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John Benedict
New Member
64 Posts |
 Posted - 04/22/2008 : 01:03:47
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Supplemental Appropriation for MDNR and MDEQ Passes in the Nick of Time - House Bill 5344 was passed by the Michigan House and Senate this week, providing critical new general fund support to re-open state forest campgrounds, hire forest fire officers, maintain the St. Jean water access site, and retain critical staff.
MDNR - The MDNR received $1,050,000 in new general fund revenue. The state wildfire program will receive $500,000 which will be used to hire five permanent forest fire officers and additional temporary officers. The money comes just in time, as northern Michigan enters the forest fire season. The forest recreation program will receive $500,000 which will be used to reopen the state forest campgrounds closed last fall. In addition, the legislature dedicated $50,000 for the St. Jean water access site in the City of Detroit from the State Waterways Fund.
MDEQ - The MDEQ spent the week writing layoff notices for employees across the department. The $11 million in new general fund revenues will stop the layoffs from occurring. The money was necessary to adjust the budget for assumed fee increases that were included in this year's budget but were not enacted by the legislature. The new money will be spread to the Divisions of Land and Water Management, Waste, Air Quality, the Water Bureau and the Office of Geological Survey. Money was also included for the "Real Time Water Quality Monitoring" pilot program in Macomb County.
Energy Package Moves out of the Michigan House - The Michigan House on Thursday, April 17 th passed a package of bills that give promise to Michigan's increased utilization of renewable energy. Included in the package is legislation that would require Michigan utilities to acquire 10 percent of the electricity they sell from wind and other renewable resources by 2015. This requirement, known as a Renewable Portfolio Standard, is already in place in 25 other states, and is fully supported by MUCC through a 2004 resolution. Although concerns over increased electric rates initially sparked concerns among some House members, the inclusion of cost caps and energy efficiency programs designed to save consumers money allowed the bills to pass with moderate bi-partisan support. Also included in the package were provisions designed to place renewable resources on a more level playing field. As outlined in the legislation, companies wishing to build new generating facilities in the state will have to demonstrate that their proposal will be the most cost effective to consumers and will incorporate environmental costs such as carbon taxes and waste disposal. The package now moves on to the Republican controlled Senate, where Energy Policy and Public Utilities Committee Chairman Bruce Patterson (R-Canton) will likely amend the bills to address additional concerns. Thankfully, the prospect of bringing thousands of new manufacturing jobs to the state has excited both Democrats and Republicans and has increased the likelihood of the package finding its way to Governor Granholm's desk.
The Nature Conservancy and State Legislators Announce Plan to Increase Purchasing Power of Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund - This week, The Nature Conservancy, State Sen. Patty Birkholz (R-Saugatuck) and State Rep. Steve Lindberg (D-Marquette) announced the introduction of new legislation that would allow Michigan voters to increase the amount of money available to protect important lands and develop recreational facilities utilizing Michigan's Natural Resources Trust Fund. The trust fund is used to purchase land for recreation and conservation as well as provide funds to develop recreational opportunities for Michigan's residents and visitors. Michigan was the first state to establish a trust fund for the purpose of protecting natural resources. Created by the Michigan Legislature in 1976 and supported by MUCC, the trust fund provides for the preservation of lands and water, as well as the development of recreational facilities. Since 1984, when the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund was made a part of the Michigan Constitution by voters, the trust fund has been modified by the citizens of Michigan on two previous occasions to meet the changing needs of the state, most recently in 2002. The funding available in the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund has remained roughly constant over the years while land prices have risen. As land conservation has become more expensive, the capacity of the fund to purchase key land has decreased, limiting the opportunities to protect Michigan's natural resources. By increasing the funds available, Michigan can maximize its conservation effectiveness and make investments to help ensure its economic future. MUCC looks forward to working with The Nature Conservancy and the State Legislature on this unique opportunity to help maximize the access and use potential for Michigan hunters and anglers in accord with this unique opportunity for the conservation and sportsmen community.
April Natural Resources Commission Meeting Recap - The Natural Resources Commission had a packed house for their marathon subcommittee and general meetings on April 10 th , which lasted from 10:00 AM until about 8:30 PM and included three hours of public comment. Here is a brief recap of the hot topics for the day. If you have any questions, please refer them to Amy Spray (aspray@mucc.org <<< mailto:aspray@mucc.org >>>>>>> or 517-346-6484).
a..Crossbow Disability Work Group: The workgroup met for the second time to discuss clarifying/simplifying the process for getting a crossbow permit. A draft application reflecting the proposed changes will be reviewed at their next meeting in May.
b..Early Antlerless Deer Season : The DNR proposed an amended early firearm antlerless deer season, compared to what was previously reported. The current amendment would create a 5-day firearm season in mid-October for privately-owned lands only in Shiawassee County and the 5-county TB area in Northeast Michigan. Some sportsmen testified that they were concerned with this proposal and suggested various alternatives, such as moving this early season to mid- or late September, which is under consideration by DNR's Wildlife Division.
c..Antler Point Restrictions and Quality Deer Management Process: After a two-year moratorium, the DNR offered updated guidelines for submitting APR/QDM proposals, which would impose minimum antler points on deer harvest in a given area. A sponsoring organization will still have to submit a written proposal, hold a public meeting, and pay a fee to offset administrative expenses for proposing a formal APR/QDM process in their deer management unit(s). The DNR will be responsible for conducting a survey of landowners and deer hunters in the affected units; if the proposal is supported by 66 percent or more of landowners and hunters, it will go to the NRC for adoption. If the NRC approves it, it will be in effect for a recommended five years at which time residents will be surveyed again to gauge continued support.
d..Pigeon River Country Land Use Order: The DNR recommended a land use order to restrict equestrian camping and riding and bicycling in the Pigeon River Country State Forest to only certain areas, roads, and pathways. These regulations are necessary to protect the wild character of the Pigeon River Country, and to achieve greater compatibility with federal grant fund requirements associated with the acquisition and management of the Pigeon River Country. A majority of the land was purchased with hunting and fishing license fee monies. If you would like to get involved, we encourage you to attend the NRC meeting on May 8th or submit written comments and voice your opinions! The NRC will next meet on Thursday, May 8th at the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing. The full agenda and
relevant documents are not yet available online, so please review the next policy report for more information.
