Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is a government agency responsible for conserving and managing Wisconsin's natural resources. Its mission encompasses protecting and enhancing the state's air, land, water, wildlife, fish, forests, and ecosystems, while ensuring a healthy, sustainable environment, providing outdoor opportunities, and considering future generations. The DNR was established in 1967 through the merger of the Conservation Department and the Department of Resource Development.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

Protecting and enhancing natural resources (air, land, and water resources).

Providing a healthy and sustainable environment.

Ensuring a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Preserving wildlife, fish, and forests.

Maintaining ecosystems.

Serving state residents by enhancing public safety, public health, and enjoyment of outdoor recreational experiences.

Caring about future generations by promoting safety education and encouraging stewardship of natural resources.

Focusing on sustainable infrastructure projects and cross-divisional integration.

Specialization Areas

Protecting and enhancing natural resources.

Providing outdoor recreational opportunities.

Ensuring public safety and health related to natural resources.

Promoting sustainable practices and stewardship.

Target Markets

State residents who benefit from outdoor recreation and a healthy environment.

Stakeholders interested in the conservation and management of natural resources.

Future generations who will inherit the state's natural resources.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

The Wisconsin DNR is funded through the state budget, which is set by the Wisconsin Legislature. The 2023-25 budget included over $5.6 million for state forests, parks, and riverway road maintenance and development. In fiscal year 2011, Wisconsin received over $1.3 million from federal agencies for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI).
The DNR administers grant programs.

3. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

The Wisconsin DNR does not have the authority to regulate the amount of material flowing in a pipeline, nor does any agency in Wisconsin have the authority to determine the need for or siting of petroleum pipelines.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

Wisconsin Wetland Inventory: Maps wetland location, type, size, and condition.

Snapshot Wisconsin: A community-based science program that uses a statewide network of volunteer-managed trail cameras to monitor Wisconsin wildlife.

Go Wild: An online portal for purchasing fishing, hunting, and trapping licenses, as well as registering boats, ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, and off-highway motorcycles.

Air Quality Monitoring: Utilizes canister samples and a gas chromatographic analysis system to evaluate air quality and benzene exposure.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

Secretary: Karen Hyun, Ph.D. She has experience working on natural resources, stewardship, and conservation issues. Most recently, she served as the chief of staff of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) since 2021.

Deputy Secretary: Steven Little. He has over 25 years of experience in public policy, executive budget management, financial regulatory, and government relations.

Assistant Deputy Secretary: Mark Aquino. He has been a manager at the DNR since 2001.

Communications Director: Andi Sedlacek

Public Affairs Section Manager: Molly Meister

The DNR also has five secretary's directors that serve as the department's eyes, ears, and voice throughout the state, ensuring prompt attention to local issues and improved responsiveness to opportunities. The secretary's directors are located in northern, northeastern, west central, south central, and southeastern Wisconsin.

Recent Leadership Changes

Karen Hyun was appointed as the new Secretary of the Wisconsin DNR in December 2024.

The position had been vacant since Adam Payne quit in early November 2023 after just 10 months on the job.

Adam Payne was appointed Secretary of the DNR in December 2022, replacing Preston Cole.

6. Competitive Analysis

Major Competitors

Applied Ecological Services.

Giles Engineering Associates.

Aquarius Technologies.

7. Market Analysis

Market Overview

The Wisconsin DNR plays a crucial role in managing the state's natural resources, which are vital for the economy and the well-being of its citizens. Key areas of focus include:

Outdoor Recreation: Providing and maintaining recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, boating, and state parks.

Environmental Protection: Administering programs for water quality, air quality, waste management, and pollution control.

Forest Management: Managing and protecting forests for timber production, wildlife habitat, and recreation.

Wildlife Management: Conserving and managing wildlife populations and their habitats.

Coastal Resilience: Supporting communities and residents in addressing coastal hazards like erosion and flooding.

8. Strategic Partnerships

Strategic Partnerships

Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC): Advises the DNR and Natural Resources Board on managing the state's natural resources.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Partners in the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) for aquatic invasive species prevention, containment, and control.

Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC): Collaborates on energy and fiberoptic projects.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE): Coordinates on wetland and waterway permitting.

Federal Pipeline Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA): Collaborates on pipeline safety and construction.

Wisconsin's Green Fire (WGF): Shares concerns and collaborates on issues such as the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline.

Local Governments and Organizations: Works with local entities to develop and support projects that protect public health, the environment, and outdoor recreation.

9. Operational Insights

The Wisconsin DNR operates with a decentralized structure, with over 70% of its personnel working from field stations outside of Madison. This allows the DNR to be responsive to local issues and needs.