Conservationists highlight need for better habitat, wildlife protections from changing climate

lschultz • September 26, 2023

Michigan United Conservation Clubs, as part of the Changing Seasons workgroup, presented an updated briefing book to legislators highlighting critical actions to be taken to protect wildlife and habitat from a changing climate on Tuesday.

Conservation leaders, emphasizing the importance of informed legislative action, presented their findings to the Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee on September 26 to draw attention to conservationists’ critical role in advocating for change.

“Helping legislators understand the importance of what hunters, anglers, and trappers are seeing on the ground is critical,” said Amy Trotter, Michigan United Conservation Club’s Chief Executive Officer. ” We are the eyes and ears in the field; we see the devastation warming streams and more volatile weather events cause. We must first help legislators understand the impact of a changing climate and ensure fish and wildlife are considered when climate resiliency legislation is drafted.”

“The problems we see negatively impacting fish and wildlife will only be exacerbated as our climate changes more rapidly,” said Marc Smith, policy director for the National Wildlife Federation’s Great Lakes Regional Center. “On-the-ground insight from conservation professionals in this report will help us craft better policy addressing wildlife, their habitats, and the negative impacts we see.”

The updated report , a collaborative effort of conservationists, nonprofits, state agencies, and legislators, sheds light on the urgent need for climate resiliency legislation. It underscores the necessity of addressing climate change’s profound effects on wildlife and ecosystems.

Hunting and fishing contribute $11.2 B and 171,000 jobs to Michigan annually . These jobs depend on cold streams with healthy trout, woods free from Lyme-disease-carrying ticks, healthy deer and upland bird populations, and salmon for anglers to catch. These leaders’ voices represent a call to action, urging policymakers to consider the firsthand observations of those who are closest to the land and wildlife. As climate change accelerates, they emphasize the importance of crafting effective policies that protect and preserve our natural resources.

The Changing Seasons workgroup comprises Michigan United Conservation Clubs, National Wildlife Federation, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Michigan Steelhead and Salmon Fishermen’s Association, Trout Unlimited, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Ruffed Grouse Society, Safari Club International, Michigan Charter Boat Association, Michigan Resource Stewards and Association of Conservation Districts.

Recent Posts

On the Ground: Brush Piles and Invasive Species at Denmark Township Mini State Game Area

By Olivia Triltsch • May 21, 2026
On Friday, May 15, 2026, high school students who are part of the Reese High Outdoors Club joined MUCC’s On the Ground Junior program and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at the Denmark Township Mini State Game Area. Students completed a wildlife habitat improvement project by clearing a grassland habitat of invasive woody growth maintained for pheasants. Using the cut vegetation from the area, students constructed several large brush piles throughout the site to benefit small mammals and other wildlife in the area. Maintaining open grassland habitat is important for supporting species that rely on early successional cover for cover or feeding. Due to suppression of natural disturbances, active management helps to control woody vegetation from gradually overtaking the areas and reducing habitat quality for species that rely on the grassland. The project area is near fields planted by the DNR to provide both habitat and food sources for wildlife, making these improvements part of a larger habitat management effort on the property. In total, students directly improved 10 acres of wildlife habitat through this project. Beyond the on-the-ground impact, the event also allowed students to try a hands-on conservation experience and the ability to contribute to habitat management and public land stewardship in Michigan. Projects like this continue to demonstrate the value of engaging the next generation in Michigan's outdoor heritage and wildlife conservation efforts.

On the Ground: Jack Pine Planting Day 2026

By Olivia Triltsch • May 7, 2026
On Saturday, May 2, 2026, a group of dedicated volunteers joined Kirtland's Warbler Alliance, Huron Pines, Saginaw Children’s Zoo, and MUCC's OTG program in planting approximately 4,800 jack pine saplings within the Grayling Forest Management Unit in Crawford County. Jack pines are a critical nesting habitat feature for the once-threatened Kirtland’s warbler. In total, volunteers directly impacted about 7 acres of land were prepared by the Michigan DNR for this planting to allow volunteers to maximize their efforts across the land. This is one of our annual events that is perfect for helpers of all ages and interests.

MUCC Announces Dissolution After Nearly 90 Years of Conservation Advocacy

May 4, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) announces its decision to dissolve after nearly 90 years of conservation advocacy, citing ongoing financial challenges and outlining next steps in an orderly wind-down process.
More Posts