Responding to the Smiths

Mr. and Mrs. Smith;

I am not sure why you felt compelled to place the term experts in quotes. How many PhDs do we need to study the ecological and hydrological behavior of Lake Koshkonong to satisfy your definition of expert analysis? Your note was quite smarmy, but nonetheless, we owe a response to everyone who pays property taxes here and has a desire to express themselves.

I found your comments re: DNR employees to be largely true, with the exception of your last comment – not having personal agendas. I suspect this battle the RKLD finds itself in is the result of personal agendas that began when the last (and current) water level orders were established.

If the DNR had conducted research from the lake at the time they set those orders, then why was it not referenced when DNR proposed the new orders a few months ago? And if the RKLD is without any merit in requesting a legal review of DNR staff rejection of our water level request, then why does the DNR Secretary believe the quality of RKLD research warrants a legal review? A legal review, by the way, that demands the expertise of attorneys knowledgeable in chapter 30 and chapter 33 statutes and the foundation of the Public Trust Doctrine?

Thank you for your note, and I respect you signing your name.

Brian Christianson
www.RKLD.org