Paul A. Smith: Prehn continues to trample on NRB’s nonpartisan legacy.
As I was watching the Natural Resources Board meeting Wednesday, I was struck by the testimony of John Johnson, president of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Ojibwe and chairman of the Voigt Intertribal Task Force.
In his insightful comments, Johnson hit on a theme that not only applied to the specific topic that brought him before the board – wolf management – but also to the cloud hanging over the process – the refusal of NRB chairman Fred Prehn to step down even though his term expired May 1.
Johnson spoke at the beginning of a long line of public input.
“What I feel what will be in short supply today is respect,” Johnson said. “Respect for science, respect for the majority of the public, respect for the tribal community, respect even for the integrity and intent of the board itself, and of course respect for ma’iingen, the wolf.”
Unfortunately Johnson was right. The seven-member citizen board overruled a wolf quota for the fall Wisconsin hunting and trapping season that the Department of Natural Resources said was based on the best available science.
And Prehn demonstrated his continued disrespect for custom and decency relative to the board.
The Natural Resources Board sets policy for the DNR. Its members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. They serve overlapping six-year terms. The system was designed to provide continuity and so no governor would immediately be able to fill the board with appointees.
In its 53-year history, only two other board members have failed to vacate when their terms ran out. And neither of them were serving as chairman.
As such, Prehn’s move is as radical as it is dishonorable.
He’s preventing Sandra Nass of Ashland, appointed April 30 by Gov. Tony Evers, from joining the board as he did in 2015. Prehn was able to serve within days of being appointed and did so for several months before being confirmed by the Senate.
His action is taking the typically nonpartisan board off the rails and clouding its legitimacy.
Prehn, as did the other two board members, James Tiefenthaler Jr. and Stev Willett, claims his action is legal, citing a 1964 Wisconsin Supreme Count decision which allowed members of certain boards to “holdover” until their replacements had been confirmed.
Josh Kaul, the Wisconsin Attorney General, is reviewing that legal basis. Even if it’s legal, it’s not right. Prehn has received support from Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the business lobby group, an endorsement that raises questions.
At least a dozen state-based conservation and environmental groups have come out in opposition to Prehn’s move. The Wisconsin chapter of the Sierra Club started a petition to get him to step down.
Elizabeth Warren of the Wisconsin chapter of the Sierra Club said the state had a history of bipartisan and non-partisan natural resources protection.
“By refusing to step down, Prehn is taking the rightful seat and a rightful vote from an extremely well qualified, woman, Sandra Nass,” Warren said.
“This move represents a dirty turn where our natural resources are falling victim to political games.”
Prehn’s move has caused dissension on the board and exacerbated friction between him and DNR Secretary Preston Cole.
After Prehn voted Wednesday to set a higher wolf quota than the DNR recommended, Cole was riled.
“You now know why he’s sitting in this chair,” Cole said, motioning to Prehn. “Now it’s clear, folks. Putting your thumb on the finger and tipping the scale is what’s being done here. I wonder what the vote would have been if Sandy Nass would have been sitting in this chair?”
Johnson, the tribal president, had foreshadowed how things would go with his comments earlier.
“The board has a decision to make today,” Johnson said. “That decision will be a large part of the legacy of some board members, it will reflect your wisdom and reveal if the board serves the majority of the people of Wisconsin or the interests of a few. I hope you reach a respectful decision.”
If only all state residents were so wise and respectful.