DNR chief to lead new state environmental department

Department of Natural Resources director Rebecca Humphries has been picked to lead the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment — the new department slated to form next week when the DNR and Department of Environmental Quality merge.

The combination of the departments, described as a streamlining measure, was ordered last October in an executive order from Gov. Granholm.

The appointment of Humphries drew praise from environmental groups.

In a statement released before the governor’s formal announcement Chris Kolb, president of the Michigan Environmental Council called Humphries “… a proven leader with a strong commitment to the protection and sound management of the state’s natural resources,” but added, “… the real challenge is to find stable, secure funding sources to ensure that these ‘Pure Michigan’ resources continue to be the foundation of a strong economy and high quality of life.”

In a special report to the Kalamazoo Gazette earlier this week Chris Killian reported that some of the 3,700 workers in these departments are uneasy about the transition which may involve cuts to programs and jobs