Section 1.70. Policy on education.

 

(1)  Wisconsin has a unique abundance of varied and high quality natural resources. The successful stewardship of those resources is largely dependent upon enlightened and responsible decision-making by Wisconsin citizens, government and private interests. The department recognizes the need to develop a coordinated environmental education program. Education is the foundation of effective resource management and environmental protection activities. Natural resources protection and management goals can be more readily achieved and sustained by incorporating education elements in department functions and philosophies. An active educational program is necessary to encourage incorporation of education into department programs, to inform citizens on natural resources issues and to develop alternative solutions to natural resources problems.

(2)  Effective environmental education will result in better understanding of the operations and programs of the department and will help meet management goals. The goal of the department's environmental education program is to assist in developing a citizenry that:

(a) Is aware of Wisconsin's natural resources;

(b) Understands resource use issues, limits, capabilities and problems;

(c) Analyzes and evaluates personal and public values that affect resource management; and

(d) Acquires the individual and collective skills and purpose to act responsibly in using natural resources in work and leisure.

(3)  The department shall assist Wisconsin educational institutions at all grade and age levels by:

(a) Making available supplemental services, education materials, expertise of department employees and volunteers, and facilities and properties.

(b) Cooperating and coordinating with the department of public instruction, University of Wisconsin System, Wisconsin board of technical college system in assisting teachers, administrators and others interested in education in understanding the importance of their role in environmental education and in obtaining knowledge, skills and materials in this instructional area.

(4)  Department education programs shall follow agency policies, management directives and guidelines. Educational programs should be a means of achieving management goals and objectives; should complement and be consistent with agency priorities; and should focus on the areas of natural resource management and environmental protection. To implement its educational policy, the department shall:

(a) Designate the bureau of information and education as agencywide coordinator of environmental education activities.

(b) Create a department education committee, appointed by the secretary, to advise the secretary on environmental education matters.

(c) Actively cooperate with private, state and federal agencies and organizations with existing or potential interest in environmental and conservation education.

(d) Consider and incorporate education elements into annual and long-range program plans and budgets.

(e) Consider environmental education skills and interest in the recruitment, training, promotion and assignment of department employees.

(f) Delineate environmental education responsibilities in position descriptions.

(g) Incorporate additional and broadened environmental education elements in department subprograms.

(h) Incorporate environmental education elements in property and facility acquisition, development and programming.

(i) Utilize the MacKenzie environmental education center and youth camps and facilities for environmental education programming.

(j) Identify teachers and selected adult groups as primary audiences to maximize program impact.

(k) Encourage involvement with volunteer, school, youth, special interest and adult groups.

(L) Develop written and audio-visual materials, supplies and aids necessary to accomplish program goals.

History: Cr. Register, October, 1983, No. 334 , eff. 11-1-83; correction in (3) (b) made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 6., Stats., Register July 2001, No. 547 ; 2015 Wis. Act 330 s. 20 : am. (3) (b) Register April 2016 No. 724 , eff. 5-1-16.