Regarding DNR’s “sustainable’’ timber harvest program, DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen’s leadership team has defended logging practices that many of the agency’s own wildlife managers and retirees have emphatically criticized. They’ve said since 2019 that the program — started under Gov. Mark Dayton – is leveling tree stands on public hunting lands needed as habitat for deer, moose, martens, fishers and birds.
Federal officials stepped in last year, putting a hold on $22 million in hunting-related grant money. The sanction was lifted early this year after lengthy discussions.
A special review of the problem will be published as early as this fall by the state Office of the Legislative Auditor.
Meanwhile, Walz has been riding a wave of goodwill since signing major supplemental funding for the outdoors passed by the 2023 Legislature. The so-called “Get Out MORE” campaign included $60 million for fish hatcheries and shore fishing infrastructure. Another $35 million was authorized for the modernization of boat landings.
Mark Holsten, executive director of the sportfishing coalition known as MN-FISH, said Walz was instrumental to the success. The governor personally met with MN-FISH leaders more than once, listening to their rationale and following up by validating it. He accepted the premise that Minnesota accepted the responsibility 100 years ago to invest in hatcheries and provide public access to lakes and rivers only to abandon that capital spending obligation over the past 20 years.
“We have to give him credit,’’ said Holsten, a former DNR commissioner. “Some of what intrigued him is we’re advocating not for ourselves, but for an investment back into state infrastructure.’’