Wolf population survey on agenda for next council meeting

lschultz • August 26, 2021

The second meeting of the Wolf Management Advisory Council (WMAC) will feature survey processes and an overview of the 2015 wolf management plan, according to a draft agenda .

The meeting will be held in Gaylord next Wednesday (September 1) at Inn the Woods Michaywe starting at 9 a.m. Interested parties can attend in person and submit public comment. Public comment can also be submitted via email by emailing Victoria Lischalk at dnr-wmac@michigan.gov . If you plan to testify or submit comments, please see the public comment guidelines adopted at the council’s first meeting.

Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Biologist Brian Roell will be discussing the minimum population wolf count survey. Specifically, he will be addressing how population estimates are generated, what the survey techniques are, and what kind of internal and external validation process the study goes through, according to DNR Director Dan Eichinger’s statements at the August Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting.

At the August WMAC meeting , former state large-carnivore specialist Kevin Swanson addressed the council regarding his tenure with the department and what he felt were inaccuracies regarding final wolf counts.

Swanson’s comments were heralded as a “smoking gun” by many, but Eichinger said the DNR will address the allegations through a transparent walkthrough of survey methodology and auditing processes.

“There’s going to be a lot of attention on that topic in particular,” Eichinger said, referencing the wolf survey. “We are going to make sure we meet that squarely and head-on so that we are unpacking for folks in a public way how we do our surveys, what our surveys are and what they are not. I think it’s important for understanding the role of confidence intervals as well.”

MUCC has spent several weeks talking with independent and former biologists to determine the weight of Swanson’s allegations, said Amy Trotter, MUCC executive director and WMAC member.

“We cannot let the credibility of our state’s natural resource management hinge on the allegations of one former employee. However, we can’t dismiss and discount those allegations either,” Trotter said. “An in-depth review of methodology and audit processes for determining our wolf population is in order. I am committed to transparency and finding the truth for Michigan citizens and, perhaps more importantly, the Upper Peninsula residents struggling with this issue.”

Other agenda items include an overview of the 2015 wolf management plan update and an overview of the process by which data on wolf interactions is collected. DNR Large-carnivore Specialist Cody Norton will present on both topics.

New business will include an overview of the 2015 management plan, the wolf population survey and reporting wolf interactions.

MUCC will be live streaming the WMAC, and the organization does so at no cost to the public in an effort to better transparency and public engagement. If you enjoy watching these meetings without having to attend, consider donating to or joining MUCC to allow us to continue to stream these events: http://bit.ly/JoinMUCC .

Recent Posts

Mayflies, Stoneflies, and Caddisflies, Oh My!

By Olivia Triltsch • April 17, 2025
In addition to their impact on water quality, these three orders of insects are an important part of the diet of game fish, making anglers, especially fly fishermen, interested in the conservation of these small animals.

Mast-Producing Trees 101

By Katelyn Helsel • April 16, 2025
You might’ve heard the term “mast-producing” in the conservation world, but what exactly does it mean? Mast-producing is mostly used to describe a type of tree or shrub. Generally, mast-producing trees and shrubs are more desirable to plant when attempting to restore wildlife habitat on a larger scale, or even when trying to attract wildlife like songbirds into urban areas. 

MUCC Marks 250th Habitat Project with Clinton River Clean-Up—Volunteers Needed!

By Olivia Triltsch • April 15, 2025
MUCC Marks 250th Habitat Project with Clinton River Clean-Up—Volunteers Needed! Rochester Hills, MI — April 15, 2025 — Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) is proud to announce its 250th On the Ground (OTG) habitat improvement project: a community clean-up of the Clinton River at Yates Park in Rochester Hills. The event will take place on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM . In partnership with Metro-West Steelheaders and the Clinton River Watershed Council, this initiative aims to enhance fish and wildlife habitats by removing trash from the river and surrounding riparian zones. The project not only benefits local ecosystems but also fosters a cleaner, healthier community and environment. Event Details: Location: Yates Park, 1990 E Avon Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307 Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM What to Bring: Work gloves (if available), appropriate outdoor attire, and a reusable water bottle. MUCC will provide waders, trash grabbers, trash bags, lunch, and a volunteer appreciation gift. This milestone event underscores MUCC's commitment to conservation and community engagement. "Reaching our 250th project is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers and partners," said Olivia Triltsch, MUCC's Habitat Program and Partnerships Coordinator. "We invite everyone to join us in making a tangible impact on our natural resources." Registration:  Interested volunteers should register by Friday, April 18, at 2:00 PM. To expedite check-in, please complete the digital volunteer waiver individually for each participant. Individuals under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign the waiver. For late registrations or cancellations, contact Olivia Triltsch at otriltsch@mucc.org. MUCC is always excited to work alongside the Clinton River Watershed Council. Their continued efforts to protect, enhance, and promote the Clinton River and its watershed are deeply valued. Together, we make a greater impact on ensuring clean, healthy waterways and thriving wildlife habitats for generations to come.
More Posts