Whereas, in 1967,  the Conservation Department and the Department of Resources Development were proposed for merger into one agency --- the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources;

Whereas, conservationists and other citizens at that time from throughout Wisconsin had grave concerns that the merger would result in the loss of advocacy for public rights in natural resources of the state.  Many hunters, trappers, boaters, fishermen and outdoor recreationists marched on the Capitol because they strongly believed that “conservation” interests would be overwhelmed by “development” interests when the two contradictory agencies were combined, and that Wisconsin’s environment would be shortchanged.  Several public protests were held in Madison, hundreds of letters were written to the legislature, and several well-attended hearings were held;

Whereas, to address the widespread public concern over the merger, the Wisconsin Legislature intentionally preserved the advocacy function by creating a new Public Intervenors Office in Madison, charged with protecting public rights in the water and other natural resources of the state.  The legislature recognized the validity of conservationists’ concerns and provided the Public Intervenors to balance the development interests.  This compromise allowed the Department merger to proceed;

Whereas, for over 27 years the Public Intervenors Office provided essential services to all Wisconsin residents each year.  The attorneys gave free advice and referral services to hundreds of citizen callers who faced difficult local environmental problems.   They represented the public’s interests in natural resources when they testified before the legislature or state agencies concerning proposed changes in environmental laws.  They intervened legally in key landmark cases each year, to provide leadership and set legal precedents on important issues.  They provided legislators and agencies with important insight and information during negotiations on difficult environmental proposals.  They gave practical experience and training to law students from UW-Madison’s law school each year, who in turn also helped citizens;

Whereas, Wisconsin citizens need the Intervenors to protect the public interests we all have in the natural resources of our state.  We’re blessed with countless beautiful lakes, streams and woodlands, clean air and clean water, abundant wildlife and a high quality of life.  Tourism is the second largest industry in our state, bringing more than $6 billion into our economy each year.  These resources will always be vulnerable and in need a strong advocates; 

Whereas, the Public Intervenors Office has been extremely effective in strengthening our state standards for wetland protection, fishing access rights, groundwater and drinking water protection, solid waste disposal, pesticide regulations, transportation planning, natural beauty preservation, toxic waste clean-ups, wildlife habitat protection, and other important natural resource values;

Whereas, the Public Intervenors Office was only small part of the state’s budget --- only 2 attorneys and 1.5 secretaries --- and cost only $232,000 each year (5 cents per Wisconsin resident per year).  Their services weren’t duplicated by any other agency or office in government, or by any private organizations.  The Intervenors Office was bipartisan, serving both Republicans and Democrats.  Taxpayers were fortunate to have such excellent representation, expertise and dedicated staff in this office;

Whereas, Governor Thompson eliminated the Public Intervenors Office in his biennial 1995-96 budget, and Wisconsin citizens lost the benefits of the Intervenors’ checks and balances created by the Legislature;

Whereas, the abolishment of the Public Intervenors’ Office betrayed solemn assurances given to the public and conservation community 27 years before.  It betrayed the promise that public rights in our waters and natural resources would always have a strong independent advocate in Madison;

Therefore be it resolved, that the ____(your organization name here)____ calls on the Governor and Legislature to restore with full funding the Wisconsin Public Intervenors Office.
 

Signature ______________________________________

Title        ______________________________________

Organization  ___________________________________
 

Date ______________