Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Encyclopedia
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the agency of the state of Michigan
charged with maintaining natural resources such as state parks, state forests, and recreation areas. It is governed by a director appointed by the Governor
and accepted by the Natural Resources Commission. Currently the Director is Rodney Stokes.
Jennifer Granholm
moved to merge the Department back into the Department of Environmental Quality
and appoint the reunited department's director instead of the Natural Resources Commission. The state merged the two agencies together to form the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
In 2010, however, Governor elect Rick Snyder has named Rodney Stokes as the new DNR director, and has chosen to divide the DNRE into the original designations of Natural Resource Commission and the DNR divisions. Rodney Stokes says his first priority is to reverse the decline of hunting in Michigan, by eliminating the extended seasons, reducing the amount of antlerless licenses in Northern Michigan, improving habitat and removing license requirements for coyote and wolf.
On January 4, 2011, Governor
Rick Snyder issued Executive Order 2011-1, which eliminates the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) and creates the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10366---,00.html
(ORV) trail repair and development, and operation of Michigan's 150 state forest campgrounds. Restricted revenues, which by statute can only be used to support related programs, are generated from hunting
and fishing
license, state park entrance and camping fees, two percent of the gas tax, snowmobile
registration and snowmobile trail and ORV permits and forest camping fees.
to a term of four-years and subject to the advice and consent of the Michigan Senate
. The NRC conducts monthly, public meetings in locations throughout Michigan
. Citizens are encouraged to become actively involved in these public forums. The NRC establishes general policies for the Department of Natural Resources and hires the Department's Director. Voter adoption of Proposal G in November 1996, vests exclusive authority in the Natural Resources Commission to regulate the taking of game.http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-39002_11862-25914--,00.html
, docking and launching facilities, and administration of commercial docks in the Straits of Mackinac
. Commission members are appointed by the Governor
, with the advise and consent of the Michigan Senate
, to serve three-year terms. Upon expiration of a term, a member may continue to serve until re-appointed or a successor is appointed.
Term Expires: September 18, 2008
Denny Bailey
Term Expires: September 18, 2010
Bob Brown
Term Expires: September 18, 2008
Michael Bryanton
Term Expires: September 18, 2010
Curtis A. Hertel
Term Expires: September 18, 2009
Janet Mansfield
Term Expires: September 18, 2009
Carol B. Oakley
Term Expires: September 18, 2009
The MNRTF is supported by annual revenues from the development of State-owned mineral resources, largely oil and gas. The program is administered by the MNRTF Board of Trusteesand the Grants Management office of the DNR. The MNRTF Board of Trustees meets six times a year and all meetings are open to the public. MNRTF projects provide for natural resource protection and outdoor recreation.
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-39002_16791-39513--,00.html
From Ann Arbor
Term expiring October 1, 2007
Mr. Bob Garner (Chair)
From Cadillac
Term expiring October 1, 2009
Mr. Keith Charters
From Traverse City, representing the Natural Resources Commission
Mr. Sam Washington
From Bloomfield Hills
Term expiring October 1, 2010
Mr. Frank Torre
From Pontiac
Term expiring October 1, 2008
populations, as well as other forms of aquatic life. This is done through monitoring and studying by biologists. There are more than 20 fish
species reared and hatched at six state hatcheries located throughout the state with the sole purpose of maintaining or improving fish populations.
to the Natural Resources Trust Fund.
Furthermore, the FM division maintains statewide aerial photographs in color infra-red and black and white formats, and provides detailed computerized map information for land utilization, management and resource protection. In the field, the division is responsible for the management of all aspects of the state forests including: grooming snowmobile trails and, upkeep of rustic campgrounds and recreational areas. The FM Division also manages the use of forests for timber
production, new tree growth, and wildlife habitat. The FM Division mainly consists of Foresters who regularly examine trees, plants and soil characteristics to determine the best management practices to keep the forests healthy and Fire Officers which protect both public and private lands from wildfires.
