Posted Sunday, May 20, 2012 --- 2:49 p.m.

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- The number of environmental inspections conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources declined sharply in Scott Walker's first year as governor.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Sunday that the decreases were seen in most categories affecting air and water quality.

Of the biggest drops: Inspections of large farms were down 46 percent, and private well inspections were down 36 percent in 2011.

Environmental advocates say the decline raises questions over whether the DNR is paying less attention to environmental regulation since the Republican Walker took office.

DNR officials say they a shortage of workers, and they are still meeting federal inspection requirements.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.