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The Governor's State of the State address focused on a number of key issues - including economic opportunity, the transformation of government, and lean, efficient citizen-centered services - qualities also reflected in the changing face of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), says Commissioner Tom Landwehr.

"For example, we have appointed Assistant Commissioner Mike Carroll, our first commissioner to work from a northwest Minnesota office, to ensure that we're hearing and responding to the needs of citizens in this important area of the state," said Landwehr. "We'll have senior leadership on the ground and out in the field. It's all part of a new era of openness and responsiveness at the DNR."

Carroll, who will operate out of Park Rapids, is assistant commissioner for Field Operations and Community Outreach. His 32 years of experience as a regional director and forester make him uniquely qualified to understand community issues and concerns, Landwehr added.

Also at the top of the DNR agenda is seeking and developing new ways to improve operations and processes.

"We are already reviewing steps to streamline the environmental permitting process, while continuing to protect the environment for the health and welfare of all Minnesotans," Landwehr said. "We can work more efficiently with business to help promote commerce and economic opportunity throughout the state."

The natural resources managed by the DNR provide tens of thousands of jobs in Minnesota, and partnering with the private sector to achieve common goals is another way to drive the state's economic engine.

"We want to leverage the energy, good ideas and opportunities that our partners bring to the table," Landwehr said. "And we will look for new partnerships to broaden the impact of the great conservation work going on around the state."

Operating an efficient, responsive, proactive state agency is in keeping with the spirit of Governor Dayton's address, added Landwehr.

"The Governor said, 'We will be properly judged by the effects of our decisions and actions on the lives of our fellow Minnesotans - this year, next year and for years to come - whether we make their lives better or worse'," said Landwehr. "The DNR will take its place among the agencies that serve to make lives better by making good decisions that lead to better government."[[In-content Ad]]

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