The DNR would be prohibited from spending more than 16 percent of money from the fish and wildlife account on department administration, according to a provision in the 1999-2001 budget proposal.

The account is supported primarily by the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, which raises about $60 million a year.

An audit of the department's fish and wildlife programs released last year showed that about 40 percent of the money collected from license sales was spent on activities primarily benefiting hunters and anglers.

About 35 percent was spent for the benefit of multiple users, and the rest went to department overhead and activities not directly supporting hunting and fishing, the audit said.

The proposal would make the department more accountable to the Legislature and the public, said Rep. DuWayne Johnsrud, R-Eastman.  He initially proposed a 10 percent cap on administrative spending from the fish and wildlife account.

"It's a gentle nudge for the DNR to get with it and get smarter," Johnsrud said.  "They're great at protecting the resources, but don't give them your money to invest."

The DNR is primarily concerned about how others define "spending," department officials said.

A cap could lead to "dramatic" cuts in services, depending on how those services are defined, DNR Budget Director Joseph Polasek said.

DNR Secretary George Meyer objected to the audit's description of licensing administration as an administrative function.  Meyer said it is a direct way in which the department delivers licenses to its customers.

Polasek said the budget unfairly singles out the DNR.  "If it's fair for the DNR, it should be fair for all state agencies."