September NRC Preview

Justin Tomei • August 31, 2023

Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) will be presenting to the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) Policy and Governance Committee at the September NRC meeting .

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 14 at Lansing Community College West Campus. 

MUCC will be presenting policy resolutions passed at the March Annual Convention, and provide updates on policies headed to convention in March of 2024.

There are five fisheries orders up for action at the September meeting. A breakdown of each order can be found HERE . 

Up for information this month are five fisheries orders addressing coldwater regulations.

  • Fisheries Order 200.23A proposes changing boundaries on the Dowagiac River to reflect the removal of a dam.
  • Fisheries Order 204.24 proposes changing boundaries on the Boardman River in Traverse City to provide specific named, physical boundaries. 
  • Fisheries Order 252.23 proposes allowing the lawful fishing for Arctic Grayling. As the department stocks more grayling, anglers would have a hard time legally fishing without this proposed change.  
  • Fisheries Order 253.24 proposes an increase in the lake trout and splake daily possession limit from two (2) lake trout and splake per day to no more than three (3) in combination in MH-1. This would serve as a simplification of regulations between MH-1 and MH-2. 
  • Fisheries Order 254.23A proposes a few changes to the classification of three inland lakes.
    • Half Moon Lake (Muskegon County) proposal is to remove this lake from the list of Type C lakes, due to high water temps. This lake would be covered under general fishing regulations.
    • Reid Lake (Alcona County) proposal is to remove the lake from the Type B classification due to the poor success of rainbow and brown trout stocking programs. The lake would be covered under general fishing regulations. 
    • Youngs Lake (Luce County) proposal to remove the lake from Type A due to loss of public access to the lake. The new owner of the land surrounding the lake has stated public access would no longer be allowed. 

These orders will be eligible for action by commissioners at the October meeting in Escanaba. 

There are no director’s orders up for information or action this month.

The September meeting features four land transactions. MUCC reviews land transactions exceeding 80 acres;there is one. 

Land Transaction Case #20220251 is an exchange of 93.3 acres of private land in Schoolcraft County, for 67 acres of state-owned land. The offered private land borders state land on two sides and provides over a ½ mile of frontage on the Manistique River.

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