PUBLIC LAND KEY TO FOREST PRODUCTS COMPANY INVESTMENT

The Governor’s 2015 Forest Products Summit, at the end of October in East Lansing, Michigan, brought together 150 representatives from industry, government, the financial sector, conservation and academia to continue actions started at the Governor’s 2013 Forest Products Summit to encourage growth of wood-using industries in the state. It is already paying dividends thanks to…

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CAMO AT THE CAPITOL | SAFETY ZONE, ANTI-POACHING BILLS PASSED IN HOUSE

Pro-hunting legislation to deter poaching and increase hunting access passed the House of Representatives today. The House passed HB 4239 unanimously and SB 244-246 by an average vote of 77-28. On September 9, during MUCC’s Camo at the Capitol lobby day, the original version of HB 4239 was amended in the Senate Committee on Outdoor…

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DEER FEEDING BILL PROMOTES SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT

Last week, on Tuesday the House Natural Resource Committee held a meeting regarding House Bill 4908, which deals with a repeal for a sunset on the authority of the Natural Resource Commission to issue an order regarding deer and elk feeding. We expect them to approve it this week. This is the same content of…

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In the Field: Deer Check in DMU 333

by Anna Mitterling, Wildlife Cooperative Coordinator Big doe down in CWD zone! My husband successfully harvested his first deer in our very own backyard. Talk about local meat. We found her about 200 feet away from the tree stand. James’ target practice this summer paid off, and his arrow had good placement. We gutted her,…

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GIANT INVASIVE "HOGS" HEADLINES; PREVENTION KEY

Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is one of the nastiest invasives around. Giant hogweed is originally from Asian, and was introduced as an ornamental. Hogweed is also invasive in Canada and part of Europe. It is spread by seed, and can easily crowd out native plants and takeover complete areas. When flowering, giant hogweed can reach…

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THREAT OF AVIAN INFLUENZA RETURNS WITH WILD BIRD MIGRATION

In the early summer, waterfowl hunters and poultry farmers alike heard disturbing news about highly pathogenic avian influenza virus reaching Michigan’s wild goose population in Macomb County. MDARD has released a statement this week that reminds waterfowl hunters that they shouldn’t be worried, but to take common sense precautions while processing waterfowl. The hunting seasons will continue…

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CAMO AT THE CAPITOL: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

With most of our minds our on the rut, getting deer camp plans squared away or celebrating/lamenting the game in Ann Arbor, here at the Michigan United Conservation Clubs office we’re also anticipating some very important legislative activity this week. Two hunting bills that were featured as priorities at our September 9 Camo at the…

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NO FISH-KILLING MICROBEADS IN THE GREAT LAKES, NO EXCEPTIONS

Michigan United Conservation Clubs has been working with the Michigan Salmon and Steelhead Fishermen’s Association to enact a ban on fish-killing microbeads in the Great Lakes. However, the recent legislation proposed to do just such a thing leaves a loophole for undefined “biodegradable” microbeads. Here is our letter in opposition to the legislation:   Re: HB…

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In the Field: Tracking Mast Production

by Anna Mitterling, Wildlife Cooperative Coordinator What is MiMast? MiMast is an application that allows you to track mast production on your property. Examples of mast include acorns, berries, and other fruits or nuts that trees and shrubs produce. Why Use it? Mast crops have a direct impact on wildlife productivity and survival, and being able to track…

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