LETTER: Wisconsin ranks dead last in spending on its state parks

To Ozaukee Press:

Once, Wisconsin helped lead the nation in conservation. Today, we are losing ground, and quickly.

Only 2% of the funding for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Fish, Wildlife and Parks Division comes from taxes. They run our state parks and campgrounds, monitor fish and wildlife, manage and restore habitats and more.

Most of the remaining 98% comes from federal taxes on firearms, ammunition and fishing equipment and from fees paid by hunters, anglers, campers and park visitors. However, a fishing license has been  $20 since 2005. Adjusted for inflation, that license would cost $34 today. Many hunting license fees also have not changed for decades, though habitat management costs have steadily increased.

Similarly, Wisconsin eliminated tax funding for state park operations. Sadly, in most recent national comparison available, Wisconsin ranked last among all 50 states in state park operating spending.

The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin was created 40 years ago to help the DNR accomplish more. We’re proud of what our members and partners have made possible.

But Wisconsinites can do better. Conservation deserves more public funding.

David Clutter

Executive director

Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin

Madison