DFL hopefuls square off on the outdoors

The Aug. 10 Minnesota primary will decide who among DFLers Matt Entenza, Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Mark Dayton will run for governor in November against Republican Tom Emmer and Tom Horner of the Independence Party. Below, Dayton, Kelliher and Entenza answer questions about conservation and the outdoors.

What qualities will you seek in a DNR commissioner?

Dayton: I want a commissioner who has a longstanding personal passion for hunting, fishing and the outdoors. My commissioner must understand the DNR is the steward of the people of Minnesota's natural resources, not their owner. I want a commissioner who will listen to all points of view and who will treat everyone with respect, even if all of their wishes cannot be satisfied. I will ensure the DNR is responsive and respectful, and works as an advocate rather than a bureaucratic barrier for outdoor enthusiasts.

Entenza: I am committed to hiring a DNR commissioner who understands the culture of the outdoors in Minnesota. Growing up in Worthington, I remember that on the first day of deer hunting there was no one in class, and that on the opening of fishing, everyone was on the lake. I will appoint a DNR commissioner who is a conservationist who understands the importance of hunting and fishing to Minnesotans, and who will safeguard our natural resources so that those traditions can continue.

Kelliher: I grew up hunting and fishing, and I still fish today. That's why I want a DNR commissioner to share my commitment to responsible conservation. The commissioner should care deeply about improving wildlife habitat and preserving our resources. Minnesota's next DNR commissioner should bring people together, and work with hunters, fishermen, farmers, Minnesota employers and industries, local leaders and legislators to address the challenges facing our lakes, streams, forests and prairies. The commissioner must be both a qualified manager of people and resources.

How will you ensure that Legacy Amendment dollars do not supplant traditional sources of state outdoors and conservation funding?

Kelliher: Minnesotans made a clear choice in 2008 to make an additional investment in conservation, the outdoors and clean water. As governor, I will veto any legislative effort to supplant Legacy Amendment dollars for traditional sources of conservation funding. I will protect Legacy funds from misuse or diversion. I will work with conservation groups and state leaders to create and implement a 25-year plan for all Legacy funds. Working together we will ensure every dollar is spent wisely and produces results.

Dayton: The Legacy Amendment constitutionally protects those funds from being used as replacements for cuts in the state's other natural resource funding. I will honor the instruction from the people of Minnesota to use the funds to "protect, enhance, and restore" our natural resources for fish, game and wildlife. I will not tolerate efforts to supplant traditional sources of funding to protect our natural resources.

Some northern Minnesota Chippewa claim off-reservation hunting, fishing and other rights. Should such claims be resolved in court, or should an accommodation between the state and the Chippewa be sought, if only to avoid hard feelings and legal expenses?

Entenza: I will work with the attorney general to make sure the legal rights of all in our state are upheld. As a former criminal prosecutor, I understand that mediation can be a positive alternative to litigation.

Dayton: I will do my utmost to resolve resource disputes before they become divisive, protracted and expensive. I will also do my utmost to persuade tribal leaders that their members' interests are best served by the harmonious sharing of land, water, fish and wildlife that all of us who live in Minnesota deserve to enjoy equally. I will listen to sportsmen and women on these issues. We must recognize and emphasize our common economic and social interests that require us to reconcile our differences and live together in cooperation.

Kelliher: As House speaker, I led by bringing people from divergent viewpoints together to solve some of Minnesota's most difficult challenges. In 2008 I brought together Democrats and Republicans, business and labor, farmers and environmentalists to make needed investments in our aging roads and bridges. I will bring that same commitment to cooperative problem solving as governor, working directly and collaboratively with all Minnesota tribes to find fair and reasonable solutions to challenges we share.

Dayton: I will definitely consult with wildlife, conservation and hunting and fishing groups while making appointments. Nominees' qualifications should include their years of personal or professional involvement in the council's areas of funding. I believe it a serious mistake that no current appointee lives in northern Minnesota and only one is a woman. And, yes, the guiding principle of the Legislature should be to accept the council's recommendations. This is the people's money, not the Legislature's.

Kelliher: As governor I will seek the input of wildlife, conservation and hunting and fishing groups throughout the selection process. I will choose council appointees with the same level of scrutiny and thought I will any commissioner in my administration. Council members must be qualified, competent and committed to responsible decision-making. And council members should have experience hunting, fishing and in the outdoors. I will support the council's efforts to deliver the best possible results for Minnesotans.

Entenza: The council should consist of members who have a rich understanding of the outdoors and conservation issues. Their personal experiences and the input of groups heavily engaged in those areas are important. I think it is wrong the Legislature did not give greater deference to the council in the last session. As governor, I will. I also thought it was petty that after the excellent work Sen. Lessard put in on conservation issues, some people attempted to strip his name. That won't happen on my watch.

Why are you best qualified to ensure the state's woods, waters and fields -- upon which many Minnesotans depend for their lifestyles, if not livelihoods -- are conserved, and that the state's hunting and fishing traditions continue?

Kelliher: I helped build the coalition to put the Legacy Amendment on the ballot. Working together with Democrats and Republicans, hunters and fishermen, businesses and environmentalists, I led the effort to deliver the largest increase in conservation funding in Minnesota's history. I have always been a strong advocate for investments in natural resources. As a lifelong hunter and fisherman, raised on a farm, I want to leave a legacy of clean water and thriving habitat for my children and yours.

Dayton: I was born and raised in Minnesota. As a youth, I hunted small game in the woods of my father's home in Long Lake and ducks and pheasants in southwest Minnesota. I fished at my family's cabin on Lake Vermilion. I am committed to protecting and improving our natural resources. As a U.S. senator, I prevented southern states from changing hunting seasons to excessively harvest thousands more ducks. Sportsmen and women and other outdoor enthusiasts should know I will be a strong friend in the governor's office.