Great article on DNR

Excellent article on “Outgoing DNR chief didn’t protect natural resources” by Paul Smith on Aug. 31.

Wisconsin has a very long history of excellent stewardship and leadership to preserve our wildlife, parks and other natural areas, water and natural resources. Aldo Leopold, Gaylord Nelson and many others have provided state and national and international leadership on the environment. Wisconsinites love the outdoors. Tourism is an integral part of the Wisconsin economy. Many people come from out-of-state to enjoy our parks, lakes, to hunt, fish, camp, and recreate.

The Walker administration has put our state on a path of decline and degradation.

Our state parks have lost state funding. Protection for our waters has been gutted. DNR scientists have been fired and those remaining seem to be under gag orders. Foxconn has been given a pass to pollute. These are just a few examples of wrong-headed actions.

We must demand a new Department of Natural Resources head who will again protect our resources, reinstate science and enforcement, and balance the needs of the environment, citizens and business.

We must demand that Gov. Scott Walker and all Wisconsin elected officials who make decisions about our precious natural resources give them equal consideration to business deals.

Gisela Drysdale Wauwatosa