DNR in crosshairs
By JOHN PEPIN, Journal Munising BureauMARQUETTE — Sportsmen plan to rally in Marquette this month to decry management and financial decisions made by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
The rally will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Ramada Inn in Marquette and is being hosted by the Delta Conservation District and the Upper Peninsula Sportsmen’s Association.
Rory Mattson, executive director of the Delta Conservation District, said the purpose of the meeting is to present certain documented facts on finances and procedural items of the DNR and for natural resources users to be able to voice their concerns.
Fourteen state senators and representatives have been invited to the rally, along with representatives from the office of Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Natural Resources Commission members.
The NRC is the seven-member bipartisan rule-making body for the DNR.
“Each year, more and more resource users are getting frustrated over how our natural resource agencies are conducting business and the delivery system to the public,” Mattson said. “Each year, these same agencies cut more assistance services to the public with the excuse of not enough money.”
Mattson said many state taxpayers and natural resource users are concerned with a present trend of agencies requesting larger allocations or fees, while providing fewer services to the public.
Wildlife management, timber cutting, fish stocking programs, park services and skiing and horseback riding trails are some examples of services threatened, Mattson said.
Mattson said there also seems to be a definite trend away “from common sense local management to power based Lansing management from individuals with their own hidden agendas.”
“We feel the current system is broke and will only get worse in time,” Mattson said. “We believe that the current direction of more money to solve our natural resource problems is not correct. All of the state’s natural resource and environmental issues must be looked at first and then a price tag can be established.
“We believe in a more efficient and cost effective way of managing the state’s natural resource base and providing a better service to its citizens.”
Mattson said user groups ranging from anglers, hunters, campers and off-road vehicles riders to birdwatchers, cross-country skiers and dog-sport enthusiasts — as well as individuals and taxpayers — should attend the rally and express their views.
Mary Dettloff, a DNR spokeswoman in Lansing, said the NRC members John Madigan of Munising and J.R. Richardson of Ontonagon are planning to attend the rally.
“They will be there to listen and will act on their concerns,” Dettloff said.
For more information on the rally, contact Mattson at the Delta Conservation District at 428-9469 or at 280-6947.
