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John Benedict
New Member
63 Posts |
 Posted - 02/24/2008 : 20:31:28
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January 8, 2008 - Meeting was called to order by District Chairmen Elden Montross at 19:04
Both the Pledge of Allegiance, and Conservation Pledges, were read.
Opening remarks were made by club president Dick Shoner, explaining the history of the Whitmore Lake Rod and Gun Club, from it being founded in 1938, to all the amenities that it has to offer to club members, such as the lake that is in the back of the club, to the various shooting ranges, and all the activities the club provides for both club members, and to the public. Roll call and introductions were made, 11 different clubs were represented with various multi club members. Reading of the previous minutes voted on, accepted by Mike Borst, Seconded by Dan Radloff.
Guest speaker Amy Spray from MUCC Policy was present and had spoke about the DNR Fee Fiasco that MUCC has been involved with, and how MUCC responded to the 10 million dollar fund balance that was in the Fish and Game Protection fund. She had explained that in the month of October MUCC was told by the DNR Director Rebecca Humphries that the fund would have a 7.8 million dollar balance and would leave the DNR’s budget for 2008 about 2.5 million dollars short. Soon after, the department rolled out a series of proposed cuts that included closures of fish hatcheries, research stations and waterfowl areas if a license fee increase was not passed to cover the shortage. Rather than see our state loose valuable services, MUCC and a coalition fought valiantly to see a license fee increase implemented, and prevent those cuts from happening. It was a fight that apparently, didn’t need to be fought. MUCC took a stand for the DNR, We encouraged our members to support a license fee increase despite the fact that it wasn’t a popular position. MUCC along with the coalition partner took this position because they felt it was the right thing to do and according to the information given by the DNR it was the only viable option to prevent devastating cuts to the DNR staff and programs – cuts that would directly impact hunter, anglers, and those who love the outdoors. The facts are now clear that the entire picture wasn’t being presented. In a few short months, the department went from projecting a $10.8 million deficit in the Fish and Game Protection fund to a $10 million fund balance. In December Director Rebecca Humphries confirmed to state legislators that the DNR would have a $10 million fund balance in the fish and game protection fund. This caught MUCC by surprise but instead of pointing fingers and laying blame, MUCC indicated we must learn from this experience and apply those lessons in the future and we are doing just that. At the request of MUCC Executive Director Dennis Muchmore, we will be having an independent audit and evaluation of revenues and expenditures of the Fish and Game Protection Fund performed, Dennis states it is clear that we simply can not properly represent our members with out first clarifying exactly how much money the Fish and Game fund has and how it will be spent. It is also clear that those numbers must be verified from an independent source. MUCC will continue to fight for the rights of hunters and anglers in Michigan, we will continue to be the watch dog over natural resources and conservation issue. While the DNR budget issue is resolved for this year, there is almost certainly will be a budget shortage in the near future. MUCC will be there to represent the interest of hunters and anglers when that happens again, and next time we’re going to make certain that all the facts are being presented to all involved.
Amy also spoke of how Governor Jennifer Granholm has appointed MUCC’s Executive Director Dennis Muchmore to serve on the Michigan Climate action Council, the council will serve as an advisory body with in the DEQ and comprise of 35 representatives from public interest groups, environmental organizations, utilities, the manufacture sector and other key industries, universities, and state and local governments. They are responsible for making recommendations on how Michigan can address climate change, which may have a dramatic and positive effect on Michigan efforts to grow the economy and create jobs.
Amy also spoke about a National Wild Turkey Federation hunter’s survey called MORE PLACES TO HUNT, this program is designed to help provide more hunting on both public and private land. Studies by the National Shooting Sport Foundation indicate that one of the top reasons hunters give up the sport is that they can’t find places to hunt. MUCC is working with the National NWTF office to collect and share information gathered from Michigan residents for our work on habitat and access and hunter recruitment and retention efforts through the Michigan Conservation Coalition.
Also discussed briefly was that the Farm Bill had passed out of the senate and awaits the Conference committee.
