Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com
Published - Saturday, May 10, 2008
Legislators question DNR officials over conference spending
ST. PAUL — The heads of a joint House-Senate panel say they still have more questions than answers after a two-hour hearing into a national conference that got Minnesota Department of Natural Resources funds.
A Star Tribune report earlier this week said a national game wardens conference held in St. Paul last July turned a profit despite low attendance and weak private fundraising, thanks in part to the DNR’s resources.
The report said the DNR’s enforcement division used $196,000 in state money and about $187,000 in staff salaries for the event.
Commissioner Mark Holsten says the allegations are serious and could potentially lead to dismissals.
He says lawmakers will get all their questions answered but it will take time.
The DNR is hiring an outside investigator to look into the matter. The legislative auditor is conducting his own probe.
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