[Seac] FW: Lakes, Forests, Rivers and More at Stake in the State Budget!

["Steve Barney" <barnes99@uwosh.edu>]

	Dear Friend, The state budget currently being drafted could have dire consequences for the lakes, forests, rivers, and prairies that bring much economic revenue to our distinctive state. Problem: Wisconsin once more faces a major budget shortfall that is being addressed by making drastic cuts to government agencies such as the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The DNR absorbed a disproportionate amount of the budget cuts in the last budget cycle, which makes the upcoming cuts all the more worrisome. As is always the case during budget deliberations, decision-makers have their eye on the bottom line. Now is the time to remind them of the important role healthy natural resources play in the economy of Wisconsin. Cuts to the programs that support Wisconsin?s natural resources have a long term impact on Wisconsin?s economy. Natural resources are an economic engine that bring revenue to the state, local communities, and the private sector. When they are diminished, degraded or inaccessible, industries like tourism, forestry, and sporting feel the impact on the bottom line. Moreover, clean water and protected open spaces are part of what makes Wisconsin?s quality of life appealing to companies and their workers. By failing to protect the natural resources our economy depends upon, Wisconsin is setting itself up for similar or worse financial trouble in the future. Solution: While budget cuts are inevitable, there are ways to minimize their impact. Urge the Governor to increase fees associated with using natural resources and stress the importance of having those that harm natural resources pay their fair share for clean up and monitoring. There is still time to impact the state budget. Join the thousands, of others who are encouraging the Governor to support our natural resources by funding protective and preventative policies and urge him to explore fair ways of generating revenue. Action Needed: Send a letter to Governor Doyle telling him that you fully support looking for fair ways of funding natural resource protection and ask that natural resource programs receive as minimal of cuts as possible. Deadline for responding: Please take action by Thursday, December 30, 2004. The following organizations are participating in this campaign: Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin Clean Wisconsin Environmental Defense League of Conservation Voters Education Fund Madison Audubon Society River Alliance of Wisconsin Sierra Club, John Muir Chapter Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters Institute Wisconsin Wetlands Association Wisconsin Wildlife Federation You have received this email on behalf of a colleague or friend who thought you'd be interested in this message. We will not directly send additional emails to your account unless you sign up at our site http://win.e-actionmax.com.