Contact: Anne Lupardus, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
MILWAUKEE – As part of Earth Week, Governor Doyle today signed legislation that will allow the board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL) to acquire and protect Wisconsin forests and ensure that they will be sustainably managed for the future.
Governor Doyle proposed similar authority for the BCPL in is previous budgets and was pleased to sign the provisions into law.
“Wisconsin has a great tradition of environmental stewardship, and this bill is right in line with that tradition,” Governor Doyle said. “It will protect our natural areas for future generations and help to ensure that Wisconsin’s great forests will be sustainably managed.”
Governor Doyle was joined by Tia Nelson, daughter of former Governor and founder of Earth Day, Gaylord Nelson, who is Executive Secretary of the BCPL and is a strong supporter of the legislation.
The Governor thanked Senators Rob Cowles and Russ Decker, and Representative Gary Sherman for their work on the bill.
Governor Doyle signed the legislation at a dedication ceremony that named a DNR fisheries vessel for Gaylord Nelson.
“It long has been a tradition to name ships after people who share a common goal with the mission of the vessel, and in this case, that could not be more fitting,” Governor Doyle said. “This boat – the R/V Gaylord Nelson – will continue the great legacy of its namesake: ensuring that our waters, and the fish that swim in them, continue to thrive.”
