MUCC, Lt. Governor Present First Michigan Keeper of the Great Lakes Award

Lansing, Mich. — Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC), Lt. Governor John Cherry and the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes (OGL) recently awarded Dr. Charles M. Nelson of St. Johns the first Michigan Keeper of the Great Lakes Award at the State Capitol. The award complimented the announcement of Michigan's strategy for Great Lakes Restoration by MUCC and Lt. Governor Cherry – it is the first in a series of recognitions designed to recognize Michigan's Great Lakes restoration heroes.

Dr. Nelson received the award for his leadership in collaborating with the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, the Michigan DNR, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and non-governmental organizations like Ducks Unlimited, Partners for Fish and Wildlife, and the Shiawassee Flats Citizens and Hunters Association to conserve Michigan wetland and associated upland habitats. Together, Dr. Nelson and these groups procured over $13.8 million in North American Wetland Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant and matching monies, leading to the conservation of 18,073 acres of wetlands and associated uplands in Great Lakes coastal zones, particularly in Saginaw Bay, Lake St. Clair and western Lake Erie.

"The effort between Dr. Nelson and Ducks Unlimited is an excellent example of how one dedicated person and well-organized conservation organizations can make a difference in protecting the habitats critical to the health of the Great Lakes and its wildlife," said MUCC Policy Director Donna Stine. "There are many stories like Dr. Nelson's, and the Michigan Keeper of the Great Lakes Award will serve to recognize and inspire future stewards of the Great Lakes."

In addition to receiving the Michigan Keeper of the Great Lakes Award, Dr. Nelson was also recognized with a Special Tribute by State Rep. Paul Opsommer (R-DeWitt), State Senator Alan Cropsey (R-DeWitt) and the Michigan Legislature for his ongoing dedication to restore and protect the Great Lakes.

Dr. Nelson is a faculty member in the Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University. His focus is on teaching, research and outreach about natural resources policy and outdoor recreation.

Editor’s Note: Additional information about the appointment of Dennis Muchmore to the MNRTF can be found at http://mucc.org/press/releases/021508-dennistrust.php.

###