New Year’s Resolution

A New Year’s Resolution 

Science Based Environmental Policy

Governor-elect Tony Evers’ cabinet is beginning to take shape with important agency appointments that will set the direction for their respective departments. His choices reflect Democratic values and positions Evers promoted during his campaign and echo many he held as Superintendent of Public Instruction. Among Evers’ top choices is Preston Cole as the new Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources.

Cole comes to the position with impeccable professional and educational credentials. He has a degree in forestry, experience working in natural resource management and as the forester then deputy director of the Public Works Department for the City of Milwaukee. He was originally appointed to the DNR Board by then Governor James Doyle and later re-appointed by Governor Walker. He grew up in rural Michigan, the son of farmers and a proud member of the Future Farmers of America. He understands the concerns of the DNR rank and file staff who chaffed under the pro-business and anti-environment policies of former DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp. GOP Senators should be encouraged that Stepp, now the regional head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, feels comfortable being able to work with Cole. 

By all measures of competence and experience, Cole should have no problem being confirmed by the GOP members of the Wisconsin Senate. Unfortunately, some of the early GOP Senate criticisms have already cast a partisan shadow over Cole’s upcoming confirmation hearing and vote. Some GOP Senators fear that policy position appointments that do not require Senate approval will end up in the hands of representatives of “radical” environmental groups with designs on protecting air and water at the expense of property owners and business interests. We are already hearing echoes of the refrains that gained prominence during the “Mining Wars” in Northern Wisconsin that promoted use of the resources for profit instead of people.

The DNR’s mission is to manage Wisconsin’s abundant natural resources, striking a balance between the several competing interests with conflicting goals. Tourism is the life blood of the North Woods and will only thrive if there are forests, lakes and streams to support wildlife and fisheries. People are attracted to clean air and water and repulsed when those are polluted, the birds are gone and the fish die. 

Property rights are important and so are the rights conveyed to Native Tribes by treaties entered into by their leaders and the government of the United States in the late 1800s. The DNR is charged with navigating the continuing conflicting interests of the new settlers and Wisconsin’s first inhabitants with the goal of protecting both. The DNR partnership with Native tribal resource management efforts has worked well, but needs constant attention to avoid resurgence of the “Walleye Wars” that erupted when native spearing spread to more Northern lakes during spawning season.

Resurgent mining exploration, proposed power transmission lines and fossil fuel pipeline developments need evaluation and permitting to avoid contamination of precious air and water resources. Commercial developments statewide must continue to obtain regulatory approval to commence to ensure similar protections for those of us downstate. Businesses and municipalities cannot be allowed to spew pollutants into our shared environment unchecked. 

Protection of the water resources on our eastern and northern borders, requires cooperation and consultation with the Native Bands on their shores as well as the other members of the Great Lakes Compact. The fisheries and fresh water found in Lakes Michigan and Superior are unparalleled and need vigilant oversight against those who would endanger them for short-term gain. 

Municipalities charged with managing drinking water and sewerage systems must be held to strict uniform standards to protect ground water aquifers, rivers, streams and lakes. Garbage collection and disposal needs regulation to limit landfills. Recycling and reuse programs need to be encouraged to reduce what we throw away.

The DNR under GOP leadership has leaned too heavily in favor of business and property owner interests and cuts to staff positions have reduced its ability to enforce regulations necessary to protect the environment. Preston Cole has vowed to lean on his staff science teams when crafting policy and deciding on enforcement priorities. One can only hope his turn back to science-based decision making will not derail his confirmation by the Wisconsin Senate when the new administration takes office in January.

Waring Fincke is a retired attorney and serves as a guardian for the elderly and disabled for a Sheboygan County non-profit agency.