The first Michigan On-the-Ground project improved rabbit habitat – called “rabbitat” – by building brush piles at the Gratiot-Saginaw State Game Area on March 11, 2013. 32 volunteers from as far away as Livonia and Grand Rapids showed up to build 43 large brush piles, providing cover for rabbits and other small game.

The next project will be July 27 at the Allegan State Game Area. Volunteers will access wetlands using canoes, flat-bottomed boats and waders to clean and repair wood duck boxes. The Allegan State Game Area contains one of Michigan’s premier managed waterfowl units, including three wildlife refuges. This project will also be part of the Michigan Waterfowl Legacy, an initiative to improve awareness and habitat for Michigan’s waterfowl and waterfowl hunting heritage.

“Hunters, anglers and trappers have long supported conservation efforts through license sales and surtaxes on equipment, but they also contribute their time and effort to physically improving habitat,” said Drew YoungeDyke, grassroots manager for Michigan United Conservation Clubs. “They say that the predator husbands its prey, and the Michigan On-the-Ground initiative is all about putting that maxim into effect and giving outdoorsmen and women opportunities to do some good work.”

The remainder of the 2013 schedule includes:

• August 10: Building rabbitat at Crane Pond State Game Area, with a follow-up youth rabbit hunt planned for winter;
• August 17: Improving Hunter Access and Clearing Invasives at Harsen’s Island State Game Area (with Harsen’s Island Waterfowl Hunters);
• September 14: Installing large woody debris to create fish habitat in the Rifle River (with Huron Pines);
• Fall 2013: Planting crabapple trees in the northern Lower Peninsula (donated by National Wild Turkey Foundation); and
• Winter 2013-2014: Building muskie structures on western Upper Peninsula inland lakes.

Additional projects may be added throughout the year. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact YoungeDyke at (517) 346-6486, or by email atdyoungedyke@mucc.org.

Founded in 1937, Michigan United Conservation Clubs is the largest state-specific conservation organization in the nation. Its mission is to unite citizens to conserve, enhance and protect Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor heritage.

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“We thank Governor Snyder for continuing Michigan’s tradition of separating conservation from politics today,” said Erin McDonough, executive director of Michigan United Conservation Clubs. “These bills protect the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers, and ensure that wildlife management decisions are based on the recommendations of biologists, not out-of-state anti-hunters.”

SB 288 extends the Natural Resources Commission (NRC)’s authority and sound science mandate to naming animals to the game species list, while retaining the Legislature’s authority to do the same and its exclusive authority to remove game species. SB 288 also grants the NRC the exclusive authority to issued fisheries orders, which currently rests with the director of the Department of Natural Resources, and also provides free licenses to active-duty members of the military. SB 289 establishes the rights to hunt and fish in state law, and makes protection of those rights a purpose of the Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.

Conservation groups herald the bills as an extension of voter-approved Proposal G of 1996, which granted the Natural Resources Commission exclusive authority over game management and required it to use sound science in its wildlife management decisions.

“This is an enhancement of Proposal G,” said Merle Shepard, Michigan state director for Safari Club International. “It puts Michigan on track to manage its wildlife species using sound science.”

Opponents of the bill included the Washington, D.C.-based anti-hunting organization Humane Society of the United States. Natural Resources Commission orders are administrative decisions not subject to ballot referendum, which the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is trying to use to prevent the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) from using public hunting as a tool to prevent wolf depredations in the Upper Peninsula, as outlined in Michigan’s Wolf Management Plan.

“Our members have lost dogs and pets to wolves,” said Joe Hudson, president of the Upper Peninsula Bear Houndsmen Association. “We’re happy to see that the DNR will finally have the management tools it needs to help limit wolf conflicts up here and that decisions about how it manages wildlife will be made based on sound science, not television commercials.”

Founded in 1937, Michigan United Conservation Club (MUCC) is the largest state-specific conservation organization in the country. Its mission is to conserve, defend and enhance Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor heritage.

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“This is the next step in the process of ensuring we manage our wildlife using the best available science,” said Matt Pedigo, president of the Michigan Bear Hunters Association. “This is bigger than any one species. This is about implementing the principles of Proposal G.”

Jim Wale, president of the Michigan Hunting Dog Federation, agreed. “We’re glad to see our elected representatives agree we should manage wildlife using sound science rather than emotions,” he said.

In 1996, over 68% of Michigan citizens voted for Proposal G, which gave the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) exclusive authority to manage game species and required it to use sound science in its wildlife management decisions. SB 288 extends the NRC’s authority and sound science mandate to naming animals to the game species list, while retaining the Legislature’s authority to do the same. The Legislature retains the exclusive authority to remove species from the game list.

