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Michigan Department of Natural Resources budget agreement announced
12/10/07
Lansing, Michigan -- The Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) and a conservation coalition of 38 hunting and fishing organizations met with Governor Jennifer M. Granholm last week 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."
Media Contact:
Tom Roberts, Michigan United Conservation Clubs (517) 346-6457
12/10/07
Lansing, Michigan -- The Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) and a conservation coalition of 38 hunting and fishing organizations met with Governor Jennifer M. Granholm last week 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."
Media Contact:
Tom Roberts, Michigan United Conservation Clubs (517) 346-6457
