Anglers, hunters, conservationists, and environmentalists from across the state praised Governor Scott McCallum for his decision to veto the proposal in the state budget that would have created a Department of Forestry.

Representatives of numerous organizations associated with the Wisconsin Stewardship Network thanked the Governor for his action, calling the veto a strong move to protect the state’s natural resources.

"The merits of a far-ranging decision like creating a separate Forestry Department should be debated in the open with public input, not by a few individuals acting in secret," said John Holmes of the Conservation Congress.  "Wisconsin has a long tradition of enlightened participatory democracy.  The Governor’s action today honors that tradition and for that he has our heartfelt thanks of the state’s hunters and fishers."

 
"Once again Governor McCallum has taken action to protect our natural resources.  This veto, combined with his leadership on the wetlands protection legislation, gives the Governor an impressive environmental record in just a few short months.  If the rivers of Wisconsin could talk, they would be overflowing with praise for this veto action," said River Alliance executive director Todd Ambs.

"This is an indication the Governor is listening to voices around the state concerned about the broad range of issues the DNR addresses," said John Welter of Wisconsin Trout Unlimited.  "This decision also gives the Natural Resources Board and the DNR a vote of confidence to address the post-reorganization concerns brought up during this debate."

"We are very pleased that the Governor has recognized the connections and multiple functions that natural systems provide," said Karen Etter Hale of the Wisconsin Audubon Council.  "Keeping forestry part of DNR is essential in coordinating the protection and use of our natural resources."

"There is no doubt this is a sound decision from the Governor," noted Northern Thunder’s Tom Wilson.  "This was bad policy instituted through bad legislative process.  May this be a lesson to some of our rogue legislators who call for public hearings and then go ahead and try to institute public policy 180 degrees from the overwhelming testimony provided at those hearings.  It is about time the legislature begins to listen to both the Conservation Congress and the voices of the hundreds of sporting and environmental groups that are calling for strong and effective protection of our resources."