establish expedited procedures for the approval of certain dams. Often these dams can cause serious environmental damage and block spawning fish from getting to their spawning habitat.

SS SB24 and SS AB24 violate the Constitutionally based Public Trust Doctrine protecting navigable waters by allowing private development on public lake and stream beds. The beds of lakes and the water area of streams are owned by the Citizens of Wisconsin under the State Constitution. Private structures in those areas are to be limited to whatever is necessary to allow riparian owners to use the waters for their navigation. The bills specifically:

1. remove DNR’s authority (prospectively and retroactively) to prevent the construction of private condominiums and other private structures on filled public lake beds and streams which are protected by the Public Trust Doctrine. This provision has been placed in the bills partially because of a lawsuit currently underway in the Circuit Court of Manitowoc County. These bills will directly intervene in that litigation.

2. would grandfather many very large structures such as party decks and gazebos on the beds of lakes and streams that were built illegally. This would be contrary to a legislative compromise that was entered into in 2004 and voted for by several current legislators.

SS SB24 and SS AB 24 weaken environmental standards that apply to metallic mining in Wisconsin. Metallic mines require permits and approvals under many Wisconsin environmental laws. Many of these laws have been weakened by the provisions contained in these bills. The bill specifically:

1. would remove the requirement for the permit applicant for a major new stationary source of air pollution to perform air dispersion modeling before obtaining an air permit. This means that the proposed Penokee mine in Ashland and Iron County would not have to model their air emissions to ensure that their taconite pellet processing facility and their large electrical generating plant will meet compliance with air quality standards;

2. would create default permits for mine prospecting permits in the state.

Mine prospecting can cause significant damage to land and water if done improperly and the bills would grant default permits to applicants if DNR was unable to process the permit in time;

3. would create default permits for high capacity wells. Metallic mining

operations such as the proposed Penokee mine will need substantial makeup water for their operation which they will likely gain through high capacity wells. It would be virtually impossible for DNR to complete the necessary hydrological studies necessary for the mine in the short period of time set out for the high capacity well default permits;

4. would allow DNR to issue general permits rather than individual permits for the many stream alterations necessary for metallic mining projects;

5. would create default permits for the approval of licenses for oil and and gas production wells in Wisconsin. Oil and gas extraction, if not done properly can cause serious environmental damage and authority to do so should not be granted by default permits with inadequate DNR review.

Source: Wisconsin Wildlife Federation

Governor Doyle Vetoes AB 371

This Bill really doesnt' have anything to do with fishing, however it could affect us as fishermen some day and that's why I thought I had to say something about it.

I attended a Club Meeting last night and one of the speakers mentioned that Governor Doyle vetoed a Bill affecting Wisconsin Bear Hunters. You could tell in his voice that he didn't really care about the bear hunters and didn't really know much about the Bill itself. It was his opportunity to get in another slam against the current State Administration.

Please let the record be set straight. This Legislation needed to be stopped. The Bear Hunting issues in this Bill were voted on at the Spring Hearings last month and were defeated by an overwhelming margin. As much as 82% in one County.

That means the majority of the public have spoken. By attempting to get these changes legislated through and by-bass the rule making procedure is a slap in the face to the rest of the Sportsmen in this state.

The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation (WWF) and other groups protested to Governor Doyle to Veto this legislation and he listened to us. I say us because we too are a member of the WWF. I would also personally like to thank the Governor for listening to the majority of the Wisconsin Sportsmen.

I hold no grudge against the Bear Hunters and their organizations. The rules themselves do not affect us in this scenario, but it's the way the process was developed after being defeated could very well hurt us in the future if the proposed rule affects fishing.

Please read the Governor Doyle letter below:
(you can click on each page to enlarge them some)

John E. Durben

Make your voice heard - Request Veto of Assembly Bill 371

In this session of the legislature there have been a flurry of bills where legislators have tried to set hunting regulations for turkey hunting, archery deer hunting and bear hunting. This was done intentionally to bypass the input of the thousands of sportsmen and women who normally would have a chance to vote on hunting regulations at the Conservation Congress Spring hearings.

Due to the effort of sportsmen and women several of these bills were stopped before they reached the Governor's desk for signature. However one of them, AB 371, is now before the Governor for his decision to either sign it or veto it.

AB 371 makes several changes to the fall bear hunting season which will be disruptive to archery deer hunters, small game hunters and the majority  of bear hunters. The proposed changes to bear hunting in AB 371 were on the Conservation Congress Spring hearings on April 12, 2010 and were voted down by as much as an 82% to 18% ratio, with 71 out of 72 counties voting against and one county tied.

As a sportsman or woman, it is important for you to take action and contact the Governor and ask for him to veto AB 371. This time the changes affect bear hunting, next time it may be your favorite form of hunting, fishing or trapping. Don't let the regulations affecting your sport be changed without having the opportunity to vote on them at the Conservation  Congress hearings.

The Governor can be contacted by calling 608-266-1212 or writing him at:

Governor James Doyle
115 East, State Capitol
Madison WI 53702

He can also be contacted through the email contact form on the Governor's Office Website: http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/

It is important to make this contact in the next week!

Groundwater Protection Law Important to Protect Right to Hunt, Fish and Trap

Poynette: Whether you are duck hunter on a wind-swept marsh, a trout angler on a coldwater stream, a trapper in a shallow swamp or a bass angler on a small Wisconsin lake, protection of Wisconsin groundwater is extremely important. Sportsmen and women know that over drawing our groundwater resource can and has had a negative impact on Wisconsin lakes, streams and wetlands.

The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation and its 168 affiliate clubs strongly supports SB 620, the Groundwater Protection Act. Additional oversight of groundwater withdrawals is necessary to prevent further unregulated loss of important fish and wildlife habitat.

“Living in Plover, Wisconsin, I have had a first hand opportunity to see the drying-up of the Little Plover River the last five years,” indicated Jerry Knuth, Board Member of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation. “The Little Plover has joined Long Lake in Waushara County and Bloody Run Creek in Wood County as bodies of water near to where I live that have been largely destroyed by insufficient oversight of pumping from high capacity wells”

“The Legislature had graciously adopted the Constitutional Amendment to hunt, fish and trap in Wisconsin,” stated Don Hammes, Board Member of the Federation. “However our constitutional right to hunt, fish and trap is a mere piece of paper unless the Legislature adopts stronger laws governing the withdrawal of groundwater which is vital to the fish and wildlife habitat in our lakes, streams and wetlands.

The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation strongly endorses SB 620 and encourages its rapid adoption by the Legislature

The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation is the state’s largest conservation organization comprised of 168 hunting, fishing and trapping organizations. The Federation is dedicated to conservation education and the adoption of strong conservation policies.

Webmeister Note: WCSFO unanimously supported this Bill at the recent March 20th Spring Meeting held in Franklin, WI.

Governor Doyle, 38 State Representatives Reject Wisconsin Sportsmen and Women on DNR Secretary Appointment Bill

Poynette: Yesterday, Governor James Doyle and thirty-eight Wisconsin state representatives rejected the request of 270 hunting, fishing, trapping, forestry and other conservation and environmental groups to restore the appointment authority of the DNR Secretary back to the Natural Resources Board.

While the State Assembly voted by an overwhelming 58 to 38 margin to override Governor James Doyle’s veto of AB 138, the bill that would have restored the appointment authority to the NRB, a two-thirds majority was required because of Doyle’s reversal of his fourteen year support for the Board appointment. Doyle had repeatedly indicated such support to sports groups and individuals when he ran for elections. When the change was made to a Governor’s appointed system, then Attorney General Doyle called it a “wholesale attack on the way we protect the environment.”

In the last week before the vote, big business interests, such as the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the Wisconsin Builders Association, the Wisconsin Realtors and the Wisconsin Farm Bureau lobbied state representatives heavily and the two-thirds majority to override the veto was lost. These groups and others opposed to the override contribute heavily to Doyle and the thirty-eight representatives that voted against Wisconsin sportsmen and women. As an example, it has been reported that these interests contributed $4.14 million to Doyle since 2003. Doyle’s aides including a DNR employee were actively lobbying against the override in the State Capitol yesterday.

Approximately two hundred blaze orange clad hunters, anglers trappers and other conservationists were at the Capitol to show their strong support for the veto override.
The following thirty-eight state representatives actually looked those sportsmen and women in the eye and voted no on the veto override.

Republicans Voting Against the Override: Ballweg, Brooks, Davis, Fitzgerald, Friske, Gottlieb, Gunderson, Gundrum, Honadel, Huebsch, Kerkman, Kestell, Kleefisch, Knodl, Kramer, LeMahieu, Lothian, Montgomery, Murtha, Nass, Newcomer, Nygren, Al Ott, Jim Ott, Petersen, Petrowski, Pridemore, Rhoades, Stone, Strachota, Townsend, Vos, Vukmir and Zipperer.

