The agency finally adopted them late last year. Two environmental groups sued the DNR in 2014 to force the agency to adopt federal air pollution standards that were published a year earlier. Environmental Protection Agency cited 75 deficiencies in how the DNR handles water regulation. That's created a $1.4 million deficit in the parks account, and Walker's now mulling raising access fees. The budgets also have scaled back the stewardship program and removed support for state parks, leaving them to survive on fees. Last month DNR officials announced a major reorganization to deal with staffing cuts, including allowing large livestock farm operators to use consultants to help write permit applications so DNR staff won't have to spend so much time on them. Walker's three state budgets cut $59 million from the DNR and eliminated nearly 200 positions, including half of its science researchers. Republicans have long criticized the DNR, saying its pollution and hunting regulations are too strict, making it difficult for businesses to expand and draining the fun from outdoor sports. Walker spokesman Tom Evenson said the DNR has become 'more efficient, effective, transparent, and accountable' since Walker took office.

It's sad.'Īgency officials and the Walker administration counter that the DNR is doing fine, carrying out its mission to protect the environment and enhance resources while becoming more customer-friendly. 'That's a different image than protector of natural resources. 'They want this chamber of commerce mentality,' said Scott Hassett, who served as DNR secretary under former Democratic Gov. It all adds up to a picture of a struggling agency no one recognizes any more, critics say. Walker and Republican lawmakers, who hold their largest majorities in decades, are pondering whether to eliminate the agency and spread its duties across state government as well as charge people more to get into state parks and to hunt. And he has, cutting scientists, shrinking its budget and pushing the agency to be more receptive to industry.Īnd even more changes could be in store. Scott Walker promised to transform the state Department of Natural Resources.

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