A plan to eliminate state-owned and operated tree stock nurseries and cool water fish hatcheries by 2012 has drawn interest from the private sector and opposition from state labor unions.
HF1143, sponsored by Rep. Denny McNamara (R-Hastings), would phase out the Department of Natural Resources’ production of tree seedlings at two nurseries by reducing the planting by 20 percent each year for the next five years. The nurseries would be appraised for sale and the money deposited into the General Fund. Similarly the same steps would occur with hatcheries that produce walleyes and muskies that are used to stock state fishing lakes.
The bill was laid over for further consideration by the House Game, Fish and Forestry Division March 23. It has no Senate companion.
McNamara said private hatcheries spend 37 percent less than the DNR and often produce superior walleye fingerlings stock. Due to differences in methodologies, the private sector is able to grow more fingerlings per pound and the fish are more consistent in size.
Employees who have worked at the fish hatcheries for decades opposed the bill.
Dennis Blumke, president of AFSCME Local 694, has worked in both the forestry and fish sector of state government for more than 32 years. “Maintaining healthy lakes and forests is a government responsibility,” he said.
McNamara said state tree nurseries in Willow River and Akeley are only operating at up to 20 percent of their capacities. By law, they are required to break even, but they lost about $1 million from 2004 through 2006. About 35 permanent staff and 165 seasonal staff work at the state nurseries. Many are senior citizens from the local communities.
In addition, the DNR collects seeds for sale to private growers. McNamara said the two nurseries are in the same growing zone and do not provide the diversity needed to ensure native and diverse tree stock for planting throughout the state.
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