DNR names new tribal liaison

The state Department of Natural Resources has created a new American Indian tribal liaison position.

Michele Allness will be responsible for coordinating tribal contacts and building relationships with Wisconsin's tribes. Allness has worked for the state Department of Tourism since 2008, most recently as that agency's tribal liaison.

The DNR has been clashing with the state's Chippewa tribes over a number of high-profile issues, including plans for an iron mine near the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa's reservation, the state's new wolf hunt and the tribes' recent attempt to jump-start night deer hunting.