Committed to Finding Common Ground
Respected as a responsive, hardworking, and effective legislator, Fred brings rural Wisconsin’s progressive tradition to the Capitol, along with his experience as a natural resource professional and the pragmatism of a small business owner. In 2010, he will seek re-election to his second term in the Wisconsin Assembly.
Just southeast of Baraboo, you'll find Fred's home and business on a small farm in the Town of Greenfield. A Wisconsin resident since 1989, Fred has lived in the 42nd District for over a decade, where he has worked as a consultant and contractor. As the owner of Clark Forestry, Fred has earned a reputation as a Wisconsin leader in sustainable forestry and efforts to restore wildlife habitat and natural areas. Throughout his career, Fred has worn many hats. He is a skilled facilitator, and his work frequently involves resolving issues between stakeholders, neighbors, citizens and other affected parties in natural resource projects.
"Leadership," according to Fred, "is the ability to find common ground among diverse interests, and then work toward solutions which benefit all."
Fred was appointed by Governor Tommy Thompson to the Lower Wisconsin Riverway Board in 1998, and has served on the Wisconsin Council on Forestry since 2004.
In
the Wisconsin legislature, Fred is a moderate, common-sense advocate
for the 42nd District, willing to push the leadership on issues of
importance, and building diverse coalitions to pass legislation
important to the District.
Fred is the Chair of the
Forestry Committee—an uncommon appointment for a freshmen legislator,
but one that speaks to his previous experience and his leadership
skills. He is the Vice-Chair of the Tourism, Recreation, and
State Properties Committee, an important appointment for the
Dells-Delton area, a major tourism center, and for the southwest area
of the District, which abounds in state natural areas and state
parks. He also serves on the Natural Resources Committee, one
of
the most active committees in the legislature, and the Rural Economic
Development Committee.
Fred was appointed by Governor Doyle
to serve on both the Wisconsin Council on Forestry, and the Wisconsin
Council on Tourism and was selected by Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan
for the Speaker's Taskforce on Preventing Home Foreclosure.
He
also serves on the Joint Assembly and Senate Groundwater Working Group.
Fred was a founder of the Woodland School, a Baraboo-based educational program offering conservation training to private landowners, now in its 10th year. He was also a founding member of the Baraboo Range Preservation Association, a non-profit land trust serving Sauk and Columbia counties. In 2004, Fred was elected for the first of three terms as President of the Free Congregation of Sauk County. Founded in Sauk City by German settlers in 1852, the Free Congregation is one of Wisconsin's oldest and most historic religious organizations.
Fred is a member of the The Forest Guild, Society of American Foresters, The Nature Conservancy, and the National Wild Turkey Federation. In his spare time, he enjoys growing hazelnuts, milling wood, hunting, volunteering in the community, and exploring the state. Fred’s 13-year old son enjoys soccer and football, and is learning to enjoy campaigning!
Clark’s experience as a business owner and father, his knowledge of Wisconsin and its people, and his commitment to the communities of south-central Wisconsin provide an excellent foundation for his continuing role representing the 54,000 people of the 42nd Assembly District.
To share your ideas with Fred, contact him at 608-356-0063 or fred@clarkforwisconsin.org.