In a surprising turn of events, Adam Payne, the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), has announced his resignation, effective November 1, after just ten months in the role. Payne was at the helm of an agency that has been at the forefront of critical environmental and wildlife issues, including water pollution and wolf hunting. The resignation comes as a blow to the state’s environmental management efforts.
Payne tendered his resignation letter to Governor Tony Evers on a Friday, expressing his intention to retire next year. In his heartfelt letter, he described his decision as “bittersweet” but emphasized his need to dedicate more time to his aging parents and to support his wife’s role as a caretaker. He also expressed a strong desire to spend quality time with his four young grandchildren and to prioritize his personal health and well-being.
Appointed by Governor Evers in December, Payne officially took the reins of the DNR in January. Britt Cudaback, a spokesperson for Evers, stated that the governor will act “expeditiously” to name a replacement for the outgoing Secretary.
During his brief tenure, Payne grappled with crucial environmental challenges, including the management of “forever chemicals” known as PFAS and the development of a new wolf management plan. Of note, the DNR board was slated to vote on this wolf management plan, which had been met with opposition due to its lack of a specific population goal for wolves in the state.
Recent legislative developments have further complicated the landscape. The state Senate passed a Republican-backed bill that mandates the DNR to establish a concrete population figure for wolves, taking an alternative approach to wildlife management. Additionally, the DNR is currently engaged in discussions with state lawmakers regarding the management of PFAS pollution, an issue of growing concern across the state. The state budget has allocated $125 million for addressing PFAS pollution, but the Republican plan for its allocation has sparked controversy, with environmental groups and Democrats arguing that it undermines the DNR’s authority to hold individuals accountable for pollution.
A contentious bill, passed by a Senate committee, may come up for a vote in the full Senate in the near future. Municipalities throughout Wisconsin are grappling with PFAS contamination in groundwater, including Marinette, Madison, Wausau, the town of Campbell on French Island, and even the waters of Green Bay.
In a related development, the state Senate voted to reject four of Governor Evers’ appointments to the DNR board amid ongoing disputes over the wolf hunt and PFAS pollution. However, Evers swiftly nominated replacements. It’s worth noting that the Senate had not yet voted on Payne’s confirmation, allowing him to serve during this interim period.
In his resignation letter, Payne highlighted his extensive 30-plus years of public service, including a notable 24-year stint as Sheboygan County administrator. He succeeded Preston Cole, who led the DNR during Governor Evers’ initial term in office.
Adam Payne’s departure will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future of environmental and wildlife management in Wisconsin, as the state faces a complex landscape of challenges and opportunities. Governor Evers will now need to swiftly identify a successor who can navigate these issues with dedication and expertise.
