December NRC Recap, New Commissioners Appointed

Justin Tomei • December 15, 2023

Commissioners did not have any action items at the December Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting.

Michigan DNR Deer & Elk Specialist Chad Stewart was the most anticipated presentation, presenting to commissioners on the newly-announced Deer Management Initiative (DMI) and an update on reported deer harvest during the 2023 deer season.

The DMI is a new stakeholder/DNR partnership working to solve some of the problems Michigan is experiencing in its management of white-tailed deer. The stakeholder invites will be going out in December and January, followed by a public survey, and DMI meetings beginning in the spring.

Stewart’s presentation showed the reported harvest declined a significant amount from 2022. The department’s work is ongoing but some factors could be a late corn harvest and a wet fall. In the UP, low deer densities and predation are likely a factor.

This was the last meeting for NRC Commissioner and longtime member of MUCC Carol Rose. Commissioner Rose has served on the commission since 2020 and was not reappointed by Governor Whitmer for another term.

“Carol has been a steadfast steward of and advocate for Michigan’s wildlife, habitats and wild places for longer than I have known her,” said Amy Trotter, MUCC’s Chief Executive Officer. “Commissioner Carol Rose will be missed, but I am sure Conservationist Carol Rose will continue to be a part of our work.”

Governor Whitmer announced yesterday afternoon the appointment of Robin Michigiizhigookwe Clark to replace Commissioner Rose. Commissioner Pete Eardley was reappointed for a full term after serving the remainder of the term vacated by Commissioner Leslie Love’s resignation earlier this year. Both commissioners’ new terms end on December 31, 2027.

The fisheries committee received a presentation from Andrew Briggs of DNR Fisheries Division on Lake Sturgeon Management .

The meeting ended with the DNR Director Scott Bowen signing a trio of land management orders. More information on these orders can be found HERE .

The NRC meetings resume in January and will remain on the second Thursday of every month, except November. To follow announced dates and times, check the NRC page .

To ensure our natural resources remain protected and managed thoughtfully and our outdoor heritage defended, join Michigan United Conservation Clubs today: http://bit.ly/JoinMUCC .

The post December NRC Recap, New Commissioners Appointed appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

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MUCC Marks 250th Habitat Project with Clinton River Clean-Up—Volunteers Needed!

By Olivia Triltsch • April 15, 2025

MUCC Marks 250th Habitat Project with Clinton River Clean-Up—Volunteers Needed! Rochester Hills, MI — April 15, 2025 — Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) is proud to announce its 250th On the Ground (OTG) habitat improvement project: a community clean-up of the Clinton River at Yates Park in Rochester Hills. The event will take place on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM . In partnership with Metro-West Steelheaders and the Clinton River Watershed Council, this initiative aims to enhance fish and wildlife habitats by removing trash from the river and surrounding riparian zones. The project not only benefits local ecosystems but also fosters a cleaner, healthier community and environment. Event Details: Location: Yates Park, 1990 E Avon Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307 Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM What to Bring: Work gloves (if available), appropriate outdoor attire, and a reusable water bottle. MUCC will provide waders, trash grabbers, trash bags, lunch, and a volunteer appreciation gift. This milestone event underscores MUCC's commitment to conservation and community engagement. "Reaching our 250th project is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers and partners," said Olivia Triltsch, MUCC's Habitat Program and Partnerships Coordinator. "We invite everyone to join us in making a tangible impact on our natural resources." Registration: Interested volunteers should register by Friday, April 18, at 2:00 PM. To expedite check-in, please complete the digital volunteer waiver individually for each participant. Individuals under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign the waiver. For late registrations or cancellations, contact Olivia Triltsch at otriltsch@mucc.org. MUCC is always excited to work alongside the Clinton River Watershed Council. Their continued efforts to protect, enhance, and promote the Clinton River and its watershed are deeply valued. Together, we make a greater impact on ensuring clean, healthy waterways and thriving wildlife habitats for generations to come.