By Ken Blomberg

There’s a new sheriff in town. Well, not exactly. To be precise, there’s a new Governor in state. And a different administration means new cabinet staff appointments across the board. For those of us interested in our state’s natural resources and outdoor activities that are near and dear to our hearts, we must take notice to some recent announcements.

On top of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff directory we now have Preston Cole as Secretary. Appointed DNR secretary by Governor Tony Evers, Cole, 56, had served on the Natural Resources Board (NRB) since 2007. He was appointed to Board by Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle and reappointed by Republican Gov. Scott Walker in 2013.

Division administrators are being appointed by Cole in Forestry, Environmental Management, Water, and others. Last week, Scott Loomans was named division administrator for the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Division. Serving as a policy initiatives advisor in the secretary’s office, and prior to that working for 11 years on policies and rules in the DNR’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Division gave him a leg up in the selection process. He also worked for nine years for the State Assembly’s Natural Resources Committee. He majored in journalism at UW-Stevens Point.

The DNR announced this week that “Dr. Frederick Prehn was elected chair of the seven-member Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (NRB) at its Jan. 23 meeting in Madison. The NRB sets policy for the DNR. State law delineates the formal duties of the seven-member board, who are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the state senate. Three members each must be selected from the northern and southern portions of Wisconsin and one member serves at large. Prehn, who has a dental practice in Wausau and runs a cranberry company in Monroe County, was appointed in May 2015 by then Governor Scott Walker and his term expires May 2021.”

By all accounts and from folks in the know, Preston Cole was a good choice to lead the DNR. Cole served as NRB chair for 2 years and showed strong leadership skills and an understanding and support for traditional conservation activities and environmental protection. He says he would “double down on science in natural resources management”.  He also wants to see easier access to NRB meetings without having to drive long distances to testify in front of the board.

He takes over a department faced with some major environmental issues including but not limited to; water quality, mining, wetlands, Foxconn and CWD in the deer herd. He inherits a staff still reeling in discontent from years of mismanagement.

He takes over a department charged to “To protect and enhance our natural resources: our air, land and water; our wildlife, fish and forests and the ecosystems that sustain all life. To provide a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

To ensure the right of all people to use and enjoy these resources in their work and leisure. To work with people, to understand each other’s views and to carry out the public will. And in this partnership consider the future and generations to follow.” That’s the DNR’s mission. Here’s wishing the new Secretary and re-organized NRB good fortune as they steer the sometimes rocking boat.