Democrats Voting Against the Override: Steinbrink, Young and Zepnick.
Independent Voting Against the Override: Wood
Democrat Paired Against the Override: Kessler

A special thank you to the following 58 representatives who resisted the heavy lobbying by the business interests and the Governor and voted to support Wisconsin sportsmen and women:

Republicans Voting for the Override: Bies, Kaufert, Meyer, Mursau, Nerison, Ripp, Roth, Spanbauer, Tauchen, Van Roy, and Mary Williams.

Democrats Voting for the Override: Barca, Benedict, Berceau, Bernard Schaber, Black, Clark, Colon, Cullen, Danou, Dexter, Fields, Garthwaite, Grigsby, Hebl, Hilgenberg, Hintz, Hixson, Hraychuck, Hubler, Jorgensen, Krusick, Mason, Milroy, Molepske, Nelson, Parisi, Pasch, Pocan, Pope-Roberts, Radcliffe, Richards, Roys, Schneider, Seidel, Sheridan, Sherman, Shilling, Sinicki, Smith, Soletski, Staskunas, Toles, Turner, Van Akkeren, Vruwink, Ziegelbauer and Zigmunt.

Democrats Paired for the Override: Annette Williams

Republican Scott Suder, a cosponsor and a strong supporter of the bill did not vote due to his active duty deployment in Afghanistan. We greatly appreciate his service and support.

The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation is the state’s largest conservation organization representing 168 hunting, fishing, trapping and forestry-related groups. The Federation is dedicated to conservation education and the advancement of sound conservation policies.

Wisconsin Wildlife Federation - George Meyer

Today the Wisconsin Assembly was Unable to Override Doyle's Veto on AB 138

By: John E. Durben, President

It looks to me like the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the Wisconsin Realtors and the Wisconsin Builders have more clout than all of Wisconsin Hunters, Fishermen, other Sportsmen and Conservation Groups since they won today in the attempt to override the Governor's veto of Bill AB 138 which would have restored the Natural Resources Board appointment of the DNR Secretary.

We will continue as we have since 1996 with the Governor appointing who ever they wish whether they are qualified or not and probably for the same length of term that the Governor remains in office unless they tarnish the image of the appointer.

Without appointing qualified individuals to the position and not allowing for a natural learning curve for a new position as most jobs require, we will continue to see a turnover in the position as we've seen in the last few years since the change in who makes the appointments.

The Democrats who introduced the Bill could only secure 58 of the 64 votes needed (out of 96 voting) to reach the 2/3 majority required to override the veto.

Looks like "politics as usual" to me.

We will provide more information regarding this subject as it is made available.

Overwhelming Public Support for DNR Secretary Appointment Bill: 270 Conservation Groups Endorse Veto Override

Madison: On the day of the Wisconsin Assembly vote to override the Governor’
s veto of Assembly Bill 138, the bill that will restore the Natural Resources Board appointment of the DNR Secretary, Conservation Congress Chairman Ed Harvey (Waldo) and Wildlife Federation President Jack Nissen (Dousman) point out that thousands of individuals in each Assembly District represented by over 270 conservation and other organizations are asking their representatives to honor their request and vote to override the veto on Tuesday.

“The Wisconsin Conservation Congress is comprised of five elected individuals from each county in the state. The issue of the Board Appointment of the DNR Secretary has been voted on several times at our Annual Spring hearings over the last fifteen years. Each time, the votes of sportsmen and women has been resoundingly in favor by a ratio of nine to one in favor. It should not be a surprise that hundreds of conservation organizations have indicated their strong support for AB 138, stated Ed Harvey, (Waldo), Chair of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress.

“Having 168 hunting, fishing, trapping and forestry-related groups belonging to the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, we have a good pulse on how important this issue is to Wisconsin’s hunters, anglers and trappers.” A scientifically valid poll that the Federation did in 2004 showed that 79% of Wisconsin sportsmen and women wanted the authority to appoint the DNR Secretary returned to the Natural Resources Board. The numbers of conservation organizations supporting AB 138 reflects this sentiment,” indicated Jack Nissen, (Dousman) , President of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation.

