February NRC Recap

The Natural Resources Commission (NRC) met today at the Michigan Library and Historical center.   

Bear regulations were up for information for the NRC. Wildlife Conservation Order #2 of 2025 proposes a number of changes to bear regulations.   

For more information on the order check out MUCC’s NRC Preview. 

A number of regulatory issues considered by the department and the bear forum are also mentioned in the memo, with no amendment proposed.   

Also, up for information was Wildlife Conservation Order #1 of 2025  which allows for hunting to continue on the newly acquired Gete Mino Mshkiigan property, under state park land rules. 

Both WCO amendments are eligible for action at the March meeting.   

The director had four orders up for action. To learn more about these orders, read our January NRC preview. 

There were two land transactions on the agenda, MUCC reviews all transactions exceeding 80 acres, which both orders do. 

Land Transaction Case #20240089 is a sale of 350 acres of surplus land in Crawford County for the Saab munitions plant. 

Land Transaction Case #20240082 is an 80 acre acquisition in Alpena County, the property will be managed as part of the Atlanta Forest Management Unit. 

Before closing, Commissioner Walters requested an amendment to the Wildlife Conservation Order that would open up the year-round coyote hunting season. The amendment would be up for information at the March meeting, with a potential vote in April. 

The next NRC meeting is on Thursday, March 13, in Grand Rapids. 

To ensure our natural resources remain protected and managed thoughtfully and our outdoor heritage defended, join Michigan United Conservation Clubs today: http://bit.ly/JoinMUCC.