jci63

Pigeon River: Up a creek without a paddle? March 31st, 2008 · No Comments The Pigeon River area covers about 177 square miles. This “special management unit” contains anything and everything an outdoors enthusiast could possibly want – camping, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing… this list goes on and on. Only, all that is about to come to a screeching halt. The Department of Natural Resources and Natural Resource Committee in conjunction with the Pigeon River Country Advisory Council are trying their darndest to make certain that you - as an outdoor’s enthusiast - will no longer be able to do much of anything except pick berries, and if you are in extremely good health, you may be able to hunt & fish… for now. Alarming? You better believe it is! According to the Pigeon River Management Plan, the criteria for being able to “recreate” in the Pigeon River Country will be limited to: • The activity or use should have low impact, leaving minimal footprint on the PRC. • The activity should not be detrimental to sustaining wildlife populations. • The activity should not create noise that interrupts the solitude of the PRC. • The activity should not concentrate larger groups of people and/or vehicles. • The activity should not create the likelihood of user conflicts. • The activity should not lead to more facilities and more infrastructures. • The activity should not degrade or be inconsistent with the wild character of the PRC. • The activity should be associated with experiencing the wild character of the PRC. Sounds easy enough, right? Wrong. Wheeled Motorized Vehicles are only allowed to travel on roads that are governed by local and state laws - ORV users are not allowed. Snowmobiles are only allowed on county & state forest roads as depicted on the PRCSF Vehicle access map - as approved by the Director. No off road snowmobiling is allowed. Camping is permitted only in designated campgrounds. Marked pathways are to remain in their natural state. Motorized watercraft - except for electric motors - will be prohibited. Horseback riding is restricted to roads only - because the horse droppings can potentially spread non-native plant species. Ladies & Gentleman - this is nothing short of a distinct “Sierra Club-esque” agenda! I want you to think about this - no snowmobiling, no orv-ing, no hunting or fishing to speak of… Bait shops will close - bars will close - the communities in and around the PRC are facing a very bleak future, indeed. And, can you imagine the impact that this will have on major manufacturer’s that depend on sales from outdoor’s enthusiasts? No, I’m sure that PRC wouldn’t necessarily make or break a large manufacturer, but if this “green” agenda continues to propagate through out the state - which it will - it could mean disastorous results! Not to mention that this is a slow disentegration of the lands in which we are able to USE! The arguement can, and has been mustered that the PRC is a mess. Which, I guess depending on who is talking, could be true. But, the DNR says it best with their mission statement: ”The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the State’s natural resources for current and future generations.” The NRC … “The purpose of this committee is to enhance and improve the management of the financial assets of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources by providing substantive oversight and insight, in partnership with our constituency groups, into complex financial issues to optimize financial return for the benefit of natural resources.” Enhance… Protect…Manage… This means good judgement, not just simply shutting the doors on the enjoyment of recreation! This is part of a much bigger agenda - property that is paid for by Michigan residents is slowly and stealthly being taken away from them for their enjoyment! Step up, people! http://savemymichigan.com/2008/03/31...ddle/#more-415

