The proposal by Rep. John Gard (R-Peshtigo) to split the DNR into two agencies was overwhelmingly opposed by citizens testifying at an Assembly hearing on the proposal.  Approximately 30 people testified from the 100 in attendance at the Onalaska hearing and all but two ripped the plan.  And even the two in support of the plan were more concerned about what they characterized as land rights abuses by the DNR in the past.

Those testifying against the plan raised numerous concerns, including the stated intent of Gard to insert the idea into the State Budget Bill, rather than debate the proposal on its own merits.  Committee Chair DuWayne Johnsrud (R-Eastman) grilled DNR Secretary Darrell Bazzell early on about DNR expenditure practices.  Johnsrud contends that money designated for spending on hunting and fishing programs is being spent on other activities by the agency, a charge flatly rejected by Bazzell.

Bazzell opposes the break-up of the DNR (click here to read his testimony - you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this, click here for a free download ).  He indicated to the committee that while he has talked with Governor Scott McCallum about the plan he was not representing the Governor at the hearing.

Others who spoke at the hearing represented a diversity of groups and views, including the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, the Wisconsin Stewardship Network,  Trout Unlimited, the union for the DNR's wardens, former DNR Secretary George Meyer, Conservation Congress members, and the LaCrosse County Conservation Alliance.

Their public testimony indicated concern with the expected cost of splitting the DNR into two agencies, duplication of bureaucratic staff, regulatory confusion of responsibilities (especially in the public's eye), loss of a coordinated effort towrads managing habitat and resources, and less federal dollars for program support.

  For more, read the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's coverage of the hearing.