From CWAC Newsletter Vol 2, No 12, December, 1998 

A recent workload analysis shows DNR's water regulation program is 100% understaffed. 

Only 42 people are available in DNR field stations to work on 10,000 inquiries and permit requests each year from landowners considering waterway and wetland alterations. 

These 42 people are also expected to provide technical assistance for 500 local governments who enforce local ordinances in floodplain, shoreland, and wetland areas. The DNR's staffing analysis shows that the agency has only 37% of the labor needed to make permit decisions and assist local government staff. 

Eighteen northern counties have 72% of the state's lakes, or approximately 1,550 lakes per person in DNR's water regulation programs. 80% of the waterfront is in private ownership. 

Not surprisingly, this work pressure overloads the staff, resulting in a 50% turn-over each year as staff become frustrated, burn out, and leave. In turn, DNR is then forced to expend even more resources training new staff and they lose the institutional memory held by the former experienced people. 

This is not good news for Wisconsin's wetlands, lakes and streams -- nor is it good government. 

We like to think that DNR staff keep a regular eye on Wisconsin's valuable waterways. We like to think DNR carefully examines every proposal and every site where developments or changes are planned. Many permit process would benefit from staff able to properly visit and analyze local conditions, and talk with neighbors, before making decisions. But, obviously, this is impossible with DNR staff levels so low. 

At a recent hearing in Shawano, a DNR staff person admitted he was like an overworked "traffice cop on a Fourth of July weekend." As a practical matter, he could only stop cars speeding at greater than 75 mph. 

The one staff person is required to cover all wetland and waterway proposals in Marinette, Oconto, and Shawano Counties. These three large counties host some of the most extensive and valuable lake, river and wetland acres in Wisconsin -- and the development pressures are intense and growing -- but DNR has only one field person to oversee their management. 

This is an outrage which must be corrected. 

Budget Proposal 

The DNR is proposing a "Wisconsin Waters Initiative" for the 1999-2000 budget. 

A key aspect is to add 12 new staff perons to DNR's water regulation program. Though somewhat helpful, this leaves DNR 30 people short of the true workload. 

The Initiative also asks for $892,000 to provide electronic access to water information and $80,000 in seed money to consolidate state and local permit processes. 

The hope is that posting and organizing information on the Internet will streamline the workload and provide greater direct citizen access on a more timely basis. Technical assistance could be more automated, leaving staff free for more field inspections. 

Our state economy depends on water resources to draw residents and guests. According to DNR, our fishing, hunting and wildlife-watching industry totals $8 billion in business receipts, 110,300 jobs, and $262 million in tax revenues. Our investment in protecting lakes and streams is no longer adequate. It is less than 10% of the cost of 1993 flood damages or of one of our major lake restoration projects. 

The DNR projects that the Initiative would save homeowners $400,000 per year in flood insurance premiums and increase property values by $1,000,000. 

What You Can Do 

Contact Your Elected Officials 

Contact Wisconsin Governor Thompson 

Governor Tommy Thompson 
Room 115 East, State Capitol 
P.O. Box 7863 
Madison, WI 53707 
Ph: 608-266-1212 
FAX: 608-267-8983 

Representatives:  Email & Web Page Addresses and Toll-Free Numbers 
Senators:  Email & Web Page Addresses

State Senator 
P.O. Box 7882 
Madison, WI  53707 
 
State Rep.    (Last Name, A thru L) 
P.O. Box 8952 
Madison, WI  53708 

State Rep.    (Last Name, Mc thru Z) 
P.O. Box 8953 
Madison, WI  53708 

(If you don’t know who your elected state representatives are, 
call the Legislative Hotline 1-800-362-9472  on weekdays.) 

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