********** This is in response to Tim Kobasic’s last two outdoor articles (mesic conifers and wolf bills) and letter to the editor from R. Ben Peyton, MSU professor. First lets look at Peyton’s letter. He claims that Dale McNamee was not on the wolf roundtable. Well Dale has a plaque awarded to him from the MDNR for his representation on that committee. So if Mr. Peyton is correct, then one can assume that the DNR presented this award to Dale for no reason (considering the existing department, this could be true). Next Mr. Peyton suggests that the wolf roundtable discussed the issue seriously about the wolf becoming a game animal. Seriously is the key word. At the rally in Marquette the true story was told by the Michigan Trappers Assoc. representative who outlined the process from start to finish and the misrepresentation of the facts as Mr. Peyton would suggest. I realize that letters to the editor do come from outside the area, but usually they are from people who have lived here, get the paper, or are interested in the U.P./Escanaba area. I believe Mr. Peyton is none of the above. But Mr. Peyton’s MSU dept. is the recipient of dollars from the DNR for research, studies, and the infamous MNFI (lots of $$$). Might it be that Mr. Kobasic has tried to dazzle us Yoopers by contacting a MSU professor to backup his DNR viewpoint? So I say, now who has totally misconstrued the facts (if there were any to start with)? So Mr. Peyton the Yoopers may not be as slow as you thought. In addressing the wolf bill article, one only has to be able to read to realize the article say’s nothing. Mr. Kobasic keeps trying to convince us that any day now the wolf will be a game animal. In his own article he states that, "there has not yet been any proposal introduced to make this conversion". The only killing of wolves in the future will be by lethal control due to livestock and/or pet attacks (and humans if it ever happens). So why all the talk about the wolf being a game animal. To divert our attention away from the real issue. The DNR spending restricted game management funds on this species. Should be a NO-NO, and their fingers got caught in the cookie jar this year. Next Mr. Kobasic’s explanation of the DNR’s hidden agenda on pre-settlement vegetation (mesic conifers) is really a misunderstanding of management techniques and is a diversity issue for better wildlife habitat. Talk is cheap, follow the actions. The Witch-Lake Moraine Management Unit is located in the U.P. (Dickinson, Marquette, Iron, Baraga). This DNR management area is 47,000 acres which consists of 22% state land forested cover type and the remaining 78% is private land forested cover type. Direct quote from the management plan, "almost half of the manufacturing jobs in the U.P. are associated with the forest products industry. Three of the U.P.’s largest fiber mills are located in the vicinity of this management unit, resulting in a significant demand for early successional aspen. Hunting is also a significant factor in the local economy. The large acreage of aspen in the management area provides recreational hunting opportunities, with some of Michigan’s best grouse hunting and critical habitat for woodcock populations. Deer numbers in this moderate snowfall area are relatively high and benefit from the improved summer range of young, early-successional forest and utilize local winter cuttings". The aspen (pople) component in this area is 48%. After reading the above statement one can see how important this species is for the economic and recreational opportunities that we need in the U.P. Now that being said, the DNR’s planned directive to the field staff is to reduce the aspen component by 8% and replace with mesic conifers. To bad for your forest products industry and I guess you hunters and trappers can pay more for a license and have less game. Let the facts show the truth. In closing I have finally figured out Mr. Kobasic’s problem in seeing what is right before his eyes. In his own words out of his article he states that, some people are less than credible. Now I see why he listens to the DNR/DEQ without any thought about what they are telling him. His background if I am not mistaken is furniture, appliance repair, EMT, and radio talk show host. Even if the above is not totally correct, he sure doesn’t have any education in natural resource management except for the information and spin the DNR feeds him. Mr. Kobasic the above example isn’t the only item that the DNR or DEQ has spun on you. I realize that you want to present the positive side of every issue, the only problem is that sometimes what the DNR and DEQ are proposing for the U.P. is not positive at all. If anyone is interested in about 2 hours of nothing but the truth here in the U.P., please contact the Delta Conservation District and get a tape of the Marquette rally for your viewing pleasure. Rory Mattson Natural Resources Professional Ford River ********** Dear editor: Does the Upper Peninsula stand alone, or do we help those below the bridge? There is a wave of land use regulations coming our way. You probably haven’t felt them too much, but in Lower Michigan they have been getting bigger every year. Now in the Pigeon River State Forest at least for the equestrian users (horse riders) there is a tidal wave. I personally don’t own or ride horses per say. I have ridden horses in the past on scouting trips and the like, and in the State of Wyoming. Horse ridding to me is the quiet, peaceful outdoor activity where one probably gets as close to nature as possible without traveling under ones own power. Would you ever think that the government would some day outlaw the use of horses in our state forests? Better think twice. The Pigeon River Sate Forest is 95,000 acres in size. This is where we as Yoopers should now stand with our Lower Peninsula outdoor recreational friends and tell the DNR - NO, if not, we will stand alone when the regulations get here. As most people know the down state recreational users have been being restricted more and more each year by the DNR (ORV’s, snowmobiles, mountain bikes, boaters, etc.). But horses, is that going over board. What about people, think impossible, read on. The DNR has labeled this area the "big wild", guess what area is next – maybe the so-called wilderness in the U.P., you betcha. The hidden agenda of those in charge is pre-settlement (no humans). Here are some of the land use orders of the director of the DNR to be approved in April, if not stopped. Quotes – (1) "a person shall not operate a motorized vehicle of any type upon state-owned land"; (2) "a person shall not operate a wheeled motorized vehicle"; (3) "a person shall not operate a snowmobile"; (4) "Only non-motorized watercraft will be allowed". I am sure these types of restrictions you have heard of, just more areas being restricted. Now how about these quotes – (1) "a person shall not camp within ¼ mile of a water body"; (2) a person shall not camp with horses or other riding or pack animals; (3) " a person shall not ride or lead a horse, other riding animal, or pack animal; (4) "a person shall not camp"; here are my three favorites – (5) "no motorized or non-motorized watercraft may be launched onto any lake"; (6) "a person shall not posses a dog or allow a dog to enter the land or water area of a state-owned shoreline"; (7) "a person who does not have authorization from the department shall not enter upon state lands". If the above regulations don’t bother you, how about water monitoring being proposed by the DEQ on your private wells. Yes, that would include your house. It must stop here. Call your Senator, Representative, NRC Commissioner, and the Governors office and tell them the DNR and DEQ are over-stepping their boundaries. Only large numbers of complaints can stop this type of unnecessary restrictions. It only takes a little time, the calls are free using (800) numbers. Tell them to leave the horse riders alone, they are not hurting a thing. Lastly tell them the Pigeon River State Forest is not the "big wild", but land owned by the citizens of Michigan, not DNR land, and we want it managed for multiple-use which include, but are not limited too, wildlife, forestry, aesthetics, and recreation. Now is the time for all Michigan multi-user groups to unite and say – "No More". We can either stand together this year, or we stand-alone later and say good-bye. Rory Mattson Ford River **********

