DNR Watch
Inside Governor Thompson's DNR
The Natural Resource Accountability Project

Research Report No. 7
February, 2000

State Workers Demand: 
Take Politics Out of Environment

Survey of DNR Employees Calls for 
Reduced Role of Governor

Read the Press Release
Citizens Demand: Take Politics Out of Environment


Table of Contents

Summary
The Purpose of this Report
Introduction
Summary of a Survey of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Employees

RESOURCES
DECISION-MAKING
STRUCTURE
ENFORCEMENT
LEADERSHIP
MORALE
Employees Speak Out
Political Influence From Governor Thompson
Influence From the Legislature
Influence From Big Business
"Politics" in General
Agency Reorganization
Staffing & Funding
Poor Leadership
Lack of Support from the Public
Background
DNR Takeover and Intervenor Loss
Downsized, Politicized, Disorganized, Demoralized
Political Appointments and Cuts in Enforcement
Examples of Political Influence
Report #1 --- Toxic River Pollution
Report #2 --- Shoreland Losses
Report #3 --- Sulfide Mining Pollution
Report #4 --- Public Access and Shoreland Losses
Report #5 --- Cranberries and Wetland Losses
Comments from the DNR Secretary
Comments from Legislators
The Survey Speaks for Itself
Survey Validity
Conclusion
Recommendations
1)  Restore the Natural Resource Board Appointed DNR Secretary
2)  Restore the Public Intervenor Office
3)  Campaign Finance Reform
4)  Investigate Potential Illegal Influence
Citizen Group Statement
Natural Resource Accountability Project


 
Up to Top
Back to NRAP #7
Back to NRAP Reports
Home