DNR Secretary Explains The New, Pro-Business DNR

DNR Secretary and former home builder Cathy Stepp tells the agency by email about the new, pro-business agency they will soon be working for:

From:    Steffes, Laurel J - DNR   On Behalf Of Stepp, Cathy L - DNR

Sent:   Wednesday, May 11, 2011 6:43 PM

Subject:        Proposed change at DNR

Good evening DNR Colleagues;

Last January, when Matt, Gundy and I joined the DNR family, it didn’t take us long to realize the great value and store of knowledge, experience and ideas you had to share with us.

And you have not been shy about sharing. Your suggestions for how DNR can be better than ever at accomplishing its mission to protect and preserve our natural resources and how we can do that more efficiently, less expensively and more effectively have been invaluable.

We’ve taken your ideas to heart. Over the past two months we’ve spent many hours with regional directors, division administrators, other agency heads and Governor Walker discussing how we could forge your great ideas into a new way of doing business at DNR.

One concept that has emerged is DNR as a charter agency. DNR could be the first of its kind in Wisconsin.

Under the proposed charter concept, DNR could be given increased operating flexibility enabling us to improve customer service and business support while continuing to protect our natural resources and environment.

Overall, we are seeking more flexibility to conduct business and to take bold steps – steps that reflect your ideas – to reduce duplication, prioritize work and speed up permit reviews. Your ideas to reduce overhead, expand permitting options and improve management systems are also in the mix.

You are the foundation of this effort. You can expect a steady stream of information and updates as work progresses in this effort. We hope you will rely on us for information on this possible transformation.

Thanks again for your support, interest, and great ideas. Keep them coming and stay tuned.

Cathy Stepp Secretary

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (() phone: 608-267-7556 (+) e-mail: Cathy.Stepp@wisconsin.gov