November NRC Preview

Michigan United Conservation Clubs board voted to oppose lower steelhead bag limits at the upcoming November Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting. The meeting will be held on Thursday, Nov. 9 at 9:30 am at Lansing Community College.  Commissioners will consider one order: the MUCC-opposed amendment to proposed Fisheries Order 200.23A that would lower the bag…

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Oak Savannas are more than OAK-ay: Volunteer with On the Ground in Kent County to Help Restore One of our State’s Rarest Habitat Types

Join MUCC’s On the Ground (OTG) program in partnership with Kent Conservation District for an oak savanna habitat restoration day at Cannonsburg State Game Area. Oak savannas can be defined as groups of scattered oak trees, acting as a transition system between prairies and woodland habitats. The scattered trees allow plenty of sunlight on the…

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How to Become a Hunter Education Instructor

As the demand for hunter education classes continues to outpace the availability of current instructors, there is a need to expand the current pool of people who are able to teach hunter safety in Michigan.  Currently, the only way to expand that pool is to get more people to become certified instructors. Becoming an instructor…

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Where to Find Recreational Safety Classes

Photo by Simon Hesthaven on Unsplash

As we get ready for spring outdoor activities boating, off-road vehicle riding and turkey hunting come to mind. For people looking to start hunting or who need to learn how to be a safe and responsible boater, or ORV rider the Michigan DNR has a mandatory curriculum for hunter education as well as courses for…

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MUCC Staff Attend MDNR’s 5th Annual Nature Center Summit

On Friday, February 10, 2023, a few of MUCC’s staff members attended the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Nature Center Summit at North Higgins Lake State Park. The Nature Center Summit was established five years ago as an opportunity to connect nonformal educators from organizations like nature centers and nonprofits to the science behind…

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Governor Whitmer Releases Executive Budget Proposal

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released her executive budget proposal for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 this week, highlighting several natural resources priorities. Within the governor’s budget, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would receive $529.4 million, including $52.3 million in general fund investment. Some highlights include: $43 million in general fund will help Belle Isle…

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Invasive Species Spotlight: Invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

A new location of invasive hemlock woolly adelgid has been found in Benzie County, 50 miles north of what was believed to be the northern edge of infestation in Mason County. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed that a sample taken from the site was positive for hemlock woolly…

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DNR Nature Center Summit

The DNR Nature Center Summit took place virtually on February 11th. The event was a collaborative of biologists, educators, nature centers, zoos and conservation districts about Michigan’s current conservation concerns and the new mediating techniques and technologies. A variety of items were discussed, including the double-crested cormorant, nuisance wildlife, determining the value of your forest,…

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