Northern Michigan Conservation Network

by Kay Charter – During most years, birds that overwinter in our area are largely able to survive without our assistance, especially if the habitats in which they live are healthy. Birds like woodpeckers, chickadees and nuthatches have survived for many millennia without human help. But significant snowfall during the current winter without any thawing […]

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 […]

by Kay Charter By the time the Kirtland’s warbler was listed under the Endangered Species Act, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service was already hard at work to save the bird. Brood parasitism (when birds drop their eggs in the nests of other birds, often leading to starvation for host nestlings) by brown-headed cowbirds […]

Although it remains well short of a seismic shift, there are increasing signs that the traditional makeup of the hunting community is changing.  For those who have seen past national survey data for hunters and anglers, you know that the biggest bubble on the participation curve has always been represented by 40+ year-old white males. […]

Although not a new story, the restoration of wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) in this state and nation is an incredible conservation success story and one that is worth retelling.  This, especially as we prepare to celebrate its historical significance by dining on its domestic counterpart, Meleagris Butterballis. We must confess, we borrowed the “Butterball” reference […]

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 […]

A series of public meetings have been scheduled for the coming week by the National Park Service regarding the future of wolves on Michigan’s Isle Royale. As many know by now, the Isle Royale wolf population has declined from their 1980’s peak of an estimated 50, to now only eight. Research now suggests that absent […]

By Kay Charter – In 1923, a brilliant young amateur ornithologist penned an article on the life history of the Kirtland’s warbler.  He closed with the following:  “…this bird is decreasing in numbers.  It is greatly to be feared that Dedroica kirtlandii may soon be another of the American birds on the extinct list.”  The […]

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 […]