Northern Michigan Conservation Network

We’re hoping that it is the time of year and the combination of March Madness and April Fool season that was just too much for some to resist. Although the idea of a legislative raid of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) is not a new one, the recently introduced House Joint Resolution EE goes […]

As we walk through the still snow-covered and frost-permeated north woods, it somehow seems hard to believe that we’ll soon be hearing the sounds of a changing season.  Chief among these sounds is the one produced by the“King of the Game Birds” who, unlike so many of his feathered cousins, endured this long and difficult […]

The 2013 Forest Health Report for the state of Michigan has been released. In simpler times this would have merely been viewed as an annual trip to the timber doctor – but not today. As we have now come to expect, much of the document is dedicated to the discussion of the growing threat to […]

Many may recall the debate from  2012  surrounding what was then known as Senate Bill 248, the “Land Cap” bill.  Although some improvements the original bill were secured, PA 240 of 2012 became law and thereby established a 4.6 million acre limit on the amount of land that the State of Michigan could own and […]

Depending on where you are in northern Michigan and who you talk to, the annual migratory flight of the American woodcock (Scolopax minor) has either already peaked or soon will.  Although the unseasonably warm October and mild conditions appear to have reduced their sense of urgency, these wonderful birds know that the shorter days mean […]

The final draft of the Public Land Management Strategy  has been completed and is now in the hands of Governor Snyder.  After the completion of gubernatorial review and approval, the document will then head back to the State legislature pursuant to the terms of the Michigan Land Cap Bill, a.k.a. Senate Bill-248.   It may […]

In spite of initial efforts by some to try drawing hunters, anglers and other outdoor recreationalists into the politics of the Federal shutdown, common sense appears to have prevailed on the issue of public land access. After originally contributing to some of the confusion in his Field and Stream blog post of October 1, 2013, […]

Here are few “newsy” items that may be of interest for northern Michigan outdoor types. Still Time for Forestry Open House/Compartment Review Comment Although some have come and gone, there is still time to participate in several MDNR Forestry Compartment Review and Open House sessions for the 2015 Year of Entry.  Those sessions for Atlanta, […]

With September 15th just around the corner, we’ve been taking a look at some of the forecast data provided by both Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Wildlife Division, as well as the summary provided annually by the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS).  Before we begin looking at the grouse and woodcock forecast data made available […]

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 […]