Nick Green, Author at Michigan United Conservation Clubs

Despite being unable to hold its Annual Convention in-person, Michigan United Conservation Clubs’ members voted through 14 resolutions in an online format that ended this week. In total, 24 policy resolutions were brought forth for members to weigh. Given the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 and the in-person, grassroots debate that makes MUCC so powerful, no resolutions…

The Michigan Legislature approved an appropriations bill this week for the initial stages of the Brandon Road Lock and Dam project – the final choke point for invasive Asian carp before reaching the Great Lakes. In March 2020 amid COVID-19 budget constraints, Gov. Whitmer line-item vetoed the $8 million that was earmarked as Michigan’s contribution…

The 2000 Great Lakes Consent Decree between the state, the federal government and five sovereign Native American tribes has been extended per an order handed down by a federal judge last week. In early July, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians filed a motion in federal court in the Western District of Michigan…

The 2000 Great Lakes Consent Decree is set to expire in August, and a court proceeding filed by one Upper Peninsula tribe could end sportfishing as we know it in much of the Great Lakes. Since 1985, a large portion of Michigan’s Great Lakes fishery has been divided up under an agreement between five of…

Gov. Whitmer announced three appointments to the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) on Tuesday. The seven-member body is tasked with regulating the take of game and sportfish and is authorized to name new game species and establish the first hunting season. The body is also required to remain bipartisan, meaning that no more than four members…

A second year of a pheasant release pilot program in Michigan will not happen in fall 2020 due to economic implications from COVID-19, but hope for a long-term funding source is not gone. Given Michigan’s projected budget shortfall of about $7 billion over the next two years from COVID-19 fallout, state departments are being forced…

Outdoor shooting ranges in Michigan were allowed to open their doors to the public this week per one of the governor’s newest executive orders. MUCC has been working on reopening outdoor ranges to the public since the beginning of the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive orders, including writing a letter to the governor’s office and…

Fishing guides are permitted back to work May 7 per Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s most recent executive order, but gun clubs will still not be open to the general public. Last week, Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) sent two letters to Gov. Whitmer. The first provided language that would allow fishing guides to safely return to…

Fishing guides and outdoor shooting ranges should be among the next outdoor industries to reopen for Michigan citizens. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is expected to announce Friday that the construction industry will be able to resume work May 7 providing adherence to strict social distancing protocols. Gov. Whitmer has explicitly stated throughout the reopening process that…

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Friday that the arbitrary and unconstitutional ban on motorized boats has been rescinded. Although neither the word “boat” nor “motor” ever appeared in Executive Order 2020-42, law enforcement officers, under direction from Gov. Whitmer and Department of Natural Resources Director Dan Eichinger, have written tickets citing anglers for violations of the…

Posts by Nick Green

2020 MUCC Online Annual Convention Results

Michigan Lawmakers restore funds to keep invasive carp out of the Great Lakes

New NRC Commissioners Appointed

Pheasant Release Called Off for 2020, Hope for Stamp Still Stands

Outdoor shooting ranges open to public

Fishing guides can hit the water May 7, still no answer for gun ranges

Guides, ranges should be included in next industry reopenings

Motorboat ban rescinded following MUCC suit