What if? What if the proposed split of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) comes to pass? A lawmaker in Madison has introduced splitting the DNR into five different departments, and the governor says he is open to the idea.

Say what?

That plan would include the creation of a new Department of Fish and Wildlife that would handle all the duties of wildlife and fisheries units, including fish and game enforcement.

A Department of Environmental Protection would be created to handle environmental issues like air regulation, groundwater and watershed management, drinking water, lake and river protections and dam safety.

The Department of Tourism would now oversee parks, state trails and southern state forests.

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection would take over the DNR’s forestry operations and northern forests.

And finally, the Department of Administration would control the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program – buying and selling land for public use. 

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