Milroy named ranking member on natural resources panel

State Representative Nick Milroy was named the top Democrat on the Natural Resources Committee.

He says it gives this region a louder voice on the great outdoors. As a longtime outdoorsman and biologist, Milroy’s appointment to be the top minority leader on the Natural Resources Committee is all about natural resources and the outdoors seems like a perfect fit.

Milroy says the committee’s work can have a big impact on northern Wisconsin. “This is a tremendously important committee to the people of northern Wisconsin because, really, our economy depends on our natural resources.”

Some of the work has already begun.

“Right now, I am working with groups to try to create more opportunities, especially for young people, to get out and experience the outdoors, whether it’s hunting and fishing, and we’re gonna brainstorm some ideas to try to make that happen,” Milroy said.

He was appointed to the position by Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca.

Now, Milroy is looking forward to the work ahead.

“Our biggest challenge is going to be to try to work with the majority party to make sure that we’re having the sort of discussions that we need to have to ensure that we’re maintaining our natural resources and the quality of life that people enjoy.”

While hunting is part of the group’s focus, Milroy doesn’t expect the recent gun control debate to be a topic of discussion.

“I think people really have respect for Second Amendment rights here in Wisconsin, and I don’t see that really being an issue in the Wisconsin Legislature this session.”

Milroy also serves on the Rural Affairs, Veterans, and Environment and Forestry Committees.

Wisconsin Public Radio can be heard locally on 91.3 KUWS-FM and online at www.wpr.org.

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