State Representative Cam Cavitt has voiced criticism towards the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for its attempts to increase costs for Michigan residents. On Monday, Cavitt and nine other lawmakers from Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula sent a letter to DNR Director Scott Bowen, urging an end to what they describe as efforts to impose additional financial burdens on outdoor enthusiasts.
“Northeast Michigan has some of the most beautiful and robust wilderness and recreational opportunities in Michigan. A common pastime for folks in my community is venturing outside to enjoy all our region has to offer,” stated Cavitt, R-Cheboygan. “Now, the DNR wants us to pay more to enjoy the same woods, rivers, and lakes that our families have enjoyed for generations. The DNR is failing, and department leadership wants to pass responsibility for those failures down to outdoor enthusiasts. It’s deceptive and shameful, and Northeast Michigan won’t stand for it.”
The DNR's current proposals include fee increases on hunting, fishing, and boating licenses. Additionally, there is a push for changing the enrollment process in annual recreation passports on license plates from an opt-in model to an opt-out one.
Currently, individuals renewing their license plates must check a box if they wish to opt-in for a recreational passport. The proposed change would require them to check a box only if they want to opt-out. This could result in individuals inadvertently purchasing a passport without prior intention or awareness. According to this proposal, no more than 20% of funds raised through these recreational passports would be allocated to local parks; the remainder would revert back to the DNR.
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