Daily Press Editorials: ********** Letter to the Editor, After reading the article on the freedom of information request and the following editorial there seems to be a lack of understanding about the Delta Conservation District. The Delta Conservation District is a unique local unit of government and was formed in 1951. The District is run by a 5-member board of local directors that are elected by county residents to 4-year terms. The mission of the Delta Conservation District is to assist all county residents with information, education, and technical services in all aspects of natural resource and/or environmental issues to the best of our ability. The papers editorial cautions on the use of taxpayer dollars to search for waste in government. I can assure you that no tax dollars will be used for this purpose, by either hard cash or time spent by employees doing research. The board of directors voted many years ago to give up their meeting expenses, and now function as a volunteer board to help county residents with natural resource issues. My personal salary and expenses are in NO way tied to any tax dollars. My operating budget is earned by myself through contract services, fees, and/or contributions from those we help. In this way I am not tied to any state or federal dollars that might have restrictions and could therefore effect the way we carry out our mission. The editorial also raises the question, why is the District doing this. As stated above, our mission is to assist Delta County residents with all aspects of natural resource and/or environmental issues, specializing in local assistance to non-industrial private landowners. Each year more and more landowners contact the District for assistance with no where else to turn. Each year our state agencies cut more of the assistance service to the public, with the excuse of not enough money. Our state agencies are given allocations of state money and the ability to accept other revenue to provide a service to the citizens of this great state. The state budgets of our natural resource agencies are: DNR - $288 million; DEQ - $371 million; MDA – 106 million. Now factor in additional federal money, license and service fees, foundation and private contributions, etc., and there is a large amount of money being spent on Michigan’s natural resources. Your local Conservation District is concerned with the present trend of these agencies requesting more money through larger allocations and/or fees and providing fewer services to the public. Each time an allocation, new and/or increased fee is requested, the public seems to be threatened with approval of the request or the agency will be forced to cut services; provide less wildlife management; less timber being available to the forest products industry; no more fish stocking; reduced park services; etc. Never once have we heard any indication of cutting expenses by reducing top administrative over-head or bureaucrat administrative processes. These have increased, while on the ground services have been cut. There also seems to be a definite trend from common sense local management, to power based Lansing management from individuals with their own hidden agendas. We have observed over the last twenty years hundreds of local examples in Delta County alone. To list just a few of the more recent publicized examples: Home Depot/Menards; Roland Equip; Vanenkevort Shipbuilding; Terrace Bay Motor Inn; Nahma Twp; Jordon development; Debacker timber harvesting; local wildlife group participation; state-wide conservation summit, and the hundreds of local individuals who have been left behind bewildered and shocked. The Delta Conservation District wants to know who, what, when, where, why, and how. We feel that the current system is broke and will only get worse in time. We believe that the current direction of more money to solve our natural resource problems is not correct. All of the states natural resource and environmental issues must be looked at first and then a price tag can be established. We believe in a more efficient and cost effective way of managing the state’s natural resource base and providing a better service to its citizens. This is why we have requested freedom of information act material form the DNR, DEQ, and MDA. The only ironic part is that this information is not free. If any individual, group, and/or organization would like to help us provide information to our Governor’s office and legislative branches for their consideration, please send your donations to the: Delta Conservation District, FOIA Request, 2003 Mnpls. Ave., Gladstone, MI. 49837 Thank you, Rory Mattson, Executive Director, Delta Conservation District ********** Letter to the Editor, This letter is in response to the outdoors page article by Tim Kobasic, and letter to the editor by Dr. Bissett & Manier. As the good doctors point out there are two distinct areas within our local Health Dept. Public health and environmental health. I would not even dare to comment on the public health side of the coin, because they are the experts. But I will comment on the environmental side, because neither of the parties listed above have the foggiest idea of what they are talking about. I will use Tim Kobasic’s article to state my point. Mr. Kobasic starts out his article by quoting our Representative as stating that the local Health Dept. and DEQ are close to communism by the way they administer their services. He states this to mean that, "a theory advocating elimination of private property". I am not sure what our Representative meant by that statement, but in my opinion he is right on. Communism to me means - out right lies; the hiding of certain factual information from the applicant that may help that applicant (to serve a personal agenda by the public agency); and scare tactics so applicants are afraid to complain or voice their concerns because of present or future actions against them. Mr. Kobasic further states, that our Representative has a major misunderstanding about how the system works. He states, "the DEQ and our local Health Dept. are government agencies charged to work on behalf of the public". He goes on with about a quarter page on the law. Then he states, " would Mr. Casperson expect the personnel of either dept. to break away from regulations and violate the law". Since I was personally involved with a number of these issues in the last year, (and have never seen or heard of Mr. Kobasic at any meeting or on-site at the properties in question), I would say that it is Mr. Kobasic that has a major misunderstanding of how the system should work. Also when Mr. Kobasic quotes the law, he should stick to laws that he can understand and leave the interpretation of the environmental laws to those that have education in those areas. I will use just two of the more recent local issues has examples of misrepresentation of environmental good and out-right manipulation by Mr. Kobasic’s local agency charged to uphold "the law and work on behalf of the public". 