Governor Continues to Move Michigan Conservation Community’s Priorities Forward
OutdoorHub 01.17.14
Several years ago, the sportsmen and women of Michigan identified five top priorities: Habitat, Access, Recruitment & Retention, Protecting our Rights, and Invasive Species. Throughout his tenure, Governor Rick Snyder has worked with the Michigan Legislature and many other partners to successfully move these critical issues forward.
MUCC’s Executive Director Erin McDonough said, “Tonight, Governor Snyder’s commitment to request funding to address Great Lakes, inland lakes, and terrestrial invasive species to protect Michigan’s high quality natural resources, the Great Lakes region, and industries that depend on these resources will move another priority issue for the conservation community into the spotlight to build on our past successes.”
IMPROVING HABITAT:
In 2011, Governor Snyder signed the “Volunteer Bill” which enabled volunteers to help the DNR make much needed habitat improvements on public lands. In fact, the program entitled “Michigan On-the-Ground” was born out of this and earlier this week it received national recognition from Outdoor Life.
PRESERVING ACCESS:
DEQ Director Dan Wyant protected the ability of the public to walk and fish along the shoreline of the Great Lakes, a public right that few states besides Michigan are lucky to enjoy.
ENHANCING RECRUITMENT & RETENTION EFFORTS:
The Governor signed the “Hunter Heritage” bill package, allowing more youth to get into the fields and forests with their families.
PROTECTING OUR RIGHTS AND OUTDOOR HERITAGE:
In 2013, the Governor supported the Scientific Wildlife Management bill package to make sure our wildlife decisions are made based on sound science.
INVESTING IN NATURAL RESOURCES:
DNR Director Keith Creagh listened to our community while developing the license fee restructuring, focusing new dollar investments where hunters, anglers and trappers saw the most need: Conservation Officers, boots on the ground, habitat management, research
and customer service. The DNR’s small general fund portion of the budget has also grown steadily since 2011.
We look forward to working with the Snyder Administration, Michigan Legislature and conservation partners to support the newly proposed invasive species initiative.
