MADISON – Today, Governor Evers announced that Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary, Preston D. Cole, will be retiring on Wednesday, November 23. Senate Democratic Leader Melissa Agard (D-Madison) thanks Secretary Cole and reflects on his contributions to the State of Wisconsin. Senator Agard released the following statement:
“Secretary Cole has played a vital role in the DNR’s conservation efforts throughout our state, in rural and urban communities alike. The work of the DNR is vitally important to preserving and enhancing our state’s natural resources for all to enjoy. Under Secretary Cole’s leadership, the DNR supported Wisconsin’s outdoor heritage, fought climate change, maintained our state park system, and protected Wisconsin’s air and waterways.
“I have an immense amount of gratitude for the Secretary’s dedication to removing lead water service lines across our state, especially in our local community of Stoughton. Because of the state’s partnership, the City of Stoughton now has a completely lead-free residential drinking water system, ensuring that Stoughton residents have safe, clean drinking water.
“Leading with science, Secretary Cole was pragmatic, effective, and compassionate. He was a great partner to the 16th Senate District and the State of Wisconsin and will be sincerely missed. I wish Secretary Cole the best of luck in his future endeavors.”
