Clean Water Group Hits Scott Walker from Central Wisconsin

The DNR appointments of Cathy Stepp and Matt Moroney shocked Wisconsin clean-water advocates, "The DNR is no longer a strong advocate one way or another on environmental issues," (Agri-View) said Moroney as Scott Walker’s anti-environmental commitments stand out

Protect Wood County and Its Neighbors in central Wisconsin has been advocating for clean water and making allies from across Wisconsin for two years.

This morning, Protect Wood County hit Scott Walker on the environment and praised Mary Burke.

From Kewaunee County and the Green Bay and Fox River watersheds to Iron County to southeastern Wisconsin, the alarm has been sounded about the dangers of toxic runoff and CAFOs (Concentrated Agricultural Feeding Operations).

"We have 3.4 million head of cattle in Wisconsin. That’s equivalent to 60 million people, the combined populations of both Tokyo and Mexico City, the two most populous cities on earth. In that light, we should not be surprised about what happened in Brown County and Kewaunee County. We have only seen the tip of the iceberg. Of all the issues that I have dealt with, or should have dealt with, in my career, I have lost more sleep over this issue than any other," said Gordon Stevenson, DNR runoff chief from 2001-2011.

The solution from Scott Walker is more liquid manure production and more runoff, with no plan for treatment—a brazen pro-pollution stance that has rendered parts of Wisconsin's fresh water at third-world status as measured by the fact the folks in Kewaunee County will not wash out a child's cut with water from the faucet and over one-third of water wells in Kewaunee County are so poisoned the water is unsafe to drink.

Even a pro-CAFO central Wisconsin state legislator, Scott Krug, was forced into releasing a statement 74 days before Election Day feigning opposition to a giant proposed Wysocki CAFO centered in the Town of Saratoga in Wood County.

Krug and Scott Walker aren't fooling many.

"The closing of area beaches, increase in the dead zone in Green Bay and two lakes in Rome recently added to the DNR's impaired list are indicative of an administration turning a blind eye when it comes to protecting our natural resources," writes Sue Savage in the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune.

From Protect Wood County and Its Neighbors:

Dear friends and concerned citizens,

As we all face election day next Tuesday, November 4th, we encourage everyone reading this to exercise their right to vote. Our communities here in the Central Sands will be greatly impacted by many of the races at the state level, particularly the Assembly race for District 72 and the Governor’s race.  The purpose of this email is not to tell the reader how to vote, but to briefly present some of the key environmental issues and candidate positions as we understand them.

How you choose to vote is your choice.  What is ultimately important is that you vote.

Governor Walker - Regardless of where one stands in their support of our state Governor, we cannot quietly ignore the evidence that indicates he does not actively protect the environment of Wisconsin.  In fact, many will say he is doing just the opposite. 

From the appointment of Cathy Stepp, who has limited experience as Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources, to the appointment of Matt Moroney as Deputy Secretary who openly stated, "The DNR is no longer a strong advocate one way or another on environmental issues," (Agri-View)the facts speak for themselves where Governor Walker’s priorities are in regard to protecting our environment.

• Policies enacted by Governor Walker have systematically emasculated the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, stripping them of their enforcement powers to protect the environment.
• 2011 ACT 10, also known as the Budget Repair Bill, is known mainly as the bill that attacked collective bargaining.  What many do not know is that a provision was included within the bill that allows for the sale of public lands to individuals and companies.  This means your favorite hunting lands may require a monetary fee to access in the future or be closed to your hunting enjoyment all together.  The DNR has already listed public lands for sale.
• In March 2012 Governor Walker streamlined the CAFO permitting process making it easier for large scale dairies to receive required permits without public input.
• 2013 Governor Walker spent time in China in negotiations with the Shanghai Dairy, eventually partnering with them for goods and services. Shortly after he attempted to lift the ban on foreign country limits of WI land ownership.
• 2013 Governor Walker attempts to lift ban on the sale of WI land to foreign countries. The attempt was blocked, but again quietly resurfaced in January of 2014.
• December 2013 Governor Walker signs state budget that includes Motion 375, taking away citizen rights to challenge the DNR regarding cumulative impacts of high capacity wells. 
• Recent report released Oct 6, 2014 - Governor Walker worst in history for the environment.
• Neither Governor Walker nor Lieutenant Governor Kleefisch (to our knowledge) have responded directly to citizen concerns regarding the proposed dairy in Saratoga or concerns expressed by Rome residents.
• 2013 AB 1/SB 1 was signed into law by Governor Walker on 03/11/13.  This bill, written by Gogebic Taconite, significantly watered down Wisconsin’s mining laws. It was later disclosed that Gogebic Taconite channeled $700K to the Walker campaign through the Wisconsin Club for Growth.

Candidate Burke - Mary Burke is the candidate running against Governor Walker.  New to the election campaign, Ms. Burke has indicated her concern regarding environmental topics.  The following is a compilation of issues presented to Ms. Burke and her response on the campaign trail.

• March of 2014 launched the Rural Leaders Initiative to her campaign to gain insight into issues that are affecting WI rural citizens by identifying community leaders and important issues.  She then created a plan to invest in rural communities.
• Ms. Burke believes there needs to be a change to the current system of appointing the Department of Natural Resources department heads.
• Environmental issues are of great concern for Mary Burke.  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, August 10, 2014, is quoted as stating, ”If implemented, her (Burke's) approach would help guarantee clean air, water, access to the natural environment.”  Additionally, in a discussion regarding frac sand issues, Ms. Burke shares her concerns on balancing environmental issues with business opportunities.  (37 Min. mark in debate video).
• When concerns were shared and individuals invited to tour our area, Senator John Lehman (Mary Burke’s Lt. Gov. candidate) visited Rome and Saratoga to see and hear our unique situation first-hand.
• Mary Burke states she will work with anyone to get the job done. Lake Delton - Mary Burke.  "I'll put an end to the politics-first approach of the last three years," she said. "I'll sit down and work with anyone — Democrat, Republican or Independent. It wasn't so long ago that that was the Wisconsin way. Finding common ground, negotiating in good faith, and putting the people of this state first.” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 6, 2014.

Remember to vote on Tuesday, November 4th and encourage others to do the same!