Blog Category: DNR Updates

On Friday Afternoon Governor Whitmer announced the appointment of former Congressman Dan Killdee to serve as the chair of the Natural Resources Commission. From her press release: "Former Congressman Dan Kildee, of Flint Township, has recently been named president and chief executive officer of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint following his six terms of service in Congress. Kildee holds a Bachelor of Science in administration with a concentration in community development from Central Michigan University. Dan Kildee is appointed as a Democrat for a term commencing January 17, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2028. Kildee is also appointed as chair of the commission for a term commencing January 17, 2025, and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. Kildee succeeds Thomas Baird, whose term has expired. "  Commissioner Kildee joins recently appointed James Laporte to fill vacancies. Commissioner Cozad's term also expired at the end of 2024. Commissioner Cozad can continue his service until he is reappointed, or another appointment is made. The next NRC meeting is Thursday February 13.

The December Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting takes place next Thursday, December 12, at 9:30 a.m. at the Lansing Community College West Campus. There are no orders up for information or action for either the commission or the director. There is a number of award presentations and a recognition of Chair Tom Baird who is leaving the commission after the December meeting. The commission will also be hearing an update about the Deer Management Initiative (DMI) and what that group may look like going forward. There are four land transactions on the agenda. MUCC reviews all land transactions exceeding 80 acres, of which there are three. Land Transaction Case #20230006 is an exchange of 80 acres of state-owned land for 80 acres of private land. Land Transaction Case #20230183 is an exchange of 80 acres of state-owned land, marked as “dispose” in the state land review, for 120 acres of privately owned land. Land Transaction Case #20240089 is a sale of 350 acres of DNR owned land for the Saab munition facility. Appointments to fill vacancies on the commission are expected soon, Commissioner’s Baird and Cozad terms expire on December 31, and the vacancy from the resignation of Commissioner Robin Clark remains open. Commission Cozad is eligible for reappointment. To ensure our natural resources remain protected and managed thoughtfully and our outdoor heritage defended, join Michigan United Conservation Clubs today: http://bit.ly/JoinMUCC .

Calling all anglers! Support fisheries research, reel in exciting prizes, and explore the beauty of Midwest waters by diving into the Midwest Walleye Challenge! Last week, in a press release, the Michigan DNR highlighted the Midwest Walleye Challenge.  The DNR is partnering with Angler’s Atlas to host this walleye fishing challenge. It occurs through June… The post Cast for Conservation with the Midwest Walleye Challenge appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

On Tuesday, April 23, the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) published a notice of their findings for Lake Sturgeon populations.   The FWS conducted this finding to determine whether or not the lake sturgeon should be listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).   The FWS is required under the ESA to review any petitions that contain… The post Lake Sturgeon Update appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

Budgets for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have been proposed by the Michigan House (HB 5512) and Senate (SB 759) Appropriations Subcommittees for fiscal years 2024 and 2025.  Funding for the Sportsmen Against Hunger (SAH) program is a high priority for Michigan United Conservation Clubs, but was not in the Governor’s proposed budget. This… The post Michigan House and Senate Appropriation Subcommittees Propose DNR Budget appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

Deer Management Initiative (DMI) updates are scheduled at the upcoming April Natural Resources Commission (NRC) Meeting. The meeting, on Thursday, April 11, will be held in the Gannon Building at the Lansing Community College downtown campus, located at 600 N. Grand Ave Lansing, MI, and is set to start at 9:00 a.m. The Fisheries Committee’s… The post April NRC Preview appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

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… The post Recreation Passport Opt-Out Proposal Highlighted in Budget Considerations appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

The 2023 pheasant release season begins October 20 across Michigan’s state game areas (SGA). After a limited 2022 release season due to poor timing of legislative appropriations the 2023 season is looking much more robust. There are four new release sites and triple the number of birds put on the ground compared to 2022.  MUCC… The post 2023 Pheasant Release Season Begins October 20 appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

This morning, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointment of former lottery commissioner Scott Bowen as the new director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Bowen will fill a vacancy left by former director Dan Eichinger when he moved to the  Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy. Shannon Lott, who had been acting director,… The post Gov. Whitmer announces new DNR Director appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

The commission set deer regulations for the 2023-2025 seasons at the June NRC meeting with public comment and amendments taking up much of the meeting. At the May Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting, Wildlife Conservation Order #7 of 2023 was up for information. The order regulates white-tailed deer hunting in Michigan and has been an… The post June 2023 NRC Recap appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) seeks public input on its 2025 Forest Management Plans. According to the DNR these plans are necessary “to keep Michigan’s nearly 4 million acres of state forest healthy and thriving.” A number of open houses are planned across the state. These open houses serve as informal meetings to… The post DNR Seeking Public Input on Forest Management Plans appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced an extension of the public comment deadline surrounding the 162,000-acre Camp Grayling lease expansion on Michigan public lands. A public meeting will be held tomorrow at 6 p.m. at Kirtland Community College (4800 W. 4 Mile Road, Grayling). Members of the public are welcome to attend and… The post ‘Evolving military training methods’ cited for possible 162,000-acre lease expansion on state lands appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

Michigan State University Researchers, stakeholder organizations and the Michigan DNR are looking for public input on the creation of a Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) outreach and education plan. The results of nearly 18 months of work with a pandemic interruption, we are seeking interested people to join in the planning process. A charrette is a… The post CWD Charrette Team Needs Public Input appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

This letter was sent to Governor Gretchen Whitmer in response to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission unanimously approving Wildlife Conservation Order Amendment 1 of 2022. Dear Governor Whitmer, On March 10, 2022, the Michigan Natural Resources Commission unanimously voted to expand bobcat hunting and trapping opportunities in Michigan. The order was drafted and supported by… The post MUCC letter to Gov. Whitmer underscores bobcat hunting, trapping expansions appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.