Bill Text: MI SR0060 | 2019-2020 | 100th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to urge the Natural Resources Commission to hold a formal, full meeting on the proposed changes to deer baiting and feeding policies in the affected area of the Upper Peninsula before any decisions are made to change the regulations.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 5-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-06-19 - Referred To Committee On Natural Resources [SR0060 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2019-SR0060-Introduced.html
Senator McBroom offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 60.
A resolution to urge the Natural Resources Commission to hold a formal, full meeting on the proposed changes to deer baiting and feeding policies in the affected area of the Upper Peninsula before any decisions are made to change the regulations.
Whereas, The Natural Resources Commission has instituted a deer feeding and baiting ban in the Lower Peninsula in response to the identification of chronic wasting disease in deer in several counties in Michigan; and
Whereas, The Department of Natural Resources has proposed a deer baiting and feeding ban in approximately 600 square miles of the Upper Peninsula in response to the positive identification of a deer with chronic wasting disease in Dickinson County. Although the department held several public meetings in the Upper Peninsula, the commission has not scheduled a full commission meeting in the Upper Peninsula to discuss the proposed ban. This is especially important as it seems that some within the department seem to desire a full ban on baiting and feeding across the Upper Peninsula despite just one deer being found to have chronic wasting disease after enhanced and significant testing efforts. The Natural Resources Commission is poised to decide on baiting and feeding regulations at their next meeting more than 400 miles and eight hours away from the affected area; and
Whereas, The deer herds in the Upper Peninsula experience a different environment and habitat than deer in the Lower Peninsula. In the event of a hard winter in the Upper Peninsula, deer can experience a high rate of death. Supplemental winter feeding can be the difference between herd survival or tremendous loss come spring; and
Whereas, Special consideration for economic impacts is also warranted for the Upper Peninsula. Product used for bait and feed come from Michigan producers, and the baiting market offers growers an economical outlet for lower-quality fruits and vegetables or specific items grown for that purpose with crops already planted this season; and
Whereas, Hunters in the Upper Peninsula want to work with the Natural Resources Commission and the Department of Natural Resources. The Upper Peninsula deer herd needs to be managed by the commission and Upper Peninsula residents working together as partners. Holding a full commission meeting in the Upper Peninsula will enhance the conversation among Upper Peninsula residents and the commission and department; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the Natural Resources Commission to hold a formal, full meeting on the proposed changes to deer baiting and feeding policies in the affected area of the Upper Peninsula before any decisions are made to change the regulations; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the members of the Natural Resources Commission, the Director of the Department of Natural Resources, and the Governor.