Also discussed was a new incentive plan for MUCC members with the MUCC Food and Fuel Discount Program, which will save 6-10 cents off per gallon at all Speedway and Super America stores. Also this provides you the member a 4% rebate on all Kroger purchases including gas. There is a form you will need to fill out to get these incentives and a cost. To sign up, please contact Tracy Baker at 517-346-6456, if you have any questions. Also back is the Michigan United Conservation Clubs Master Club Credit Card with World Points, there is a form that needs to be filled out or you can call 1-866-438-6262 to learn more with no obligation.
Amy also informed the group that MUCC will have a booth at the Outdoor Fishing Show going on January 10, 11, and 12, 13th but also MUCC will have booth’s at Outdoorama, the NWTF show in Davison, and at the Sporting show in Grand Rapids. She also spoke about the upcoming leadership training that is going to be held at the McMillan Conference center in Roscommon Michigan, the Big Buck banquet at the Oakland County Sportsman’s Club January 19, and informed us about MUCC’s First Annual golf outing that MUCC had put on back in September that was to help raise money for MUCC’s on going mission to support youth education in conservation, hunting, and angling, the event saw 20 teams that raised nearly $10,000 dollars. The first place team will be hunting Pheasants at Charlie Mann’s Club in Metamora, while the 2nd and 3rd place teams will be going on a Walleye and Salmon charter.
Next up from MUCC was State Wide Vice President Dan Radloff he also discussed the DNR fiasco on how it made him feel and how embarrassed he was. He also discussed the Farm Bill (HR2419). He also informed us of the following dates: (1) January 17, MUCC Executive Meeting being held in Lansing (2) January 26, 27, MUCC Leadership Conference in Roscommon (3) February 23 Shooting Range Stewardship Conference being held in Lansing. For more information you can visit the MUCC website at www.mucc.org
Next speaker was MUCC Director At Large Paul Farrell his discussion was about this coming year Michigan State Fair. Paul is looking for CLUBS, INDIVIDULES, and GROUPS, ANYONE interested in volunteering at this years fair. The fair grounds have a location with in its walls called Pocket Park it is an area that holds a pond that is in the shape of the state of Michigan filled with fish, a pellet gun shooting range, and an archery range, normally the DNR run this booth but with cut backs and the state not paying for overtime Paul would like to see this ran by MUCC and it’s members. Anybody interested can contact your club representative who will be able to contact Paul. As the meeting moved forward the body received information about the last MUCC Board meeting from MUCC Director’s Glen Uhl and Fred Tyszka. They had informed us that there was some discussion if the kids camp needing a new roof on the mess hall, and a new well, also the MOOD TV show has received 2 new camera that will project in HD for next years mandatory change in signal.
The MUCC convention will again be in Sault Ste. Marie June 21st and 22nd.
The floor was opened up for new business; a call was made to see if anyone had any new business: Johann Krenzer from the German American Marksmen Club had brought up a concern that he felt needed to be brought to the body’s attention. The concern was that he had attended a funeral of a young solider last week and while he was there a protest has began by a group that had signs protesting the war and condemning the solider. A side discussion broke out and was then closed quickly to avoid a political debate.
Mike Borst spoke about last years State Shoot and informed us he had a meeting on January 19th at Huron Point to discuss the up coming years shoot. He had also brought up concerns of fraudulent emails being sent, and then re passed by people that could be of reputable decent, making it out as if we were giving out false information. He gave us a web site that we can go to verify if what we are passing is in turn fact or fiction it is www.snopes.com and another member of the group Steve Lyman gave out another address to verify if fact or fiction that web site is www.urbanlegends.com
Elden Montross had reminded everyone of the Deer and Turkey Spectacular that is being held at the Lansing Civic Center on Feb. 8, 9, 10. Elden also gave out to directors and alternate directors a list of clubs with in the district that they were to call to verify information.
A round table discussion was opened: Matt Blunteer of Safari Club International Flint Chapter gave out information in regards to their fund raiser on March 2, 2008 Hunters Expo at the Davison Expo Center in Davison. They will also be having a benefit dinner for Susie Sherrill/Trott who has been re diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer this benefit will be held Saturday January 19, 2008. For more information on either donations or to attend you can call the SCI MUCC rep Matt Blunt @ 248-627-2040
A motion to adjourn was made by Dan Radloff seconded by Fred Tyszka
The meeting adjourned at 8:42 pm.
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MUCC Minutes for Dist7 Meeting