Organizations Supporting Bill at Assembly Hearing: Wisconsin Conservation Congress, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, Northeastern Wisconsin Great Lakes Sport Fishermen, Wisconsin Woodland Owners, Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, Wisconsin Federation of Great Lakes Sportfishing Clubs, Sheboygan County Conservation Association, Tri-County Sportswomen, Johnsonville Rod and Gun Club, Eau Claire County Rod and Gun Club, Aldo Leopold Foundation, The Wildlife Society—Wisconsin Chapter, Wisconsin Science Professionals, Friends of the Lower Wisconsin River, Association of Retired Conservationists, WSEU—Local 1215 (Conservation Wardens), North American Lake Management Society, Midwest Environmental Advocates, Chippewa Valley Outdoor Resource Alliance, Wisconsin Association of Field Trial Clubs, RAWSEP, Sierra Club, Green Bay Area Great Lakes Sports Fishermen, Sauk County Sportsmens Alliance, Manitowoc County Fish and Game Pecatonica River Coonhunters, American Federation of Teachers---Wisconsin Taylor County Sportsmens Club, Madison Audubon Society, Clean Wisconsin Wisconsin Wetlands Association , Wisconsin Hunters Education Instructors Association Wisconsin Trappers Association. Kendall Lake Association, Citizen Utility Board River Alliance of Wisconsin, AFSCME Council 24, Argyle Rod and Gun Club Sugar River Pheasants Forever, Rock River Coalition, Triangle Sportsmens Club Pewaukee Lake Sportsmen, Twin City Rod and Gun Club, Milwaukee Casting Club Wisconsin Association of Sporting Dog Clubs, Wisconsin Interfaith Climate and Energy Campaign, Sierra Club---John Muir Chapter, Fox Valley Sierra Club, League of Women Voters, Friends of Dane County Parks, Polk County Sportsmen, Wisconsin Sporting Dogs Association, Watertown Conservation Club, Wisconsin Muzzleloading Association, Rock River Buckskinners, Ft. Atkinson Wisconservation Club, Sheboygan Sport Fishermen, Crawford Stewardship, Badger Creek Watershed, Wisconsin Council of Sport Fishing Organizations, Wisconsin Waterfowl Association, Wisconsin Sharptailed Grouse Society, Wisconsin Bow Hunters, Wisconsin Federation of Whitetail Unlimited, West Waubesa Preservation Coalition, Trout Unlimited, Wisconsin Deerhunters Inc., Johnsonville Rod and Gun Club, Waukesha County Conservation Alliance, Izaak Walton League, Wings Over Wisconsin. Outagamie Conservation Club, Dodge County Sporting Alliance, Fountain City Rod and Gun Club, Buffalo County Sportsmen’s Alliance Dane County Conservation League, American Turkey Hunting with Dogs Association.

Organizations Supporting Bill at Senate Hearing: Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin, La Crosse County Conservation Alliance, Walleyes For Tomorrow, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, North American Lake Management Society, Wisconsin Association of Field Trial Clubs, WSEU-Local 1215, Wisconsin Chapter of the Wildlife Society, Wisconsin Sharp-Tailed Grouse Society, Chippewa Valley Outdoor Resource Alliance, Wisconsin Conservation Congress, Dane County Conservation League, Izaak Walton League, Western Dane County Coalition for Smart Growth and Environment, Shadows on the Wolf, Waukesha County Conservation Alliance, Wisconsin Waterfowl Association, Manitowoc County Fish and Game, Madison Audubon Society, Sierra Club, Wisconsin Association of Lakes, Wisconsin Audubon Council, Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, Wisconsin Wetlands Association, Wisconsin Interfaith Climate and Energy Campaign, Western Dane Coalition, Wisconsin Association of Sporting Dog Clubs, Clean Wisconsin, Rock River Coalition, Town and Country RC and D, Wisconsin Science Professionals, Wisconsin Woodland Owners, River Alliance of Wisconsin, Winnebago Conservation Club, Citizens Utility Board, Friends of the Black River, Kimball Lake Association, Wisconsin Council of Sport Fishing Clubs, AFT-Wisconsin, Midwest Environmental Advocates, Wisconsin Trappers Association, Sierra Club, Dodge County Sporting and Conservation Alliance, Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance, Coulee Region Trout Unlimited, Wisconsin Muzzleloading Association, Triangle Sportsman Club, Wisconsin Waterfowl Association, Outagamie Conservation Club, Association of Retired Conservationists, Trout Unlimited.

