Spring Turkeys and Great Lakes Fish up for Action at November NRC Meeting

lschultz • October 30, 2019

Written by MUCC Policy Assistant, Ian FitzGerald

Spring Turkeys and Great Lakes Fish up for Action at November NRC Meeting

The Natural Resources Commission (NRC) will meet on Thursday, Nov. 7 at the West Campus of Lansing Community College (5708 Cornerstone Drive Lansing, MI 48917) in room M119-121. If you are unable to attend in person, check out the MUCC Facebook page ! A full agenda for the day can be found here . 

Meetings for the day will begin at 9 a.m. with the Michigan State Parks Advisory Council. Plans for a number of state parks are on the agenda, including Maybury State Park, Watkins Lake State Park, Yankee Springs State Recreation Area and Rifle River. The advisory council will also receive an update from MDNR Parks and Recreation Division Chief Rn Olson. 

At 11 a.m., the NRC Policy Committee on Wildlife and Fisheries will meet. MUCC will begin its live stream at this time. This three-member committee is scheduled to receive updates from the chiefs of the MDNR Wildlife and Fisheries Divisions, respectively. 

The committee of the whole will gather at 1 p.m. for a number of items for information and action. Per usual, the NRC will receive an update from the MDNR Director. This Director’s report is slated to include a number of Parks & Recreation Division lifesaving awards, as well as the presentation of hunter safety instructor awards and recognitions. MDNR Director Eichinger will also update the NRC on an order regarding target shooting at the Lapeer State Game Area. 

 

For Information

This month, there is only one item up for information: the regulation of public hunting at the Yankee Spring State Recreation Area. This order would add 350 more acres of land open to hunting in the Yankee Spring State Recreation Area. More information on this order can be found here .

 

For Action

The NRC will take up two items for action this month, including spring turkey regulation changes and alterations to Fisheries Order 200.20 governing statewide trout, salmon, whitefish, cisco, grayling, and smelt. 

A regulation that increased the bag limit from five to 10 for brook trout on certain U.P. streams sunsetted on Oct. 1. The commission has the opportunity to reinstate this regulation at this month’s meeting. MUCC is opposed to the regulation where it will likely decrease brook trout populations over time and have a negative effect on the species and their sizes. The specific fisheries order can be found here .

Spring turkey hunting regulations for 2020-23 will likely see some changes under this Wildlife Conservation Order . These changes include an allowance for hunters to utilize elevated platforms for turkey hunting and a change in the season structure to improve hunter opportunity. MUCC testified last month urging the commission to amend the order to have a Saturday opener for the spring turkey season. 

Changes to fishing regulations include a number of administrative changes, which can be found here . These changes should help to improve angler understanding by simplifying creel limits on connected waterways.  

 

For Action by the Director

A number of land transactions are slated for action by the director. More information on these postings can be found here .

Recent Posts

March 2025 NRC Recap

By Justin Tomei • March 13, 2025
March 2025 NRC Recap

Leaping into World Frog Day: Blanchard's Cricket Frog

By Olivia Triltsch • March 13, 2025
Blanchard’s cricket frog plays both roles of predator and prey within the ecosystem, influencing other species populations from both sides.

MUCC Celebrates Conservation Leaders at 2025 Annual Awards Banquet

By Tyler Mehigh • March 11, 2025
Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) proudly honored outstanding individuals and organizations for their dedication to preserving Michigan’s natural resources at the 2025 Conservation Awards Banquet. The annual event recognizes those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocacy, and service to conservation. Ron Olson – 50 Years of Service to Conservation Award With a remarkable career spanning five decades, Ron Olson has made a lasting impact on Michigan’s parks and outdoor recreation. As Chief of the Parks and Recreation Division for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Olson expanded the state park system, enhanced trail programs, and secured significant funding for infrastructure improvements. His leadership has shaped the future of Michigan’s outdoor spaces for generations to come. Ron Burris – President’s Award A dedicated leader within MUCC, Ron Burris played a pivotal role in restructuring the organization’s governance, ensuring a more effective policy and executive board structure. His efforts in promoting conservation education, community engagement, and safety initiatives—such as increasing AED availability in clubs—have strengthened MUCC’s impact across Michigan. Senator Sam Singh & Representative Graham Filler – Conservation Legislators of the Year Recognized for their bipartisan leadership in securing $1.9 million in funding for the Elsie Dam removal, Senator Singh and Representative Filler have demonstrated a commitment to conservation and ecological restoration. Their advocacy ensures the protection of Michigan’s waterways, fish habitats, and public safety. Grand Valley Cap N Ballers – Affiliate of the Year With a long-standing tradition of promoting historical shooting sports and conservation, Grand Valley Cap N Ballers (GVCNB) has been a key supporter of MUCC’s mission. Hosting major regional events and fundraisers, GVCNB has played a crucial role in supporting MUCC’s conservation efforts while preserving Michigan’s outdoor heritage. Mike Avery – Conservation Communicator of the Year A leading voice in outdoor media, Mike Avery has dedicated his career to educating and inspiring Michigan’s outdoor enthusiasts through his popular radio show and podcast, Mike Avery’s Outdoor Magazine. By spotlighting conservation leaders and critical environmental issues, Avery has significantly contributed to public awareness and advocacy for Michigan’s natural resources. MUCC extends its heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients for their outstanding contributions to conservation. Their dedication ensures that Michigan’s natural heritage remains protected for future generations. For more information on MUCC’s conservation efforts, visit mucc.org .
More Posts
Share by: