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Working at the Department of Natural Resources is the dream job for thousands of envious Hoosiers.
I was honored to join the department in January because protecting, conserving and planning for the future of the natural resources of our Indiana is one of the highest callings that any person can answer in a lifetime.
I have spent the past nine years as the state's Division of Tourism director, encouraging Hoosiers and people from neighboring states to enjoy Indiana.
With 18 million visitors a year, the DNR manages the largest network of tourist attractions in Indiana. I now look forward to recommending that people enjoy the best of natural Indiana at our state parks, forests, lakes, fish and wildlife areas, and our state historic sites.
This is a difficult time for the DNR and all state government agencies. Due to the national recession, fewer tax dollars are being collected to fund programs and services. The DNR will not spend $8 million planned for when state general fund revenues were more flush.
Although people who visit DNR properties and use our services pay to help support our programs, the taxpayer also picks up a large share of our operating costs.
Reduced tax revenues mean budget cuts and that means our properties will look different this summer. We may not open all our gatehouses, pools, beaches and campgrounds. The grass may not be mowed as often. There will be fewer free programs.
To be more self sufficient, the DNR is relying on a philosophy that has served us well for more than 80 years. It is called "user pays," and it has been a guiding principal since Col. Richard Lieber, our first state park director, instituted a 10-cent gate fee at McCormick's Creek State Park.
Thanks to the Natural Resources Commission, daily and annual entrance fees and camping fees are higher and help cover a larger share of facility and program operating expenses than they did a couple of years ago. That's a big help.
Our mission won't change. And you can be sure that we will always protect our natural resources, provide for recreation and manage our public lands for the benefit of the resources and the public.
We've had good fortune in the past five years in one-time expenses from state tax revenue to build nature centers, pave roads, upgrade electrical and sewage service for campers and improve our facilities. This is how we enhance and maintain our partnerships with local economies and the local tourism industry.
We have some challenges ahead, and we'll get through them. I'm looking forward to many exciting years at the DNR.
