Capitol News

State Representatives Ken Borton, Dave Martin, Dave Prestin, and Angela Rigas have expressed their support for the House Oversight Committee's decision to investigate the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for alleged misuse of power. The committee has authorized Chairman Jay DeBoyer to issue subpoenas seeking documents related to the DNR's population control measures involving Canada geese and its enforcement actions against pig farmers and game ranches.

Angela Rigas noted that previous requests for documentation from the DNR were met with delays. She criticized the department's handling of taxpayer funds, stating, "For over a decade, a taxpayer-funded department has been waging war against honest pig farmers and game ranchers."

Dave Martin emphasized the need for transparency from the DNR: "We need the department to spell out exactly how these clear abuses of power happened so we can ensure they never happen again." He accused the DNR of obstructing efforts to obtain information necessary for legislative oversight.

Testimonies presented at a recent subcommittee hearing highlighted concerns over an Invasive Species Order by the DNR that significantly reduced pig ranch numbers in Michigan since 2012. David Prestin criticized this order as based on flawed science: "The DNR’s ridiculous Invasive Species Order labels heritage breed hogs as dangerous ‘wild Russian boar’ that must be exterminated."

Ken Borton shared his sympathy for affected farmers: "I feel for the people that have been forced to watch as the DNR uses their tax dollars to destroy the livelihoods of honest farmers and outdoorsmen."

The subpoenas also target information on a paused euthanasia program for Canada geese. Lawmakers aim to understand better how such decisions align with or diverge from traditional practices within the DNR.