“These bills build on the excellent work that Michigan’s voters started in 1996 with Proposal G,” said John Caretti, president of the Michigan Trappers and Predator Callers Association. “We decided back then that wildlife management decisions should be made by experts based on the best available science, instead of emotions, and today the Legislature affirmed it. This is a great day for scientifically-based wildlife management in Michigan.”

The bills will go to Governor Rick Snyder to be signed into law.

“Michigan’s conservation and outdoors community has really come together in support of this legislation,” said Erin McDonough, executive director of Michigan United Conservation Clubs. “We unite when fundamental questions of wildlife management and our rights to hunt, fish and trap are at stake. MUCC thanks every legislator who voted to pass SB 288 and 289, and to every citizen who called them and asked them to.”

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The Michigan Constitution states that the Natural Resources Trust Fund can only be used for acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation lands, but does not authorize maintenance projects such as dredging, as proposed in recent legislation.

“This opinion should put the speculation to rest.  Maintenance dredging projects cannot be funded by the Natural Resources Trust Fund, period,” Schuette said in a statement.

The Opinion, No. 7270, does say that the Waterways Account in the Michigan Conservation and Recreation Legacy Fund can be used for dredging because the act creating it specifically authorizes maintenance, unlike the Natural Resources Trust Fund.

“The Natural Resources Trust Fund was meant to create long term outdoor recreation benefits for the people of Michigan, both current and future generations, said Erin McDonough, Executive Director of Michigan United Conservation Clubs. “Michigan United Conservation Clubs, along with the Michigan Oil and Gas Association, have protected it for those purposes since its creation. We thank Attorney General Schuette for issuing this opinion to protect the Trust Fund for acquisition and development. We’re also happy to see that it identifies a more appropriate funding source for dredging with the Waterways Account.”

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund was created in 1976 and voted into the Michigan Constitution in 1984. It is funded by royalties generated from the sale of state-owned mineral rights, compensating Michigan citizens for the loss of nonrenewable resources with the acquisition and development of another nonrenewable resource, public recreation land.

Michigan United Conservation Clubs, founded in 1937, is the largest state-specific conservation organization in the country. Its mission is to unite citizens to conserve, defend and enhance Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor heritage.

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Contact: Tony Hansen, MUCC 269-420-9510 thansen@mucc.org
 

MUCC Statement on Scientific Wildlife Management Package

LANSING –Michigan United Conservation Clubs commends the introduction of the 2013 Scientific Wildlife Management Package in the Michigan Senate.

Introduced by Senator Tom Casperson of Escanaba, the 2013 Scientific Wildlife Management Package includes a number of measures that will strengthen Michigan’s commitment to science-based wildlife management while affording protections to Michigan’s storied outdoors tradition in addition to providing free licenses to active military personnel.

“In 1996, Michigan’s voters were abundantly clear in their desire to see wildlife management issues determined by science and not politics with the passage of Proposal G,” said Erin McDonough, Executive Director of Michigan United Conservation Clubs. “The introduction of the Scientific Wildlife Management Package is a move that, while long overdue, is absolutely a positive step for ensuring Michigan’s wildlife resources are managed properly and that Michigan’s hunting, fishing and trapping heritage is protected.”

The Scientific Wildlife Management Package includes two bills: Senate Bill 288 and Senate Bill 289. The package was co-sponsored by Senators David Hildebrand, Darwin Booher and Arlan Meekhof.

SB 289 establishes a right in Michigan to hunt, fish and trap and adds the protection of the rights to hunt, fish and trap as a purpose of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.

SB 288 allows the Natural Resources Commission  to designate species as game animals in addition to the state Legislature.

“Michigan has world class natural resources and this package is a continuation of a focus on proper management of those resources,” said McDonough. “As Michigan has worked to rebuild its economy, there has been increased focus on tourism and the natural, renewable assets that make Michigan a special place. Ensuring that those assets are managed with sound science and not personal bias, emotion or politics is paramount. The Scientific Wildlife Management Package will ensure it is science that determines how our wildlife resources are managed and will ensure that Michigan’s thousands of hunters, anglers and trappers know that they are valued citizens of Michigan.”

