here they (DNR) go again...

[sandmannd]

Well, I don't know how it is in anyone elses world around here, but the economy sucks for everyone. Raises are not shooting out at record paces to anyone that I know of. Actually have been record lows and most are thankful to have a job. The DNR and all state agencies get a bump everytime we do. Whenever we get a payraise, we pay more taxes. Basic economics.

If they don't have enough to get raises, they shouldn't have misspent the $300k that folks got fired over.

[kingfisher1]

If they don't have enough to get raises, they shouldn't have misspent the $300k that folks got fired over.

I totally agree that they shouldn't have misspent the $300K.  No arguement there.  But, when there is a budget deficit, the DNR is one of the agencies to get funds cut first.  Imagine the company you work for telling you that they were going to cut your pay because there wasn't as much money as planned.  Could you keep spending at the same rate with less coming in?  Simple Economics.  With less money coming in, Yes, they should spend less.  But where should they make the cuts? Stocking?  Enforcement?  Forestry?  Should they cut a few COs so they have a bigger range than the 300-500 sqaure miles per CO they already have?  The economy sucks for all.  I agree, but I for one am willing to help out a little.  I at least appreciate what the DNR does for us, and help out when I can.  The DNR helps make sure that there's fish in your favorite lake, do thier best to enforce the laws, and stock lakes so you can continue to fish.  Other than shelling out the cash for a license there isn't much many people do.  I know things are tight frthe DNR, so I for one takethe initiative to get off the couch and help them.  Some of us would rather sit in front of thier new TV and complain about the DNR.  Not me.  Many complain about the DNR when they get a ticket or when the DNR makes a mistake.  What about when they do something great?  Like when thy saved that kid in Winona.  I've said it beore- I have no problem hlping out the DNR. 

[laker]

I have to agree with Kingfisher here. Yes the DNR spends money foolishly, but what govt agency doesn't? The DNR is one of the few that actually does us some good.
As far as bitching over some white bass being stocked, stop and think for a minute about how many lakes you have fished for walleyes, where they never were native. Its lots for nearly all of us. In fact some of the best walleye lakes in the state are a result of stocking efforts. They have no natural reproduction and never have had any.
There's nothing wrong with expanding fishing opportunities. my 2 cents anyway.

[sandmannd]

Wow, so let me get this straight. We agree that they don't spend their money responsibly. So instead of expecting them to start spending it without blowing it on bells and whistles or just foolishness we should throw more money at them? Wish I could go to work everyday and do half the work and then go to my boss and ask for a huge pay hike every year. Last I checked we gave them more money but the legislature is already taking that away. The whole gov't needs to learn to budget instead of taxing us more.

[kingfisher1]

I at least am not saying that they shouldn't be responsible with thier money.   agree that they should be more responsible in that area.  But I hink you're missing the point of what I have said in a few posts.  While they have mis managed funds in the past, they need to start managing correctly.  At th same time, one person might say that the're managing thir funds correctly and another may disagree.  As far as giving them more money, what's wrong with a slight sales tax increase to help fund stocking programs on lakes and rivers that you fish, help fund a few more CO positions to help find people that decide to run over deer with snowmobiles or take 100 fish over thier limit?  If the legislature keeps taking money away, then there won't be anybody to patrol the lake, rivers, and fields to help protect our wildlife or to make sure that our lakes and rivers have fish in them.  If you don't like the way the governemet is working, why don't you run for a public office?  Then you can cut taxes and cut spending and stop the DNR from wasteful spending and tell them how to spend thier money.  Run for office Sandmannd. 

[HD]

We all have our opinions, good debate going.......

But, I'm keeping an eye on this one.

Hunter

(Yea, Lee, I stole your eyeball) 



[attachment deleted by admin]

[guythathunts]

You both have a point. We need to do our part as outdoorsmen and the DNR needs acountability. Eventualy the DNR will not be able to save us though. It will be privatly owned entities and non-profits that will. Places like PF

[sandmannd]

I agree with you guythathunts. I can see the DNR needing more money. Unfortunatly we choose to spend millions on arts and other things that should be self sefficiant and aren't. The money is there, it needs to be moved around. I would love to give more money to the DNR as the outdoors is my passion. The problem I have is that at the time of economic hardship in the state and around the country, I just don't think it's the time for anyone to ask for more money.

[kingfisher1]

You both have a point. We need to do our part as outdoorsmen and the DNR needs acountability. Eventualy the DNR will not be able to save us though. It will be privatly owned entities and non-profits that will. Places like PF

Non profit entities like PF, DU, and other so so much for us and our ability to enjoy the outdoors.  If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't have as much public land to enjoy.  I really don't see the DNR going anywhere anytime soon.  They do so much in terms of maintaining our natural resorces.  The DNR is more than just stockng walleyes and writing tickets to offenders.  They help maintain our forests, help maintain wild grasses for the deer, pheasents, ducks, etc.  The DNR also checks our lakes to see which ones are safe to fish and which ones aren't.  They inform us on how to be safe in the woods and on the water.  They maintain trails for us to snowmobile and ride our ATVs, and so much more.  If we lost the DNR, we as outdoorsman and women would disappear in this state quickly.

as far as asking for more money Sandmannd, I don't see how they're asking for more money.  Yes, they just got the bill passed for the state sales tax increase, but part of that money goes to the arts, which I don't agree with, as many people don't.  The DNR has mismanaged some money, as that is being rectified, and those responsible are no longer with the DNR.  The DNR really is underfunded.  If you wanted to help the DNR without pulling out your pocket book, look on the DNR website and there is a link to where you can volunteer.  Without volunteers, the DNR would be spending SO much more.  They are always looking for volunteers.

[Auggie]

Hunter,
   In the words of Sgt. Schultz " I see nothing, I hear nothing". I have to stay clear of this debate or it will get ugly for sure.

[HD]

Hunter,
   In the words of Sgt. Schultz " I see nothing, I hear nothing". I have to stay clear of this debate or it will get ugly for sure.

Com'on man! I can't believe your gonna let this one slide.......

You getting soft in your old age? 

[JohnWester]

if I can keep my mouth shout, so can auggie...  and believe me, it's tough.  I think it's just all building up inside and at some point I am going to burst with debate.

[sandmannd]

 

I don't have that kind of control. 

[kingfisher1]

   I know I tend to say too much sometimes...........