Fred Prehn, who resigned from the DNR Board several days ago with the resignation effective on 12/30/22.

This ends a strange and sad saga with Dr. Prehn (he is a dentist) staying in his seat for almost two years after his term ended. Emails revealed that he had done so with the encouragement of Republican legislators and lobbyists. His presence sustained a conservative majority of four on the Board with what appeared to be opposition to Governor Evers' conservation and environmental agenda.

Dr. Prehn finally did right by the DNR and folks for whom conservation and environmental protection are important. Better late than never and bless his heart.

I thought he might make this decision. Dr. Prehn is not a professional politician. He has a life to return to and will no longer have to experience the strong criticism his choice had generated.

Now what? The Senate could take a huge and welcome step and show some comity to state government, the DNR, and the conservation community by approving Sandra Naas, the Governor's appointee to the DNR Board.

Ms. Naas seems eminently qualified. Currently a high school teacher in Ashland, she has worked as the County Conservationist for the four counties of the Northwest corner of Wisconsin (Douglas, Iron, Bayfield, and Ashland). The Senate Majority Leader has vowed not to approve any of Evers' who are partisan radicals. Well, he can rest easy with Ms. Naas. I don't think you can find a County Conservationist in Wisconsin who is a partisan radical. Their job is to administer the County's programs that protect soil and water. They have to work with the County Board, farmers, small business owners, and volunteers with an interest in healthy land and water. They tend to be dedicated, optimistic, and willing to work with just about anyone.

From a personal perspective, I think it'd be great to have someone on the Board with a knowledge of and commitment to some of the great waters of NW Wisconsin starting with Lake Superior, the Bois Brule River, the St. Louis River, and many, many more.

Let's end with another thank you, to Ms. Nass. She has been gracious, respectful, and patient in attending DNR Board meetings, even though she could not participate. She is prepared to serve all of us well on the Board. Let's hope she gets the chance.

Happy New Year!

Topf Wells, Madison Audubon advocacy committee