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March 26, 2013

Contact: Tony Hansen, Chief Information Officer; thansen@mucc.org 269-420-9510

Statement from MUCC Executive Director Erin McDonough On Anti-Hunter’s Petition Collection Process

“We are not surprised that the group ‘Keep Wolves Protected’ was successful at purchasing the signatures required for a ballot referendum with funds provided by the anti-hunting organization, Humane Society of the United States. We are, however, saddened by the waste of resources expended by a group that claims to support wildlife in an effort that will ultimately delay science-based management of wolves,” said Erin McDonough, Executive Director of MUCC. “The coalition and Washington-based HSUS have openly boasted about the fact that they would spend between $3 and $6 per signature to obtain the necessary signatures in an effort to force their agenda on the people of Michigan. As true conservationists, we see that as a tremendous waste of resources that could have been put to use to actually help aid conservation efforts, improve habitat and ultimately make a real difference for wildlife.”

“MUCC will continue with its public education campaign to combat the many mistruths being spread by the coalition and HSUS as it attempts to come into Michigan and force its beliefs on our residents,” McDonough said. “The legislation in question does not create a wolf hunt nor does it describe any methods of which a hunt may be conducted. This has not stopped the coalition from stating repeatedly that a wolf hunt has already been established and that wolves are being killed arbitrarily and by any means necessary including aerial gunning. None of this is true. In fact, the legislation simply establishes wolves as a game animal and upholds the law established in 1996 with the overwhelming passage of Proposal G that requires Michigan manage wildlife based on sound science.”

“The fact that HSUS was able to collect the required number of signatures tells us nothing about the issue other than if you are willing to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars and target areas of the state without a wolf population and refuse to educate the public about the issue, you can collect a lot of signatures,” McDonough said. “MUCC believes that HSUS has vastly underestimated the intelligence level of Michigan’s residents and has grossly overestimated this state’s tolernace for out-of-state extremists attempting to buy election results.”

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Founded in 1937, MUCC is the largest statewide conservation organization in the nation and is dedicated to uniting citizens to conserve, protect and enhance Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor heritage.

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LANSING – Michigan United Conservation Clubs and Richmond Sportsmen’s Club will host a Sportsmen’s Town Hall featuring State Representative Andrea LaFontaine, R–Columbus Township, who chairs the House Committee on Natural Resources.

The public town hall meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 26 at the Richmond Sportsmen’s Club, 9134 Big Hand Road, Columbus, Mich. LaFontaine will address topics and answer questions related to Great Lakes water levels, the Second Amendment, the economics of outdoor recreation, protecting the rights to hunt, fish, and trap, and the proposed license fee package.

“As chair of the Committee on Natural Resources, Representative LaFontaine will play a leadership role in a lot of the legislation that affects our rights to hunt, fish and trap,” said Erin McDonough, executive director for Michigan United Conservation Clubs. “This is a great opportunity for Michigan’s sportsmen and women to get to know her and express their thoughts. We thank Representative LaFontaine for taking the time to listen.”

LaFontaine represents the 32nd House District, which includes parts of St. Clair and Macomb Counties. In addition to chairing the House Committee on Natural Resources, she is also the Chief Deputy Whip of the House Republican Caucus.

Founded in 1937, Michigan United Conservation Clubs is the largest state-specific nonprofit conservation organization in the country with a mission to unite citizens to conserve, protect and enhance Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor heritage.

The Sportsmen’s Town Hall is open to the public.

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Interestingly enough, this is also the date back in 2011 when MUCC led a group of engaged sportsmen and women in the Camo at the Capitol rally…the same day that the first Hunter Heritage bill to create the Mentored Youth Hunting Program was introduced.

With more than 10,000 participants its inaugural year, the Mentored Youth Hunting Program is off to a great start!

The Mentored Youth Hunting Program concept originated from an MUCC 2010 Annual Convention Resolution and resulting Hunter Heritage legislation that was signed by Governor Snyder in 2011. The legislation created the Mentored Youth Hunting license package, which is truly a small investment in the future of Michigan.

For children under the age of 10 at the time of purchase, $7.50 will get a package license to hunt turkey (spring and fall) on private or public land, deer (two tags, any deer) and small game, trap furbearers and fish for all species. These licenses go on sale today for the 2013 seasons. And even though we’ve talked a lot about license fee increases this week, this is one price that is not proposed to go up!

Congrats and thank you to all who participated in mentoring a youth, we are now creating the next generation of natural resource stewards.

Do your part today to celebrate Michigan’s Hunter Heritage Day and buy a child a license—the gift of the outdoors is truly a gift that can last a lifetime!

You can also plan to join us at the next Camo at the Capitol rally on April 18^th.

