Legislation approved 77-31 in the House would create the Michigan Wildlife Management Public Education Fund. It would be funded with a portion of higher hunting and fishing fees recently signed into law by Gov. Rick Snyder.
A council would spend money on a comprehensive media-based information program promoting the role sportsmen and sportswomen play in furthering wildlife conservation. The public also would be told the importance of hunting and fishing have on the state's economy and cultural heritage. It is a program modeled on one in Colorado.
"Many people from areas that aren't big on hunting, fishing and trapping are unaware of the very real scientific benefits of wildlife management through these activities," Rep. Jon Bumstead, R-Newaygo, a bill sponsor, said in a statement. "This council can lead to a more educated public by using the media to share facts and information about the good these activities can do."
The fund would receive about $1.6 million a year from an already approved $1 surcharge on new base hunting and fishing licenses. The bill now goes to the Senate.
"People in our area grow up learning about the importance and tradition of hunting and fishing, so we don't give it much of a second thought," Rep. Bruce Rendon, R-Lake City and a co-sponsor of the legislation, said in a statement. "In other areas of the state, people don't have as many opportunities for these activities or aren't able to develop an interest. The goal of this initiative is to raise public awareness for the necessity of hunting and fishing, and secondly, to maybe even excite and attract some new participants to join in the legacy."
The council would have nine members serving four-year terms.
The News Tribune
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