More than sticks and stones

Next year we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Department of Natural Resource’s Spooner fish hatchery — which is across the road from the new Northern Region headquarters.

Together they represent a long, proud history of protecting the state’s resource rich northern woods, water and wildlife, and DNR’s commitment to serving the people who live and work here, and who hunt and fish, camp and hike, and treasure our resources.

We have been here a long time, and we want you to know that we will remain here, committed to serving you and the Northern Region for the decades to come. All of which is good for the Northwood’s tourism, which is good for the economy.

Staying true to mission and goals

Our mission statement clearly spells out not only our commitment to protecting the people and resources of northern Wisconsin, but also our commitment to working with you.

The new 18,300 square foot facility represents the DNR’s ongoing investment in our community — the place where, like you, our employees live and raise their families. Some of the many building features we’re proud of include meeting rooms you can use for community groups and public meetings, expanding our hours to serve better the community and visitors, and consolidating our staff to make the best use of taxpayer dollars.

This new building was designed to be energy efficient and customer friendly.

Built in 1964, the previous facility was not energy efficient, could not accommodate 21st Century technology and could not accommodate staff.

A host of features, including using natural light to maximize interior lights, will help cut utility costs by 56 percent compared to the previous facility.

We are proud to say our new headquarters is on track to be recognized for “gold level” certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, the internal standard for green buildings.

So drop by and visit us, neighbor

When you walk in the door, or call Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. we’ll be here to help you with a fishing or hunting license, camping information, or provide answers to questions and more.

And when the physical building is closed, we are still available to help you, seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., by calling our toll free number at 888-936-7463.

Our DNR staff is committed to our mission and to our communities. They are your customers, your neighbors, your kids’ coaches, and civic volunteers. We are proud to be here and proud to invest in this new headquarters.

John Gozdzialski is the northern region director for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Tags: opinion, dnr, animals