Northern Michigan Conservation Network

We must preface any discussion concerning agency budgets and fiscal implications by first saying the greatest cost of wildfires is personal injury and the loss of human life. While this risk may be a reality which is routinely accepted by those who have dedicated their professional careers to such endeavors, it is not one which […]

On Wednesday August 14, the Michigan Outdoor Writers Association’s (MOWA) will be holding a dedication of an historical marker which commemorates a 1919 fishing trip which later served as the inspiration for one of Ernest Hemingway’s most famous short stories, “Big Two-Hearted River.” According to the DNR Press release, “The marker is the latest in […]

On the same day that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) press release came out announcing the celebration of the upper peninsula’s Crisp Point land acquisition project, a national “Sign On Letter” was being circulated by the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. Besides their crossing in cyberspace, what’s the connection?  I’m glad you […]

Although we had hoped that they would at least allow us to have the summer off, it certainly comes as no surprise that the”brainstorming” has already begun on new ways to possibly divert the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF). Fresh off last session’s failed attempt to dredge the Fund, they appear to be back […]

The State Senate is on the threshold of voting on HB 4668, the Hunting/Fishing license restructuring package which will provide long term funding for natural resource management that is much needed.  Although it was just a week ago that we thought that this was a “done deal,” it’s now our understanding that at least one […]

By William Houston III – Perhaps one of the least discussed but most extraordinary geological features found in northern Michigan are its karst regions.  Michigan’s karst regions consist of a series of unique geological features such as sink holes, caves, caverns, intermittent springs, disappearing and reappearing streams and rivers, swallow holes, earthcracks and myriad other […]

As the DNR continues its process of regional meetings and public comment on its recently released Land Management Strategy (a.k.a. Land Plan), some surprising reactions have already been noted.  Most of us fully expected that the comments received from some northern Michigan residents and most locally-elected officials would be, “enough is enough,” and “we already have […]

My late uncle used to say that Kalkaska sand was only good for growing jack pine and trout. As a boy, I struggled to see a problem with such a characterization.  As I grew older, however, I came to realize that despite this significant over-simplification, my uncle’s intent was not to disparage these soils, but […]

The DNR’s Public Land Management Strategy Plan has been released for public comment and to that end, numerous public meetings have been scheduled.  In what may have originally begun as a legislative requirement made necessary to satisfy the terms of the Land Cap legislation, this plan now has the potential to become an implementation document […]

By Frank Krist, NMCN Contributing Editor There have been several legislative hearings completed reviewing the Governor’s DNR budget proposal and the hunting and fishing license fee restructuring.  A few adjustments have been suggested, but overall support has been expressed for the proposal with many organizations backing it.  This package still has not been approved by the […]