Sportsmen’s rally will target DNR

Opinion
Area residents who are concerned about the financial workings of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources — and there should be many —will have an opportunity this month to voice those concerns.


The U.P. Sportsmen’s Alliance and the Delta Conservation District are sponsoring a sportsmen’s rally on Feb. 16 in Marquette. The gathering is set for 2 to 4 p.m. at the Ramada Inn.


In addition to packing the rally with sportsmen and women, organizers have invited more than a dozen state legislators, the two Upper Peninsula members of the Natural Resources Commission and a representative from the office of Gov. Jennifer Granholm.


Rory Mattson, executive director of the conservation district, said sportsmen and other natural resource users are becoming increasingly frustrated with how the DNR conducts its business and with threats to cut popular services because of so-called money woes.


For example, the DNR promises less wildlife management, less timber cutting, elimination of fish-stocking programs, reduction of park services and closure of skiing and horseback riding trails unless fees (code for tax hike) are raised, Mattson said.


In addition, he said there is concern rippling through the outdoor recreation community that there is a shift “from common-sense local management to Lansing management from individuals with hidden agendas.”


Recent developments in relation to the budget reflect concerns raised by Mattson. Last fall the department announced fishing and hunting license fees would have to be raised significantly or major program cuts would be made, including closing parks, reducing the number of conservation officers and curtailing many wildlife and fisheries efforts.


When the Legislature ignored the proposal, a significantly scaled-back fee increase package was introduced.


However, prior to any action on the proposal being taken by the Legislature, the DNR closely scrutinized its operations and discovered a $10 million surplus, which was enough to scrape by for this year.


But forecasts of major budget shortages in the next few years have the department again calling for fee increases.


This month’s rally is not aimed solely at hunters and fishermen. All user groups, including off-road vehicle riders, bird watchers, cross-country skiers and bicyclists — as well as any interested taxpayers — should attend the Feb. 16 rally and express their views.


The Michigan DNR is a bloated bureaucracy out of touch with the citizens it serves. This type of public scrutiny is long overdue.