1) Our local Health Dept. at one of the many meetings on Mr. Jordon’s project, misused and manipulated information given them by the Delta Conservation District, local engineer and contractor; soils information and present site conditions; wetland vegetation that is not present on site; treatment systems in other areas that would not be comparable to the project site in question; and number of existing alternative systems being used in the U.P. 2) Nahma Township has had a failing system for a couple of years and has asked repeatedly for assistance from our local Health Dept. Last fall they asked the Delta Conservation District for any assistance that might help. The local Health Dept. was asked twice for on-site determinations to find a suitable site. They did respond with denials each time. During each on-site visit they were asked if they knew of any site that would or could possibly be approved. Each time the answer was NO. It was discovered after the fact, with help from local citizens and an engineer that they knew of a site and had tentatively approved this site before. Upon further investigation from their office files, it was discovered that this information was in fact, true. When asked why they didn’t tell the township about this site, there was NO reply, just a blank stare and shoulder movement. If this is Mr. Kobasic’s system of government help and groundwater protection, then thank God Mr. Kobasic is not a County Commissioner or Legislative official. Another section of Mr. Kobasic’s article is the long agency tradition to dodge the budget for bad public service and quote their own figures, did you get that, (quote their own figures). He claims using both department figures that these agencies have a 97% success rate and only a 3% denial rate. I find it amazing that a grown educated man can not add 2 plus 2 and get 4. Of course Mr. Kobasic has been using and broadcasting DNR figures for years as accurate. To demonstrate his logic on his belief of these agency figures, he states, "applications withdrawn are added to the success category". So if Mr. Jordon and Nahma Township would have withdrawn their respective applications out of frustration, these two would be success stories for the agencies. I can’t help wonder if the applicants feel the same. I believe Mr. Jordon has a sign on his property that reads, $60,000.00 to flush a toilet. In closing one more thought needs to be mentioned. If there is or would be a true environmental problem and/or hazard by approving Mr. Jordons site as an example, then why would either agency tell Mr. Jordon that he would be approved by filing for a part 22 permit. This permit system takes longer and costs the applicant a yearly lifetime fee. Did the pollution hazard disappear just because of a different paper trail permit system, or can it be the money. Food for thought; some other local examples – Home Depot/Menards; Roland Equipment; Vanenkevort Shipbuilding; Terrace Bay Motor Inn; Debacker Property; Dagenais Properties; Pouliot Properties; Mackinaw Trails Winery; City of Escanaba Properities; Delta County Properties Airport/Parks. Thank You, Rory Mattson, Escanaba MI. ********** Letter to Editor After reading Tim Kobasic’s article in the Daily Press titled, "DNR playing fair with funds", I wonder if he even believes the stuff he writes. The whole article reminds me of a child that is caught doing something wrong and tries to spin and conger up all sorts of tales to cover his/her tracks. The most amusing statement is that the DNR’s wolf establishment program was to make the wolf a game animal, therefore justifying the use of hunters dollars for the program. The whole article reeks of Lansing DNR propaganda. Since most people who read or listen to the news know that the DNR finally admitted to having a surplus of funds (10 million dollars). I will use this one example to prove the lies and manipulation that this agency used in trying to secure money at any cost. Many years ago in a land far, far away (Lansing), Trolls in the Steven T. Mason building decided that they needed more money to further their own agenda. They knew that this would not be an easy thing to accomplish with the state being in a financial crisis. They decided to form a committee that would consist of Michigan sportsmen so the appearance of a license increase would be generated from the sportsmen themselves. Two representatives where chosen from the U.P. to sit on this important committee. It didn’t take long for the Yooper representatives to realize that the committee was a setup and that the only thing they could do was recommend a large license increase to the hunting community. This was relayed back across the bridge to the Upper Peninsula Sportsmen’s Alliance who decided on a strategy in support of a 25% increase to help the DNR with their stated short-term financial crisis. To receive support the DNR would have to sit down with U.P.S.A. and other downstate groups and show future need and open their books so-to-speak. This offer was presented to the DNR Director and U.P. Field Deputy in Feb. 2007. The offer was rejected on the grounds that 25% was not enough; they needed the 100% to survive. On March 5, 2007 the Delta Conservation District FOIA (freedom of information act) request was sent out to the DNR and DEQ. In April the DNR granted two types of FOIA requests and the District sent checks for the full amount of one ($100.00), and half the cost of the other ($2255.00). Also in April the Conservation Summit meeting was held in Lansing to address Michigan’s natural resource goals and objectives. The DNR’s answer was an increase to themselves of $110 million, and the DEQ’s was $171 million. No where during the meeting did either agency address the resource. In June the District received the $100.00 request and was told the large request would be put together and made available by July. July, August, September, and October (repeated requests) went buy with no FOIA information being produced. At the same time the DNR was threatening state-wide shutdowns in programs, campground closures, local service lay-offs, etc. By summers end the DNR knew that the financial picture was brighter than estimated for the fiscal-year, but no response. In October they knew that the projected deficit for fiscal-year 07 was positive not negative, but still no response. On December 4th MUCC along with approx. 50 other sportsmen’s groups went to the Governor and asked for a temporary increase to the DNR of $2.5 million to avert a major shutdown within the DNR due to a funding crisis. The DNR Director was also suppose to accompany us to the Governors office, but was a no-show. Still no mention of the increased fund balance. After this effort seemed to stall in mid December, a downstate Representative (Sheltron) met with the Governor and reach a tentative agreement to allocate 4 million dollars to the game-and-fish fund, and 1 million for conservation officers. My question here was, why would the DNR let the new allocation go into the G-n-F fund when they knew that fund had a surplus, and at the same time were calling for closures from other fund balances like, cross-country ski trails and other shut-downs. Lay-offs of DNR foresters who brought revenue into the department of $29 million (explain that one to me). Still no mention of the fund balance. At the same time the Conservation District had to retain a lawyer at the expense of $1200.00 to pursue the remaining FOIA request (DNR has stated that they will provide the total request by Feb. 29, 2008 – one year later; but if that same request was sent today it would be denied). Then low and behold the DNR announces that there is a fund-balance of $10 million in the G-n-F fund for fiscal-year 07 and has been since 2002. No sooner did the announcement come out, that they also stated in fiscal-year 08 and beyond there will be a deficit so they need additional funding. There is your time-line and the truth. It doesn’t take Lt. Columbo to see that a financial hoax was played on the residents of this state, especially the hunting population that has given the DNR more than any other user group over decades. To bad the DNR never has heard the saying, "and the truth will set you free". Together we can make a difference. Rory Mattson Ford River

