History Of the DNR

By Noahsiedsma
  • Period: to

    History of the DNR

    The territory of Wisconsin was now an established State and to this day maintains that status.

  • State Growth

    States population reaches 305,000

  • Restrictions

    First restrictions on certain game species

  • Fire!

    Peshtigo fire burns over six counties and kills 1000 people

  • fish

    Three-man Fish Commission appointed to distribute fish

  • officialy fish

    First state trout hatchery established at Nine Springs near Madison (later renamed “Nevin Hatchery” after James Nevin who became the state’s first full-time fisheries superintendent).

  • Elections

    Rolla Baker appointed as the state’s first warden.

  • hire hire hire!

    Office of the State Fish and Game Warden created in Madison.

  • Parks and rec

    State’s population at 2,069,042 – First state park established at St. Croix Falls.

  • The four

    First Wisconsin Conservation Commission created (seven unsalaried men).

  • 1928 hunting grounds

    Division of Game formed within the WCD. First state game farm for pheasant propagation and distribution established at Peninsula State Park.

  • limits

    WCD authorized to open and close seasons, prescribe bag limits, and regulate the methods of harvest of fish and game. Aldo Leopold was appointed game management chair at the UW-Madison. His book, Game Management, was published.

  • An ERA

    1960’s
    Political climate ripe for change
    Weak Governor system
    Part-time Legislature
    Multitude of state agencies needing reorganization and reform
    Environmental movement beginning nationwide
    Two Governors strong advocate of environment – Nelson and Knowles
    Both parties favorable to environmental improvementv
    Environmental functions – Water, Air and Solid waste – enhanced or created
    State Government Reorganized – 4 yr term Gov, cabinet and fewer agencies

  • Its official Birthday

    1968 – July 1, Wisconsin Conservation Department becomes Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

  • Basically from the 80's until now

    Line/staff organization develops unique to state government
    Environmental staffs grow especially in the field
    District Director;s emerge is relatively independent powers
    Management issues emerge which will continue to fester in DNR
    Line/staff vs. more traditional organization in state government
    Merger vs. integration of environmental and resource functions
    Centralization vs. Decentralization
    Mgt. style – command/control vs. participative management

  • today

    parks department:The Wisconsin State Park System provides places for outdoor recreation and for learning about nature and conservation. State parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas report about 14 million visits a year. Come and join the fun!

  • DNR doin' well!

    there are so many facilities, oppertunities, and departments now without much deficiet and a good budget, you could say the DNR has never been better!