jci63 Posted February 10, 2008 Report Share Posted February 10, 2008 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jci63 Posted February 11, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 11, 2008 "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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jci63 Posted February 12, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 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/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevebeilgard Posted February 12, 2008 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 doesn't dnr mean DO NOTHING RIGHT? my brother in wisconsin says it does... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jci63 Posted February 12, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 It sure seems it does, they are not doing very well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jci63 Posted February 13, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2008 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jci63 Posted February 15, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2008 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) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jci63 Posted February 15, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2008 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jci63 Posted February 17, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jci63 Posted February 18, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 18, 2008 Video - http://www.biskitscloset.com/home.htm http://savemymichigan.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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