THE OUTDOOR PRESSROOM Mich. DNR chief wants to end albino deer protection Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Rebecca Humphries wants to make it legal for hunters to kill albino deer during the state's whitetail deer season--reversing a ban that has been in effect since the early 1990s--on grounds that the protection is both an unreasonable burden on hunters and biologically unsound. In The Lansing State Journal. http://outdoorpressroom.typepad.com/outdoorpressroom/2008/03/mich-dnr-chief.html

Field & Stream Article http://www.fieldandstream.com/article_gallery.jsp?ID=1000021522&page=3&galleryID=

Attention Outdoorsmen & Women! A Natural Resource Users Rally will be held on April 5th 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Gaylord, Michigan If you value your outdoor activities, please come to the meeting to discuss issues within our state. The Gaylord Rally will have the following speakers: Carol Heiser, Michigan Trail Riders Allen Lowe, Americans for Prosperity Mike Meriwether, Antrim Conservation District Rory Mattson, Delta Conservation District Kevin Gyer, Michigan Snowmobile Association Heidi Lang, Antrim CD Alba Well Permit Many state taxpayers and natural resource users are concerned with the present trend of state agencies requesting more money and increasing fees, while fewer services are offered to the public. The purpose of the meeting is to provide a forum for natural resource users to voice their opinions about how natural resource issues are handled in our state. It is our intention to identify specific issues which need to be addressed, as well as allowing "open mic" time for others to voice their opinions. We are very interested in the public perceptions on these matters. The meeting is being advertised throughout the Northern Lower Peninsula and we are expecting a large turnout. This is the second meeting in a series of meetings being held throughout Michigan. The purpose of these meetings is to unite all user groupsinterested in the protection and management of our Natural Resources. For More Information Contact Mike Merriwether at (231) 533-8363. Directions to the Rally at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Gaylord Michigan are: In Gaylord travel east on 32 to Wilkinson Road, Turn left on Wilkinson Road Travel east 2 miles to the Knights of Columbus Hall on the right. ANTRIM CONSERVATION DISTRICT http://www.antrimcd.org/ Mission Statement The Antrim Conservation District is dedicated to helping all land users wisely manage the natural resources of Antrim County. We strive to achieve this in an economically feasible way through working partnerships to sustain the natural resources for future generations. Check out the Delta Conservtion District at: www.deltacd.org to view the video of the hearing. click on "get involved" &then click on "view hearing video".

THE FULL STORY http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080326/COLUMNISTS09/803260340

http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080325/NEWS01/803250361/1001/portland

Stupid deer law? You be the judge http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art.../1001/portland

DNR Informational Meeting - Gaylord 4-5-08 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DNR Informational Meeting Saturday, April 5th, 2008 2:00 p.m. Knights of Columbus 986 N Center Ave Gaylord, MI 49735 989-705-2786 *Agenda information to follow

It has been illegal since 1990 to kill an all-white or albino deer in Michigan, but there is no biological reason not to shoot one. The state Natural Resources Commission imposed the ban at the behest of the late Joe Mack, a powerful legislator from the Upper Peninsula. Mack asked for the no-shooting rule to placate a constituent, who was upset because someone killed a white deer he had been feeding. Mack’s district included Marquette County, where a number of semi-tame piebald, albino and white deer live in Presque Isle Park.

"The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the State's natural resources for current and future generations." We must give credit where credit is due, excellent job folks. MDNR finally managing our deer herd by scientific methods The DNR Director is turning the department around!

