Wisconsin’s Green Fire Statement on Natural Resources Board Service of Dr. Frederick Prehn
WI Green Fire, June 24, 2021
June 23rd, 2021
Wisconsin’s Green Fire Statement on Natural Resources Board Service of Dr. Frederick Prehn
Since his appointment in 2015 Dr. Prehn has served the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board with commitment and distinction, and he has provided strong leadership for the Department of Natural Resources and its many stakeholders.
However, as documented in his original appointment, Dr. Prehn’s six-year term on the NRB ended on May 1st, 2021.
Dr. Prehn’s decision not to step down at the expiration of his term is damaging the faith that citizens are entitled to have in the essential work of natural resources management and conservation in Wisconsin. He is also preventing an exceptionally well-qualified and legitimately appointed replacement, Sandra Naas, from serving in this important role.
The NRB and the rules governing its appointments were created to limit the influence of politics in natural resources. It is time for Dr. Prehn to honor the process that has been followed by board appointees from across the political spectrum for more than 50 years.
Wisconsin’s Green Fire calls on Dr. Prehn to step down from the NRB without further delay. We also call on Wisconsin Senate leadership to refer Sandra Naas’s appointment to an appropriate committee and hold a hearing and vote on her confirmation.
WGF would take this position for any NRB member whose term has ended, regardless of the political party of the governor who made the appointment and regardless of whether or to what extent we agreed with a board member’s positions or leadership.
WGF Statement on Dr. Fred Prehn NRB June 23rd 2021
Contact: Wisconsin’s Green Fire Executive Director, Fred Clark