In addition, said Mr. Campbell, the environmental commissioner, conservation has cut water use by about 30 percent.

With years of work and tens of millions in expense ahead, the state's environmental commissioner is wondering if the high costs are justified.

With years of costly work ahead, the state's environmental commissioner is asking if the expense is justified.

Two days after that, on March 9, the game council voted overwhelmingly to approve the bear hunt, despite the environmental commissioner's recommendation.

Specialists called in by the state's environmental commissioner were far from unanimous in their support.

He resigned in 1976 to become environmental commissioner for Massachusetts.

"The town one day found out it had exactly $6.37 in the bank," said Ms. Lettman, who was the town's environmental commissioner at the time.

But now a third party has weighed in: New Jersey's environmental commissioner, who is questioning the project's value for state residents, whatever the location.

Mr. Campbell, the environmental commissioner, said his options are more limited.

One message to the governor's office reminded that the boys were "good soldiers" who depended on him to overrule his environmental commissioner.