DNR rally set here for Saturday

MARQUETTE — Sportsmen plan to rally in Marquette Saturday to critique management and financial decisions made by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.


The rally will be from 2  to 4 p.m. 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.


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.


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.


The NRC is the seven-member bipartisan rule-making body for the DNR.


“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.