Member's Area

Fisheries Chief, Jim Dexter updated the Chairs of the DNR Fisheries Advisory Committees about the Governor’s Proposed DNR Budget.  Jim stressed that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to finally modernize the aging DNR hatcheries and other infrastructure along with replacing the very old Lake Michigan Research Vessel, the R/V Steelhead.  These improvements will increase efficiency and productivity along with reducing energy costs.  Comprehensive upgrades to the six hatcheries and survey equipment have not been done in decades.

The Governor’s Budget will be reviewed by both the State House and Senate Appropriation Committees.  The House Appropriation Committee is chair by Representative Tom Albert and the Senate Appropriations Committee is Chair by Jim Stamas. You and your organizations are encouraged to contact your State Legislators to support the Governor’s Proposed Budget and submit comments to both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees.  Both Committees will be scheduling hearings to review the budget so for your convenience, I included links below for you to be notified of future Appropriation Committee hearings.  Also for your convenience, below are links to contact information for the State Senators and Representatives.  As Chief Dexter mentioned, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to finally modernize Fisheries Division’s aging infrastructure.