Thompson is demonstrating an obvious favoritism to the cranberry industry. Many people and organizations are raising questions about the large sums of money contributed to Thompson s campaigns by people within the cranberry industry. Dozens of organizations throughout the state including the Wisconsin Wetlands Association, Trout Unlimited, Lake Superior Alliance, and even the DNR staff have opposed the special treatment given to cranberry growers because of how the privileges have negatively impacted wetlands, rivers, and lakes. Cranberry growers routinely dam and reroute trout streams for water which severely impacts fisheries. These sometimes drastic changes are exempt from state dam safety inspection.
Pesticide use adversely affects fisheries and waterfowl.
The conclusion of the DNR Watch report states that campaign contributions has most definitely influenced the Governor and the Natural Resources Board to give the cranberry growers preferential treatment. The report s closing recommendations include reform of campaign finance laws, restoring the watchdog capacity of the Public Intervenors Office , restoring the board appointed DNR secretary, restoring and strengthening Wisconsin s Wetland Water Quality Standards, and repealing the 1867 Cranberry Law.