MUCC & MTPCA File Reply to NRC Briefs

Justin Tomei • December 5, 2024

On November 26, Michigan United Conservation Club (MUCC) and the Michigan Trappers and Predator Callers Association (MTPCA) filed their reply to briefs filed on behalf of the Natural Resources Commission (NRC). 


MUCC’s brief, which can be read HERE, addresses the arguments the NRC made in defense of their decision to close the coyote season from mid-April to mid-July. 

As expected, the commission attempted to re-rationalize the partial season closure. MUCC’s brief highlights the actual rationale as provided by commissioners at the time of the vote. 


The statements from the commissioners clearly show that sound scientific management was not a consideration in the decision-making process. 

MUCC Policy and Government Affairs Manager Justin Tomei said the approach in the commissions brief was not unexpected and shows they did not use science in their decision making. 


“The commission is required by statute to use the best available science,” said Tomei. “The rationale provided by the commission at the time of the vote made it clear, the decision was not based on biological management. The attempt to re-rationalize the partial season closure reemphasizes how their legal charge was not the driving factor behind their decision making.” 


MUCC is joined in the lawsuit by MTPCA who filed a separate brief, found HERE.   


MTPCA’s brief takes a similar position as MUCC’s, highlighting the actual reasons as provided by commissioners, that the coyote season was shortened.   


MTPCA President Joe Velchansky says this issue continues to be bigger than coyotes and is about the future of our scientific natural resource management. 


“This lawsuit and the combined work of MTPCA and MUCC has never just been about coyotes,” Velchansky said. “Scientific management is the bedrock of protecting our natural resources. Emotional pleas and decisions made due to social perceptions or political fear severely undermine that foundation.” 


This is the last set of filings in this lawsuit, now the judge can order oral arguments or rule on the briefs submitted.   

For more information on MUCC visit mucc.org. 


Contact: jtomei@mucc.org 


For more information on MTPCA visit mtpca.com   

Contact: merlejones336@gmail.com 


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