Panel OKs closing Walk-in centers for hunting, fishing licenses
May. 5, 2009 2:10 p.m. | Madison - Madison – A legislative committee Tuesday approved Gov. Jim Doyle's request to close 24 walk-in centers operated by the state Department of Natural Resources, which would eliminate about 50 jobs and save more than $3 million over two years.
On a 12-4 vote, the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee added the closings to its version of the 2009-'11 state budget, which must still be approved by the full Legislature and Doyle this summer.
Legislators from northern Wisconsin complained that their region will be hit hardest by closing the 24 walk-in centers, which now sell hunting and fishing licenses, boat registrations and provide information. Walk-in service would remain at DNR's six regional offices and at its Madison headquarters.
If Doyle's proposal becomes law, "There will not be one walk-in place left in northern Wisconsin," said Rep. Gary Sherman (D-Port Wing). At Sherman's request, the committee told DNR to develop a plan of how services now provided at the walk-in centers will be provided after they are closed.
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