Policy
MUCC Submits Public Comment Opposing Camp Grayling
The nation’s largest statewide conservation organization submitted its official comment regarding the proposed 162,000-acre expansion of Camp Grayling on Thursday. Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) is a grassroots conservation organization whose 30,000-plus members and more than 200 affiliate clubs set the policy for the nonprofit. Since 1937, MUCC has protected the rights of hunters, anglers,…
Read MoreAngling coalition says State of Michigan is not representing its members; hearing set for late August
A coalition fighting to protect Michigan’s sport fish and recreational fishing will have its request to intervene in a treaty right case heard in federal court on August 25. The Coalition to Protect Michigan Resources (CPMR) and Bay De Noc Great Lakes Sport Fishermen jointly seek to intervene because they believe the State of Michigan…
Read MorePublic comment regarding Camp Grayling expansion on state-owned lands needed
With no specific deadline for public comment regarding the proposed expansion of the National Guard base, those interested should submit comments sooner rather than later. In June, the National Guard announced its intention to expand Camp Grayling’s current lease of 148,000 acres to 315,000 acres — more than doubling its current footprint on public land.…
Read MoreDNR using non-disclosure agreement to thwart growing opposition in fish negotiations
On Monday, a conservation coalition fighting to protect recreational fishing in Michigan’s Great Lakes filed a rebuttal to state and tribal filings in federal court (click to read). The Coalition to Protect Michigan Resources (CPMR) filed to intervene in the ongoing Consent Decree negotiations between five sovereign Native American Tribes, the State of Michigan and…
Read MoreMUCC Submits Comments on 2022 Draft Wolf Management Plan, Public Comments Due by August 4th
On Tuesday, Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) submitted to the Department of Natural Resources comments on the 2022 Draft Michigan Wolf Management Plan. MUCC, representing its 40,000 members and 200 member clubs, submitted to DNR Director Dan Eichinger a series of recommendations to improve the plan for Michigan’s hunters, trappers, and conservationists. The full letter…
Read MoreMichigan DNR Receives Unprecedented General Fund Appropriations
Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the general government appropriation legislation for fiscal year 2023 (FY23) beginning October 1, 2022. The appropriation provides unprecedented levels of general fund investment for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). MUCC views much of this money as transformational for the department, particularly for fisheries division, said Michigan United Conservation…
Read MoreNew state game area, expansion included in $45.6 M appropriation
On Tuesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an appropriations bill funding the full slate of Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) recommendations. SB 1028 appropriates $45.6 million in funding for projects including the acquisition of a new state game area (SGA) in Berrien County and the expansion of the Portland SGA. Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC)…
Read MoreAngling, conservation organizations file motion to intervene in ongoing consent decree
A coalition of conservation organizations filed a motion to intervene Wednesday in the ongoing consent decree negotiations between the State of Michigan, federal government and five sovereign Native American tribes. Judge Paul Maloney will decide on the motion, filed in a Western Michigan federal court (click to view the filing brief). The Coalition to Protect…
Read MoreMichigan DNR skirting Proposal G, citing previous statute
The intent of one of Michigan’s most sacred conservation victories is being challenged by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Proposal G of 1996 was a legislatively referred referendum passed by about 69 percent of Michigan voters. It granted the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) exclusive authority over the taking of game and requires the…
Read MoreDoes Camp Grayling lease expansion fall within the DNR’s mission?
Expansion proposal leaves questions unanswered The DNR’s public meeting regarding the proposed lease expansion of Camp Grayling Wednesday left attendees with more questions than answers. The National Guard wants to expand the base’s current lease of 147,000 acres to 309,000 acres — more than doubling its current footprint. In order for the guard to do…
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