Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Stephanie Hemphill
St. Paul, Minn.

Legislator says DNR failing to protect wetlands

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

The Department of Natural Resources is failing to protect wetlands, according to some legislators.

Two years ago the Legislature allocated money for a program called Operation Bird's Eye View, where the DNR uses airplanes to find wetlands being filled illegally in the metro area. Last year, the agency flew 300 hours on this mission and issued 470 cease-and-desist orders.

In the nine months of the current fiscal year, it's down to 21 flights and 143 orders.

DFL Rep. Rick Hansen of South St. Paul said the DNR is ignoring priorities set by the Legislature.

"I believe we made this a priority," Hansen said. "I believe in the long run it's cheaper to have this compliance and enforcement than to have to restore wetlands after they've been drained."

Hansen said if the DNR had continued the work, the $100,000 appropriation wouldn't be a target for cuts.

"It's very controversial, so if you're doing triage in terms of what you want to do or must do, it's easier to do those fundamental core issues," he said. "We believe wetland enforcement is a core issue; we appropriated the money for it and we want to make sure they're doing it."

The DNR said there's less construction activity because of the poor economy, and a technicality is preventing transfer of the money.

The DNR's Operations Manager for Enforcement, Rodman Smith, said the agency continues to document wetlands violations when it makes flights for other purposes.

Gov. Pawlenty wants to cut this year's appropriation to help cover the deficit.

-----------------

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story stated the DNR flew 300 flights to find endangered wetlands last year. Last year, the agency flew 300 hours of flights. This has been corrected.