Affiliate Clubs of Wisconsin Wildlife Federation Supporting Bill: Abbotsford Sportsmen’s Club, Almond Rod and Gun Club, American Wild Turkey Hunting Dog Association, Ashland Bayfield County Sportsmen, Association of Conservation Clubs, of Trempealeau, Augusta Area Sportsmans Club, Badger Dachshund Club Inc., Badger Fishermen’s League, Bangor Rod and Gun Club, Beaver Dam Conservationists Inc., Big 4+ Sportman Club, Boscobel Sportsmens Club, Brice Prairie Conservation Association, Brown County Conservation Alliance, Brule River Sportsmens Club, Butte Des Morts Conservation Club, Carter Creek Sportsmen’s Club, Central Wisconsin Gun Collectors Association, Inc., Central Wisconsin Sportsmen’s Club, Central Wisconsin Shoot to Retrieve, Challenge the Outdoors Inc., Chippewa Valley Outdoor Resource Alliance, Columbia County Sporting Alliance, Columbus Sportsman’s Association Inc., Crystal Lake Sportsmens Club Inc, Dane County Conservation League, Daniel Boone Conservation League Inc., De Pere Sportsman’s Club, Dodge County Sporting and Conservation Alliance, Door County Rod and Gun Club Inc., Dousman Gun Club, Dunn County Fish and Game, Eau Claire Rod and Gun Club, Farmers and Sportsmen’s Club, Field and Stream Sportsmens Club, Fin and Feather Sportsmans Club, Forest County Association of Lakes Inc., Fort Atkinson Wisconservation Club, Friends of MacKenzie Environmental Education Center, Friends of the Brule River and Forest, Green Bay Area Great Lakes Sport Fishermen, Globe Conservation Club, Great Lakes Sport Fishermen—Ozaukee Chapter, Green Bay Duck Hunters Association, Grellton Conservation Club, Hayward Rod and Gun Club, Jefferson Sportsmen’s Club, Koenig’s Conservation Club, Lake Poygan Sportsmen’s Club, Lakeshore Fishing Club, Lakeview Rod and Gun Club, Lincoln County Sports Club, Little Wolf River Houndsmens Club, Manitowoc County Fish and Game Protective Association, Manitowoc County Coon Hunters, Milwaukee Police Officers Conservation and Sportsman Club, Milwaukee Casting Club, Mosinee Sportsmens Alliance, Nekoosa Conservation League, Northeastern Wisconsin Great Lakes Sport Fishermen, Oakland Conservation Club, Oconomowoc Sportsman’s Club, Oconto County Sportsman’s Alliance, Osseo Rod and Gun Club, Outagamie Conservation Club, Pewaukee Lake Sportsman’s Club, Polk County Sportsmens Club, Prairie Du Chien Rod and Gun Club, Racine County Line Rifle Club Inc., Rio Conservation Club, River Valley Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, South Milwaukee 1400 Fishing and Hunting Club, Sauk Trail Conservation Club, Shadows on the Wolf Inc., Sheboygan County Conservation Association, Shoto Conservation Club, Slinger Sportsman Club, Smerke’s Sportsmen’s Club, Southern Clark County Sportsman’s Club, Sparta Rod and Gun Club, Stan Plis Sportsmans League, Star Prairie Fish and Game Association, Sturgeon for Tomorrow North Chapter, Sugar River Coon Hunters, Suscha-Fale Sportsmen’s Club, Trempealeau Sportsman’s Club, Tri-County Sportswomen’s Club, Triangle Sportsmens Club, Trout Unlimited-Aldo Leopold Chapter, Trout Unlimited Green Bay Chapter, Twin City Rod and Gun Club, Walleyes for Tomorrow Inc., Watertown Archery Club, Watertown, Watertown Conservation Club, Waukesha County Conservation Alliance, Wisconsin Association of Field Trial Clubs, Wisconsin Association of Beagle Clubs, Wisconsin Bow Hunters Association, Wisconsin Bowfishing Association, Wisconsin Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, Wisconsin Coon Hunters Association, Wisconsin Council of Sportfishing Organizations, Wisconsin Deer Hunters Association, Wisconsin Federation of Great Lake Sport Fishing Clubs, Wisconsin House Outdoorsmen Club, Wisconsin Hunter Education Instructors Association, Wisconsin Muzzleloading Association, Wisconsin Sharp-Tailed Grouse Society, Wisconsin Taxidermist Association, Wisconsin Trappers Association, Wisconsin Trapshooters Association, Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association, Wild Ones Natural Landscapers LTD, Wilderness Sportsmen’s Club, Wildlife Society Student Chapter-UWSP, Wildlife Society Wisconsin Chapter, Willow Aces, Wilton Rod and Gun Club, Wings Over Wisconsin, Winnebago Conservation Club, Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance, Wisconsin Waterfowl Association.

Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters Priority List Organizations Supporting the Bill: The Aldo Leopold Foundation, Alliance for Sustainability, Artha Sustainable Living Center LLC, Apollo Alliance of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Association of Retired Conservationists, Baird Creek Preservation Foundation, Bayfield Regional Conservancy, Bluebird Restoration Association, Brown County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, Brown County Conservation Alliance, Centerville Cares, Citizen Action of Wisconsin, Citizens for Safe Water Around Badger, Citizens for a Scenic Wisconsin, Citizens Utility Board, Clean Water Action Council of NE Wisconsin Inc, Columbia County Land and Water Conservation Department, Concerned Citizens of Newport, Crawford Stewardship Project, Dane County Conservation League, Door County Environmental Council, ECOS Fox Valley, Friends of the Mead/McMillan Association Inc., Friends of Lincoln-Osceola-Garfield Conservancy, Friends of the Mukwonago River, Friends of Tomorrow/Waupaca River, Grassroots of Waukesha County, Greendale Environmental Group, Highway J Citizens Group UA, Hoy Audubon Society, Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership Inc,. League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, Madison Audubon Society, Wisconsin Audubon Council, Midwest Environmental Advocates Inc., Milwaukee County Conservation Coalition, Milwaukee Riverkeeper, Northeast Land Trust Inc., Park Watch of Fond Du Lac, Phantom Lakes Management District, Physicians for Social Responsibility-Wisconsin, Preserve Our Parks, Price County Waterways Association, Racine Dominican Ec0-Justice Center, RENEW Wisconsin, Rock River Coalition, Sauk County Land Conservation Department, Sheboygan Area Great Lakes Sport Fishermen, Sheboygan County Conservation Association, Sierra Club John-Muir Chapter, Sixteenth Street Community Health Center, Southeast Wisconsin Trout Unlimited, Sustain Central Wisconsin, Sustainable Eau Claire, the Kenosha/Racine land Trust Inc., The Park People of Milwaukee County, the Wildlife Society-Wisconsin Chapter, Town and Country Resource Conservation and Development, Trout Unlimited-Wisconsin State Council, Valley Stewardship Network, Waukesha County Environmental Action League, Wild Ones Natural Landscapers Ltd., Wisconsin Association of Lakes, Wisconsin Association of Land Conservation Employees, Wisconsin Council of Sportfishing Organizations, Wisconsin Deer Hunters Association, Wisconsin Environment, Wisconsin Farmers Union, Wisconsin Interfaith Climate and Energy Campaign, Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association, Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters Institute, Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice, Wisconsin Trappers Association Inc., Wisconsin Wetlands Association, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation

WWF Calls for a Strong Bipartisan Vote on DNR Secretary Bill Veto Override

Poynette: Today, the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation comprised of 168 hunting, fishing, trapping and forestry-related organizations is calling on members of the Assembly of both political parties to vote on Tuesday for the override of the Governor’s veto of Assembly Bill 138, the bill that restores the appointment authority of the DNR Secretary back to the Natural Resources Board.

AB 138 was introduced on March 9, 2009 by sixty-eight legislators, sixteen Republicans and fifty-two Democrats. The bill passed the Assembly on September 2009 with a strong bipartisan vote of 61 to 32 with forty-nine Democrats and twelve Republicans voting in favor. The bill passed the Senate on a bipartisan 21 to 11 vote with sixteen Democrats and five Republicans voting in favor.

A virtually identical bill, AB 504 was introduced in the last session of the Legislature by Republican Representative Scott Gunderson. That bill had forty-nine sponsors, with twenty-five Democrats and twenty-four Republicans.

“This issue should not be a partisan issue, 90 percent of Wisconsin sportsmen and women have repeatedly made a strong statement that Assembly Bill 138 as it is currently written should be passed into law,” stated John Nissen, (Dousman), President of the Wildlife Federation. “This should not be a partisan political issue, the sportsmen and women in this state view this issue as what is good for natural resource management in Wisconsin, not what political advantages can be gained.”

“Unlike the Board-appointed system, Wisconsin’s sportsmen and women have seen repeated turnover of Governor-appointed Secretaries with the average tenure being three years. We have seen the last two Secretaries become appointed with literally zero days of natural resource management experience and we have seen a Secretary replaced because he had the courage to make an enforcement decision that was unpopular with the Governor’s staff, indicated Ralph Fritsch, (Townsend), Past President of the WWF. “Wisconsin did not have these major problems under the Board appointed system that we had in place between 1928 and 1995. This inexperience and rapid turnover is contributing to the serious natural resource management problems that we are experiencing in the state with deer, wolf and bear management.”

“The Wildlife Federation is asking for legislators of both parties to look past minor issues such as whether other bills should be passed first or the minor amendment added to AB 138 by the State Senate and to stand strong with their sportsmen and women to override the Governor’s veto of the bill. It is time to restore experienced, professional natural resource leadership to the top of the Department of Natural Resources,” stated George Meyer, WWF Executive Director.

The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation is made up of one hundred and sixty-eight hunting, fishing, trapping and forestry-related organizations in Wisconsin.

