Scientists warn Scott Walker's DNR cuts would be costly

Five veteran natural resources scientists on Thursday warned that Gov. Scott Walker’s proposal to eliminate half of the state’s senior environmental researchers would be costly.

Walker wants to cut 18.4 of the senior scientist positions from the Department of Natural Resources Science Services Bureau as part of a reduction of 80 DNR positions.

The Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee is to make its recommendation on DNR staffing and several other budget items Friday.

Opponents said the science bureau cuts would severely limit research needed to control invasive species, predict toxic algae outbreaks, improve hunting and fishing, and fix water quality problems.

The science bureau is responsible for successes ranging from improvement of Baraboo River fish habitat through dam removal to development of nationally recognized techniques for buffer strips that keep pollutants out of lakes, said Ed Emmons, a retired DNR fisheries and aquatic science section chief.



Read more: http://host.madison.com/news/local/environment/scientists-warn-scott-walker-s-dnr-cuts-would-be-costly/article_2b5b580c-e8d0-5e69-8686-50adabb97668.html