Exclusive: ‘Failing to serve the people’: Martin pushes reforms for DNR

Audio By Carbonatix

(The Center Square) – Rep. David Martin is calling for changes at Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources, which has recently faced a number of controversies.

Martin, a Republican representing Davison, is the chairman of the House Natural Resources and Tourism Committee. That committee has oversight of the DNR.

Martin told The Center Square in an exclusive interview that it is time for “clarity and reforms” at the DNR.

“As chair of the Natural Resources and Tourism Committee, I talk with many people in communities I represent and around the state about their interactions with the DNR,” Martin said. “They consistently share stories of confusion and concern regarding DNR policies and the actions taken by the department to enforce those policies. This is a department that works on behalf of the people, but in many ways it is failing to serve the people.”

Martin sent a letter to the DNR last week detailing some of the policy changes he would like made at the department. Those include, but are not limited to:

• Update its public land strategy

• Require legislative approval for commercial solar farms or wind development on public land

• More oversight of state forest carbon agreements and publicly-owned dam removals

• Institute body cameras for DNR’s conservation officers

• Streamline hunting oversight regulations

• Expand the state’s archery season

“This letter was a call for the department to focus on changes it should be looking at so it can better serve the people,” Martin told The Center Square. “That’s what state departments should be striving to do.”

Martin said he is hearing growing confusion from Michigan residents, officials, and other stakeholders about DNR policies. One of those concerns, which the letter specifically addresses, is conservation officers visiting private lands without permission.

“I am a strong proponent of private property rights,” Martin said. “There have been multiple concerns communicated by Michigan citizens to their elected officials involving interactions with conservation officers being on their private property without permission when no emergency circumstances are present. We need to shore this policy up.”

He added that conservation officers, who serve as DNR’s enforcement arm, should be required to obtain probable-cause search warrants before entering private property.

The DNR has faced a number of controversies in recent years, leading to Republicans calling the department “unchecked and overfunded.”

Back in July, after the DNR said it would take months to respond to document requests, the House Oversight Committee authorized a subpoena request for the department.

Martin joined other Republicans in applauding that request, calling the DNR's actions against some Michigan farmers and ranches "attempts to weaponize state government."

Martin told The Center Square it is past time for the DNR to institute real solutions, instead of doubling down on some of its current policies that he says are a “detriment” to Michigan.

“It’s imperative that they do,” he said. “Michigan’s outdoor heritage and conservation efforts depend on it.”