August 2023 NRC Recap

August 2023 NRC Recap

With no new orders for action in front of the Natural Resources Commission (NRC), work focused on a group of proposed warm water regulation changes and introducing new conservation partners.  Lisa Walker, the new executive director of Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger, was in person and introduced herself to the commission prior to the meeting. She…

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July NRC Preview

September NRC Recap

The July Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting has no orders for commissioner action. The meeting at Lansing Community College West Campus is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 13.  Acting Department of Natural Resources Director Shannon Lott has three orders up for action: Land Use Order of the Director #2 of 2023…

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MUCC’s AmeriCorps Training: Building Young Professionals

Last week from June 6th to June 8th MUCC hosted a three-day elective training at Michigan Out-Of-Doors-Youth Camp. Attendees included AmeriCorps members, Out-of-Doors camp staff and MSU Glassen Scholars from National Wild Turkey Federation and the National Wildlife Federation. The three-day training aimed to teach what being a conservation professional is all about, from different…

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April NRC Recap: Deer tracking with dogs debated , duck and goose seasons passed

A packed April meeting yielded little action for commissioners at their monthly Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting. Wildlife Conservation Order #5 of 2023 was tabled by commissioners until the May meeting with more questions on the best approach to allow off-lead dog tracking. Conversations with the department, NRC, and stakeholders are ongoing regarding the proposed…

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April NRC Preview

Written by MUCC Barnum Conservation Policy Fellow, Tess Bradley Proposed deer regulations will be presented at the April Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting April 13. The meeting will be held at 9:00 a.m. at Lansing Community College, 5708 Cornerstone Drive Lansing, MI 48917.  Topics include deer, nuisance animals, budget discussions, the Pure Michigan Hunt, fisheries…

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MUCC Annual Convention: 16 resolutions, 7 conservation awards, camraderie

Conservationists built brush piles for small game habitat, debated conservation policy resolutions and recognized those among them for outstanding achievements at the 2023 MUCC Annual Convention last weekend. Michigan United Conservation Clubs convention weekend culminated in the organization’s grassroots policy process Saturday and Sunday. Members considered 16 policy resolutions (click here) and six bylaws amendments.…

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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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January NRC Recap

Commissioners had no items up for action at the first Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting of 2023.  Acting Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director Shannon Lott had a trio of action items from the December meeting in front of her. First is the Prairie River Stream Temperature Redesignation Management Area, which would change the designation…

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January NRC Preview

There are no new commission orders on the agenda at the January Natural Resource Commission (NRC) meeting. The first meeting of 2023 will be held next Thursday, January 12 at Lansing Community College at 9 am. No action items are in front of the commissioners this month.    Acting Department of Natural Resources Director Shannon…

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