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We are getting a great response on HB 5093 to improve fishing for anglers across all of Michigan. This bill ensures our fisheries remain healthy and sustainable for future generations by creating a long-term, stable funding model.  Overall reactions to our post were very positive:

• 85% support on the GLSI Facebook page.
• 95% support across the 278 shares of our post.
• The Lake Michigan Citizens Fishery Advisory Council voted unanimously to advise DNR Director Scott Bowen to support this bill.

All proceeds from hatchery stamp will be dedicated for fish production and overdue maintenance on facilities.  This will facilitate increase stocking in inland waters. Great Lakes anglers, specifically recreational anglers,  can optimize their trolling spreads. It will make fishing better for all anglers across our state.

Here is how you can help to get this passed into law.   Contact your local House legislator by email, phone or their contact link on their webpage and let them know you support HB 5039 and want it adopted.  Here is a link to find the Michigan House Representative for your district.

www.michiganvotes.org/legislators

It helps to both email and call your House Representatives offices to urge them to support HB 5093. You can find their contact information at the link above. Legislators take notice when getting just a handful of calls so call today, it's very important.
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Chelsea, MI 48118

Legislation Introduced to Shore UpMDNR Fisheries Hatchery Budget_________________________________Proposed Legislation Creates a $5.00 Hatchery Stampand Raises the Cost of MI Resident Fishing Licenses by $2.00by Scott BrownIn an effort to offset the long term budget eroding effects of inflation and increased operational cost driven cuts experienced by Michigan’s fish stocking program, legislation has been introduced to the Michigan House of Representatives that if enacted would require the purchase of a $5.00 hatchery stamp to fish for hatchery produced cold water species stocked by the MDNR. The language of  House Bill 5093 of 2025  would also increase the cost of a Michigan resident fishing license to fish for non-stocked warm water species by $2.00.Introduced by State Representatives Curtis VanderWall (District 102), Ken Borton (105 District) Doug Wozniak (District 59), and Parker Fairbairn (105 District), most of the revenue generated by the sale of $5.00 hatchery stamps would go directly to the MDNR fisheries division to help offset the long-term effects of inflation, substantial increases in the overall cost of operating hatcheries, and the chronic failure of the state legislature to appropriate annual increases in state funding. Revenue generated by the $2.00 increase in the cost of a Michigan resident fishing license would be dedicated to enhancing inland warm water species (i.e. largemouth bass) fishing opportunities.Failure to enact  House Bill 5093  will most likely affect operations at MDNR run hatcheries that support production of coldwater fish species such as lake trout, brook trout, splake, Chinook salmon, Atlantic salmon, and steelhead. The MDNR operates the Marquette State Fish Hatchery, the Thompson State Fish Hatchery located near Manistique, the Oden Fish Hatchery located near Petoskey, the Harrietta State Fish Hatchery, the Platte River State Fish Hatchery located near Honor, and the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery located near Kalamazoo. The legislation is being pro-actively supported by Michigan United Conservation Clubs, the Great Lakes Salmon Initiative, and many other sportfishing focused organizations. It is important to note that sport fishing in Michigan generates approximately $2.4 billion annually in economic activity.