Policy
Current bill to restrict boating practices likely to change
On March 13, House Bill 4362 was introduced by Rep. Jason Sheppard (R-Temperance) of the 56th district. The bill was referred to the House Government Operations Committee (which he chairs), and it has not had a hearing as of yet. As introduced, this bill would limit the operation of a vessel on public inland waters…
Read MoreBait barrel use on public land approved at this month’s Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting
Another month, another Natural Resources Commission meeting down. March’s NRC meeting was held at Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire, Michigan. If you missed it, feel free to go back and watch our posted videos of the meeting on our Facebook page here. The day started with the Outdoor Recreation Advisory Committee (ORAC). This committee was…
Read MoreFunding for Chronic Wasting Disease and PFAs outlined in the Executive Budget
Last Tuesday, the executive branch proposed the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Most notable is the $2.3 million earmarked for research of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Of that allotment, $2 million is one-time funding for the research on the transmission, spread, and prevention of the disease. And $300,000 is ongoing funding to support the…
Read MoreMarch NRC Preview
Fisheries Order 200.19 A, which would reinstate a 10-brook trout limit on 33 UP streams, is up for information at the March 14th Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting The meeting will take place in Parlor Room A at Shanty Creek Resort. Shanty Creek Resort is located at 5780 Shanty Creek Rd, Bellaire, Michigan 49615. If…
Read MoreVanderWall’s Senate Bill 37 would allow baiting and feeding of white-tailed deer, elk
Deer hunting is an outdoor tradition enjoyed by more than 600,000 residents and brings considerable impact to the Michigan economy and the conservation of all fish and wildlife due to the license revenue it generates. Because deer and elk are an integral part of Michigan’s ecosystem and economy, the conveyance of disease among deer, other…
Read MoreGroundbreaking, Bipartisan Natural Resource Management Legislation Passes U.S. Senate
Senate Bill 47 (S. 47) passed the U.S. Senate last week with measures to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund and support other important conservation programing across the nation. The Natural Resource Management Act of 2019 was co-sponsored by Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-AK, and Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-WA. This bill represents a major…
Read MoreFebruary NRC Recap
Bear, lake and brook trout regulations, and APRs were debated at Thursday’s Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting. Proposed regulations were for information only and no action was taken. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and NRC also received criticism from stakeholders regarding their handling of brook trout regulations in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Bear regulations The…
Read MoreGov. Whitmer’s State of the State Address Frames Key Issues that Face the State of Michigan
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer gave her first State of the State address from inside the Michigan House Chamber beside Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake and Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield, R-Levering. She started off her address by thanking those that have kept Michiganders safe during the dangerous weather conditions…
Read MoreCWD Updates and Bear Regulations up for Information at February Natural Resources Commission Meeting
Commissioners will be discussing chronic wasting disease, bear and trout harvest regulations, migratory game bird seasons and land exchanges on Thursday at the February Natural Resources Commission meeting. The meeting will take place in rooms 101-103 at the Lansing Center. It is located at 333 E. Michigan Avenue Lansing, Michigan 48933. If you are unable…
Read MoreConservation Legend, Former U.S. Rep. John Dingell Jr. Passed Away Thursday
Conservationists lost a friend yesterday. And we say friend because the English language has no words to epitomize such a great human, leader and king of conservation. Former U.S. Rep John D. Dingell Jr. passed away on Thursday. His wife, U.S Rep. Debbie Dingell, confirmed his passing after 9 p.m. to press organizations. Dingell was…
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