It was recently reported in the Dispatch that the DNR has lost its focus and is completely out of touch with its constituents. 

The article tells about how the DNR plans to divert conservation officers (game wardens) from their core mission of conserving and protecting fish and game resources to patrolling ice houses in search of underage drinkers. 

Probably like most people, I think it is OK for conservation officers to ticket people for non-fish-and-game offenses when they find offenses incidentally in the course of protecting fish and game, but it is a problem when such diversions become their main objective.

A recent report by the think tank Center of the American Experiment mentions other diversions such as jet ski patrol, noise abatement, and feedlot monitoring.  The organization mentioned similar DNR mission creep a dozen years ago in another report, and still the agency hasn’t changed — in fact, it seems to have gotten worse.

The DNR needs a strong new commissioner to enact reform and get the agency back on track.

Alex Miller

Sophomore Electrical Engineering student

University of Minnesota

Woodbury