The post MUCC Declares Today Michigan’s Hunter Heritage Day! appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

“This is a great chance to get hands-on knowledge of the habitat needs of the fish and wildlife that enrich our outdoor experiences,” said Drew YoungeDyke, Grassroots Manager for Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) and coordinator of the Michigan On-the-Ground (OTG) program. “Michigan OTG provides an opportunity to get involved, meet some like-minded folks and improve conditions for the very fish and wildlife you want to see when you’re out there hunting, fishing, hiking, riding and paddling.”

Michigan OTG collaborates with the DNR’s Wildlife and Fisheries Divisions to identify and coordinate habitat improvement projects that can be performed by volunteers, freeing DNR staff and technicians to work on other projects and increasing the total number of habitat improvement projects that can be accomplished throughout the state.

“Hunters and anglers fund the vast majority of conservation projects in Michigan through license sales and excise taxes on sporting equipment. By engaging volunteers on some of these projects, more habitat improvements can be accomplished with those hunter/angler dollars while increasing the stewardship ethic and wildlife knowledge base of Michigan citizens,” said Erin McDonough, Executive Director of MUCC.

The first Michigan OTG project will create small game habitat at the Gratiot-Saginaw State Game Area on Sunday, March 10. Volunteers will create brush piles out of box elder trees at the edges of fields and standing timber to provide shelter for cottontail rabbits, upland game birds like pheasant and nongame birds, as well.

“A lot of us began by hunting small game. Creating rabbitat (rabbit habitat) is a terrific opportunity for scout troops, conservation clubs, youth groups, bird watchers, small game hunters, and those with kids they’d like to introduce to small game hunting,” said YoungeDyke. “We might even sneak in some rabbit hunting when we’re done, if we finish early enough. Bring friends and a small game license!”

To receive updates on future projects or to volunteer for the Gratiot-Saginaw project, email Drew YoungeDyke at dyoungedyke@mucc.org with the subject line “OTG.”

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During his budget unveiling Thursday, Gov. Snyder announced recommendations that address three key areas of concern to our members: Conservation funding, fish and game law enforcement and Great Lakes access.

As part of his recommendations, Gov. Snyder recommended a restructuring of the DNR’s hunting, fishing and trapping licensing system.   He also recommended additional General Fund appropriations for Conservation Officers and a mix of General Fund and Waterways funding for anticipated dredging operations due to historically-low water levels in the Great Lakes.

Gov. Snyder’s budget proposal includes a DNR operating budget of $351.8 million for 2014 .  The Governor also recommends a one-time funding of $2.6 million from the state’s general fund for a conservation officer school and a new Great Lakes research vessel.

Of the $351.8 million budget,  just $24.7 million is General Fund monies–just 7%. The remaining funds come from an array of sources outside of general taxpayer-funds such as license and user fees and Federal funding sources such as Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson Act funds. The budget proposal is a $16.5 million increase in the DNR’s budget over 2013.

In his recommendations, Gov. Snyder provided a brief outline of a new license structure that would include a base hunting license good for small game and waterfowl hunters. Separate, stand-alone tags for other species (deer, turkeys, bears, etc.) can then be added. The Governor’s recommendations indicated that the system would be simpler and easier to administer. The Governor’s proposal anticipates an increase of $18 million in license fees as a result of the changes, making it the first increase since 1996.

“Hunter, angler and trapper dollars fund the lion’s share of conservation in Michigan and our license fees are a large part of the Department of Natural Resources’ operating budget,” said Erin McDonough, Executive Director of MUCC. “Our members deserve the very best in resource management that those license dollars can deliver. We are in favor of simplifying regulations and in having an easy-to-understand licensing system so long as it means the end result is a better system and better on-the-ground investments for sportsmen and women.

“We are currently evaluating the proposal as well as taking a hard look at current DNR spending. We have spent the last year, at the request of our members, working with the Department to improve transparency and to get the information we need to be able to understand how our licenses fees are spent and where they should be focused in the future.  We appreciate the Snyder’s administration’s commitment to measurable results and openness to helping us answer the question: ‘Where are our license fees spent?’  We look forward to working with the Governor, the DNR and our members in this process.”

Low water levels this summer threaten to make many of Michigan’s boating access sites unusable and we agree with the Governor that actions must be taken to ensure those sites remain open.

“Ensuring access to our lakes is not only important to our members and those who love to fish and boat, it’s also vital to the state’s economy,” said McDonough. “Without access to the Great Lakes, Michigan’s $3 billion sport fishing industry would take a big hit.”

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