New Minn. DNR chief sees tests ahead

With pressures mounting on wildlife, habitats and budgets, Tom Landwehr knows he will likely enjoy only a brief honeymoon in his new job at the head of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Landwehr, 55, of Shoreview, was named to the post-- perhaps the most high-profile in state government-- on Thursday by Gov. Mark Dayton.

"No other agency of state government affects as many Minnesotans' lives directly as the DNR," Dayton said.

Or is as likely to spark controversy, he might have added.

The DNR manages everything from forests, mines, lakes and wetlands to invasive species, deer, ducks and loons. Its constituents are passionate and include 1.5 million anglers, 1.4 million boaters, 1.4 million state park users, 600,000 hunters, 260,000 ATV riders and 250,000 snowmobilers.

Its challenges are nearly as diverse. Duck hunter numbers have fallen to record lows, prompted by a decline in the duck population and waterfowl habitat. Hunting and fishing license fees haven't been increased for years, and the DNR's Game and Fish Fund is heading into the red. Hunters and anglers are aging, and there's concern that 21st-century youngsters are choosing computer games over the outdoors. Threats to wildlife habitat remain. And invasive species such as zebra mussels threaten to spread to more lakes and rivers, permanently altering them.

As the agency struggles to cope with such issues, some of its decisions inevitably rub some people the wrong way.

His selection was praised by Republicans and DFLers, as well as conservation groups, though some northern Minnesota legislators wanted someone from their region.

"I'm very pleased with the appointment," said state Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen, R-Alexandria, new chairman of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee.

"I think he will make an excellent commissioner," said former Sen. Bob Lessard, who offered input to Dayton. Sen. Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, said he would have preferred his friend, Sen. Rod Skoe, DFL-Clearbrook, had been selected. "He's from up north, and that's where all the natural resources are," Bakk said.

For his part, Landwehr said he has the "fire in the belly" to try to improve the state's outdoor resources.

"I love Minnesota and our natural resources. I spend as much time as possible outdoors, and I want my kids to have the same opportunities," said Landwehr, a wildlife biologist and avid hunter, angler and outdoors enthusiast. He and his wife, Patty, have two children, ages 10 and 12.

Here are his thoughts on some of the key issues facing the department:

Ducks: "I think we can change the face of the state in terms of how it looks for ducks. We have to very aggressively pursue habitat improvement projects. Will we see a change in my lifetime? I surely hope so."

DNR: "I'd like to unify the department towards a longer-range goal. What do we want the state to look like in 25 years? I want to work towards that specific goal."

Loss of hunters-anglers: "I'm optimistic. There are a lot of people who want to spend time outdoors; they're just not sure how to do it."

License fee increases: "They are way overdue, but there's a lot of politics around that, obviously."

Staff changes: (Dave Schad, DNR fish and wildlife division chief, is one of Landwehr's closest friends, and might be moving into the commissioner's office.) "You need someone you can trust to be a right-hand person. I wouldn't assume the hierarchy will remain the same. I have some ideas."