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Conservation Supporters Slam Walker For Possible DNR Layoffs

Several Reductions Would Be For Science Positions

By
DNR researchers in Ash Creek Wisconsin DNR (CC-BY-ND)

Opponents of Gov. Scott Walker’s plan to reduce the number of scientists at the DNR gathered in Madison Wednesday night.

Nearly 100 people met on the University of Wisconsin campus to discuss the future of conservation science in the state. Former Democratic legislator and current Sierra Club Vice President Spencer Black noted that initial layoff notices to some Department of Natural Resources staff had been reported earlier in the day.

“Our governor unfortunately had a very strange way of celebrating Earth Day. He sent pink slips or layoff notices to 56 employees at the DNR today,” said Black.

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About half of those who may be laid off are DNR scientists. Black, environmental attorney Kim Wright and George Meyer of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation urged those concerned about the possible job cuts to contact members of the legislative committee now reviewing the governor’s budget plan.

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