Local governments continue to oppose expansion of Camp Grayling

Justin Tomei • November 2, 2022

A groundswell of local support has been growing as a decision on the Camp Grayling land review could come at any time.

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 existing footprint on public land. MUCC submitted its public comments at the end of August opposing the expansion. 

County and township governments have continued passing resolutions across Northern Michigan in opposition to the expansion of the Camp Grayling lease. Eleven local government units across four Northern Michigan counties have expressed their opposition. Regional leaders are working to secure even more support from local governments.

The status of the expansion has not changed since the unofficial end of public comment around  the Labor Day holiday.  

The decision to proceed with a review lies solely in the hands of Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director Dan Eichinger.

While the final decision on expansion approval is likely more than a year away, the first major step, approval or denial of the review, could come from Director Eichinger at any time. 

The DNR has not provided much public comment to the media, refusing to comment on Michigan Out-of-Doors TV, who has aired a multi-part segment on the proposed expansion . The DNR has held public meetings in and around the area where the proposed expansion would occur. Some meetings had hundreds of attendees who overwhelmingly opposed the expansion.

While the decision is in the hands of the DNR, as we approach the election it is essential to ask local and state candidates their views on the expansion. A few basic questions include:

  • Are you aware of the 162,000 proposed expansion of the Camp Grayling lease that sits before the DNR Director right now?
  • What is your view on the militarization of Michigan’s public lands?
  • Will you join me in making a public statement opposing the militarization of public lands?

MUCC has posted a call to action on its website , creating a simple tool for Michigan residents to send emails to the DNR director, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and an individual’s state legislators.

MUCC opposes the expansion of Camp Grayling except in a national emergency, per a 1989 resolution (click here to read) . 

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

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