Eisele: Some changes need to be made to protect natural resources
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."
So it is with our world of natural resources, and the many challenges we face. Some of these include CWD in the deer herd and VHS in fish, shortages of fresh water, degradation of wetlands, loosening of environmental standards by the federal government, and political control of the Department of Natural Resources by the governor.
There are important underlying concerns, such as the loss of touch that today's citizens have with natural resources (i.e. where meat and wood come from), and youngsters who would rather play indoors with video games than go outside. Of course, the apple doesn't fall very far from the tree, and it seems there are many adults who would rather sit on the couch and watch football than go out and slog through a marsh to put out a dozen decoys or walk a mile to a deer stand.
Whether the glass is half-full or half-empty is in the eye of the beholder. But, for this observer, here are a few thoughts as this newspaper ceases a long tradition of publishing a daily printed paper:
Sportsmen hold the key
There is often a lot of concern about "anti-hunters," and indeed there are people who don't believe in hunting, fishing or trapping. Some are strictly vegetarian, and I can respect their decision.
There are also a good number of people who participate in and cherish the hunting, fishing and trapping traditions.
But the critical mass are those in the middle who do not hunt or fish or trap, but realize the benefits and are willing to continue these outdoor traditions as long as they are ethically conducted and regulated by scientific management. These are the people outdoorsmen need to pay more attention to.
Both a person's conduct in the outdoors, and just as important their conduct and "image" indoors at public meetings and events, can turn those middle-ground supporters into a majority against hunting, fishing and trapping. The key to the future of outdoor sports is in the behavior and actions of today's hunters, anglers and trappers.
Everyone should pay to protect natural resources
We all need clean air and water, enjoy seeing eagles and herons, and walking in public wildlife management areas. It is time that we all participated in funding these programs.
People who hunt, fish and trap have paid much in licenses, stamps, excise taxes and donations to conservation organizations. And yes, those who don't hunt or fish also donate to good organizations such as the Madison Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy.
But it is time for a broad general funding mechanism for natural resources. Missouri uses a percentage of the state sales tax.
Wisconsin once used a penny-a-pack on cigarettes for purchasing land, and though legislators are shy about new taxes it is time for a way to pluck a downy feather from the public goose. The options are many, but something needs to be used. How about a penny a six-pack (beer, soda, drinking water, etc.) and tie it into our non-necessary use of water resources?
We need an independent DNR and secretary selected by the Natural Resources Board
Tommy Thompson upset the apple cart when he turned the Department of Natural Resources into a cabinet agency. It can no longer be trusted to be independent of political influence. The citizen board was a far cleaner system.
Wisconsin needs to change and allow the citizen Natural Resources Board to select the secretary, as it -- and its predecessor, the Conservation Commission -- did from 1927 to the mid-1990s. And if we want to improve the system, require that three Democrats and three Republicans always serve on the seven-member board, so that the legislature and governor would always have an open ear to listen to at least some of the board members.
Wisconsin has a rich conservation history
It has been home to Aldo Leopold, John Muir, Gaylord Nelson, Warren Knowles, Harley MacKenzie and Ernie Swift, among others.
Wisconsin is also where devoted volunteers work behind the scenes to improve natural resources. Some of these volunteers have been honored through this column as "Two Who Care" every January.
Volunteers and professional resources staff continually work with committees, boards, agencies, and organizations to protect and improve natural resources. They make Wisconsin truly unique in natural resources, one reason it could be the "best of times."
Tim Eisele
Wisconsin is blessed with a diversity of habitat and natural resources. These white pelicans migrate along the Mississippi River.
