So again, here in 1999, we are faced with the dilemma that the Department needs to cut back programs, services, and projects that are needed to maintain the quality of our resources.  It is important that as we enter the next century we demand that there be adequate funding so that the DNR will be able to fully complete the responsibilities that we have delegated to it.

We, the members of the Sheboygan County Conservation Association (SCCA) feel the need to inform the government in Madison that there needs to be additional sources of revenue so that the Department can accomplish its tasks.  The SCCA is comprised of 32 clubs with a membership of approximately 3000 individuals.  These clubs, whether their purpose is consumptive or nonconsumptive use of the environment, have banded together to improve the quality of the natural resources in our county as well as the accessibility of the general public to these resources.

We feel that it is our responsibility to encourage all organizations that have a dedicated interest in our environment, to personally inform our Governor and Legislatures of the need for alternative funding.  Several options were investigated by the Alternative Funding Coalition but the one that appears to be the most practical is a 1/8th of one percent of the state sales tax.  This would provide approximately $67 million of revenue each year for the Department.

"The Coalition based their conclusion on the fact that Missouri has dedicated 1/8th of one percent sales tax for about 20 years to fund their conservation programs and recently passed an additional 1/10th of one percent for parks and related programs, and that in 1997, Arkansas implemented a 1/8th of one percent sales tax for their conservation efforts."

Senator James Baumgart of the Ninth Senate District is currently drafting a bill that would give 1/8th of one percent of the existing sales tax to the DNR.

A copy of this correspondence is being sent to every known organization in Wisconsin that has an invested interest in the quality of our environment in hopes that they will take an active role in this campaign by having each of its members write the Governor and their respective Legislators that we need to have 1/8th of one percent of our sales tax allocated to the DNR.  Even thought we may have our special interest in how our natural resources should be used, it is important that we set aside these differences and band together for the betterment of our environment.  Remember that the impact of twenty letters have a far greater impact than one letter signed by twenty individuals.

In addition to this communication, the SCCA would like to identify a specific day on which a large congregation of individuals supporting this action would rally in Madison to make a visual request to the lawmakers.  A rally is most effective if held on the day of the hearing of the bill.  This date, yet to be determined, will likely be held in October or the first part of November.

It is important for us to remember that our government only responds when we express our concerns.  Let us unify our efforts in helping to provide the necessary funds needed by the Department of Natural Resources to continue improving our environment for ourselves and future generations.
 

Lil Meerstein                Hubert C. Nett
President, SCCA        Treasurer, SCCA
920-892-4970              920-668-6658