Gov. Whitmer’s motorboat closure oversteps necessary precautions 

lschultz • April 10, 2020

Effective at midnight Friday, the use of motorized boats in Michigan will be prohibited per an Executive Order (EO) from the governor. This order extends to fishing from a boat with a gas or electric (trolling) motor affixed to it.

Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) was founded in 1937 on the principles of conservation and protecting scientific management from politics, but Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s recent decision to prohibit the use of motorized boats or similar watercraft statewide is not scientific, nor necessary. 

When the first EOs were issued, the governor lauded and encouraged recreation in the outdoors as a safe haven for Michiganders’ physical and mental health. 

MUCC has received numerous calls, emails and messages from Michigan anglers and recreationists since the announcement, said MUCC Executive Director Amy Trotter.

“We have not protested the necessary closure at Tippy Dam because of anglers disobeying the orders for social distancing,” Trotter said. “However, this EO is using a hatchet where a scalpel was appropriate and necessary.”

While no communication was received in advance of this notice nor does EO 2020-42 specifically address this issue, the DNR states that “Non-motorized boating, such as canoeing, kayaking and sailing, falls within the outdoor activities permitted under the ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ Executive Order. However, the use of a motorboat, jet ski or similar watercraft is not permitted for the duration of the Executive Order , which is currently set to expire at 11:59 p.m. [on] April 30..” 

In the announcement from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), they wrote the DNR “has received many reports about the heavy use of boat launches across the state and the subsequent congregation of people at these launches in violation of social distancing requirements and in a manner that threatens public health.” 

Alternatively, those boat launches individually could have been closed and the individuals violating social distancing ticketed. MUCC has contacted DNR leadership and will be drafting a letter of disapproval to the governor.

In only a few short hours, an outpouring of hopelessness has come from the angling community, many of whom are MUCC clubs and members. We want our clubs and our members to know that we hear you. And we are prepared to stand next to you when decisions are made that affect our collective way of life.

MUCC understands that spring brings walleye and steelhead into our rivers, bowfishing in the bayous and bays begins, and bass and bluegill start to become active on their beds. And we want to remind anglers that not abiding by the current law could mean longer restrictions on where and when you can fish.

As we look ahead to spring turkey season starting next Saturday, this precedent proves troublesome for anglers and hunters alike. We encourage those engaging in outdoor activities to stay close to home in their pursuit of the outdoors and practice safe social distancing during this time to prevent further closures of our public spaces. 

Currently, it is against the law to be congregated with any individuals that do not reside within your household, and it is punishable by a civil fine of $1,000.

Contact: MUCC Public Information Officer Nick Green, ngreen@mucc.org

Recent Posts

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.

On the Ground: Trees and Trash in Grayling Forest Management Unit

By Olivia Triltsch • April 30, 2026
On Saturday, April 25, 2026, MUCC's On the Ground program partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Ruffed Grouse Society, National Wild Turkey Federation, and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers for a crabapple tree planting and dump site clean-up event in the Grayling Forest Management Unit. Volunteers worked as a team to plant, compost, mulch, and fence 25 eight-foot trees at various locations in Crawford County on the public lands to offer forage for wildlife. Many species, like grouse, turkey, and deer, utilize mast-producing trees for food when other resources are not available. These trees were planted along an old logging road for both game and non-game wildlife, while enhancing the local recreational opportunities. Another group of volunteers branched off to remove trash from three dump sites on public land in Kalkaska County, which included couches, mattresses, shingles, and tires. Volunteers filled a 30-yard dumpster with trash found in the landscape in an attempt to keep the environment better than how it was found while improving future recreational opportunities. In total, volunteers directly enhanced 2.1 acres of wildlife habitat through this project.
More Posts