, often referred to as "CO's", are fully commissioned peace officers that are employed by the DNR and are empowered to enforce all laws of the state of Michigan
, with emphasis on marine patrol and border safety issues. CO's have full police powers in the state of Michigan
and can issue a ticket for traffic offenses as well as for poaching
. COs also work with other state, federal and local law-enforcement agencies to enforce a wide range of statutes and assist in undercover investigations, fire prevention and emergency search, rescue and recovery operations. Conservation Officers
are often the first person to locate lost hunters and provide emergency medical assistance to those in need. They also play an important role in the department's educational public outreach efforts with organizations and clubs, community groups and schools. Conservation Officers frequently help establish and serve as instructors of recreational safety programs for hunters, boaters and operators of recreational vehicles.
and animal species. Michigan's high number of registered hunters contribute $2 billion annually to Michigan's economy, excluding license fees. Through the sale of specialty license plates and donations, the Wildlife Division contributes to the Nongame Wildlife Fund which supports Natural Heritage research, education and habitat restoration projects to identify, protect, manage and restore native plant and animal species.
and law enforcement within each park.
bottomlands and 130,000 platted lots under the jurisdiction of the DNR. This includes land ownership records on all department land transactions, activities related to the acquisition and disposition of land or rights in land, and resolves title and boundary issues. Land and Facilities Division also deals with and department purchases, gifts, exchanges, sales, and easement
transactions. This division also provides design and construction services for the department and provides administrative and facility operational support to program staff located at DNR Operations Service Centers and other field offices.
and consists of training in Precision Driving, Legal Issues, Watercraft, Search & Seizure, Snowmobiles, Survival Tactics, Off Road Vehicles, Use of Force, Firearms, Communication, Writing, Organization, Public Relations, Forensics, and Technology. The academy has strict Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) physical standards that each recruit must meet, and lasts 22 weeks. The second academy is for all newly hired Park Rangers and consists of mainly a classroom setting where each ranger becomes familiar with the laws governing the state parks. Additional emphasis is placed on survival tactics, report writing, handing abnormal people/complaints, and issuing appearance tickets. Michigan State Park Rangers DO NOT carry a firearm and there are minimal physical standards that recruits must meet. The duration of the academy is 7 weeks.
Every month the DNR holds a New Employee Orientation (NEO) in Lansing. The two day seminar is designed to familiarize new employees with DNR work policies and networking opportunities.
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
charged with maintaining natural resources such as state parks, state forests, and recreation areas. It is governed by a director appointed by the Governor
Governor
A governor is a governing official, usually the executive of a non-sovereign level of government, ranking under the head of state...
and accepted by the Natural Resources Commission. Currently the Director is Rodney Stokes.
History
In 2009, GovernorGovernor of Michigan
The Governor of Michigan is the chief executive of the U.S. State of Michigan. The current Governor is Rick Snyder, a member of the Republican Party.-Gubernatorial elections and term of office:...
Jennifer Granholm
Jennifer Granholm
Jennifer Mulhern Granholm is a Canadian-born American politician, educator, and author who served as Attorney General and 47th Governor of the U.S. state of Michigan. A member of the Democratic Party, Granholm became Michigan's first female governor on January 1, 2003, when she succeeded Governor...
moved to merge the Department back into the Department of Environmental Quality
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality was the agency of the state of Michigan charged with "Protecting Michigan's Environment - Ensuring Michigan's Future"-History:...
and appoint the reunited department's director instead of the Natural Resources Commission. The state merged the two agencies together to form the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
In 2010, however, Governor elect Rick Snyder has named Rodney Stokes as the new DNR director, and has chosen to divide the DNRE into the original designations of Natural Resource Commission and the DNR divisions. Rodney Stokes says his first priority is to reverse the decline of hunting in Michigan, by eliminating the extended seasons, reducing the amount of antlerless licenses in Northern Michigan, improving habitat and removing license requirements for coyote and wolf.
On January 4, 2011, Governor
Governor of Michigan
The Governor of Michigan is the chief executive of the U.S. State of Michigan. The current Governor is Rick Snyder, a member of the Republican Party.-Gubernatorial elections and term of office:...
