Marquette DNR Rally - Feb. 16

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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

"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

I totally agree. If there is no transparency and oversight money is wasted.

Government always wastes money even with oversight. The DNR has too many chiefs & not enough braves.

No offense to the unions but certain government functions need to be privatized. I know I am gonna get flamed here but a) public schools should be the first to go. vouchers all the way b) road comission and public works should be second  c) DNR should be third.  Not even going to mention other areas of the government that are a total freggin' waste.

Oh, and let's change welfare requirements to minimum of 10 years worth of social security credits before you can draw any kind of public assistance. Unless you are truly disabled.  In addition, yank all government documents and forms with spanish, english arabic and other languages on them. Make everyone learn english before they can apply for anything. No wonder these s**theads cant get a job! 

BM, it would cost more to privatize the DNR that to have it state run. Of course a private company could run it much better then the state.

The state thought that privatizing a state prison in the U.P. would save them money. It ended up costing them more. Engler thought that privatizing the mental hospitals by creating group homes would save money & it ended up costing almost twice as much.

Any politician that is pushing something to be privatized have a buddy/campaign contributor who is in that particular line of business & wants nothing more than to pay them back for their support & also wants some kickbacks later down the line.

I’m all for less government but going from public to private run anything is bad news for taxpayers. One of the biggest waste of departments in the state government is the Department of Foreign Language. No need to have that department what’s so ever.

Hahahaha are you serious? Department of Foreign language? Is that like for translating between midwestern and southern accents?

And on privatization... Well, I am a firm believer that if there is no incentive to improvize, become more efficient and innovate, none of those things will happen

There are two schools of thought on privatization, but personally i think the  call should be made on case by case basis. I.E. Health Administration should be handled by the government with an option for private insurance.  Believe me, there won't be a whole lot of folks buying it though. Education, again. privatize all the way.

Essential services (minus transportation) like energy sectors should be only run by the government. Those are again, vital to our economy.  I hate to say it, but pseudo-socialism in the form of government controlling vital services is the only way to stay competitive in the global economy where countries like China etc essentially use slave labor to produce things for 1/8th of what it costs to make here.

Solution number two would be to impose reasonable tarrifs on imports therefore equalizing trade brackets.  But we blew that one by borrowing all this money from China to finance the war in Iraq.  Go George

It's not actually called the Department of Foreign Language but that's what I call it because all they do is cater to those that can't speak english. They help with the Secretary of State & social services as well as the department of Information Technology. I'm not sure what they call it but it costs too much money & is not needed.

I remeber seeing a clown at the secretary of states office who couldnt even read the road signs trying to get his license. 

I bet they gave him one. I seen a guy taking a test that couldn't read English. He had to have his cousin translate for him.

It's along way to the Rally, but I will be attending. Sure would like to meet some of you fine people......

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/

Why travel such a distance to the Rally?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnvHyWDMuEU


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!

Why couldn't this rally wait till early spring?

Please note this is posted off - http://savemymichigan.com/

The Future of the DNR

Posted in February 13th, 2008

by MIR in Delta Conservation District, Marquette Rally, Michigan DNR

Take the 5 minutes to watch this video.

This is me on the video - not really, but it could be, except I’m not male, I’m better looking (sorry Rory), and I’m a wee bit younger. I digress.

The idea behind what I’ve been saying all along, and behind the rally in Marquette is to look at the future of the DNR - build a future for the DNR and outdoor’s men and women instead of being “ho-hum” about the slow death it is enduring. Word to the wise - don’t piss of Yoopers.

If we don’t collectively stand up and rally for changes to be made, there will be no programs left for our children and grandchildren to enjoy. The machine will take over thus creating an industrialize, corporatized department. We are well on the way now to that happening - help the DNR remember the 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.”

VIDEO - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnvHyWDMuEU





Action Packed Weekend
Posted in February 12th, 2008
by MIR in Uncategorized

Well, yes, there is the snowmobiling, and the ice fishing, and the snow shoeing one could do…But, I’m talking more about activism, baby!

Two major things coming up this weekend - first, you have the State GOP Convention Friday & Saturday. For all you political junkies, I’m sure you are well versed at what occurs there, but for me, well, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to go. To be perfectly honest, and I’ve said this before, I am still “wet behind the ears” when it comes to the entire political process - I’m still trying to wrap my head around delegates, caucases, etc. So, for me, this is going to be a tremendous opportunity to see first hand how things go down, and also to meet a few people that I really have a lot of respect for. I will be armed with all the essential technological gadgetry to (hopefully) be able to post pictures and commentary as the events unfold.

Secondly, the big rally is going to occur up in Marquette this weekend - you can read more about it here and here. Folks, there are a lot of rumors swirling, and the garbage coming out of Lansing trying to shoot the people down is amazing… well, not really - they are running scared because they know that having a concentrated effort speaking out against what they are doing to the DNR is sure to shake things up. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. If you are a naysayer, and believe that this group meeting up North is only “bashing the DNR” please check the facts. Heck, I’ve even been accused of being a DNR basher, and that just isn’t true - questioning the judgement of the leadership in the DNR is a completely different ball of wax - in fact, it is my love of the DNR and desire to see it thrive that causes me TO question Rebecca Humphries and the things that are going on in upper management.

SO! If you don’t have anything better to do this weekend, head up to Marquette and see what the meeting is about, or if you are planning on being in Lansing at the convention, maybe I will see you there!

http://savemymichigan.com/