Prop 1 will stop transfer of recreation funding

Published 6:53 pm Friday, November 3, 2006

By Staff
The citizens of Michigan know the outdoor recreation activities available in their state are some of the best in the country, and we are proud of it. And, we also know the opportunities offered in our lakes, rivers, dunes and forests are a vital part of our economy.
On Nov. 7, we all have the chance to protect the conservation funds that annually improve and maintain our outdoor sites and activities from being tapped for other government budgets. That is why we are encouraging all registered voters to vote yes on Proposal 1 when they head to the polls Tuesday.
If passed, Proposal 1 would restructure a number of restricted accounts in the Department of Natural Resources by combining them into one large fund, the Michigan Conservation and Recreation Legacy Fund.
Dennis Fedewa, the chief deputy of Michigan's Department of Natural Resources, said "red flags" were raised when the administration under former Gov. John Engler took a positive fund balance from the Waterways Fund and moved it to the general fund to balance the state budget. Proposal 1 is the answer to that threat and is aimed at prohibiting future governors and legislatures from using conservation funds for other state budgets in the red.
According to a report by the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, if DNR accounts are continually tapped for other areas of governmental spending, the costs for participating in recreational events in Michigan could rise.
The proposed amendment to Michigan's Constitution would not increase funding for the DNR, nor would it correct the funding problems facing the DNR, Fedewa said.
Proposal 1 would, however, guard the DNR's current funds and require an amendment of the state constitution in order for lawmakers to reverse the ruling and access money generated by conservation activities.
Michigan citizens deserve to have their valuable recreational dollars working for them in expanded and improved outdoor activities, and not by politicians for unrelated areas. Vote yes on Proposal 1 and protect the funds generated by recreational activities in The Great Lakes State like hunting, fishing and boating.