Video - http://www.biskitscloset.com/home.htm http://savemymichigan.com/

U.P. outdoor sporting groups blast DNR, DEQ It took more than 2 hours to explain all the problems they're seeing. By Samantha Liebman Posted: Sunday, February 17, 2008 at 12:19 p.m. MARQUETTE -- Outdoor sporting groups in the U.P. are upset with the Michigan DNR and the DEQ. And they expressed their concerns to officials in Marquette Saturday. More than 300 people attended what some dubbed an anti-DNR rally at the Ramada Inn. U.P. members of the Natural Resources Commission as well as state legislators listened as concerns were expressed over how the DNR and the DEQ are being run. A major issue: the DNR's fund balance. "So they knew in August, September for sure, they were about even,” said Rory Mattson of the Delta Conservation District, one of the meeting's organizers. “So there was no reason not to tell people before January." It was during those months the DNR asked the legislature to pass fee hikes and lobbied the state for more money, threatening services and jobs. Then last month, the DNR announced it had a $10 million fund balance. "The problem we had is that we were communicating a much higher deficit in the balance than was actually concluded at the end,” said Natural Resources Commission member John Madigan of Munising. “We should have backed off and we didn't, and we apologize for that. It was a mistake." But Mattson thinks that's just one of the problems, in a long list he cited during the afternoon that included cuts in services, fee increases and general dishonesty. "They're playing a shell game with the federal money, the state money, which is an appropriation and all their license fees and permit application fees," said Mattson. But State Senator Mike Prusi (D-Ishpeming) said the legislature can affect change through the budget. "When we fund activities that aren't going the way we think they should, there's an opportunity to do things through the appropriations process that puts a little more pressure on them,” he said. http://www.wluctv6.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=96823 http://www.miningjournal.net/page/co....html?nav=5006

This will be my final post before the rally. My opinion on the MDNR: I believe not all employees of the MDNR are bad, corrupt or power mongers. I do believe the department does need some serious house cleaning. I personally do not like being told they have to raise the cost of our license or several parks, trails, DNR employees. will have to be shut down. Only later to find out it was basically extortion. Mich.: DNR Funds Higher Than Expected By Associated Press December 13, 2007 It turns out the state Department of Natural Resources doesn't need to increase hunting and fishing license fees this budget year. DNR Director Rebecca Humphries told lawmakers this week that the Game and Fish Fund will have a $10 million fund balance because of an unexpected increase in license sales, operational savings and higher-than-expected returns on investments. The department had warned of layoffs and other cuts if fees weren't increased this year. Humphries said fee hikes still are needed in the 2008-09 fiscal year because of expected funding shortfalls. Some Republican legislators were upset, feeling DNR officials had exaggerated their need for extra revenue. Humphries' announcement followed Gov. Jennifer Granholm's administration telling House members last week that she supported avoiding fee increases this budget year. And House Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Chairman Joel Sheltrown, D-West Branch, said he had a deal to use $5 million in Michigan Business Tax revenue to avoid the fee hikes. Legislators leery of raising fees so soon after approving general tax increases in the fall have until Jan. 15 to raise the fees, make spending cuts or find an alternative funding source. Under legislation proposed but not voted on, the cost of a firearm or archery deer license would have doubled from $15 to $30 for Michigan residents over the next four years and quickly risen from $138 to $165 for out-of-state hunters. A 24-hour fishing license for in-state residents would have increased from $7 to $15 by 2011 and from $150 to $300 for nonresidents. http://www.fool.com/news/associated-...-expected.aspx The MDNR Mission Statement. Mission Statement "The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the State's natural resources for current and future generations." http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7...366---,00.html Is the MDNR doing it's job as described above, conserving, protecting and managing our resources for future generations? If you agree they are doing a great job of preserving our sporting heritage, enough said. If you think they are doing a poor job of managing our states natural resources, then ask yourself this "what am I doing as a sportsman or sportswoman to help correct this problem?" This meeting will be focused on the misleading outright scam that officials tried to push over on Michiganders. NEW VIDEO - DNR Marquette Rally February 16, 2008 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Ramada InnMarquette, MI If you have any questions, contact: Delta Conservation District: 906-428-9469Rory Mattson: 906-280-6947 Please let your voice be heard

http://www.gophouse.com/readarticle....41&District=86 SURPRISE SURPLUS LEAVES QUESTIONS UNANSWERED January 28, 2008 Just prior to the regularly scheduled Revenue Estimating Conference in Lansing, the state Legislature was informed that Michigan has a $353 million surplus from the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2007. As a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, I was shocked and astonished by this news. Through our budget debates, we rely on accurate information from state officials on predicted revenue and we base our decisions on that data. After a grueling budget battle in September of 2007, which included a tax increase of $1.4 billion, a threat by the governor to shutdown state government and outright panic over an alarming budget deficit, how is it possible that the administration "discovered" a significant surplus from the 2007 fiscal year? Accusations from state Legislators, business leaders and the general public surfaced. Was this poor management by state officials in leadership and shouldn't those people responsible for the misinformation be held accountable? Were the Governor and others intentionally withholding information to mislead the Legislature and help justify their cry for a huge tax increase on Michigan businesses and residents? The answers to these questions have been slow in coming and the public should be outraged. As state legislators, one of our constitutional responsibilities is to balance the state budget each year. I take that responsibility very seriously and owe it to the Michigan residents that I represent to spend their tax dollars responsibly and efficiently. It is difficult to do that when information is intentionally withheld, despite my attempts to ask the appropriate people the proper questions. Without knowing the answers as to why we were not made aware of this surplus to prevent it from happening again, it is still our duty to make decisions on how to budget this "newly found" surplus. We have already prioritized state spending, debated the budget, compromised, negotiated and settled on an end product. The budget is balanced, in place, being executed and moving forward. So what should we do with the surplus? Of course the ideas are far and wide in Lansing. To me there are two easy solutions: 1) return it to the taxpayers or 2) put it away in a secured rainy day fund for future budget challenges. Unfortunately Democratic leadership in Lansing already has their sights set to spend it. Michigan is still not out of the economic crisis, and recklessly spending this money is irresponsible. Republicans and Democrats alike can agree that this is the taxpayer's money, so let's all be good stewards of our tax dollars and return the surplus or save it for a future budget crisis. Dave Hildenbrand Republican Floor Leader (R-Lowell)

