MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Conservationists and outdoors enthusiasts are hoping Democratic Gov.-elect Tony Evers will re-energize the state Department of Natural Resources after years of cuts under Republican Gov. Scott Walker.
Walker transformed the DNR, scaling back environmental regulations, cutting tens of millions from the agency's budget, eliminating more than 200 positions and all but giving up on trying to halt chronic wasting disease.
Evers didn't emphasize the environment or outdoor issues on the campaign trail, but conservationists and sportsmen are looking for him to make major changes at the agency, including raising hunting fees, restoring scientist positions, buying more stewardship land and attacking CWD more aggressively.
Evers' campaign spokesman, Sam Lau, didn't return a message inquiring about Evers' plans for the agency.
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