Northern Michigan Conservation Network

As we approach another spring wildlife breeding season, it is probably worth reminding ourselves that when it comes to nature photography, the end doesn’t necessarily justify the means.  Most people who are drawn to such activities and possess a connection to wildlife recognize that clear boundaries need to be established and maintained when it comes […]

by Paul Rose, NMCN Sr. Editor I know what you’re thinking.  For a website that has spent much of its time and identity highlighting legislative efforts to divert and alter the constitutionally-protected use of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF), proposing any change to its current use and funding allocation may be seen as […]

by Kay Charter – (photo credit – Wayne Richard Pope) As soon as my husband and I established Charter Sanctuary – a safe haven for migrating and nesting birds in Leelanau County – we began to get questions about what to feed birds. Adapting the old Chinese proverb, “Give a man a fish and he’ll […]

Now that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) hunting and fishing license fee proposal is a week old and the dust has begun to settle, we’re beginning to hear and see reactions to its details.  While it remains our opinion that the initial reaction to the proposal was largely positive, we must disclose we […]

We’re trying not to get too excited about the possibility of all of the necessary pieces coming together, but based upon the content of Governor Snyder’s 2014 budget message, repairing the revenue problems associated with an antiquated fish and game license structure appears to have been made a Gubernatorial priority. To say that this is […]

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 […]