Rick Snyder issued Executive Order 2011-1, which eliminates the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) and creates the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
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."http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10366---,00.html
Funding
The DNR is funded by the state general fund revenues, federal funds and a variety of restricted funds. Federal funding consists mainly of special purpose categorical grants from various Federal agencies, such as the U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Restricted funding is generated from licenses, user fees and other charges. These funds support programs for wildlife and fisheries programs, operation of Michigan state parks, harbor development, marine safety enforcement and education, snowmobile and off-road vehicleOff-road vehicle
An off-road vehicle is considered to be any type of vehicle which is capable of driving on and off paved or gravel surface. It is generally characterized by having large tires with deep, open treads, a flexible suspension, or even caterpillar tracks...
(ORV) trail repair and development, and operation of Michigan's 150 state forest campgrounds. Restricted revenues, which by statute can only be used to support related programs, are generated from hunting
Hunting
Hunting is the practice of pursuing any living thing, usually wildlife, for food, recreation, or trade. In present-day use, the term refers to lawful hunting, as distinguished from poaching, which is the killing, trapping or capture of the hunted species contrary to applicable law...
and fishing
Fishing
Fishing is the activity of trying to catch wild fish. Fish are normally caught in the wild. Techniques for catching fish include hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling and trapping....
license, state park entrance and camping fees, two percent of the gas tax, snowmobile
Snowmobile
A snowmobile, also known in some places as a snowmachine, or sled,is a land vehicle for winter travel on snow. Designed to be operated on snow and ice, they require no road or trail. Design variations enable some machines to operate in deep snow or forests; most are used on open terrain, including...
registration and snowmobile trail and ORV permits and forest camping fees.
Natural Resources Commission
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) is a seven-member public body whose members are appointed by the GovernorGovernor
A governor is a governing official, usually the executive of a non-sovereign level of government, ranking under the head of state...
to a term of four-years and subject to the advice and consent of the Michigan Senate
Michigan Senate
The Michigan Senate is the upper house of the Michigan Legislature. The Senate consists of 38 members, who are elected from constituencies having approximately 212,400 to 263,500 residents....
. The NRC conducts monthly, public meetings in locations throughout Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
. Citizens are encouraged to become actively involved in these public forums. The NRC establishes general policies for the Department of Natural Resources and hires the Department's Director. Voter adoption of Proposal G in November 1996, vests exclusive authority in the Natural Resources Commission to regulate the taking of game.http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-39002_11862-25914--,00.html
Waterways Commission
The Michigan State Waterways Commission is responsible for the acquisition, construction, and maintenance of recreational harbors, channelsChannel (geography)
In physical geography, a channel is the physical confine of a river, slough or ocean strait consisting of a bed and banks.A channel is also the natural or human-made deeper course through a reef, sand bar, bay, or any shallow body of water...
, docking and launching facilities, and administration of commercial docks in the Straits of Mackinac
Straits of Mackinac
The Straits of Mackinac is the strip of water that connects two of the Great Lakes, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, and separates the Lower Peninsula of Michigan from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It is a shipping lane providing passage for raw materials and finished goods, connecting, for...
. Commission members are appointed by the Governor
Governor
A governor is a governing official, usually the executive of a non-sovereign level of government, ranking under the head of state...
, with the advise and consent of the Michigan Senate
Michigan Senate
The Michigan Senate is the upper house of the Michigan Legislature. The Senate consists of 38 members, who are elected from constituencies having approximately 212,400 to 263,500 residents....
, to serve three-year terms. Upon expiration of a term, a member may continue to serve until re-appointed or a successor is appointed.
Current Board Members
Bryan AmannTerm Expires: September 18, 2008
Denny Bailey
Term Expires: September 18, 2010
Bob Brown
Term Expires: September 18, 2008
Michael Bryanton
Term Expires: September 18, 2010
Curtis A. Hertel
Term Expires: September 18, 2009
Janet Mansfield
Term Expires: September 18, 2009
Carol B. Oakley
Term Expires: September 18, 2009
Natural Resources Trust Fund Board
The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) has been in place since 1976 and provides financial assistance to local governments and the Department of Natural Resources to purchase land or rights in land for public recreation.http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10366_37984_37985-124961--,00.html It also assists in the appropriate development of land for public outdoor recreation.The MNRTF is supported by annual revenues from the development of State-owned mineral resources, largely oil and gas. The program is administered by the MNRTF Board of Trusteesand the Grants Management office of the DNR. The MNRTF Board of Trustees meets six times a year and all meetings are open to the public. MNRTF projects provide for natural resource protection and outdoor recreation.
