3 minute read
From The Secretary Adam N. Payne
FROM THE SECRETARY, ADAM N. PAYNE
Working with so many talented and passionate people at the DNR is a privilege. Our staff are dedicated to protecting and enhancing Wisconsin’s natural resources, and I’m grateful to Gov. Evers and the Legislature for passing the 2024-2025 budget and showing their support for our staff and the work the agency does.
The two-year budget provided the department with an overall 7.5% increase that will help us respond more effectively to water pollution, including PFAS, nitrates, phosphorus and lead, and better positions us to help people and communities in need. There are also key investments in our state park system. I am grateful for the investments in public safety, including safety equipment for our conservation wardens and firefighters, which will help us recruit and retain staff.
So much of the DNR's diverse work is highlighted during the fall. The crisp autumn air signals the start of my favorite season in the Badger State filled with spectacular fall colors, picking apples and harvesting crops, and the excitement and anticipation of spending more time in the woods.
Our hunting culture runs deep in Wisconsin, where traditions intertwine with a profound respect for nature. Many hunters flock to Wisconsin for our top-tier deer hunting, but as many of you know, we have a wide range of game to pursue and habitats to explore.
Personally, several years have passed since I went grouse or duck hunting, but I hope to change that soon with my son, Forrest. Please be sure to involve your kids and grandkids or invite a first-time hunter to join you when you head out in the field this year. It may take a little extra time or patience, but my best hunts have been with my dad, son and daughters by my side.
Like so many of you, I cherish our hunting opportunities and spending time with family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a novice eager to get in the woods, you’ll find every Wisconsin hunt has promise to be a unique adventure that will leave lasting memories.
Often, these hunts are in or near forests. These woodlands serve as more than just a scenic landscape; our forests hold a pivotal role in Wisconsin’s history and have helped shape the state we know today. From the towering pines of the Northwoods to the sweet maple trees we tap for syrup, Wisconsin’s forests have been both economic engines and ecological wonders for centuries.
Through sustainable forest and wildlife management, the DNR is committed to continuing our legacy. Now that I am a grandpa, I feel even stronger about the department’s mission to help assure our air, land and water are healthy and protected for generations to come.
Within these pages, you’ll find more information on both hunting and forestry, their histories and what the next chapters may hold. Additionally, enjoy a highlight of some of the best trails for autumnal views, an apple cake recipe to savor and the story of the most beloved badger in Wisconsin, Bucky.
Whether you find yourself reading this in front of the wood stove, a campfire, or gearing up for a Saturday Badger football game, I hope you have a wonderful fall season and take a moment to celebrate and be grateful for all the things that are firmly rooted in our state.
On, Wisconsin!
