Even in tough times, we can’t ignore our natural resources : La Crosse Tribune
Published – Monday, April 20, 2009
Even in tough times, we can’t ignore our natural resources : La Crosse Tribune.
Even in tough times, we can’t ignore our natural resources
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People in our region have a strong independent spirit. While that may be frustrating at times when we’re trying to unite, it’s also a trait that enhances the diverse voices and viewpoints necessary in a healthy democracy.
One topic where it’s easy to agree is the importance of our region’s abundant and precious natural resources. Whether we live in the city or in the country, the streams, bluffs, valleys, forests, soil and water are part of the reason we’ve chosen to call this region home.
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There are many grassroots groups or organizations that have a stake in our resources. One state group that listens to these groups and takes their advice to heart is the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters Institute.
The institute last year held 11 regional listening sessions in the state where its members received input from more than 80 organizations and more than 225 citizens. Tom Stolp, the institute’s western organizer based out of Eau Claire, said the hearing in La Crosse was attended by more than 50 people, making it the best-attended in the state.
Stolp said it was feedback and input from these listening sessions that helped the institute develop its top four Wisconsin conservation priorities for 2009-10. They are:
Preserve groundwater: Manage Wisconsin’s groundwater resources to preserve drinking water supplies, lakes streams and wetlands.
Stop global warming in Wisconsin: Address the threats of global warming in Wisconsin through clean, renewable energy jobs and energy conservation.
Restore conservation integrity: Return the Department of Natural Resources secretary to an independent position and require timely appointments of Natural Resource Board members.
Protect Wisconsin’s drinking water: Protect Wisconsin’s drinking water supplies by making sure agriculture, municipal and industrial wastes are spread safely.
It’s doubtful the Legislature will address all these issues during this session when a deep budget deficit is the main focus. But not all of these proposals have a large cost associated with them. In the case of creating renewable energy, there could be job growth.
There’s also the cost of doing nothing. Some parts of Wisconsin, especially in the northeast, have severe groundwater contamination issues, forcing homeowners and communities to drill new wells or pay for expensive water treatment. That’s the very issue that’s of concern to citizens in Vernon and Crawford counties, where the geography is similar to northeastern Wisconsin and where there are environmental concerns with mega-animal operations.
Frankenhooker movies The issues on Wisconsin’s legislative plate are many, as are the needs. But let’s make sure that we keep at the forefront the preservation of our precious natural resources. Quality of life protection is of utmost importance to us all.
