DNR's Mark Holsten: In the hot seat

Q: What were the DNR's accomplishments during your four years as deputy commissioner and four years as commissioner?

A: In that time, each DNR division has gone through significant pressures and changes. We've had to recognize that we must control more of our destiny in terms of being relevant to the next generation of outdoor users. We have to invest in people, bringing them into state parks and hunting and fishing, for example, while also investing in resources.

Q: On a personal level, what's it like being DNR commissioner?

A: In a way, it's a blessing and a curse. I hunt and fish far less than before I got here, which is a function of available time. Also I'm heavier than I was. And the job, with its time requirements, has affected my family life in ways I didn't expect -- far more than when I was a legislator. But it's been wonderful getting to know the agency's staff and the people who are passionate about Minnesota's outdoors, and working with them toward solutions to make the state better.

Q: In many ways, the DNR is a complaint center for people concerned about everything from pheasants to water to mining.

A: When you ask for a description of the DNR commissioner's job, everyone has a different idea. Some say it's hunting and fishing, some say mining or forestry or water, and so forth. The truth is we have conflicting missions. The DNR protects resources while it generates economic activity from those resources while also providing recreational opportunity from those resources. All three of these values apply to what we do, while individuals often hold just one.

Q: You're not a natural resources professional by training. Did that affect your acceptance by agency employees?

Q: Can you combine DNR and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and perhaps BWSR -- the Board of Water and Soil Resources -- into one agency, as some have suggested, to deliver services cheaper, and better?

A: I generally oppose it because I know how diverse this agency is already. Potentially, some efficiencies are possible. But it would require a real clear vision and direction from administrators with clearly defined outcomes and objectives. I just don't see it happening, not now. If it ever does, water management will be the issue that demands it.

Q: Did Gov. Pawlenty ever pressure you to back off or go soft on key environmental or conservation issues?

A: No, I had a very free hand. Of course I had to bring budgets in according to the administration's direction. But I never got a call that said do this or don't do that on an issue I didn't bring to him first.

Q: The natural resources agencies of most states are under the direction -- partial or complete -- of citizen commissions. Minnesota still gives the governor the power to appoint the DNR commissioner. Should a citizen commission provide direction to the DNR and hire and fire the commissioner?

Q: Some observers have suggested that the Fish and Wildlife Division be split off from the DNR as an independent agency.

A: I don't agree. Deer and grouse management, for example, must be integrated with forest management, and duck and goose management with water management, and so on. If it were just about seasons and limits, you could break it off. But integration with the other divisions is needed.

Q: The DNR has added three new hunting species recently: sandhill cranes, mourning doves and prairie chickens.

A: I don't think that will happen again soon. The next big one probably will be wolves.

Q: Ditching and drainage are huge issues in this state. You were aggressive early on as commissioner in addressing these, but met significant opposition and gave up.

Q: List some key DNR successes during your time as commissioner.

A: The new Lake Vermilion State Park is one, obviously. Also we've combined parks with trails and created a solid vision for the combined division to connect them to their communities for both economic and recreational purposes. We've also raised visitorship and revenue streams in those areas. I think also we've had successes in water management and integrated it with ecological services, and we've met some huge challenges in forestry as stumpage prices have dropped. We've also, through the Lessard-Sams Council, helped protect hundreds of thousands of acres of forest land and keep it open for public use. Additionally, the future looks good for precious metals mining in northern Minnesota, as we meet the environmental challenges tied to it. And in enforcement we're preparing for the Legislature a plan to rebuild our conservation officer force.

Q: Would you stay as commissioner if asked to by the next governor?