In case some of you out there haven’t heard, Michigan’s economy is not one of the best in nation.  It has suffered immensely in the last couple of years and has directly impacted sportsmen(women) in one way of the other. 

There has been some heated debates in the the Michigan Legislature over school funding, DNR funding, and a whole host of others programs that were facing cost cuts.  This has also included State employee layoffs as well. 

One of the heated debates that ensued was the possibility of hunting license fee increases.  I’m not going to get into the debate over whether I agree or disagree with that proposition, but it has definitely been a hot bed issue.  Another is the possibility of cutting fish stocking programs as well as laying off DNR officers, which were already sparse to say the least.

Awhile back I wrote an article about a local Michigan organization, the MUCC, and how after initially not being truly convinced of their outdoor convictions, I was convinced through an interview with one of their employees to join, and I’m glad to say that it has already paid off.

I received this press release a few days ago from Tom Roberts, the Public Relations Director for MUCC:

Tom Roberts
Public Relations
Michigan United Conservation Clubs
The Home of Michigan Out-of-Doors Magazine and Television
2101 Wood St.
Lansing, MI  48912
Direct Line: 517-346-6457
Fax: 517-371-1505

 

LANSING      Earlier this week, the Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) and a conservation coalition of 38 hunting and fishing organizations met with Governor Jennifer M. Granholm to address concerns over recent budget cuts to Michigan Department of Natural Resources programs. As a result of these efforts, an agreement has been announced in Lansing to use $5 million from the state’s general fund to restore a portion of conservation funding eliminated through budget cuts.

Under the agreement, $5 million dollars will be dedicated to the state’s beleaguered Game and Fish Fund, preventing cuts to state fish stocking programs, game habitat restoration and the layoff of dozens of DNR Conservation Officers.  The supplemental funding will also alleviate the need for hunting and fishing fee increases for the current fiscal year.  Unless long-term sustainable funding is found within the next year, hunting and fishing license fees will need to be increased by 2008 to offset a projected $13 million deficit. 

“This is great news for Michigan’s hunters and anglers,” said MUCC Executive Director Dennis Muchmore.  “We will be able to maintain our quality wildlife and fisheries management programs in 2008 while working to secure long-term sustainable funding for conservation.”

“MUCC – side by side with our coalition partners — has worked hard to secure funding for our fisheries and wildlife program and we applaud the Governor for her leadership in finding a short-term solution to this problem.  We encourage the Legislature to rapidly approve the change to MDNR’s budget.  We also appreciate the work of all of the statewide conservation organizations.  Because we are speaking with one voice, we have been successful in addressing a serious threat to our quality natural resources.   All of us will be working on finding a solution for the long-term.”

I know that this is only a short term solution, but I still view it as a move in the right direction.  I applaud MUCC and the Governor for coming to an agreement so that these important programs continue.  I’m especially grateful that this agreement will allow our much needed Conversation Officers to keep on patrolling their assigned locations.  There are too few as it is.

I’m sure a situation as this will come up again later in 2008 (or possibly sooner).  I will keep everyone up to date on what happens.

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