Gary McDowell, D-Rudyard, sent a letter to Gov. Jennifer Granholm on Friday asking her to investigate misuse of the DRIP funds to purchase jack pine forests for Kirtland's warbler.
Each year hunters throughout Michigan invest about $3 million for deer habitats by purchasing licenses.
But, one local lawmaker is asking the state to investigate if some of those funds are being used for an endangered species instead of deer.
About $1.50 of each deer license purchased in the state goes to the Deer Range Improvement Program, or DRIP funds. But, Michigan Rep. Gary McDowell, D-Rudyard, sent a letter to Gov. Jennifer Granholm on Friday asking her to investigate misuse of the DRIP funds to purchase jack pine forests for Kirtland's warbler.
Endangered since 1967, the Kirtland's warbler finds its habitat, jack pine forests, located in Michigan's northern Lower and Upper Peninsulas. Those same jack pine forests are poor habitats for deer foraging and bedding.
"Hunting is a proud tradition in Michigan, one that is often passed down from generation to generation," McDowell said. "With our harsh winters already causing a decline in our deer population, we must protect the wildlife that we still have to ensure that this tradition can continue. If the (Department of Natural Resources) continues to mishandle funds now and in the future, deer hunting will take a huge hit."
While the DNR director Rebecca Humphries and the Natural Resources Commission is currently investigating the issue, McDowell is urging Granholm and the Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee, State Rep. Mike Lahti, D-Hancock, to hasten the investigation to prevent the additional misuse for funds.
In his letter, McDowell also expresses his concern about the leadership and transparency within the Department of Natural Resources.
Earlier this month, Department Resources Commission member John Madigan told the Detroit News he believes about 10 percent all DRIP funds are used to purchase habitats for the Kirtland's warbler.
"I have nothing against the Kirtland's warbler," said John Hubard, a sportsman from Harbor Springs. "There's not too many of them."
While not speaking for the organization, Hubard is the president of the Emmet County Sportsman Club.
Hubard was unaware about funds being misused for the Kirtland's warbler and said he assumed most hunters would be unaware of the situation.
However, he was wary of diverting funds away from its intended purpose.
"Once it starts — the diversion of funds— who's going to stop it?"
Hubard said if the Kirtland's warbler is in need of money for habitats, there should be fundraising for it specifically.
Source: Petoskey News
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
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