Wisconsin lawmakers cut conservation spending by $88 million. Walker wanted a moratorium on stewardship land buys.

Gov. Scott Walker's proposed budget would eliminate 66 DNR positions, freeze conservation land purchases and withdraw tax support to state parks.

Experts say it costs more to clean up problems in lakes and rivers than it does to use scientific methods of prevention.

DNR veteran Jack Sullivan says severe pending budget cuts played a role the timing of his retirement.

Private foresters hired by owners of tax-subsidized forest land would be the watchdog against destructive logging practices. 

Stewardship land buys would be crushed as highway borrowing rises, but Assembly Republicans may salvage part of the program.