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MUCC Policy Report for 10-9-07 This edition:
Budget discussions not done yetMichigan residents collectively breathed a sigh of relief when a continuation budget was signed around 4 a.m. on Monday morning (10/1/07) to start Fiscal Year 2008, preventing a state shutdown. MUCC reported two weeks ago on the discussions around support for reserving a portion of any new revenue generated to resolve the state fiscal crisis for natural resources. Unfortunately the proposed 0.025 percent earmark of the income tax, which would have generated more than $40 million per year for natural resources, was NOT retained in the final version of the bill.The legislature has 30 days to finish negotiating the final budgets for the state departments and find nearly $440 million more in cuts to balance the FY08 budget. MDNR is facing $8 million in cuts because of a deficit in the Game and Fish Fund; Michigan Department of Agriculture is looking at severe cuts to the Conservation Districts; and MDEQ is facing layoffs due to a continued decline in general fund support for environmental protection programs. Some of these shortfalls could be made up in increased fees, but this appears to be unlikely as the legislature has lost their energy to pass more fee/tax increases. We will continue to keep you informed as this effort progresses and will be requesting your action at critical times. The budget issues are moving very quickly and we apologize in advance for requesting assistance with very short turnarounds. Your involvement makes a significant difference in stopping significant cuts to the programs that we all support. 2008-2012 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)The DNR is in the process of updating its 5 year State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), and is seeking public input. Under the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program, Michigan makes money available to local units of government and other public agencies to acquire land and develop facilities for public outdoor recreation. In order to continue it's eligibility to receive LWCF funding, the DNR must update its current recreation plan.As you will see in the plan, surveys showed that 93 percent of residents support initiatives that conserve, protect and restore Michigan natural resources in public outdoor recreation venues. MUCC members must ensure that this public support is translated into policies, programs, and funding for conservation. Several opportunities are available for the public to learn about the draft recreation plan and provide feedback. These workshops are open to the public and no advanced registration is required:
U.S. Senate Commerce committee passes Ballast Water billLast week, the Senate Commerce committee passed out a bill to help combat invasive species in U.S. waters. The Ballast Water Management Act, S. 1578, introduced by Senator Inouye (D-HI), would require mandatory ballast water treatment technology on all ships that travel to U.S. ports. The bill is huge improvement over what was passed by the Commerce committee last year. This year’s bill retains strong performance standards, as well as defining appropriate roles for federal agencies by putting the EPA in charge of setting the performance standards and giving the enforcement authority to the Coast Guard. The bill also closes the “No Ballast On Board” (NOBOB) loophole, which is especially important to the Great Lakes, because most of the ships entering the Lakes are NOBOB vessels and are exempt from current rules.Although this is a great step for Congress, there still are issues with the bill that need to be addressed:
New Great Lakes Economic Report released: Restoring Great Lakes Would Bring Region $50 Billion in Economic GainLast month, conservation, political, science, and business leaders from all over the Great Lakes met in Chicago to discuss the increasing toll invasive species, sewage contamination, toxic pollution and other threats are having on the Great Lakes at the 3rd annual Healing Our Waters- Great Lakes Coalition conference. At the conference, a new independent report by the Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program, was released that concluded that restoring the health of the Great Lakes will create a minimum of $50 billion in economic benefits for the region. Using cost-benefit analysis, the report found that efforts to improve the health of the Great Lakes will produce almost two times the economic gains compared to what it will cost.The report, "Healthy Waters, Strong Economy: The Benefits of Restoring the Great Lakes Ecosystem," concludes that the people and communities of the Great Lakes region could gain at least $50 billion in long-term economic benefit from an investment of $26 billion now on Great Lakes restoration. That is a net gain of at least $24 billion dollars from increases in tourism, the fishing industry, recreational activity and home values. The report also estimates that the region would experience an additional $30 billion to $50 billion in short-term economic activity stemming from the comprehensive clean-up of the Great Lakes. The report authors analyzed the cost of restoring the lakes and economic benefit to the region of implementing the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy, a comprehensive plan crafted by civic, business, environmental, government and Tribal representatives after President Bush signed an executive order in 2004. The report also suggests that millions of people will benefit from Great Lakes restoration, including but not limited to businesses, industries, outdoor enthusiasts, boaters, anglers and homeowners. To read the executive summary of the report, please visit: http://www.healthylakes.org/ Hunting ban in part of Oxford Township proposedThe Oxford Township board will contact a public hearing at its Wednesday, October 10 meeting regarding the possibility of prohibiting firearm hunting and discharge in Section 31 of the township, which is bounded by W. Drahner Rd. to the north, S. Coats Rd. to the east, Stanton Rd. to the south, and Baldwin Rd. to the west.Under state law, if a municipality determines “the safety and well-being of person or property are endangered by hunters of discharge of firearms”, it can request via a resolution to the DNR to recommend closure of that area to relieve the problem. Township officials are currently deadlocked in a vote (3-3) on a motion to request the DNR to conduct a public hearing on the matter. If you or someone you know lives in this area, please plan on attending to protect our sportsmen’s heritage! The meeting will be on Wednesday at 7:45 p.m. at the Oxford Veterans Memorial Civic Center, 28 N. Washington, Second Floor, Oxford, MI 48371. |
MUCC Policy Action Report
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