House Joint Resolution Z might be the most confusing initiative voters will face.

It asks whether there should be constitutional protection given to funds so they are earmarked only for environmental and outdoors use. The money going into the funds would come mostly from the fees people pay for licenses to hunt, fish and participate in other outdoor activities.

These funds would be set aside and couldn't be touched by the state government to fill in gaps in the budget or for other purposes, said Donna Stine, assistant director of policy for the Michigan Conservation Clubs.

In the past, money earned from things such as hunting, fishing and boating licenses went into specific funds that could go toward the general fund in every fiscal year's budget, but this initiative gives these funds constitutional protection.

Kate Madigan, deputy policy director for the Michigan Environmental Council, said it's important the funds, which would go toward environmental protection, are secure in difficult economic times.

"It's important that there is adequate funding to protect wildlife and waterways and for other funds that maintain our state lands," Madigan said.