Wisconsin Natural Resources Board Elects 2020 Officers

Dr. Frederick Prehn Elected Again As Chair

Contact(s): DNRPress@Wisconsin.gov or 608-266-3143
January 23, 2020 at 3:15:09 pm

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board elected officers for 2020 calendar year at its meeting Jan. 22 in Madison.

Dr. Frederick Prehn, a dentist and cranberry grower from Wausau, was reelected as chair of the board. Prehn was appointed by Gov. Scott Walker in May 2015. His term expires May 2021.

“I am honored to have the support of the board for second term as chairman. I look forward to 2020 and dealing with the issues of the natural resources of the state of Wisconsin,” Dr. Prehn said. “The transparency of our meetings will continue. The doors are wide open for public testimony from throughout the state at remote sites or in person every meeting we have.”

In addition to his dental practice, Prehn is a member of Cranberry Growers Cooperative, which represents 35 growers selling cranberry products in 23 countries. He introduced wind and solar energy on a large scale to the cranberry industry and runs two large wind generators and a solar array on his farm.

He also served on the Wisconsin Cranberry Board, which funds research, education, and promotion of Wisconsin cranberries. Prehn is an avid outdoorsman and has held Wisconsin hunting and fishing licenses for over 48 years. He is an active member of many conservation groups such as Whitetails Unlimited, Wisconsin Waterfowl Association, and Ducks Unlimited.

Greg Kazmierski, president and owner of Buck Rub Outfitters Ltd. in Pewaukee was reelected vice-chair; his term runs through May 2023. Julie Anderson, director of Racine County Public Works and Development Services, was reelected board secretary; her term runs through May 2021.

The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board sets policy for the Department of Natural Resources; state law delineates the formal duties of the seven-member board. Board members are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the state senate. Three members each must be selected from the northern and southern portions of Wisconsin and one member serves at large. Terms expire on May 1.

More information about board members, including bios, as well as board meeting dates, locations, agendas and meeting minutes can be found here.