Preserve our legacy

The Father’s Day front page headline, “DNR pulls out of major venue at State Fair,” both saddened and angered me (June 18).

Any nostalgic sadness over the fading of this State Fair tradition is greatly overshadowed by my anger over this surprising move. Was it another attempt by our state leaders to claim a victory in cutting expenses? Perhaps. However, the article also said that while 100-200 Department of Natural Resources employees traditionally worked at the exhibit, many willingly volunteered their time. Was it another attempt to shift the DNR’s focus away from the very important and real issues of climate change, environmental regulation, ecology and conservation to delivering a needed, but much softer focus of promoting recreational use of our state parks and forests? I think so.

After being gone for almost 20 years, I recently returned to my home state. I remember reluctantly leaving a state that had beautiful and varied scenery, lots of things to do, friendly and industrious citizens, and, unfortunately, snow. Those characteristics remain.

I also remember a state that had a strong progressive, can-do attitude. That attitude manifested itself in many things including a deep and proactive commitment to preserving and improving our wonderful natural resources. I see that commitment waning.

I implore our state leadership and all citizens to remember the visionary environmental actions of our fellow Wisconsinites John Muir, Aldo Leopold and Gaylord Nelson. Those actions and many more helped to build the Wisconsin I remember. With perseverance and commitment we can all build on that legacy for a better Wisconsin.

Stephen Greger Waukesha