Recreation Passport Opt-Out Proposal Highlighted in Budget Considerations

The recreation passport opt-out proposal was the focus of the budget considerations for the state’s natural resources department. Throughout the last two weeks, Scott Bowen, director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), presented the department’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2024-25 to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural…

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Navigating Forest Road Closures

Without a place to start, navigating forest road closures can be a difficult process.  Public Act 288 directs the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to inventory, provide maps and provide the criteria for closure of any of Michigan’s state forest roads and trails.  The act states that in developing the system, the department will consider…

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December NRC Preview

June NRC meeting preview

Deer season updates will be outlined by deer, elk and moose management specialist Chad Stewart at the upcoming December Natural Resources Commission (NRC) Meeting. The meeting will be held on Thursday, Dec. 14, at 9:30 am at Lansing Community College.  Andrew Briggs of the Fisheries Division will kick off the meeting with the committee’s Lake…

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MUCC Conservation Policy Board Sends Resolutions to Convention

The MUCC Conservation Policy Board was busy last Saturday, with a walleye lunch and 11 resolutions to review at Perch Point Conservation Club.  One resolution was an emergency resolution and was up for information only. The December meeting was the final Policy Board meeting before the Annual Convention.  In total, 14 resolutions and one emergency…

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November NRC Preview

Michigan United Conservation Clubs board voted to oppose lower steelhead bag limits at the upcoming November Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting. The meeting will be held on Thursday, Nov. 9 at 9:30 am at Lansing Community College.  Commissioners will consider one order: the MUCC-opposed amendment to proposed Fisheries Order 200.23A that would lower the bag…

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March 2023 NRC Preview

Bear regulations and license quotas are up for action at the March Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting. The meeting will be held at 9 a.m. at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire and will be preceded by Coffee with Commissioners at 8 a.m.  There are 11 proposed action items and one technical change listed in the…

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Governor Whitmer Releases Executive Budget Proposal

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released her executive budget proposal for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 this week, highlighting several natural resources priorities. Within the governor’s budget, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would receive $529.4 million, including $52.3 million in general fund investment. Some highlights include: $43 million in general fund will help Belle Isle…

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MUCC Welcomes New Policy Intern

Hello! I’m Tess Bradley, MUCC’s new Policy Fellow. I was born and raised in Ludington, Michigan, and I’ve always loved nature and the outdoors. How could I not, with Lake Michigan in my backyard, countless trails to explore in the Ludington State Park, and rolling sand dunes all along the shoreline? I grew up with…

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