Washington, D.C -- Each of the nearly three thousand employees at Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be given a chance this week to express their opinions about the agency’s direction and leadership in a department-wide survey conducted by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER).
The survey, written by current DNR employees, addresses touchy subjects such as suppression of scientific findings, fear of retaliation and employee morale. The survey also asks employees their views on Governor Tommy Thompson’s policies, including the conversion of the DNR Secretary into a direct political appointee and the abolition of the Public Intervenor’s Office.
In an agency-wide e-mail, DNR Secretary George Meyer has urged all employees to participate in the PEER survey. "We appreciate Secretary Meyer’s cooperation," said Eric Wingerter, PEER’s National Field Director. "This is a golden opportunity to find out what the public’s paid experts - the agency scientists, permit writers and game wardens - really think about how well Wisconsin’s natural resources are being protected."
The surveys themselves are anonymous and results are tabulated by PEER to mask any identifying information about the employee. Survey results will be released in mid-January shortly before the Wisconsin Legislature reconvenes to consider a bill to make the Secretary subject to appointment by the Natural Resources Board instead of the Governor.
"I’m glad an outside group is taking the lead on this project. I hope this survey brings an objective view to what’s going on in the DNR," said Jim Wise, a small business owner and sportsman who lives in Tomahawk and is concerned about the impact of the DNR’s decisions in the northwoods.
A copy of the PEER survey is available upon request.
PEER is a national alliance of state and federal employees working in pollution control, land management and wildlife protection agencies. PEER works with public agency professionals to promote environmental ethics, sound resource management and government accountability. PEER’s job is to protect employees who protect our environment.