December 18, 1998
From the Natural Resources Accountability Project of the Wisconsin
Stewardship Network
For More Information, contact:
Charlie Luther, Wisconsin Wetlands Association [Madison] (608) 245-1636
Steve Skavroneck, Citizens for a Better Environment [Milwaukee] (414) 271-7280
Rebecca Katers, Clean Water Action Council [Green Bay] (920) 437-7304
Bob Olsgard, Lake Superior Alliance [Rice Lake] (715) 635-8171
Jim Wise, Northwoods Alliance [Tomahawk] (715) 453-3676
"You’ve got a friend in the Governor’s office who carries a big red pen" - Tommy Thompson addressing the Wisconsin Cranberry Association, 1/15/92
The Natural Resources Accountability Project (NRAP), a coalition
of sporting groups and environmental organizations, charged today that
cranberry growers have bought favoritism from Wisconsin’s Natural Resources
Board (NRB). NRAP’s fourth DNR WATCH report, which documents details
about the financial and political influence of the cranberry industry,
was released today.
The report investigates how Thompson’s DNR granted cranberry growers additional exemptions in 1997 under Wisconsin wetland protection laws. Cranberry growers have been enjoying special treatment under laws passed in 1867 ("Old Cranberry Law"), and 1991 (NR103). Thompson also vetoed legislation in 1987 which recommended more DNR research of the environmental impacts of the cranberry growers.
"The cranberry industry should be regulated at the same level as any other industry," said Rebecca Katers, executive director of the Clean Water Action Council. "It's outrageous that they are exempted from basic common sense rules designed to protect water quality and essential wildlife habitat."
The special treatment began in 1867 with the "Old Cranberry Law" which allows cranberry growers to destroy wetlands, alter trout streams and lakes, and avoid state dam safety inspections. The 1867 law also exempts the cranberry growers from state input or state approval of dams and reroutes. A 1990 bill, AB763, which would have required cranberry growers to allow the standard inspection and approval process that all other businesses adhere to, was defeated.
In 1987, Governor Thompson vetoed a bill which recommended a DNR study of the impact that cranberry growers have on the environment. In 1991, the cranberry growers were exempted from the Wisconsin Wetland Water Quality Standards under state chapter NR 103. The standards were designed to slow the tremendous loss of wetlands in Wisconsin and basically require businesses to replace wetlands lost to development. In 1997, revisions to NR 103 further exempted cranberry growers from wetland regulations. This special treatment was granted even though 98% of the public comments to the NRB opposed further exemptions for the growers. There were 963 public comments submitted.
"The special water quality exemption given the cranberry industry in 1997 by a Thompson controlled Department of Natural Resources and the Natural Resources Board makes a mockery of the democratic process," said Charlie Luther, coordinator of the Wisconsin Wetlands Association. "Thompson is demonstrating an obvious favoritism to the cranberry industry."
Many people and organizations are raising questions about the large sums of money contributed to Thompson’s campaigns by people within the cranberry industry. Cranberry industry campaign contributions between January of 1991 and August of 1998 have totaled $113,169. Nearly 75%, ($84,183), of this total has been contributed to Governor Thompson’s campaigns.
Dozens of organizations throughout the state including the Wisconsin
Wetlands Association, Trout Unlimited, Lake Superior Alliance, and even
the DNR staff have opposed the special treatment given to cranberry growers
because of how the privileges have negatively impacted wetlands, rivers,
and lakes. These impacts include:
The conclusion of the DNR Watch report states that campaign contributions
has most definitely influenced the Governor and the Natural Resources Board
to give the cranberry growers preferential treatment.
The report’s closing recommendations include reform of campaign finance laws, restoring the watchdog capacity of the Public Intervenors Office, restoring the board appointed DNR secretary, restoring and strengthening Wisconsin’s Wetland Water Quality Standards, and repealing the 1867 Cranberry Law.