Why travel such a distance to the Rally? DNR Marquette Rally February 16, 2008 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Ramada Inn Marquette, MI If you have any questions, contact: Delta Conservation District: 906-428-9469 Rory Mattson: 906-280-6947 Please let your voice be heard!

It sure seems it does, they are not doing very well.

Bad Boys, Bad Boys… Posted in February 2nd, 2008 by MIR in Uncategorized Whatcha gonna do when they come for you? Bad boys, bad boys… Ah, that’s the sweet smell of a revolution, folks. Now, I’m going to address Rebecca Humphries directly here. Becky. Honey. Did you really think that by laying low for a short time nothing would come of your little “oops”? Did you honestly say to yourself “self - let’s kind of keep things quiet. Maybe I was right - maybe Michiganders are really as dumb as my good friend Jennifer Granholm thinks, and they won’t figure out how bad I messed things up. Oh, and self - you are strong, you are smart, and you were born to lead”. Oy. to. the.vey. Ms. Humphries, you have been put on notice. Oh, and your good friend Jenny Granholm, too. A revolution is beginning. Oh, sure - its quietly coming. It started out as a low murmur, and now you officially have a buzz on your hands. But, just wait. That buzz is turning into (gasp) a very loud voice. You done pissed people off. And, guess what? Everyone is on to your little fun. I said it before, and I’ll say it again - you won’t last. You have created enough of an embarrassment that you will be gone. Or, you’ll stay, but you will go down as one of the biggest jokes of a DNR leader in the history of Michigan (actually, I supposed that above statement applies to you and your “boss”, too). Alright, alright - enough said - what am I talking about, right? The Delta Conservation District and the Upper Peninsula Sportsman’s Alliance are bringing together the troops for a rally and a meeting. This is a great time for all groups affected by the lack of real DNR leadership to voice their opinions. Sportsmen, Anglers, Tree Huggers alike are encouraged to join. Even DNR employees - though a word of warning to you folks - tread carefully. Anyway, Legislator’s, Senator’s, the Governor’s office, and other key DNR people have been invited to attend. I would LOVE to go to this bad boy, but it’s a radio day for me. If you can at all make it, here are the details: February 16, 2008 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Ramada Inn Marquette, MI If you have any questions, contact: Delta Conservation District: 906-428-9469 Rory Mattson: 906-280-6947 http://savemymichigan.com/2008/02/02/bad-boys-bad-boys/

"Sportsmen’s rally will target DNR" Area residents who are concerned about the financial workings of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources — and there should be many —will have an opportunity this month to voice those concerns. The U.P. Sportsmen’s Alliance and the Delta Conservation District are sponsoring a sportsmen’s rally on Feb. 16 in Marquette. The gathering is set for 2 to 4 p.m. at the Ramada Inn. In addition to packing the rally with sportsmen and women, organizers have invited more than a dozen state legislators, the two Upper Peninsula members of the Natural Resources Commission and a representative from the office of Gov. Jennifer Granholm. Rory Mattson, executive director of the conservation district, said sportsmen and other natural resource users are becoming increasingly frustrated with how the DNR conducts its business and with threats to cut popular services because of so-called money woes. For example, the DNR promises less wildlife management, less timber cutting, elimination of fish-stocking programs, reduction of park services and closure of skiing and horseback riding trails unless fees (code for tax hike) are raised, Mattson said. In addition, he said there is concern rippling through the outdoor recreation community that there is a shift “from common-sense local management to Lansing management from individuals with hidden agendas.” Recent developments in relation to the budget reflect concerns raised by Mattson. Last fall the department announced fishing and hunting license fees would have to be raised significantly or major program cuts would be made, including closing parks, reducing the number of conservation officers and curtailing many wildlife and fisheries efforts. When the Legislature ignored the proposal, a significantly scaled-back fee increase package was introduced. However, prior to any action on the proposal being taken by the Legislature, the DNR closely scrutinized its operations and discovered a $10 million surplus, which was enough to scrape by for this year. But forecasts of major budget shortages in the next few years have the department again calling for fee increases. This month’s rally is not aimed solely at hunters and fishermen. All user groups, including off-road vehicle riders, bird watchers, cross-country skiers and bicyclists — as well as any interested taxpayers — should attend the Feb. 16 rally and express their views. The Michigan DNR is a bloated bureaucracy out of touch with the citizens it serves. This type of public scrutiny is long overdue. http://www.miningjournal.net/page/co....html?nav=5003

