WI Budget committee cuts scientists, keeps stewardship program - Jason Stein, Mary Spicuzza and Lee Bergquist, Journal Sentinel

A Republican-controlled legislative panel Friday cut but did not end a key conservation program while approving Gov. Scott Walker's plan to cut scientists at the state Department of Natural Resources. The proposal passed by lawmakers on a party-line 12-4 vote, with all Republicans in favor and all Democrats against, would also limit state and county rules aimed at protecting lakes through shoreline zoning. Republicans on the Joint Finance Committee broke from Walker's proposal to freeze state land purchases. Instead of effectively halting deals to preserve pristine areas of the state under the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, GOP lawmakers moved to reduce the program's spending and borrowing limits. http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/lawmakers-to-take-up-uw-system-dnr-budgets-friday-b99507650z1-305440151.html