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State Representative Ken Borton threatens budget cuts if the Michigan DNR moves forward with proposed hikes in hunting, fishing, and boating fees.
Rep. Borton to DNR: No Justification, No Budget
LANSING, MI – State Representative Ken Borton (R-Gaylord) strongly criticized Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director Scott Bowen over proposed hunting, fishing, and boating fee increases included in the governor’s newly released budget.
Borton, who serves as Chairman of the Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee, vowed to block the fee hikes unless DNR leadership can fully justify them.
“I don’t know how much clearer I can make myself; if DNR leadership continues this ridiculous crusade to hike fees across the board – an action that does nothing but punish those who love the outdoors – we are going to zero out their budget. This is not a threat. This will be their reality if the DNR does not commit to working with us to protect access to the outdoors.”
Accountability Demanded for Outdoor Fee Hikes
Borton has demanded that Director Bowen personally appear before his committee to explain the necessity of the proposed fee increases and to justify current expenditures. He emphasized that the DNR must prove why additional funds are needed when many believe the department’s existing budget is mismanaged.
“If fee increases are so important, the director is going to have to sit in our public meeting and explain exactly why he needs them and why the money he already has – which many would say is grossly misspent – isn’t enough,” Borton continued. “He’s going to have to justify every single dollar they want to spend.”
Public Response and Political Stakes
The proposed fee hikes have already sparked backlash from outdoor enthusiasts, who argue that increased costs restrict access to Michigan’s natural resources. Borton and other opponents claim the changes disproportionately affect hunters, anglers, and boaters, making outdoor recreation less affordable.
Whitmer’s administration has maintained that the fee increases are necessary to maintain conservation efforts, improve infrastructure, and sustain wildlife management programs. However, Borton’s firm stance signals a potential budgetary showdown between the Republican-led subcommittee and the Democratic administration.
Legislative Showdown on the Horizon
As Vice Chair of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Appropriations Subcommittee, Borton holds significant influence over state funding for environmental initiatives. His latest remarks indicate that he is prepared to use this power to block the DNR’s funding until a detailed justification for the fee increases is provided.
“My committee is ready to work on behalf of the people, and the people are tired of poorly run government agencies charging them extra just because they can,” Borton concluded.
With public hearings expected in the coming weeks, the debate over DNR’s budget and proposed fee hikes is set to intensify. Michigan outdoor enthusiasts, lawmakers, and conservation advocates will be watching closely to see if the Whitmer administration and the DNR can defend their proposal.
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