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-39002_16791-39513--,00.html
Current Board Members
Ms. Lana B. PollackFrom Ann Arbor
Term expiring October 1, 2007
Mr. Bob Garner (Chair)
From Cadillac
Term expiring October 1, 2009
Mr. Keith Charters
From Traverse City, representing the Natural Resources Commission
Mr. Sam Washington
From Bloomfield Hills
Term expiring October 1, 2010
Mr. Frank Torre
From Pontiac
Term expiring October 1, 2008
Fisheries
The Fisheries Division works to preserve and enhance Michigan's fishFish
Fish are a paraphyletic group of organisms that consist of all gill-bearing aquatic vertebrate animals that lack limbs with digits. Included in this definition are the living hagfish, lampreys, and cartilaginous and bony fish, as well as various extinct related groups...
populations, as well as other forms of aquatic life. This is done through monitoring and studying by biologists. There are more than 20 fish
Fish
Fish are a paraphyletic group of organisms that consist of all gill-bearing aquatic vertebrate animals that lack limbs with digits. Included in this definition are the living hagfish, lampreys, and cartilaginous and bony fish, as well as various extinct related groups...
species reared and hatched at six state hatcheries located throughout the state with the sole purpose of maintaining or improving fish populations.
Forest Management Division (FMD)
The Forest Management Division administers 6300000 acres (25,495.2 km²) of mineral estate ownership and leasing rights to explore for oil, gas and other minerals on state-owned lands which contributes nearly $20–$30 million each year in royaltiesRoyalties
Royalties are usage-based payments made by one party to another for the right to ongoing use of an asset, sometimes an intellectual property...
to the Natural Resources Trust Fund.
Furthermore, the FM division maintains statewide aerial photographs in color infra-red and black and white formats, and provides detailed computerized map information for land utilization, management and resource protection. In the field, the division is responsible for the management of all aspects of the state forests including: grooming snowmobile trails and, upkeep of rustic campgrounds and recreational areas. The FM Division also manages the use of forests for timber
Timber
Timber may refer to:* Timber, a term common in the United Kingdom and Australia for wood materials * Timber, Oregon, an unincorporated community in the U.S...
production, new tree growth, and wildlife habitat. The FM Division mainly consists of Foresters who regularly examine trees, plants and soil characteristics to determine the best management practices to keep the forests healthy and Fire Officers which protect both public and private lands from wildfires.
Law Enforcement
Michigan Conservation OfficersMichigan Conservation Officers
Michigan Conservation Officers are the enforcement branch of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Their primary duty is to enforce the environmental laws in the state of Michigan. Since Michigan Conservation Officers are fully commissioned peace officers they are empowered to enforce all...
, often referred to as "CO's", are fully commissioned peace officers that are employed by the DNR and are empowered to enforce all laws of the state of Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
, with emphasis on marine patrol and border safety issues. CO's have full police powers in the state of Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
and can issue a ticket for traffic offenses as well as for poaching
Poaching
Poaching is the illegal taking of wild plants or animals contrary to local and international conservation and wildlife management laws. Violations of hunting laws and regulations are normally punishable by law and, collectively, such violations are known as poaching.It may be illegal and in...
. COs also work with other state, federal and local law-enforcement agencies to enforce a wide range of statutes and assist in undercover investigations, fire prevention and emergency search, rescue and recovery operations. Conservation Officers
Game warden
A game warden is an employee who has the role of protecting wildlife. Game wardens may also be referred to as conservation officers or wildlife officers...
are often the first person to locate lost hunters and provide emergency medical assistance to those in need. They also play an important role in the department's educational public outreach efforts with organizations and clubs, community groups and schools. Conservation Officers frequently help establish and serve as instructors of recreational safety programs for hunters, boaters and operators of recreational vehicles.