The Federation is dedicated to conservation education and the advancement of sound conservation policies. For further information, contact George Meyer, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation at 608-516-5545.

Van Akkeren Calls for Vote to Override Governor’s Veto on DNR Secretary

“Prior to 1995, the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources was appointed by the DNR Board. It’s time to return to a Board appointed Secretary”, exclaimed State Representative Terry Van Akkeren (D-Sheboygan). “To those ends, I am calling on our Assembly leadership to schedule AB 138 for an override vote.”

Prior to 1995, the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources was appointed by the citizen run DNR Board. In 1995, an amendment was inserted into the State Budget Bill allowing Governor Thompson to appoint the Secretary. Assembly Bill 138, authored by Representative Spencer Black and cosponsored by Rep. Van Akkeren, would restore the DNR Board’s authority to appointment the DNR Secretary, taking that power away from the Governor. AB 138 was passed by the State Assembly by a vote of 61-32 (4 paired votes) and the Senate by a vote of 21-11. On November 13th, it was vetoed by Governor Jim Doyle.

“We need to take the politics out of the DNR to the greatest extent possible,” stated Van Akkeren. “It is dangerous to have the Department responsible for our environmental protection and outdoor recreation subject to political whims and pressures. For that reason, I not only support this bill but have been cosponsoring this legislation since I came to the State Assembly in 2003.”

“This is also an issue which resonates with my constituents,” added Van Akkeren. “A wide variety of individuals have raised this issue with me and asked for my vote in restoring a Board appointed DNR Secretary. It’s an issue which is brought up to me nearly every time I attend one of the monthly meetings of the Sheboygan County Conservation Clubs. The statewide Conservation Congress has also chimed in on the issue, supporting the legislation in 2006 by 85% of the vote.”

“AB 138 passed the Legislature by a strong margin,” concluded Van Akkeren.
“Looking at the roll call votes from last Fall, it’s hard to say if we have sufficient support to override the Governor’s veto, but I think it’s time to bring it to the floor to find the answer to that question. I support AB 138 and plan to vote to override this veto. It’s time to stand up and be counted on this issue. It’s pretty simple, either you support efforts to return the appointment power to the Board or you want the Governor to make this appointment. It’s one way or the other. I supported this bill when Tommy Thompson was Governor and I support it today under Governor Doyle. Let’s see where everyone stands. It’s time for our Assembly leadership to schedule this vote.”

Do you want your legislators to vote to protect clean water, clean air, natural areas, and sporting opportunities? So do we!

Join us for the 6th Annual CONSERVATION LOBBY DAY 2010 and ask legislators to Be Your Voice for conservation!

On January 26, 2010, join citizens from across Wisconsin at the state Capitol to tell legislators that you expect them to vote well on natural resource issues.

Since the first Conservation Lobby Day in 2005, it’s grown from 100 citizens to more than 500! Each year, representatives from nearly 100 conservation groups from across Wisconsin descend on the Capitol to share their conservation values with their Legislators. When hundreds of citizens speak with a unified voice, legislators simply can’t ignore the tremendous support that exists for conservation.

On Conservation Lobby Day, you will have a chance to speak to both your state Representative and Senator about key conservation issues. In addition, you will receive skill and issue trainings that you can take away and apply when advocating back home. You will also have the opportunity to meet and network with others that share your conservation values.

This year, the conservation community will be fighting to make sure Wisconsin:

• Adopts a plan to attract and support clean energy jobs. Legislators vote to override the Governor’s veto of AB 138, the bill to restore the Independent
• DNR Secretary.
• Protects drinking water quality.
• Preserves groundwater quantity for future generations.

Legislators need to continue to hear from you! Keep the conservation momentum going!

Join us for Conservation Lobby Day 2010, January 26, 2010, State Capitol

To learn more and register for Conservation Lobby Day visit http://www.conservationvoters.org/ where you’ll find details, FAQ’s and specifics on each of the four Conservation Priorities. Further questions? Contact info@conservationvoters.org.

Need Your Help: Public Hearing Scheduled on AB 138, Natural Resources Board Appointment of DNR Secretary

Dear Conservationist:

This is it ! We all have worked hard and Assembly Bill 138 restoring the DNR Secretary appointment authority to the NRB has 68 cosponsors, including a majority of the Assembly and a majority of the Senate. The Governor is still sounding reluctant about signing the bill and that is why this public hearing is so important.

To get this critically important measure passed, we will need very strong support from the Assembly Natural Resources Committee, the full Assembly, the Senate Natural Resources Committee and the full Senate. We need to have AB 138 land on the Governor's desk with a two-thirds majority in both houses, a sufficient margin to override a potential veto.