U.S. House passes BEACH Act - The bill to reauthorize Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act (House Resolution 2537) through fiscal year 2012 was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, April 16 th . This bill would set uniform criteria for testing beach waters for bacteria and other pollutants and notifies the public if waters are unsafe for beaches on the Great Lakes as well as on the oceans. The bill would also increase state grant funding from $30 million to $40 million for state monitoring and notification programs. There were many improvements made to this Act since the first time it was introduced - the bill will now go to the U.S. Senate for approval. If you would like more information on this issue, please contact Resource Policy Assistant, April Bennett ( abennett@mucc.org << mailto:abennett@mucc.org >> or 517-346-6472).
ACTION ALERT : Call your State Representative and Great Lakes & Environment Committee members and urge them to take action on Senate Bills 152 and 362 to reduce phosphorus in dishwashing detergents! Phosphorus is a naturally-occurring mineral that is a necessary nutrient in small amounts. However, too much phosphorus can cause many problems in our lakes including nuisance algae blooms, aquatic weed explosions, clogged waterways and oxygen depletion. All of these harm fishing, boating, swimming and other recreational opportunities, not to mention the health of our lakes. A previous limit on the amount of phosphorus in laundry detergent was put in place over 30 years ago. This limit helped to clean up many inland waterways and Lake Erie. However, when the laundry detergent limits were put in place, dishwashers and laundry "boosters" were not commonly used in households. Now that both are used in almost every household, these additional bans are necessary to keep our waters clean. Senate Bill 152, introduced by Senator Liz Brater (D-Ann Arbor) and Senate Bill 362, introduced by Senator Patty Birkholz (R-Saugatuck) would effectively limit the amount of phosphorus that can be used in dishwashing detergents. The Michigan Senate passed both of these bills on April 19, 2007, which were then assigned to the House Great Lakes and Environment Committee. One year later, they still sit in this committee without action. CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ON THIS COMMITTEE! Tell them the Great Lakes and Michigan's waters are important to you and you want to see these bills PASS to the House floor for a vote! For a list of representatives on this committee, call (517) 373-0015 or go to
<<http://www.house.mi.gov/committees.asp>> and scroll down to select the Great Lakes and Environment Committee. Contact Resource Policy Assistant, April Bennett, if you need any help with contacting your representative (abennett@mucc.org <<mailto:abennett@mucc.org>> or 517-346-6472).
Meeting Annoucements - Jump In and Join Us For Conservation Days 2008! Michigan United Conservation Clubs are hosting a series of unique day trips, which are hands-on experiences designed to further your understanding of current conservation issues. So come spend the day with us and take away an enhanced understanding of Michigan's spectacular natural resources!
Catch a Glimpse of Lake Sturgeon on a Guided Tour! - Cheboygan, MI
Date: May 9, 2008 Time: 12noon - 3:00p.m.
Cost: $15 for members, $45 for non-members
(Price includes Guided Tour and lunch)
Each spring, the famed lake sturgeon ( Acipenser fulvescens ) head up select rivers to spawn along the rocky riverbanks, almost oblivious to nearby human activity, making these rare fish susceptible to illegal harvest. The lake sturgeon is a threatened species in Michigan and a rare species throughout the United States. Now, anyone interested in catching a glimpse of lake sturgeon have an opportunity during a guided walking tour on May 9 th, 2008. Researchers will be on hand to talk about lake sturgeon, poaching enforcement, netting and tagging, recent Black Lake Watershed research, and restoration work to improve sturgeon habitat. Please R.S.V.P. by May 2nd, 2008 by contacting April (517/346-6472 or abennett@mucc.org <<<<<<< mailto:abennett@mucc.org >>>>>>> ) to guarantee your spot! Spaces are limited!
Wake up with Warblers - Mio, Michigan
Date: June 6 th , 2008 Time: 6:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $15 for members, $45 for non-members
(Price includes Kirtland Warbler tour, light breakfast and lunch)
Come join us on June 6 th for a day to remember! The nesting areas for the Kirtland Warbler are closed to public entry, so the best opportunity to see a Kirtland's warbler is on this guided tour. Upland sandpipers, clay-colored sparrows, Brewer's blackbirds, black-billed cuckoos, eastern bluebirds, Lincoln's and vesper sparrows can also be seen in the jack pine ecosystem in this guided tour. Please R.S.V.P. by May 30 th , 2008 by contacting April (517/346-6472 or abennett@mucc.org <<mailto:abennett@mucc.org >>) to guarantee your spot! Spaces are limited! Also, look for more Conservation Days announcements coming up in future issues of MUCC's Policy Action Report!
Michigan Out-of-DoorsT Camp for Kids Clean Up Day: April 26 - It's that time of the year again! Time to get our amazing outdoor camp cleaned up and ready to teach a new batch of Michigan youth about all the fun they can have fishing, shooting, canoeing, and more.
Come join us at the Cedar Lake Outdoor Center in Chelsea, MI. Bring your rake and we'll bring lunch! To sign up, call Bill Sullivan at 517-346-6450 or email him at bsullivan@mucc.org <<mailto:bsullivan@mucc.org>>.
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MUCC Policy Action Report - April 18, 2008
