Spectator editorial: Wetland worries
Menards should compromise with environmental authorities
Issue date: 2/24/05 Section: Editorial/Opinion
Home-improvement retailer Menards is moving one of its Eau Claire manufacturing plants to Belgrade, Minn., citing conflicts over the location of the plant with the state Department of Natural Resources as the reason for the move, according to a Leader-Telegram article.
The relocation, which will create 80 to 100 jobs in Minnesota, is only the latest in a long string of clashes between Eau Claire's largest employer and the DNR. Last fall, the company was charged in Eau Claire County Court with a felony count of disposal of hazardous waste without a license.
This time around, the DNR claims the location of a new Menards warehouse in the town of Union would destroy two wetlands that are important for migratory birds during spring months.
The struggle between creating new jobs and protecting the environment is not new. However, the company has denied alternative options, such as different building sites in the area, according to the article. Menards is showing an unwillingness to cooperate with DNR officials, an error on the part of the company.
While the prospect of new area jobs is appealing, the price of permanent wetland destruction is not worth returns such jobs would have on the economy. Employment may come and go, but it is impossible to recreate wildlife areas.
Today, as Menards officials meet with politicians in Madison in what is being called the "Menards retention summit," lawmakers will review the situation. However, it is important our leaders don't fall prey to company lobbying powers and instead keep in mind the long-term environmental effects the company may cause.
Future job growth should be encouraged in Eau Claire, but not if it is at the expense of irreplaceable wetlands.
The relocation, which will create 80 to 100 jobs in Minnesota, is only the latest in a long string of clashes between Eau Claire's largest employer and the DNR. Last fall, the company was charged in Eau Claire County Court with a felony count of disposal of hazardous waste without a license.
| The Issue Menards is planning to move a new warehouse to Minnesota after conflicts with Wisconsin's DNR. |
This time around, the DNR claims the location of a new Menards warehouse in the town of Union would destroy two wetlands that are important for migratory birds during spring months.
The struggle between creating new jobs and protecting the environment is not new. However, the company has denied alternative options, such as different building sites in the area, according to the article. Menards is showing an unwillingness to cooperate with DNR officials, an error on the part of the company.
While the prospect of new area jobs is appealing, the price of permanent wetland destruction is not worth returns such jobs would have on the economy. Employment may come and go, but it is impossible to recreate wildlife areas.
Today, as Menards officials meet with politicians in Madison in what is being called the "Menards retention summit," lawmakers will review the situation. However, it is important our leaders don't fall prey to company lobbying powers and instead keep in mind the long-term environmental effects the company may cause.
Future job growth should be encouraged in Eau Claire, but not if it is at the expense of irreplaceable wetlands.
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