Northern Michigan Conservation Network

Our thanks to NMCN site content contributor Marc Smith and our friends over at the Great Lakes office of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) for passing on this link. While the nation continues to ratchet up the gun rights debate and the battle lines appear to be drawn now on the  wolf management issue here […]

Following up on our post from January 13, 2013, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Division has released its draft five-year Strategic Plan (click here: DNRfisheriesStrategicPlan2013), which is open for public comment until February 10, 2013. As was discussed in our January 13th post, a central theme contained in the draft is the […]

As in the past, we will resist raising the issue of potential reasons for warming temperature trends only to say that regardless of cause, the current trends represent a mixed bag of results for the health of northern Michigan’s forests, waters and wildlife. In a recent article  appearing in the Petoskey News by Morgan Sherburne, […]

The 5-year strategic plan for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division has been released for review and public comment. Since this coincides with the public input periods for the State Forest Management Plan, Comprehensive State Trail Plan, and the completion of the “Blue Ribbon” Parks Plan, we have noticed a recurring theme. As […]

Post Courtesy of Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) A presentation during the January meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission outlined a process that could produce recommendations by early summer for a potential wolf season. Public Act 520 of 2012 (Senate Bill 1350) designated wolves as a game species in Michigan when it was signed […]

For those of you who had been wondering what would be required to turn Michigan into the “Trail State,” look no further than the 150+ page draft of the Michigan Comprehensive Trail Plan which has been released for comment.  Governor Snyder’s stated goal of making Michigan the “Trail State” was once again referenced in his […]

In a very welcome demonstration of bipartisan support, Governor Snyder recently signed SB-1261-1265 (Michigan Civilian Conservation Corps) into law.  As described in a recent blog provided by MUCC’s Drew YoungeDyke, the legislation attempts to improve upon the existing MCCC program by dovetailing it with key provisions of the 2011 Volunteer Bill.  The concept behind this […]

The DNR Forest Resources Division is seeking public comment and input on three draft plans which will serve as the overall guide for the next ten years of forestry compartment planning. The public comment period ends on January 2, 2013 so now is the time to provide your input. For those who feel that such […]

The survey results were announced at Thursday’s December Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting for the possible expansion of antler point restrictions (APR) in the northwest Michigan area. It may be recalled that in 2011, a proposal was submitted to consider establishing a three-point APR in 12 counties in the northwest Lower Peninsula (Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, […]

In an action which is expected to be signed into law by the Governor’s office, a bill designating the wolf as a game animal in Michigan has now cleared its final legislative hurdle.  In addition to being added to Michigan’s list of game species, the bill authorizes the Michigan Natural Resources Commission to study and give […]