GW: As passed by the Michigan House of Representatives…
A concurrent resolution to express opposition to the imposition of a ban of firearm hunting and snowmobiling in certain areas of the Huron-Manistee National Forest.
Whereas, In compliance with a U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals decision, the U.S. Forest Service is revisiting its 2006 Land and Resource Management Plan for the Huron-Manistee National Forest. Currently, the Forest Service allows firearm hunting and snowmobiling in all of the forest. However, a Michigan attorney has sued the Forest Service in an effort to stop firearm hunting and snowmobiling in all primitive areas and semi-primitive non-motorized management areas; and
Whereas, The 2006 Land and Resource Management Plan was available for and received extensive public comment before being implemented. Yet the public’s access to 70,000 acres of public land is being threatened by one individual’s preference; and
Whereas, The desire to pursue quiet recreational activities in the primitive and semi-primitive areas of the forest does not preclude hunting. Many hunters enjoy the quiet and solitude of the forest when hunting. Additionally, snowmobiles operating in a forest of this size rarely impose on the enjoyment of the forest by others. Given the size of the forest, a snowmobile operator can ride many miles without ever encountering another person and it is likely that others enjoying the forest in winter would not encounter a snowmobile;
Whereas, The Federal Land Policy and Management Act provides the Forest Service the authority to determine where hunting may or may not occur on public lands. This authority should be left to the Forest Service, rather than the political bias of individuals. Wildlife managers and experts should have the final say in how the public land is used; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That we oppose the imposition of a ban of firearm hunting and snowmobiling in certain areas of the Huron-Manistee National Forest; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
