Conservationists are expressing disappointment with the governor.
After campaigning several times in support of returning the power to appoint the DNR secretary to a board of citizens, Governor Doyle this week reversed his position on the issue. Doyle now says the ability to select the head of the DNR should remain with the governor.
The change in opinion is drawing fire from conservation groups. George Meyer, director of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, says it's an unfortunate shift for Doyle.
Supporters of the proposal say it's needed to get politics out of the DNR. Meyer says the agency has been making decisions more and more that are based on politics, rather than scientific fact. He says removing the power to appoint the secretary from the governor would help to steer the agency back on the right track.