Governor Scott Walker has announced two appointments to the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (NRB), Julie Anderson and Dr. Frederick Prehn.

Julie Anderson has served for over 24 years in the Racine County government in several positons including Planning Director, Land Information Officer, Highway Commissioner and Board Member of the Racine County Economic Development Corporation. Anderson currently serves as Racine County Public Works and Development Services Director. Anderson received a B.A. in Urban Economic Geography from UW – Eau Claire, and a M.A. in Geography from UW – Milwaukee.

The governor also appointed Dr. Frederick Prehn. He is a practicing dentist, small business owner and farm owner. Prehn is a dentist at a Prehn dental, a practice established by his grandfather in 1921. He also is the owner of Central Wisconsin Firearms, a firearms dealership in Wausau, WI. Prehn and his wife Linda own Prehn Cranberry, a 115 acre cranberry marsh in Tomah, WI. Dr. Prehn received a B.A. from UW – Madison and a D.D.S. from Marquette University.

Anderson and Prehn will replace Christine Thomas and Jane Wiley, both Governor Jim Doyle appointments, whose terms expired May 1. Both Wiley and Thomas were appointed in 2004 and reappointed in 2009, serving 11 years. Following likely approval by the Senate, both new appointees will begin their terms Wednesday, May 27. NRB members serve staggered 6 year terms. 

The NRB votes on rule changes and sets policy for the Department of Natural Resources, and exercises authority and responsibility in accordance with governing state laws. Under a Walker budgetary proposal, the NRB would have only become an advisory board and allow the DNR secretary and staff to have all policy making authority. However in April, JFC removed this change, stating the provision was a non-fiscal item.