Lethal cormorant control permits approved for Michigan, helps set management strategy
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) is moving forward with lethal cormorant control following a federal ruling. Double-crested cormorant populations were impacted heavily in the mid-1900s by pesticides like DDT. Federal protections followed and helped populations increase substantially. From 1985 to 2005, cormorant nest counts increased from near zero to about 60,000. From 2004…
Read MoreDNR proposed order to close swimming on state-managed beaches too vague
A proposed director’s order related to swimming from state-managed beaches grew in scope last week per a presentation from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The order, first proposed for information at the July Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting, would prohibit “exit[ing] the state managed beach area for the purpose of entry into the water…
Read MoreOTG: Caterpillar Foundation to Fund Tree Planting in Menominee County this September
The Caterpillar Foundation (of Caterpillar Inc.) announced in the spring of 2021 that it would be partnering with One Tree Planted, a nonprofit dedicated to global reforestation efforts, to collaborate on and fund tree plantings in 95 communities across the globe. According to the press release from the two organizations on April 22, 2021, these…
Read MoreDNR attempts to clarify proposed beach access order, presents deer survey at July NRC
A proposed director’s order that would limit swimming at state-managed beaches garnered the majority of public comment during last week’s monthly Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting. Other topics covered include: 2020 preliminary deer harvest survey results, the state’s land strategy, a fisheries order update and land transactions. Proposed restrictions on water entry from state-managed beaches…
Read MoreUpcoming River Clean-up Opportunities
Michigan United Conservation Clubs’ field programs are committed to improving habitat and creating memorable stewardship experiences for volunteers. On the calendar are two upcoming volunteer river clean-up events that aim to improve the aquatic habitat of two noteworthy Michigan rivers. Manistee River Clean-up The Manistee River is one of Michigan’s Wild and Scenic Rivers and…
Read MoreJuly NRC: DNR to present preliminary deer harvest survey results, consider land transactions and swimming closures
The Natural Resources Commission (NRC) will hear information about 2020 deer harvests and land transactions at their upcoming July meeting. On July 15, the NRC will hold its first in-person meeting since early 2020 at the Okemos Conference Center. There will not be a hybrid meeting option that allows for remote public comment, but MUCC…
Read MoreDNR director’s order would limit swimming at state-managed beaches on red flag days
A proposed director’s order up for information at the July 15 Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting would make it illegal to enter the water from state-managed beach areas during red flag days. Red flag days are universally accepted as a way to inform swimmers they should not enter the water because conditions are severe and…
Read More10-year anniversary: MUCC-led legislation paves the way for volunteer stewardship, habitat projects on public lands
Giving back to our public lands can take many forms — from planting a tree to clearing a field of rocks so it can be tilled to building small game brush piles. Oftentimes, conservationists’ most rewarding experiences are giving back rather than taking from the resource. What is little known, though, is that up until…
Read MoreMUCC’s OTG Gearing Up for a Busy Summer and Fall Habitat Improvement Event Season
Volunteer for wildlife with MUCC’s award-winning On the Ground (OTG) wildlife habitat improvement program. Founded in 2013, more than 3,200 Michiganders have volunteered for the wildlife and lands they love at habitat projects hosted across the state. A free lunch and OTG volunteer appreciation gift are given to every registered volunteer. In late summer and…
Read MoreAn Introduction to Trail Building
Once you’ve done a day of trail maintenance, you’ll never look at trails the same way. This was one of the many lessons imparted on me when I went to participate in a sustainable trail building design training with the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy(GTRLC). The training was for members of the Huron Pines AmeriCorps(HPA)…
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