Blog Category: Policy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MUCC Submits Public Comment in Support of Line 5 Tunnel Project Lansing, MI — Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC), the nation’s largest statewide conservation organization, has submitted formal public comments urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to approve the Enbridge Line 5 Tunnel Project. In a letter submitted today, MUCC emphasized the need to move this critical infrastructure forward to protect the Great Lakes while maintaining safe, reliable energy transportation. “MUCC supports the tunnel project as the best available alternative to reduce the risk of an environmental disaster in the Straits of Mackinac while continuing to deliver essential energy products to Michigan families and industries,” said Amy Trotter, CEO of MUCC. “We believe the tunnel project strikes a balance between protecting the environment and maintaining energy security.” MUCC’s position is backed by a formal resolution passed by its membership, which includes thousands of hunters, anglers, trappers, and outdoor enthusiasts across Michigan. The resolution supports the tunnel as a long-term solution that replaces the aging and exposed pipeline segment currently crossing the Straits, offering greater environmental safeguards through secondary containment. The organization cited the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which acknowledges the tunnel’s benefits, including reduced spill risk and a controlled, buried environment for transporting light crude oil and natural gas liquids. MUCC also rejected the "no action alternative," which would allow the existing line to remain in operation without any new protective infrastructure. “Other alternatives, like transporting fuel by truck or rail, are inefficient and carry greater environmental and safety risks,” Trotter added. “Allowing the current line to operate exposed on the lakebed indefinitely is simply not acceptable.” MUCC’s comment stresses that the organization is not weighing in on the type of energy transported, but rather on the environmental risks and safety benefits of the tunnel itself. Originally approved by the Michigan legislature and governor in 2018, the Great Lakes Tunnel Project represents a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure and environmental protection. MUCC urges the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to issue the necessary permits and move forward with construction without further delay. For Media Contact: Justin Tomei jtomei@mucc.org 517-346-6488 #####

The commission voted on modernizing the federal duck stamp at this month’s Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting in Detroit.  There was only one vote for action, which passed unanimously.  Wildlife Conservation Order #7 of 2024 amends the wildlife conservation order (WCO) to match new federal rules for duck stamps. The new rules make the stamp… The post August 2024 NRC Recap appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

The Natural Resources Commission heads to Detroit for the August meeting Thursday of next week.  On the agenda are fisheries orders and one modifying the Mentored Youth Hunting program to align with recently signed into law MUCC supported House Bill 5737. The meeting will be held at Cadillac Place, 3044 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, Michigan.… The post August 2024 NRC Preview appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

Deer regulations were approved ahead of the 2024 season at the July 11th Natural Resources Committee meeting.   A full recap of the meeting can be found by clicking here.   Below is the summary of regulations from a DNR press release on July 24. Upper Peninsula A 3-point antler point restriction, or APR, was implemented on… The post 2024 Deer Regulations Finalized appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

On Tuesday, Gov. Whitmer signed 39 bills into law, including MUCC supported, and unanimously passed House Bill 5737.   HB 5737, sponsored by Rep. Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) with bipartisan support expands Michigan’s successful mentored youth hunting program to include children and adults with special needs, that are incapable of passing a written hunters safety test but can… The post Gov. Whitmer signs MUCC supported legislation appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

Commissioners adopted changes to deer regulations for 2024 at the July 11th Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting.  After over 20 amendments to Wildlife Conservation Order #6 of 2024 were debated, commissioners landed on an order with most changes taking effect in the 2024 season.   Among other changes for 2024, the commission adopted several amendments. Of the… The post July 2024 NRC Recap appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

Deer regulations for the 2024 hunting season will be decided at this week’s Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting.   After months of work by the Deer Management Initiative (DMI), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and NRC some regulatory changes may be adopted.   The meeting will be held at Lansing Community College West Campus, beginning at 8:30… The post July 2024 NRC Preview appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

Thursday morning the Michigan legislature completed work on the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, adjourning at 5 a.m.  After an 18-hour session, a budget agreement was finally passed, which included funding of a conservation priority in the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) budget but did not reach an agreement on the Recreation Passport Opt-Out.  Within the… The post Michigan Legislature provides significant investment in Sportsmen Against Hunger appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

Lansing, MI – On Wednesday, the Michigan Senate passed Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) supported House Bill 5737 on a 38-0 vote following its unanimous passage in the House of Representatives. The bill, which is sponsored by Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck), amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) to enable minor and adult… The post MUCC Supported House Bill 5737 Passes Senate, Providing Hunting Opportunities for Individuals with Special Needs  appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

Over 30 people spoke on proposed deer regulations at the June Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting.   The commissioners are considering Wildlife Conservation Order #6 of 2024, containing 25 separate proposals, 18 of which could go into effect for the 2024 hunting season.   Many of the proposals result from the Deer Management Initiative (DMI) workgroup… The post June 2024 NRC Recap appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

Deer regulations dominate the agenda at the June 13 Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting.   The meeting will be held at Lansing Community College West Campus, beginning at 9:30 a.m.  The Deer Management Initiative’s (DMI) work is complete, and the first batch of regulatory proposals is on the agenda for the meeting.   Throughout the DMI process… The post June 2024 NRC Preview appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

Lansing, MI — May 23, 2024 — This morning, Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC), Michigan’s leading conservation organization, testified in committee on priority legislation expanding hunting opportunities for individuals with special needs.   House Bill 5737, sponsored by Rep. Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) with bipartisan support expands Michigan’s successful mentored youth hunting program to include children and adults… The post MUCC Testifies on Bill to Expand Mentored Hunt Program to Include Individuals with Special Needs appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

Former Commissioner Carol Rose was recognized for her service to the commission at the May Natural Resource Commission (NRC) meeting today. Commissioner Rose served on the commission from 2020-2023, including serving as chair for a portion of her term. Other highlights of the Director’s report featured a presentation from Brian Frawley on the 2023 Deer… The post May 2024 NRC Recap appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

The May Natural Resources Commission (NRC) will receive a preliminary report from the Deer Management Initiative (DMI) at the May 9 meeting. The meeting will be held at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme, beginning with coffee with commissioners at 8 a.m. The DMI wrapped up with the conclusion of the UP DMI… The post May 2024 NRC Preview appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.