In light of Michigan DNR director Keith Creagh’s March 2015 decision to sell the land and/or mineral rights of over 10,000 acres in Michigan’s upper peninsula to a Canadian mining company, as well as numerous other recent decisions that in no way reflect the majority of Michigan citizens' opinions, we demand change in terms of how the DNR director and the seven member Natural Resources Commission are hired.

The people of Michigan are tired of our natural resources, including land, wildlife and other resources, falling prey to political agendas and/or the highest bidder. Decisions regarding these valuable resources should be made in the interest of all Michigan citizens rather than a single individual (the Governor), which we believe will only be achievable once the DNR Director and NRC members are subject to the election process.

According to the Michigan legislature, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is SUPPOSED to be "committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations — a role it has embraced since the creation of Michigan’s original Conservation Department in 1921…"

Yet time and time again, their decisions do not reflect this charge.

Addition info:

"The director of the DNR...functions as the department’s chief executive officer, monitors program activities to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of department operations, and ensures that the department’s mission, policies and statutory mandates are met. The director’s primary authority flows from the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (Act 451 of 1994, as amended) and is authorized by Executive Order 1991-31 to delegate decision making authorities to appropriate levels within the department…"

"The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (www.michigan.gov/nrc) is a seven-member public body whose members are appointed by the governor and subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. The NRC’s primary authority flows from the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (Act 451 of 1994, as amended). This act codified nearly 200 applicable statutes, many dating back to the 1800s. Voter adoption of Proposal G in 1996 vests exclusive authority in the NRC to regulate the taking of game.” -- https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2013-2014/michiganmanual/2013-MM-P0310-P0313.pdf

For more on the sale of land in the UP:  http://www.upnorthprogressive.com/2015/03/19/breaking-dnr-director-keith-creagh-approves-graymont-upper-peninsula-land-purchase/

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