MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Thirteen vacant positions in the state Department of Natural Resources that deal with fish and wildlife issues would be eliminated under a vote by the Legislature’s budget committee. The Joint Finance Committee voted 12-4 Wednesday to cut 13 vacant positions to save just over $1 million. Democrats argued against eliminating the positions, saying it would hurt DNR’s fish and wildlife programs and conservation law enforcement efforts. Democrats joined with Republicans in voting to require DNR to meet with hunters, anglers, trappers, conservationists and other stakeholders to come up with a plan to deal with an imbalance in the fish and wildlife account. The majority of the fund comes from fishing and hunting licensing fees. It’s been running in the red for years. Gov. Scott Walker did not propose raising fees.
