The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) is a government agency of the U.S. state of Wisconsin charged with conserving and managing Wisconsin's natural resources. The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board has the authority to set policy for the WDNR. The WDNR is led by the Secretary, who is appointed by the Governor of Wisconsin. The WDNR develops regulations and guidance in accordance with laws passed by the Wisconsin Legislature. It administers wildlife, fish, forests, endangered resources, air, water, waste, and other issues related to natural resources. The central office of the WDNR is located in downtown Madison, near the state capitol.
Mission
The mission of the WDNR is "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."
History
The WDNR was created through the 1967 merger of two Wisconsin state agencies: The Conservation Department and The Department of Resource Development. This merger was designed to reduce the number of agencies and streamline operations. The governor at the time was Warren P. Knowles.
In 2021 a major illegal sturgeon egg harvesting and selling ring run in part by the former top sturgeon biologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was discovered and broken up by investigators.
Funding
The WDNR is funded through the state budget, which is set by the Wisconsin Legislature. The WDNR presents a biennial budget to the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board for their review and approval. This budget reflects potential changes in the number of Full-Time Equivalent employees (FTE), as well as the overall operating budget the WDNR anticipates needing. The 2017-2019 budget, enacted by the Wisconsin Legislature, decreased the WDNR budget approximately 2.5% in relation to the 2016-2017 base year. The budget allows for $1.1 billion in funding for the WDNR over this two-year period. The 2017-2019 biennial budget also includes a decrease of 49.5 FTE, bringing department staffing to 2,499.6 FTE employees. Staffing for the WDNR decreased by 15% between 2000-2001 and 2017-2019, under both Democratic and Republican administrations.
The WDNR is currently led by the Secretary, Adam N. Payne, who was appointed to the post by governor Tony Evers in 2023.
Organization
Wisconsin Natural Resources Board
The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board is the governing body of the WDNR. This board is filled by the Governor, who appoints seven individual members to serve without compensation. The appointments made by the Governor are confirmed by the state senate, and each board member serves a six-year staggered term. The role of the board members is to supervise the actions of the WDNR, make policy, and review the biennial budget.
Leadership
The senior leadership of the Department consists of the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and Assistant Deputy Secretary, along with the administrators heading up the divisions of the Department. Regional directors represent the department leadership around the state. Secretary: Adam N. Payne Deputy Secretary: Todd Ambs Assistant Deputy Secretary: Steven Little South regional director: Mark Aquino (Fitchburg) Southeast regional director: John Budninski (Milwaukee) West regional director: Dan Baumann (Eau Claire) North regional director: James Yach (Rhinelander) Northeast regional director: Jean Romback-Bartels (Green Bay) Environmental Management: Darsi Foss External Services: Dave Siebert Fish, Wildlife, and Parks: Keith Warnke Forestry: Heather Berklund Internal Services: Tim Cooke Law Enforcement: Casey Krueger