March 2023 NRC Preview

Policy Intern • March 3, 2023

Bear regulations and license quotas are up for action at the March Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting.

The meeting will be held at 9 a.m. at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire and will be preceded by Coffee with Commissioners at 8 a.m. 

There are 11 proposed action items and one technical change listed in the Wildlife Conservation Order #2 of 2023 which will be up for action at the meeting. More information on these proposed changes can be found in MUCC’s February NRC Recap . 

Wildlife Conservation Order #5 of 2023 would allow big game dog trackers to track off lead if the dog has a GPS collar and is under some form of control (shock, vibrate, etc.)

MUCC supports off-lead tracking with dogs for the purposes of recovering already wounded legally hunted big game. This issue is being further debated by our membership. 

Wildlife Conservation Order #4 of 2023 sets season dates and bag limits for waterfowl seasons in 2023. 

MUCC reviews all land transactions exceeding 80 acres. Of the five land transactions on the agenda, two exceed this threshold: Land Transaction #20220117 consists of 242 acres of state forest in Ogemaw County and is almost completely surrounded by private land. The sale price has yet to be determined. Land Transaction #20210251 , “The Anderson Sawmill Tract,” makes up 160 acres of Keweenaw County. For $185,000.00, Keweenaw Community Forest Company will purchase the parcel from Anderson Sawmill Manufacturing, Inc. and the state will purchase the land from Keweenaw Community Forest Company.

Wildlife Conservation Order #3 of 2023 was enacted with a three-year sunset that expires this week. After an evaluation of the electronic trap monitors, the Law Enforcement Division (LED) recommends reauthorizing the regulation. 

Commissioners will receive a presentation on dog tracking from the LED and on urban deer management from Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Deer and Elk Specialist Chad Stewart.

MUCC will be streaming the meeting on our Facebook page as technology allows. 

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 .

Recent Posts

From the Field to the Sky: What Fireworks Mean for Wildlife

By Olivia Triltsch • July 3, 2025
The United States is not shy about using big, beautiful fireworks in celebration of many occasions. July 4th is a day of celebration for many within the country, celebrating the country’s independence from Great Britain in 1776. Fireworks and barbecues are the most common modes of celebration on this day in recognition of the historic significance of the day. While these grand displays are something many look forward to each year, it is important to consider the impacts these explosions have on the surrounding area, including pets and wildlife.

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.
More Posts