Apparently I have been in a hunting haze, because somehow I missed the big news that just came down the political pipe.  Apparently, with Executive Order 2009-45, Jennifer Granholm, the lovely Governor of Michigan, combined two state agencies into one.  This executive order combines the former Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Quality into one entity – the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE).

This executive order falls right in line with the Granholm Administration’s attempt to streamline state government.  And while I can understand the need to streamline – streamlining usually tends to save money – one particular area of this executive order scares me.  The order states:

The Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment shall be the head of the Department.  Consistent with Section 3 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963, the Director of the Department shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to disapproval under Section 6 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

Obviously the bold text is my own, and not from the Executive Order itself.  I just wanted to emphasize the part that really concerns me:  the Governor is allowed to appoint the Director of the Department.  I think this will 0pen the door for special interest groups, along with the Governor herself, to appoint people she feels are good for the job that may not have the proper credentials; or appoint people who fit a certain agenda that she, or (fill in the blank of any certain special interest, anti-hunting or environmental group here) want to push.

On a positive note:  it appears that the NRC will still retain their ability to oversee the taking of game; to regulate hunting and fishing seasons and license regulations and fees; and to regulate the feeding of deer and elk.  These responsibilities stay with the NRC and do not have to be reviewed or appealed to the DNRE Director for approval.  Some of you may not like that, but I think – with the information I have at hand – that it’s a good thing.  Only time will tell, though, I suppose.

In the big picture I think it is much too early to really have an opinion as to how these changes will affect those of us who enjoy Michigan’s outdoors.  I’m nervous about the portion of the order that allows the Governor to appoint the Director, but I’m at ease that the NRC still retains the same powers that they always have.

As the time goes by we will see if this change is a positive one and truly helps to save the state some money without sacrificing outdoor-related experiences; or if it only helps certain individuals and groups to promote their agendas through an appointed individual, rather than one who gets the job based on his/her qualifications.

Again, I guess only time will tell.

Popularity: 2% [?]