Evers brings new hope to Wisconsin conservationists
More balance likely for natural resource protection
For many Wisconsin conservationists, the last eight years have felt like a "winter of discontent."
As part of his reforms to state government over two terms in office, Gov. Scott Walker essentially neutered the Department of Natural Resources while putting the pedal to the metal on a pro-business agenda.
If push came to shove on an issue, there was little doubt the position that favored development would prevail.
Allow more groundwater pumping even if studies showed local streams and lakes suffered? Sure.
Sign legislation that allowed more wetlands to be filled? Done.
Pave the way to more shoreline development? You bet.
With a Republican-controlled Assembly and Senate and a Republican attorney general, the Republican governor had historic power to enact changes.
Sadly for those who value conservation, under Gov. Walker natural resource protection was seen as more of a hindrance than an asset.
In fact the changes to state law and administrative rules were arguably the most anti-conservation in any eight-year period in state history.
In addition, internal moves such as prohibiting DNR employees to testify against
bills at Legislative hearings and eliminating the agency's 60-member science bureau broke the spirit of the department.
So it should come as no surprise that when Tony Evers was announced Wednesday as winner of the 2018 Wisconsin governor's race, a charge of relief and hope ran through the state's conservation community.
The atmosphere at the DNR's Madison headquarters was described as "buoyant."
What will Evers, a Democrat and former science teacher who most recently served as head of the state's Department of Public Instruction, bring to Wisconsin conservation?
From all appearances, he'll attempt to strike more of a balance between resource protection and economic development.
In answers to a questionnaire prepared this fall by the Wisconsin chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Evers said one of his primary concerns was removing "the excessive political influence" from the DNR and putting career professionals into executive positions.
"We must restore professionalism, trust and respect for science-based decision making to the DNR leadership," Evers said. "Wisconsin’s natural resources are owned by all state residents, not those seeking to reduce environmental protections and eliminate safeguards."
Evers also said he'd support reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, which protects and conserves land for future generations.
Further, he said he supported the Public Trust Doctrine and opposed selling public lands.
The proof, as it is said, will be in the pudding.
But you should also know this: Gov. Walker did not respond to BHA's request.
History will show conservation was not at the top of his agenda.
It would be a stretch to say natural resources issues decided the election. Health care, education, transportation and the economy were – and likely will always be – bigger factors.
But since hunting and fishing and outdoor recreation are integral to the Wisconsin way of life, Evers did well to strike a pro-conservation tone.
Although he has not attempted to portray himself as an outdoorsman, he has reportedly selected some smart, experienced advisors on conservation issues.
And now, thanks largely to huge voter turnouts in Madison and Milwaukee, Evers will get the keys to the Governor's Mansion in January.
His path isn't likely to be smooth. Republicans still control the Assembly and Senate, so any legislative initiatives will require working across the aisle to succeed.
Significantly, Republicans will lead the state budget process and head Legislative committees.
In the coming months, Evers will be able to make a difference with his selection of the DNR Secretary and 10 other top officials at the agency, including chief legal counsel, communications director and division administrators.
From reports, he's already invigorated DNR staff just by virtue of the election victory.
Beyond appointing DNR leaders, Evers will hold veto power over bills that come to his desk. Republicans don't have the two-thirds majority needed to override vetoes.
And since Democrat Josh Kaul won the race for Attorney General, the Evers era could well see stricter enforcement of natural resources laws in the state.
A character named Ethan in John Steinbeck's novel "The Winter of Our Discontent" says "Even if there were enough of everything for everyone, and probably there is, the winners would take it away from the losers."
Conservation has always had a higher goal, about preserving gifts for future generations.
As governor, Evers has a chance to reset Wisconsin policy so it protects natural resources and the public trust as well as promotes a healthy economy.
If he can do it, and there's no reason he can't, we'll all be winners.