Wildlife
Recently, the DNR has been under intense scrutiny for its extended deer seasons, youth hunts and issuance of several antlerless tags in northern Michigan, where deer sightings are few and non-existant in many places. http://outdoornews.com/michigan/news/article_2ae00f61-54db-5203-b179-c1d619f3a986.html The Wildlife Division manages and protects nearly 400 species of game and nongame birds, mammals and their habitats, along with over 70 state game and wildlife areas. Recommendations on hunting regulations, habitat management, public hunting access are made by Wildlife Biologists who also help protect more than 340 threatened and endangered plantPlant
Plants are living organisms belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Precise definitions of the kingdom vary, but as the term is used here, plants include familiar organisms such as trees, flowers, herbs, bushes, grasses, vines, ferns, mosses, and green algae. The group is also called green plants or...
and animal species. Michigan's high number of registered hunters contribute $2 billion annually to Michigan's economy, excluding license fees. Through the sale of specialty license plates and donations, the Wildlife Division contributes to the Nongame Wildlife Fund which supports Natural Heritage research, education and habitat restoration projects to identify, protect, manage and restore native plant and animal species.
Parks and Recreation
The Michigan Parks and Recreation Division manages all 97 state parks and recreation areas, 829 developed boating access sites, 10 lighthouses, 16 harbors and six scenic sites. State park lands help to protect and preserve the biological and historical diversity of Michigan. More than 200 rare species of plants and animals are located on park lands. The Parks & Recreation Division is a self-supporting system which means management of the lands are supported by user fees such as: motor vehicle permits, camping fees, boat registrations, harbor slip rentals and marine fuel sales. The generous support of volunteers like campground hosts, helps to maintain these recreation facilities for all to enjoy. The Parks & Recreation Division consists primarily of Seasonal Park Rangers or Managers who perform all maintenanceMaintenance, Repair and Operations
Maintenance, repair, and operations or maintenance, repair, and overhaul involves fixing any sort of mechanical or electrical device should it become out of order or broken...
and law enforcement within each park.
Land and Facilities
The Land and Facilities Division assists with the overall administration of approximately 4500000 acres (18,210.9 km²) of publicly owned lands, 25000000 acres (101,171.5 km²) of Great LakesGreat Lakes
The Great Lakes are a collection of freshwater lakes located in northeastern North America, on the Canada – United States border. Consisting of Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, they form the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth by total surface, coming in second by volume...
bottomlands and 130,000 platted lots under the jurisdiction of the DNR. This includes land ownership records on all department land transactions, activities related to the acquisition and disposition of land or rights in land, and resolves title and boundary issues. Land and Facilities Division also deals with and department purchases, gifts, exchanges, sales, and easement
Easement
An easement is a certain right to use the real property of another without possessing it.Easements are helpful for providing pathways across two or more pieces of property or allowing an individual to fish in a privately owned pond...
transactions. This division also provides design and construction services for the department and provides administrative and facility operational support to program staff located at DNR Operations Service Centers and other field offices.
Administration
The importance of utilizing customer-friendly service technologies, sound accounting principles and best business practices, proper contract administration and educational outreach efforts in the management of Michigan's natural resources cannot be overstated. DNR's Financial Services; Budget and Support Services; Grants, Contracts and Customer Systems; Program Assistance and Review; and Human Resources, all play vital roles in supporting the department's conservation mission.DNR Law Academies & Orientation
Annually the DNR will hold two law academies focused on training new officers. The first academy is for all newly hired Michigan Conservation OfficersMichigan Conservation Officers
Michigan Conservation Officers are the enforcement branch of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Their primary duty is to enforce the environmental laws in the state of Michigan. Since Michigan Conservation Officers are fully commissioned peace officers they are empowered to enforce all...
and consists of training in Precision Driving, Legal Issues, Watercraft, Search & Seizure, Snowmobiles, Survival Tactics, Off Road Vehicles, Use of Force, Firearms, Communication, Writing, Organization, Public Relations, Forensics, and Technology. The academy has strict Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) physical standards that each recruit must meet, and lasts 22 weeks. The second academy is for all newly hired Park Rangers and consists of mainly a classroom setting where each ranger becomes familiar with the laws governing the state parks. Additional emphasis is placed on survival tactics, report writing, handing abnormal people/complaints, and issuing appearance tickets. Michigan State Park Rangers DO NOT carry a firearm and there are minimal physical standards that recruits must meet. The duration of the academy is 7 weeks.
Every month the DNR holds a New Employee Orientation (NEO) in Lansing. The two day seminar is designed to familiarize new employees with DNR work policies and networking opportunities.