Gov. Evers Appoints Jeff Hastings to the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board, Reappoints Bill Smith

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced two appointments to the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board. The governor has appointed Jeff Hastings to fill the vacancy created by the expiration of Marcy West’s term on May 1, 2025, and reappointed William “Bill” Smith following the expiration of his term.

“Now more than ever, conserving our natural resources—whether it’s ensuring safe, clean drinking water or protecting our vast forests and expansive shorelines—is a top priority for our proud history and traditions as Wisconsinites, as well as our state’s well-being and economic success. Protecting our natural waters and lands have always been a critical part of Wisconsin’s identity and our economic success, whether it’s outdoor recreation, sporting, or our booming tourism industry, and Jeff and Bill understand firsthand the importance of this work,” said Gov. Evers. “I’m excited to see all that Jeff will bring to the Board with his extensive experience in conservation, and I am incredibly grateful Bill will be continuing his public service and that we will continue to have his enthusiasm and dedication on the Board.”

Hastings started his career as the county conservationist in Carroll County, Illinois, and later became the county conservationist in Vernon County, Wisconsin, where he served over 20 years. Following this, Hastings joined Trout Unlimited’s Driftless Area Restoration Effort (TUDARE) program, where he became the first project manager for the program. While working for the TUDARE program, Hastings helped secure a $9 million award, Trout Unlimited’s largest award to date, which brought over 50 organizations together to partner on cold water conservation in the Driftless Area. Additionally, he created a groundbreaking manual for conservationists on how to incorporate nongame habitat into their stream restoration projects. Hastings earned degrees in wildlife management and biology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. A photo of Hastings is available here.

“I am thrilled to be able to translate my years of work in conservation to the efforts of the Natural Resources Board,” said Hastings. “It is an honor to take up this role, and I look forward to working together with my fellow members to best serve the interests of Wisconsinites and uphold the responsibility we share to preserve and protect our state’s natural resources and wildlife.”

Smith was appointed to the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board by Gov. Evers in June 2019 and currently serves as chairman of the Board. Smith began a career at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in 1978 as an environmental engineer and program supervisor. During his time at the DNR, he served in various roles in communities across the state, including serving as deputy secretary until 2007 and the natural resources manager until 2013. Smith also previously served as the board director of the Wisconsin Natural Resources Foundation. Currently, he serves as an emeritus director of the International Crane Foundation and as the board chair of his local Zoning Board of Appeals in Shell Lake. He has extensive experience working with conservation and environmental organizations and has dedicated his career to the preservation of natural resources and environmental quality. A photo of Smith is available here.

“Over the last several years, the Natural Resources Board has worked on high-profile issues that have captured the attention of the public, and I am glad for the opportunity to continue this important work and advocate for the issues that people across the state feel so passionately about—our state’s green spaces and natural environment,” said Smith. “My years of experience on the Board lend a unique perspective on the challenges we address as a body, and I am grateful to the governor for the opportunity to continue that work.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.