The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has been quietly working for more than a year to win legislative support for increases in hunting, fishing, and boating fees, but the effort has so far fallen flat.
FOIA Documents Reveal the Strategy
Over 4,000 pages of emails obtained by Gongwer News Service through the Freedom of Information Act show how DNR officials anticipated criticism, drafted answers to tough questions, and even sought feedback from stakeholder groups such as the Michigan United Conservation Clubs.The emails, primarily from Finance Chief Dan Lord, CAO Kristin Phillips, Budget Director Jason Crandall, and Legislative Liaison Chris Semrinec, show a department preparing carefully for pushback on claims of financial mismanagement.
Legislative Resistance
Despite those efforts, the proposal failed during the lame duck session of the Democratic-controlled Legislature and has been dismissed this year by House Republicans. The last fee hike came in 2013. Ironically, one of the Senate Democrats who voted against it then was Gretchen Whitmer, now governor, whose office asked DNR to align its fee plan with her broader cost-cutting and growth agenda.
Internal and Public Tensions
Emails show Bowen’s staff preparing budget slides framing the increases as “rightsizing the costs of recreation and conservation services.”Director Scott Bowen has made the plan his top priority, but an internal survey revealed many staffers uncertain of his policy goals. His spokesperson countered, saying Bowen has been engaged at every stage and repeatedly stressed that “the math doesn’t work” under current funding.
Public Reaction
The public inbox brought sharp criticism, with some hunters and anglers saying higherl icense costs would force them to quit altogether. DNR staff responded by pointing to rising maintenance expenses,comparisons with other states, and theLegislature’s ultimate authority over fees.
Stakeholder Views
Conservation groups are split. MUCC’s Justin Tomei called the restructuring a top priority for Bowen and acknowledged the need for new revenue,though he admitted the current proposal may not be perfect. Still, as he put it: “The 2025 version is the only game in town right now.”
Convincing lawmakers remains the biggest challenge.Fee increases were omitted from the final budget this year, and while everyone agrees Michigan’s fish, wildlife, and parks need funding, consensus on how to raise that revenue is far from certain.