While proposed cuts and reforms to the UW System and other state agencies dominate headlines, environmental items in Gov. Scott Walker's budget proposal are also proving to be controversial.
Walker's proposal would, among other things, reduce the number of scientific staffing positions in the Department of Natural Resources.
Shahla Werner, director of the Sierra Club in Wisconsin, said in a press release the organization is “dismayed to see the proposed cuts to positions at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) – especially those related to science, education and research.”
“It is dangerous to cut science positions at a time when Wisconsin’s natural resources face daunting, unprecedented threats,” Werner said in the release.
In addition to these position cuts, Walker’s proposal would also place a moratorium on new land purchases for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program until financial servicing goals for the program are met.
The Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters has also come out in opposition to the proposed changes to the program, saying the proposed moratorium would stunt a popular land use program.
Environmental groups also take issue with the Natural Resources Board’s conversion from a policy-setting board into an advisory council.
Both organizations argue that changing the board into an advisory council will limit the opportunities for citizens to participate and influence natural resource policy.
A budget overview from Walker’s office argued that the reforms to the Natural Resources Board will “strengthen the leadership” of the department.
The state Legislature must approve a budget before the summer.
