WEEKLY UPDATE OCTOBER 30, 2009

UPDATE -- October 30, 2009

FYI Notes

Tributes and Congratulatory Notes

Looking for a unique way to commemorate a special occasion for a co-worker, friend or family member? My office is pleased to offer legislative tributes in honor of a number of noteworthy events such as retirement, anniversaries of businesses in our community, awards and public recognitions. To request an official state of Michigan tribute from my office, please visit http://www.gophouse.com/elsenheimer.htm, select "Recommend someone for a congratulatory certificate" and fill out the request form.

Coming to Lansing?

As House Republican Leader, I frequently receive invitations to legislative conferences and events. Please know my priority is you. If you plan to visit Lansing for a conference or meeting, please contact my office in advance so I can make every effort to meet with you while you are in town.

Stay in Contact

Mail: P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909
E-mail: kevinelsenheimer@house.mi.gov
Toll-Free: 1-877-536-4105
Phone: (517) 373-0829
Fax: (517) 373-1841

Website: www.gophouse.com/elsenheimer.htm

Blog: http://staterepkevinelsenheimer.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/teamkevin

Budget Update

Governor Granholm signed the remaining budgets for the Fiscal Year 2010. In doing so, she retained the Michigan State Agricultural Extension and Experiment Station. Funding for this was part of the balanced, bipartisan, and bicameral agreement adopted earlier this month by the House and Senate.

Earlier this week, the Senate overwhelmingly defeated a measure to tax physicians in Michigan by a 32-4 vote. The bill had narrowly passed the House (Rep. Elsenheimer opposed the bill).

House Republicans are working on reforms to state government that will be unveiled in the coming weeks. Some of these reforms were previously in our Budget Plan, which can be accessed by going to www.gophouse.com/plan . Please stay tuned to future updates.

Mullet Lake Fishing Ban

State Sen. Jason Allen and Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer are pleased that the Department of Natural Resources will attend a Nov. 7 public meeting on proposed special fishing regulations for Mullet Lake so local residents have the opportunity to voice their opinions on a proposed order that eliminates recreational walleye fishing.

The Natural Resources Commission is set to consider the special fishing regulation at its Nov. 5 meeting, with possible approval as soon as Dec. 3. The change is being recommended because the Little Traverse and Soo tribes have requested an increase in their 2010 walleye harvest from the lake under a 2007 Inland Consent Decree.

“The loss of this fishery to the general public would be a tremendous blow to area recreation opportunities and the local economy,” said Allen, R-Traverse City. “DNR officials have to reach out to all anglers and users of Mullet Lake to see if an acceptable, reasonable agreement can be reached.”

There will be a public meeting with the DNR will be at the Tuscorora Township Hall in Indian River at 2 p.m. Another meeting for concerned residents was expected to be held Wednesday, Oct. 28 at the Ocqueoc Township Hall in Millersburg.

People interested in submitting official comments about the proposed Mullet Lake walleye regulation can send their written statements to the NRC at P.O. Box 30028, Lansing, Michigan 48909, or by e-mail at glodent@michigan.gov.

Earlier this month the DNR staff submitted a recommendation that the recreational walleye limit for Mullet Lake in Cheboygan County be set at zero because it does not believe the lake can sustain an ongoing walleye population alongside the tribes’ increased harvest.

This week Allen and Elsenheimer sent a letter to Director Rebecca Humphries requesting public hearings in the Mullet Lake area regarding her order #FO-206 as soon as possible. Both legislators also have been in contact with DNR staff regarding scheduling additional public hearings in the area.

“This proposal locks one group of residents out of the resource while giving special treatment to another, which is reprehensible, and then there’s the concern of the damage to the local economy that rely on the draw of Mullet Lake as a walleye fishing destination,” said Elsenheimer, R-Kewadin. “There has to be another approach the DNR can take that doesn’t just leave one segment of the population high and dry, and we’re pleased the DNR has recognized that the people deserve to have a public forum with the department director and her staff.”

The directive for lakes with special regulations covers a five-year period beginning next year, but does indicate the zero walleye limit regulation for Mullet Lake will be re-evaluated at the end of the 2010 fishing season.

Changes to Beaver Trapping

Trappers May Use Snares to Take Beaver

As beaver trapping season progresses, the Department of Natural Resources reminds participants that the use of snares is legal during the entire season.

According to the 2009 Michigan Hunting and Trapping Guide, snares may be used for taking beaver Dec. 1 through March 31. That information is incorrect. Snares may now be used throughout the season.

All additional information concerning cable sizes and allowable sets in the guide are correct.

Halloween Event

Onaway State Park is inviting all families, campers and park visitors to celebrate fall season with a fun spooky evening on Friday, Oct. 30, from 6 until 9 p.m.

Park staff will be telling ghost stories around the campfire in the historic Onaway State Park pavilion. Visitors are invited to share a spooky story while enjoying a warm bon fire, apple cider, donuts and the camaraderie of fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

Campers are reminded that camping and the Shoreview Camper Cabin are still available at Onaway State Park through Nov. 30 this season. Camping reservations can be made online at http://www.midnrreservations.com or by calling the DNR central reservation system at 800-447-2757.

Onaway State park is located at 3622 North M211, Onaway in Presque Isle County. For more information about the park, camper cabin, accessibility, or persons needing accommodations to attend this event, contact the park supervisor at (989) 785-4388 (or TTY/TDD 711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired), or visit the Web site at http://www.michigan.gov/onaway.

All motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the park entrance. Cost is $24 for a resident annual and $6 for a resident daily. A nonresident annual is $29 and a nonresident daily is $8.

For a listing of other events taking place at Michigan state parks and recreation areas visit the GO-Get Outdoors Calendar at http://www.michigan.gov/dnrgogetoutdoors.