The next key step is to have a huge turnout of citizens at the public hearing held by the Assembly Natural Resources Committee. Please plan on attending:

Public Hearing on AB 138---Tuesday, July 28th at

11:00 am in Room 417 North, State Capitol

Wisconsin citizens have repeatedly shown their strong interest in restoring the appointment authority of the DNR Secretary Board to the Natural Resources Board. Please make sure that your voice is heard at this public hearing! If you personally cannot make it, please arrange for a member of an organization that you are affiliated with to be there to either speak or register in favor of AB 138.

At last years public hearing on a similar bill, there were 142 conservationists in support of the measure. We will need the same large turnout in order to send the message to legislators and the Governor that this is the year this bill must become law.

It is important that every area of the state be represented so that committee members from throughout the state know that this is important to the voters in their legislative districts.

If you have any questions, please contact me by email: georgemeyer@tds.net or phone-- 608-516-5545.

See you on July 28th !

George Meyer
Executive Director
Wisconsin Wildlife Federation

Unprecedented Legislative Support for DNR Secretary Appointment Bill Has Overwhelming Conservationists Backing

Poynette: Today, the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, the state’s largest conservation organization, comprised of 164 hunting, fishing, trapping and forestry organizations, extends its deepest appreciation to the 68 state senators and representatives that have cosponsored Assembly Bill 138 which restores the appointment authority of the DNR Secretary back to the Natural Resources Board. The Board appointment authority was initially established by the Legislature in 1928 under the leadership of Aldo Leopold and other conservation leaders with the strong political backing of hunters, anglers and trappers. The concept of a Board appointed Secretary is to promote professionally based natural resources management with broad public input over direct political influence in natural resource decision-making.

“The sportsmen and women in this state overwhelmingly support the restoration of the appointment authority of the DNR Secretary to the Board,” indicated Lil Pipping, (Elkhart Lake), Federation President. “When this measure is brought up before the Wisconsin Conservation Congress it receives 90% approval from the state’s sportsmen and women.”

“Wisconsin’s hunters, anglers and trappers would like to thank each and everyone of the sixty-eight legislative cosponsors of the restoration bill,” stated Ralph Fritsch, (Kaukauna), WWF Wildlife Committee Chair. “A special thank you and appreciation is due to the bipartisan efforts of the lead cosponsors of the bill: Representatives Spencer Black (Madison), Dean Kaufert (Neenah) and Mary Hubler (Rice Lake) and Senators Bob Wirch (Kenosha) and Rob Cowles (Green Bay).

“In the thirty-eight years of observing and working with the Legislature, I can not remember a majority of both houses of the legislature endorsing a substantive piece of legislation of this nature,” provided George Meyer, WWF Executive Director. “This incredible legislative support is a reflection of the deep seated feelings, tenacity and hard work of Wisconsin’s sportsmen and women on this issue, it is really a visceral issue to Wisconsin hunters, anglers and trappers.”

The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation is dedicated to conservation education and the advancement of sound conservation policies on a state and national level. The WWF is the state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. For further information, please contact George Meyer, Executive Director, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation at 608-516-5545.

CALL TODAY and Ask Your Legislators to Support the Independent DNR Secretary bill!

In Wisconsin, we're passionate about the outdoors, from family farms to secret fishing spots to the woods where we hunt or hike. There are literally millions of Wisconsinites who spend their free time fishing, swimming, boating, camping, and more! And it's these citizens--like YOU--who understand the importance of managing, enjoying, and preserving the outdoors for future generations.

But, since 1995 when the Department of Natural Resources Secretary became a political appointee of the Governor, Wisconsinites have been questioning the integrity of natural resource decisions. Whether you're a hunter, an angler, or just like to enjoy time outdoors, a DNR Secretary that best represents your interests is one that bases natural resource decisions on science, not on the winds of political change.

Fortunately, YOU have a chance to make sure we restore conservation integrity and independence to natural resource management.

Today, Representatives Black, Kaufert, and Hubler and Senators Cowles and Wirch introduced LRB 0132/2 which will return the appointment of the DNR Secretary to the Natural Resources Board. The bill is now circulating for co-sponsorship and will only circulate for a FEW DAYS, so PLEASE CALL TODAY and ask your legislators to sign-on in support of LRB 0132/2.

After 15 years, it's time to take politics out of natural resource management! CALL YOUR LEGISLATORS TODAY and ask them to Co-Sponsor LRB 0132/2, the Independent DNR Secretary Bill.