Consumers Energy Teams up with OTG at Dansville State Game Area

Americorps • April 17, 2019

OTG has partnered with Consumers Energy in the past, and we are excited to have them joining us fortwo more OTG projects this fiscal year.  Consumers Energy values their community by offering a chance for their employees to give back, and in this case, give back to public land and enhance wildlife habitat in the process. The first project took place this past Friday at Dansville State Game Area. The second project is set to kick off this Friday at Barry State Game Area from 9am- 2pm.

Prior to the project at Dansville Shaun and I, along with Wildlife Technician Chad Krumnauer, set aside some time to walk the project area. The purpose of this was to check for flooded areas and perform any necessary prep work to the site. In fact, we had to change the site of the project due to flooding. Chad was able to pick out a new trail for the project that was in need of some maintenance.

Thirteen Consumers Energy employees braved the morning rain to participate in the OTG project.  Joe,  another Wildlife Technician of the Dansville State Game Area, also joined Shaun, Chad, and me, to get things rolling Friday Morning. We all gathered together to go over safety and share a little bit about why we are able to manage public land and how OTG makes an impact. From there, we explained the project; clear away woody brush, fallen trees, invasive plant species, away from an access hiking trail and use the branches and logs to make rabbit and small animal habitat.

The trail within the State Game Area was shaped like a horseshoe, so we divided into two ground andstarted on opposite ends of the trailhead. Each group worked for about two hours, clearing the trail and building habitat. We even made a friendly competition as to who can reach the flag in the middle of the trail first. Shaun’s group made it there first, but that is because my group was working smarter not harder (all fun and games). Every volunteer was able to get their hands dirty, several members in my group were commenting on how much fun they were having just by being outside and contributing.

Around 12:30pm we gathered up back at the DNR barn and conversed over pizza. During this time, the volunteers were actively asking questions and sharing their experience. The project was a success, eight rabbit habitat piles were built and the trail was cleared from start to finish. All the volunteers left with a smile on their face and a promise to return and use the trail one day.

Recent Posts

MUCC Submits Public Comment in Support of Line 5 Tunnel Project

By Justin Tomei • June 30, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MUCC Submits Public Comment in Support of Line 5 Tunnel Project Lansing, MI — Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC), the nation’s largest statewide conservation organization, has submitted formal public comments urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to approve the Enbridge Line 5 Tunnel Project. In a letter submitted today, MUCC emphasized the need to move this critical infrastructure forward to protect the Great Lakes while maintaining safe, reliable energy transportation. “MUCC supports the tunnel project as the best available alternative to reduce the risk of an environmental disaster in the Straits of Mackinac while continuing to deliver essential energy products to Michigan families and industries,” said Amy Trotter, CEO of MUCC. “We believe the tunnel project strikes a balance between protecting the environment and maintaining energy security.” MUCC’s position is backed by a formal resolution passed by its membership, which includes thousands of hunters, anglers, trappers, and outdoor enthusiasts across Michigan. The resolution supports the tunnel as a long-term solution that replaces the aging and exposed pipeline segment currently crossing the Straits, offering greater environmental safeguards through secondary containment. The organization cited the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which acknowledges the tunnel’s benefits, including reduced spill risk and a controlled, buried environment for transporting light crude oil and natural gas liquids. MUCC also rejected the "no action alternative," which would allow the existing line to remain in operation without any new protective infrastructure. “Other alternatives, like transporting fuel by truck or rail, are inefficient and carry greater environmental and safety risks,” Trotter added. “Allowing the current line to operate exposed on the lakebed indefinitely is simply not acceptable.” MUCC’s comment stresses that the organization is not weighing in on the type of energy transported, but rather on the environmental risks and safety benefits of the tunnel itself. Originally approved by the Michigan legislature and governor in 2018, the Great Lakes Tunnel Project represents a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure and environmental protection. MUCC urges the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to issue the necessary permits and move forward with construction without further delay. For Media Contact: Justin Tomei jtomei@mucc.org 517-346-6488 #####

Michigan Wildlife Conservation Month: MUCC's Impact

By Olivia Triltsch • June 26, 2025
Since its inception, MUCC has made great strides in the conservation of natural resources through advocacy, habitat, youth education, and communications.

On the Ground: Native Plug Planting at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute

By Katelyn Helsel • June 25, 2025
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, MUCC’s On the Ground program partnered with the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute (PCCI) for a native plug planting day in Barry County. Located on 850 acres, the institute offers both environmental education opportunities and serves as a biological field station for conducting research. Many diverse native communities from wetlands to prairies are present at PCCI, and many rare or threatened species in Michigan like the eastern box turtle call the institute home. 
More Posts