Marquette DNR Rally - Feb. 16 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Saturday, Feb. 16 - 2:00 MARQUETTE — Sportsmen plan to rally in Marquette this month to decry management and financial decisions made by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The rally will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 16 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. The NRC is the seven-member bipartisan rule-making body for the DNR. “Each year, more and more resource users are getting frustrated over how our natural resource agencies are conducting business and the delivery system to the public,” Mattson said. “Each year, these same agencies cut more assistance services to the public with the excuse of not enough money.” 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. Wildlife management, timber cutting, fish stocking programs, park services and skiing and horseback riding trails are some examples of services threatened, Mattson said. Mattson said there also seems to be a definite trend away “from common sense local management to power based Lansing management from individuals with their own hidden agendas.” “We feel the current system is broke and will only get worse in time,” Mattson said. “We believe that the current direction of more money to solve our natural resource problems is not correct. All of the state’s natural resource and environmental issues must be looked at first and then a price tag can be established. “We believe in a more efficient and cost effective way of managing the state’s natural resource base and providing a better service to its citizens.” Mattson said user groups ranging from anglers, hunters, campers and off-road vehicles riders to birdwatchers, cross-country skiers and dog-sport enthusiasts — as well as individuals and taxpayers — should attend the rally and express their views. 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. “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. http://www.miningjournal.net/page/co....html?nav=5006 I am behind Rory Mattson 100%! He is going after the D.N.R and I am with him totally! I took the day off and I will be in attendance. Rory is asking for 1,000 people in attendance!?! I want two thousand! If we don't stand up now, we might never get the chance to stand up again! Make your reservations in the Marquette or surrounding area. Pack these towns with sleds and tell the D.N.R that we have had enough! They are making us volunteers jump through hoops to groom your trails! I will tell you, the volunteers are getting fed up with it! I am one of them! Dear Michigan Sportsmen’s Organization: The Delta Conservation District and the Upper Peninsula Sportsmen’s Alliance are hosting a Michigan Natural Resources rally and meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to present documented facts and a forum for natural resource users in the state of Michigan to voice their opinions. Each year more and more resource users are getting frustrated over how our natural resource agencies are conducting business and the delivery system to serve the public. Each year these same agencies cut more assistance services to the public, with the excuse of not enough money. Many state taxpayers and natural resource users are concerned with the present trend of these agencies requesting more money through larger allocations and/or fees and providing fewer services to the public. Each time an allocation, new and/or increased fee is requested, the public seems to be threatened with approval of the request or the agency will be forced to cut services; provide less wildlife management; less timber being available to the forest products industry; no more fish stocking; reduced park services; closure of skiing and horseback ridding trails; lay-off the service providing state employees; etc. Never once have we heard any indication of cutting by reducing top administrative over-head or bureaucrat administrative processes. These have increased; while on the ground services have been cut. There also seems to be a definite trend from common sense local management, to power based Lansing management from individuals with their own hidden agendas. We have recorded hundreds of local examples over the last couple of years. We feel that the current system is broke and will only get worse in time. We believe that the current direction of more money to solve our natural resource problems is not correct. All of the states natural resource and environmental issues must be looked at first and then a price tag can be established. We believe in a more efficient and cost effective way of managing the state’s natural resource base and providing a better service to its citizens. For these reasons we are requesting that you advertise this meeting within your organization and also in your local community. Everyone’s attendance is very important at this meeting due to the fact we have invited 14 key legislative Representatives and Senators, the Governors office, and our two NRC commissioners. Our goal is to have at least 1000 people at the rally. Only in numbers can we show that changes need to be made. The meeting is being advertised throughout the entire Upper Peninsula so we are hoping for a large turn-out. We are asking all user groups to attend and voice their opinions (hunters, fishermen & women, snowmobile riders, ORV riders, campers, horseback riders, cross-country skiers, dog-sport enthusiasts, bird-watchers, outdoor enthusiasts, etc., and tax payers). If any further information is needed, please feel free to contact: Delta Conservation District at (906)428-9469 ext. 3, or Rory Mattson at (906)280-6947. Agenda Feb. 16th, 2008 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Marquette, MI. Ramada Inn – 412 West Washington St. 1. Introduction of legislative and special guests 2. Meeting protocol and summary details 3. Special presentations 4. Natural resource users presentations 5. Summary and conclusions Legislative requests http://www.biskitscloset.com/home.htm

Now on you-tube - http://www.youtube.com/user/ZacharyTrost

Prize update - Please visit our website. - http://www.michiganyouthhuntprogram.com/

Sorry, they changed the link! http://www.outdoor-michigan.com/FT-Memorial.html

Many of us were saddened to hear of the passing of a true sportsman, Fred Trost. Fred shared with us, years of hunting and fishing on his television show. Remember Big Buck Night, the recipe contests, Salmon speed filleting contests and the how-to episodes? The old videos of his shows have been found and we're kicking around the idea of making a DVD's of his shows. No commercials... just Fred! Is this something that we should keep pursuing? Would you be interested in purchasing this DVD if it were available? Any input would be helpful!