From the Ruffed Grouse Society: Young Forest Habitat
and Your Hunting Spots Could be Threatened by Michigan Senate Legislation
Public Input Opportunity
On Wednesday May 11, RGS and AWS Regional Biologist Eric Ellis testified on two Michigan Senate bills that could significantly affect wildlife conservation and hunting (read his written comments...). We appreciate the Legislature's interest in public recreation on public lands and there is language in these bills that we agree with but overall they would negatively impact the public land we need for hunting and active forest management required to maintain habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock, and other young forest wildlife.
Senate Bill 39 (Read the most recent version...):
This bill includes:
Language that would expand the ability of private individuals or corporations to purchase state hunting lands while allowing for the process to be confidential; clearly a threat to the future of public recreation on public lands.
Language that will make it more difficult for the state to acquire land where long term wildlife and forest management can be conducted.
Language establishing a lengthy process, including public hearings that the DNR would be required to conduct if requested to remove an existing berm (or gates or other barriers), even if the request addresses only a single berm on a single trail. With tens of thousands of berms, many serving vital wildlife and natural resource purposes, this would create an enormous burden on the DNR requiring extraordinary amounts of time, energy, and money that is better directed towards managing our wildlife and other forest resources.
Wording that could facilitate lawsuits against conservation officers carrying out their duties.
Language that would limit the use of state funds to manage "non-game" such as golden-winged warblers. This would stifle fundraising opportunities of the DNR and conservation organizations and essentially redirect federal dollars from Michigan to other states.
On the positive side, the bill specifically supports active forest management, promoting working forests, and management to improve wildlife habitat.
Senate Bill 40 (Read the most recent version...):
Historically, funds from the Land Exchange Facilitation Fund have been used exclusively to purchase additional state lands. This legislation would allow these funds to be used for virtually any natural resource management-related costs thus limiting new land purchases.
How can you help?
Another public meeting is planned for Wednesday, May 18 in Lansing. If you would like to participate in the testimony in Lansing you may do so in person; specific information on how can be found on the Senate website (here) but may not be immediately available. The Natural Resources Committee normal meeting time is 12:30pm Wednesdays in 210 Farnum Building, Lansing, MI. If you are going in person, please contact Eric Ellis at the number below for assistance.
If you can't make it in person you can submit written testimony before the Wednesday, May 18 meeting to Mr. Corey Woodby, Committee Clerk, at his email address: cwoodby@senate.michigan.gov. These comments will be distributed to the entire Committee.
If you are a resident you can contact your Senator with opposition to these bills, this is especially important if you live in any of the following Senate Districts. These are the members of the Senate Natural Resources Committee. You can find your Senate
District by entering your zip code at this website:
http://www.senate.michigan.gov/fysbyaddress.html.
If you have questions about how to make your voice heard, or this
legislation, please don't hesitate to contact:
Eric Ellis, Lower Peninsula, East U.P., Indiana, Ohio
EricE@RuffedGrouseSociety.org; 231-360-7712
Meadow Kouffeld-Hansen, West U.P. and Minnesota
(218) 398-1076 (Cell); (218) 999-4722 (Office); MeadowK@RuffedGrouseSociety.org
