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Tuesday, December 12, 2006
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Calling it a career Merriam reflects on time as DNR commissioner Outdoors Editor Gene Merriam, 62, announced last week he will resign as DNR commissioner when his term ends Jan. 2.
The following interview was conducted on Monday.
Merriam: "People would ask me that from time to time but I didn't spend much time thinking about it. It was academic until after the election. Then I gave it some serious thought."
Merriam: "I arrived at the decision shortly after the election. It was before I had any conversations with the governor."
Merriam: "He thanked me for my work over the previous four years and wished me well. We parted amicably."
Merriam: "I'd known him for quite awhile before he became a legislator. We enjoyed a good relationship. I wouldn't have taken the job if it had been otherwise."
Merriam: "No, we remained pretty much in agreement. As you might expect we weren't always in total agreement, but on the important things we were."
Merriam: "Not until 2008 at the earliest. The Legislature won't give it serious consideration until then. It has to be approved by the voters at a general election."
Merriam: "It's possible, but in the real world of political give and take ... any time anything gets momentum - and I think dedicated funding has some momentum - it attracts other things as well. It's possible (to get a clean bill) but it will be a challenge to achieve that.
Merriam: "Yes. More importantly, we reconnected the department with our stakeholders, especially the hunting and fishing folks. We had some estrangement."
Merriam: "I can't tell you precisely, but the irony is that throughout most of the history of the DNR the two divisions were consolidated. It was only a few years ago - and I think not for a very good reason - that they were separated. But I'd agree that it wasn't universally embraced."
Merriam: "I saw that quote in the paper and I didn't know what he meant. I surmise that some people would like to have a commissioner that beats the drum louder and more often. I'm not sure what that means. I think we worked hard at promoting Minnesota's resources."
Merriam: "A number of daunting challenges face the department. The most contentious issue will continue to be off-highway vehicles on public lands."
Merriam: "We reconnected with our stakeholders and emphasized habitat access and opportunity. When you look at the dollars we secured for wildlife management areas over the past four years, it was equal to what we got in the previous 30. Not insignificant was the certification of our forests (by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and the Forest Stewardship Council.) It showed that Minnesota's forests are managed in a sustainable and environmentally appropriate manner."
Merriam: "That could happen, but it's not likely. The problem isn't solved, but we've made significant strides in managing it. Some people think we're not moving fast enough. We don't anticipate that appeal will go anywhere."
Merriam: "Sure, I've heard rumors, but nothing I can substantiate. I would like to think Deputy Commissioner Mark Holsten has a good chance."
Merriam: "I've gone to retirement parties for people a lot younger than me. I'm not looking for work, but I don't feel the need to totally retire either. I'll stay busy, but maybe not on a full-time basis."
Merriam: "Yeah, I had some luck. One of the problems with this job is I didn't get to hunt enough. I'm going to sneak out of here (Tuesday) and Wednesday and do a little pheasant hunting."
VINCE MEYER can be reached at vince.meyer@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5862.
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