MDNR foia request

[swampy]

Has anyone ever submitted a freedom of info. Request to the MDNR. Wondering if they are willing and the cost's involved.

I found the number to the person in charge of that, just looking for personal expierience.

I want to request info on the co-op coordinator position, how the program is administered and funded.

[ridge]

www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/DNR-FOIA-Procedure_482014_7.pdf

Home

National Freedom of Information CoalitionProtecting Your Right to Open Government

Michigan Sample FOIA Request







[Your Name]

[Street Address]

[City, ST ZIP Code]





[Date]





[Name of Custodian of Records]

[Title]

[Company Name]

[Street Address]

[City, ST ZIP Code]





Dear [custodian of records]:





Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act § 15.231 et seq., I am requesting an opportunity to inspect or obtain copies of public records that [Describe the records or information sought with enough detail for the public agency to respond. Be as specific as your knowledge of the available records will allow. But it is more important to describe the information you are seeking.]





If there are any fees for searching or copying these records, please inform me if the cost will exceed $______. However, I would also like to request a waiver of all fees in that the disclosure of the requested information is in the public interest and will contribute significantly to the public’s understanding of ___________ [Here, you can identify yourself as a representative of the news media if applicable and state that your request is related to news gathering purposes.] This information is not being sought for commercial purposes.







The Michigan Freedom of Information Act requires a response to this request within five days. If access to the records I am requesting will take longer than this amount of time, please contact me with information about when I might expect copies or the ability to inspect the requested records.







If you deny any or all of this request, please cite each specific exemption you feel justifies the refusal to release the information and notify me of the appeal procedures available to me under the law.





Thank you for considering my request.





Sincerely,





[Your Name]



[Your Phone number]

[ridge]

Sample FOIA letter




By Shawn Smith  MLive

on March 12, 2007 at 1:54 PM, updated March 12, 2007 at 1:55 PM

FILE FOR YOURSELF



Anyone can file a Freedom of Information Act request at any government agency in Michigan.



Below is a sample of the basic letter used by The Times:



DATE:



TO: (FOIA coordinator's name, agency)



RE: (Subject of request)



Dear (FOIA coordinator):



Under provisions of the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCLA 15.231 et seq; MSA 4.1801 (1) et seq) I am requesting (copies of, or access to):



(Insert specific, detailed description of information you are seeking).



If you determine that some of the requested information is exempt from disclosure, please detail what is being withheld and cite the exemption under FOIA.



If fees to comply with this request exceed $10, please contact me at (list phone number).



As provided under FOIA, I would anticipate my request being filled within five working days of receipt of this letter.



Sincerely,



(Your name)

[ridge]

www.splc.org/page/lettergenerator

Here is another way to put together a FOIA form by the student press law center.

I believe that daappleknocker may have submitted one in the past.  I am not positive but you could message him.

[munster]

I've FOIA'd data from the DNR before, there was no cost because I received the data in an electronic format, if they have to make hard copies they will charge you for the copying cost.

Keep in mind, FOIA is for existing documents or data, all they will do will give you copies. It sounds like you are looking for a description or explanation of what the duties of a particular position entail, unless there is some kind of written job description, a FOIA request may not be appropriate.

It's also been my experience that for the most part the DNR is more than happy to provide data or answer questions without having to go through the FOIA process, you may be better off figuring out who the appropriate person is that can answer your question and then just give them a call or send them an email.