What is Responsible Recreation?

lschultz • May 21, 2020

You may have seen hashtags popping up on your social media feeds that contain some variation of the phrase “responsible recreation”. These hashtags may have served as captions for images of people enjoying nature or recreating outdoors in some way, but the meaning of the hashtag goes far beyond just enjoying Michigan’s natural resources.

Local fisherman and his family clean up a boat launch on the Saginaw Bay.

Becoming more popular among fishing and hunting groups on social media early this year, the hashtag #responsiblerecreation can refer to a number of things. Recreating responsibly could mean being courteous towards other recreationists and the natural resources you enjoy. Or it could mean packing out your belongings and not polluting an area by leaving litter behind. Sportsmen and sportswomen have long been responsible for setting good stewardship standards for other natural resource user groups, and this hashtag aimed to highlight the positive actions of individuals who were ensuring their beloved natural resources were in good hands.

When the COVID-19 pandemic reached Michigan and state-wide closures were put in place, the hashtag # responsiblerecreation began to take on additional meaning. In a time of social distancing and limited travel, spending time in the outdoors became more important than ever. However, it was critical that individuals needed to be able to exercise their rights to enjoy the outdoors in a way that did not infringe upon the health and well-being of their fellow Michiganders.

A young angler recreating with family.

Then, responsible recreation also included following the “Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives.” order and enjoying natural resources in a way that kept us close to home and following social distancing guidelines. Due to the diligence of many sportsmen, sportswomen and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds, we have been able to retain access to many of our public lands and waters during these unprecedented times.

Responsible recreation takes on many forms and is often molded by the experience of the individual practicing it. It can take the form of cleaning up a litter-filled parking lot at your favorite state game area or boat launch, harvesting game and foraging sustainably or only recreating in close proximity to members of your household. In simple terms, responsible recreation involves practicing good public land stewardship and being courteous toward fellow resource users.

No matter who you are or how you enjoy the outdoors, you should always recreate with the understanding that we are collectively responsible for ensuring Michigan’s natural resources remain healthy and available for future generations.

Recent Posts

On the Ground: Brush Piles and Invasive Species at Denmark Township Mini State Game Area

By Olivia Triltsch • May 21, 2026
On Friday, May 15, 2026, high school students who are part of the Reese High Outdoors Club joined MUCC’s On the Ground Junior program and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at the Denmark Township Mini State Game Area. Students completed a wildlife habitat improvement project by clearing a grassland habitat of invasive woody growth maintained for pheasants. Using the cut vegetation from the area, students constructed several large brush piles throughout the site to benefit small mammals and other wildlife in the area. Maintaining open grassland habitat is important for supporting species that rely on early successional cover for cover or feeding. Due to suppression of natural disturbances, active management helps to control woody vegetation from gradually overtaking the areas and reducing habitat quality for species that rely on the grassland. The project area is near fields planted by the DNR to provide both habitat and food sources for wildlife, making these improvements part of a larger habitat management effort on the property. In total, students directly improved 10 acres of wildlife habitat through this project. Beyond the on-the-ground impact, the event also allowed students to try a hands-on conservation experience and the ability to contribute to habitat management and public land stewardship in Michigan. Projects like this continue to demonstrate the value of engaging the next generation in Michigan's outdoor heritage and wildlife conservation efforts.

On the Ground: Jack Pine Planting Day 2026

By Olivia Triltsch • May 7, 2026
On Saturday, May 2, 2026, a group of dedicated volunteers joined Kirtland's Warbler Alliance, Huron Pines, Saginaw Children’s Zoo, and MUCC's OTG program in planting approximately 4,800 jack pine saplings within the Grayling Forest Management Unit in Crawford County. Jack pines are a critical nesting habitat feature for the once-threatened Kirtland’s warbler. In total, volunteers directly impacted about 7 acres of land were prepared by the Michigan DNR for this planting to allow volunteers to maximize their efforts across the land. This is one of our annual events that is perfect for helpers of all ages and interests.

MUCC Announces Dissolution After Nearly 90 Years of Conservation Advocacy

May 4, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) announces its decision to dissolve after nearly 90 years of conservation advocacy, citing ongoing financial challenges and outlining next steps in an orderly wind-down process.
More Posts