Madison – Senator Rob Stafsholt (R-New Richmond) and Representative Chanz Green (R-Grand View) put out a package of bills this week entitled ‘The DNR Revenue Stream Refresh.’ The package is aimed at reducing the $16 million budget deficit at the DNR by creating new sources of revenue instead of adding more to the backs of Wisconsin’s sportsmen.
In February of this year, Governor Evers proposed a state budget that included significant hunting and fishing fee hikes in order to patch the $16 million deficit in the DNR’s Fish and Wildlife Account. While fee increases may be a reasonable measure for future consideration, it was difficult for many to understand why the Governor was asking Wisconsin sportsmen to bail out his fiscally-troubled DNR. That sentiment was reinforced by the revelation this summer that only about half of the DNR Fish and Wildlife Account’s spending comes back to primarily benefit sportsmen.
“This is a simple, long-term solution to the DNR’s budgetary problems. It’s time for other users of our state’s great outdoors to pay their fair share for the management of our state’s natural resources. Wisconsin’s hunters and anglers will continue to do their part to fund the DNR’s services, as they always have, but they can no longer be the only ones expected to do so,” commented Senator Stafsholt.
Wisconsin’s hunting population is shrinking. According to the DNR, Wisconsin had 100,000 fewer deer hunters in 2022 compared to the year 2000, with predictions forecasting another drop of 100,000 by 2032. Fee increases like the enormous ones proposed by the Governor, could cause that number to fall even more. Therefore, going back to the same pot by hiking fees on sportsmen is not a sustainable solution for the future of the DNR budget.
The Revenue Stream Refresh package imposes modest permit fees on the following activities when conducted on state-owned land and waters: hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, foraging, and operation of a non-motorized boat. If enacted, this reform will give the DNR a refreshing new stream of revenue.
“It’s time for everyone who benefits from Wisconsin’s natural resources to pay their fair share. For years, hunters and anglers have shouldered the burden of rising fees whenever the DNR needs to fund its operations. That model isn’t fair. Expanding this new revenue stream is the most common-sense way to help the DNR with its budgetary problems and ensure everyone who benefits helps sustain our natural resources,” said Representative Green.
Senator Stafsholt represents Wisconsin’s 10th Senate District and Representative Green represents Wisconsin’s 74th Assembly District.
