Tuesday, January 13, 2004

DNR Feedback Line Waiting for your call... The Wisconsin DNR celebrated the New Year with a brand new service, a "customer feedback line" that anyone may use to report problems with regulations, permits or general services. Of course, customers may also report positive interactions with DNR staff as well. (Don't laugh, some of us are happy with DNR staff & services.) Here's the number: 608-266-0158. It will be manned by someone from the DNR Central Office in Madison 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Mon-Fri. If you get a busy signal, you will receive a prompt to leave a message. Someone will then call you back. This is a great idea. Now everyone who is unhappy with DNR services or policies or personnel (Come on, we know you're out there...) has a number designated for this type of call, and you'll get a friendly staff member at the other end, not some voice machine telling you to "press 1 if you are complaining about permit fees, press 2 if you have a gripe about a warden, press 3 if you didn't get your deer..." DNR Secretary Scott Hassett likes the idea a lot. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if it was his idea in the first place. "We will follow up on all calls," Hassett said. "When we get positive reports, we will reinforce those actions. When DNR is in error, we will work to fix it." If you call, be ready to give your real name and specific info about your gripe or kudo. This line does not replace the DNR hotline for reporting poachers and other illegal activities. That number is still 800-TIP-WDNR. And if all you have is a general information question, call the DNR service center nearest you. Use the new hotline for specific complaints or positive reports. Hassett said the DNR also plans to develop a similar feedback opportunity on the DNR website that will allow you to comment 24/7/365. (Don't look for it; it's not up yet.) Now the next time your buddy starts bending your ear about the raw deal he got when warden so-and-so ticketed him for whatever, tell him to tell his story to 608-266-0158. Hmm. That new phone number looks a lot like my Conservation Patron number. You don't suppose... Later... 10:48:54 PM    comment []