Natural Resources Commission Meets January 9th

lschultz • January 7, 2020

The Natural Resources Commission will meet on Thursday, Jan. 9th at the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (4125 Beaumont Road Lansing, MI 48910). If you are unable to attend in person, check out the MUCC Facebook page for live streaming. A full agenda for the day can be found here . 

Thursday’s meetings will start at 11:00 a.m. with the NRC Policy Committee on Wildlife and Fisheries. This month’s agenda will include an update from the chiefs of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) fisheries and wildlife divisions. MDNR Fisheries Chief Jim Dexter is slated to update the committee on division activities and MDNR Interim Wildlife Chief Dan Kennedy will present on the 2019 elk harvest results.

At 12:30 the NRC Committee of the Whole will convene, at which time NRC Chairman Rex Schlaybaugh will be inducted alongside commissioner Anna Mitterling as new commissioners. commissioner Schlaybaugh was reappointed to the NRC last month as the chair and will serve at the governor’s discretion. Commissioner Mitterling replaces commissioner Vicki Pontz. 

The commission will receive an update from MDNR Director Dan Eichinger at this time, as well as a legislative update. Director Eichinger will present an order under Public Act 288 to the commission, which includes a land use order for state-owned forest lands. Specifically, this order will facilitate forest road inventories. 

Before moving to business, the NRC will host public appearances. Those wishing to speak must submit notice to the clerk prior to the meeting. 

 

Information

Fisheries order 206.20A is up for information before the NRC. Walled Lake is the only addition to this set of regulations. Walled Lake, in Montmorency County, was previously surrounded by private land until Dec. 2019 when the department acquired land touching the lake. The bluegill fishery at Walled Lake is considered to be a high-quality fishery. The daily possession limit on bluegill at Walled Lake would be set to zero if these regulations pass.

 

Action

There is no official action before the committee at this time outside of approving the Dec. 2019 meeting minutes. 

 

Old Business

Commissioners will receive information on an order regarding statewide trout, salmon, whitefish, cisco, grayling and smelt regulations. This order, regarding brook trout limits on Upper Peninsula inland streams, has been debated at previous commission meetings. During the Dec. 12, 2019 NRC meeting, commissioners entered executive, closed session to discuss this issue and receive counsel from the Michigan Attorney General’s office. 

A regulation that increased the bag limit from five to 10 for brook trout on certain U.P. streams sunsetted on Oct. 1, 2019. The commission reinstated the rule at their November meeting by a narrow margin. MUCC continues to stand in opposition to the regulation, as the best available science suggests that these rules would likely decrease brook trout populations over time and have a negative impact on the species. 

There are also a number of land acquisitions and sales up for approval at this meeting which can be viewed on the agenda . 

Recent Posts

Mayflies, Stoneflies, and Caddisflies, Oh My!

By Olivia Triltsch • April 17, 2025
In addition to their impact on water quality, these three orders of insects are an important part of the diet of game fish, making anglers, especially fly fishermen, interested in the conservation of these small animals.

Mast-Producing Trees 101

By Katelyn Helsel • April 16, 2025
You might’ve heard the term “mast-producing” in the conservation world, but what exactly does it mean? Mast-producing is mostly used to describe a type of tree or shrub. Generally, mast-producing trees and shrubs are more desirable to plant when attempting to restore wildlife habitat on a larger scale, or even when trying to attract wildlife like songbirds into urban areas. 

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.
More Posts