DNR Publication Touts The Great Lakes Compact

A Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources publication lauds the pending Great Lakes Compact - - the same draft agreement stalled for six months in a legislative study committee because of objections from Waukesha County business and political leaders.

Those private and elected interests want carte blanche access to Lake Michigan water - - undermining the spirit and substance of an eight-state, two nation agreement to manage the Great Lakes as a common resource.

Not surprisingly, an organization like Clean Wisconsin shows up in the piece supporting the multi-state, pro-conservation agreement, while the Wisconsin Paper Council puts the agreement's approval at only 50-50.

No surprise there.

The solution: The DNR comes out much more forcefully on behalf of the agreement.

An article in one of its publications is certainly better than nothing, but a sustained campaign on behalf of Great Lakes sustainability by the DNR would be far more desirable, and in the long tradition of Wisconsin environmental protection.