Northern Michigan Conservation Network

Over the past nearly 80 years, the Sport Fishing and Wildlife Restoration programs (authorized by the Pittman-Robertson & Dingle-Johnson Acts) have provided well over fifteen billion dollars in grant funds to state fish and wildlife agencies for projects to restore, conserve, manage, and enhance all species of fish and wildlife – $1.1 billion will be […]

It seems worthy of note that six of the top ten states in the nation as ranked by a recent USA Today for the perceived “well-being” of their residents are also among the top 12 states in the Percentage of Public Land area. The main exceptions to this trend were the three states which have been more […]

Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) provides this update on the “Feral Swine” saga here in Michigan. This, after the March 2014 ruling by the Marquette Circuit Court which overturned the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Invasive Species Order (ISO) which declared wild hogs to be an invasive species. Who knew? Who knew that a face […]

January 28, 2014 Report Courtesy of Ducks Unlimited (DU) WASHINGTON – Jan. 27, 2014 – After three long years of compromise, the four primary Agriculture Committee negotiators announced the final farm bill agreement today, and it enhances and strengthens vital polices for wildlife, sportsmen and women and all citizens. The 2014 Farm Bill includes the […]

In an effort to reverse the national trend toward ballot initiative-driven wildlife management, the Citizens for Professional Wildlife Management (CPWM) coalition is proposing to launch a campaign of its own.  As described in the press release which follows, the Michigan Board of Canvassers is being asked to approve petition language which, if successful, would place […]

Some of our readers may recall that back in July we discussed the need for Michigan’s own version of the conservation educational campaign which has become known as the Colorado Model.  The recently approved Michigan hunting and angling license restructuring package includes funding for Michigan’s own outreach initiative, but requires formal legislative authorization. This legislative […]

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, […]

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 […]