Your monthly support provides voters the knowledge they need to make confident decisions at the polls. Donate today.
Wisconsin Secretary of Natural Resources
| Wisconsin Secretary of Natural Resources | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Office Type: | Nonpartisan |
| Office website: | Official Link |
| Compensation: | $155,813 |
| 2025 FY Budget: | $580,922,900 |
| Term limits: | None |
| Structure | |
| Length of term: | Serves at the pleasure of the governor |
| Selection Method: | Appointed by the governor with the consent of the Senate |
| Current Officeholder(s) | |
Wisconsin Secretary of Natural Resources
Karen Hyun | |
| Other Wisconsin Executive Offices | |
| Governor • Lieutenant Governor • Secretary of State • Attorney General • Treasurer • Auditor • Superintendent of Education • Agriculture Commissioner • Insurance Commissioner • Natural Resources Commissioner • Labor Commissioner • Public Service Commission | |
The Wisconsin Secretary of Natural Resources is a state executive position in the Wisconsin state government. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is charged with sustaining and enhancing Wisconsin's natural resources and environment.[1]
Current officeholder
The acting Wisconsin Secretary of Natural Resources is Karen Hyun (nonpartisan). Hyun assumed office in 2025.
Authority
The creation of the department of natural resources is designated in Wisconsin Statutes.[2]
Wisconsin Statutes, Chapter 15.34, Department of natural resources; creation
|
There is created a department of natural resources under the direction and supervision of the natural resources board. |
Qualifications
Note: Ballotpedia's state executive officials project researches the constitutional or statutory text that establishes the requirements necessary to qualify for a state executive office. That information for the Wisconsin Secretary of Natural Resources has not yet been added. After extensive research, we were unable to identify any relevant information on state official websites. If you have any additional information about this office for inclusion on this section and/or page, please email us.
Appointments
The secretary of natural resources is appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Wisconsin Senate.[3]
Vacancies
Note: Ballotpedia's state executive officials project researches the constitutional or statutory text that details the process of filling vacancies for a state executive office. That information for the Wisconsin Secretary of Natural Resources has not yet been added. After extensive research, we were unable to identify any relevant information on state official websites. If you have any additional information about this office for inclusion on this section and/or page, please email us.
Duties
- See Energy policy in Wisconsin for information on the state's energy portfolio and goals.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) "is dedicated to working with the citizens and businesses of Wisconsin while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air, and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities."[4]
Divisions
As of January 2021, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was organized into six main divisions:[5]
- Environmental Management Division
- External Services Division
- Forestry Division
- Fish, Wildlife & Parks Division
- Internal Services Division
- Law Enforcement
State budget
- See also: Wisconsin state budget and finances
The budget for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in fiscal year 2025 was $580,922,900.[6]
Compensation
- See also: Compensation of state executive officers
2023
In 2023, the officer's salary was $155,813, according to the Council of State Governments.[7]
2022
In 2022, the officer's salary was $152,755, according to the Council of State Governments.[8]
2021
In 2021, the secretary received a salary of $152,755, according to the Council of State Governments.[9]
2020
In 2020, the secretary received a salary of $149,947, according to the Council of State Governments.[10]
2019
In 2019, the secretary received a salary of $147,000, according to the Council of State Governments.[11]
2018
In 2018, the secretary received a salary of $127,026, according to the Council of State Governments.[12]
2017
In 2017, the secretary received a salary of $127,026, according to the Council of State Governments.[13]
2016
In 2016, the secretary received a salary of $127,026, according to the Council of State Governments.[14]
2015
In 2015, the secretary received a salary of $127,514, according to the Council of State Governments.[15]
2014
In 2014, the secretary received a salary of $126,251, according to the Council of State Governments.[16]
2013
In 2013, the secretary's salary remained at $125,000.[17]
2012
In 2012, the secretary was paid an estimated $125,000. This figure comes from the Council of State Governments.[18]
Historical officeholders
Note: Ballotpedia's state executive officials project researches state official websites for chronological lists of historical officeholders; information for the Wisconsin Secretary of Natural Resources has not yet been added because the information was unavailable on the relevant state official websites, or we are currently in the process of formatting the list for this office. If you have any additional information about this office for inclusion on this section and/or page, please email us.
Recent news
The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Wisconsin Secretary Natural Resources. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.
Contact info
Address:
101 S. Webster Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53703
Phone: 1-888-936-7463
See also
| Wisconsin | State Executive Elections | News and Analysis |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, "About the DNR," accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ Wisconsin State Legislature, "Statutes," accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ Wisconsin State Legislature, "Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 15.05," accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, "About the DNR," accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ DNR, "About," accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ Wisconsin Legislature, "2023 Wisconsin Act 19, accessed December 6, 2023
- ↑ Council of State Governments, "Book of the States 2023 Table 4.11: Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries," accessed January 21, 2025
- ↑ Council of State Governments, "Book of the States 2022 Table 4.11: Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries," provided to Ballotpedia by CSG personnel
- ↑ Issuu, "The Book of the States 2021," accessed September 28, 2022
- ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2020," accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2019," accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2018," accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2017," accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2016," accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries, 2015," accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ Council of State Governments, "Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries," accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ Council of State Governments, "Table 4.11 Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries," accessed January 28, 2021
- ↑ Council of State Governments, "Table 4.11 Selected State Administrative Officials: Annual Salaries," accessed January 28, 2021
| ||||||||||||||
