Tag: DNR (page 2)

Under the guise of "invasive species" enforcement, the DNR's director Stokes, has set loose a force on small farms and family run operations which for decades have raised certain types of swine that are considered dangerous and damaging in the wild.  These types of pigs can apparently reproduce quite easily.  However, the pigs are said to be aggressive, and damaging to forests and wildlands if allowed to get loose.

so by fiat, the Director decided to simply eradicate the problem by destroying the livelihood of game pig farmers and other swine herds that MAY have certain strains of the feral breeds in them.

In July of 2011, the department, likely under the suggestions of Snyder's advisory team gave the operations that might be affected a few more months to kill their stock.  And the the Michigan Animal Farmers Association had appealed for declaratory relief citing the rules for invasive designation.  MAFA argued on behalf of those small farms that what the DNR is calling an invasive danger, does not meet all the requirements to be classified as such.

The suit by MAFA unfortunately did not meet the appeals court standard, which effectively strengthened executive authority in ALL areas.  

This is getting as ugly as predicted.  One farmer writes:

"I was served a search warrant yesterday at 7: 45am.

After 8 guys 3 four wheelers, and 4 hours, DNR decided I was correct. I have killed all my hogs. They gave me papers that say I do not have any hogs on my property. All they saw were dead hogs laying around from my mass slaughtering. It took 12 guys 4 times in there to kill all of them, sows with young, Pregnant sows, dozens of piglets, and old mature boars. It has been a sad few weeks.

Does anyone know what it feels like to open fire on 20 baby piglets in one group which weigh between 5lbs and 15 lbs. They are so adorable and cute.

They commented to everyone that they never saw a fence built so tough and no way would a hog get out of this area. I trenched 2′ then installed chain link fencing, then a 10′ high tightlock fence on top of that. ( 200 acre area ) They never saw a fence like that."

Warrants served, without a day in court and exterminations of livestock ordered when there is no threat to ANYONE.  Strong walls, fences, containment, etc.  None of it matters to the goose stepping DNR masters of Michigan.  Consider this a vision of what is to come along with the [not so] slowly developing agenda 21 takings.

I thought it strange when the DNR spokesman talked about the singular "Expert" that was relied upon when deciding to end the livelihood of many small farmers in our state, but this next piece takes the cake. From the PPJ Gazette:

"On the Michigan DNR's website, when attempting to explain what it is doing about feral swine, it is stated that "The DNR has declared Sus Scrofa, one species of swine, an invasive species in Michigan. As such, possession of this species is now prohibited in Michigan. This was a move by Michigan DNR to join other states in the battle against feral swine, as well as to align with the National Invasive Species Laboratory's stance on feral swine." (emphasis mine)

There's just one thing!
There is no "National Invasive Species Laboratory."

Tis true. (I have saved a copy of the site in case it is removed) And as noted perhaps there is a similar sounding group, or something.  But even if it was the closest match, the forest service, tied in with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, well uhh...  The next question becomes "why is the DNR aligning itself with a UN creation?"

What gives Rick Snyder?  Is your DNR a little off the reservation lately, or is it all a part of the plan?

Folks, the fact that the state agency, on the heels of a dramatic issuance of great harm to our citizens, would back up that decision with a bogus institution should be troubling at the least.  If the agenda cannot be forwarded legitimately, is this the best they can do for pulling the non invasive wool over our eyes?

Feral swine are loose in the DNR.  Rutting out our forests of Business.  

This is NOT an April fools joke.

On Sunday, April 1, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources began active enforcement of an Invasive Species Order declaring certain types of swine illegal in Michigan.  Storm troopers under order of the DNR began a "pig sweep" to root out those with particular characteristics. As part of that effort on Tuesday, April 3 the department's Law Enforcement Division conducted inspections of six properties that in the past may have had prohibited swine. The inspections were conducted with permission of the landowners. Each of the properties was found to be free of prohibited swine and therefore in compliance with the Invasive Species Order.

Those facilities, farms or individuals still in possession of prohibited swine are in violation of the law and could face criminal or civil penalties under Part 413 of the state's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.  For harboring fugitive pigs. Randy Stokes, the DNR director says:

"Our intent from the beginning of this Invasive Species Order has been to enforce the law while minimizing the impact on individuals and livelihoods. For that reason, we provided additional time and assistance for ranch owners, breeders and others to remove prohibited animals from their properties prior to the April 1 enforcement deadline. The additional time allowed property owners to adjust their business plans to minimize economic hardship. We will continue to work cooperatively with property owners where we can."

Check.