LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Nine Michigan lawmakers sent a letter to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Thursday addressing what they say are “attempts to hike prices for Michigan residents” at every turn.

Those price hikes include proposed increases on hunting, fishing, and boating licenses. The DNR also wants to shift annual recreation passports on license plates from “opt in” to “opt out.” Lawmakers argue people could unknowingly purchase a passport.

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In the letter to DNR Director Scott Bowen, the lawmakers demanded the department stop pushing additional costs onto Michigan residents.  Rep. Dave Prestin (R-Cedar River), one of the letter’s authors,  said the DNR is no stranger to wasteful spending and failing programs. “Instead of looking internally to find ways to cut costs and fund park improvements, DNR leadership is trying to sneak through increased fees and policy changes to pay for their own shortcomings,” said Prestin.

Prestin also added “We need to encourage more people to get out of the house and into the woods. Forcing people to pay more to do something they already were hesitant to do will not boost outdoor recreational participation [and] it will only make the problem worse.”

The cost for a Michigan recreation passport depends on the vehicle, but prices can range from $7 to $21.

In addition, Prestin took issue with the hurried lame-duck approach as the Michigan legislature winds down its calendar year. The Democrat majority in Lansing will cease on Jan. 1 when Republicans take over the House.