(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 office of communication 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 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.
