Local governments continue to oppose expansion of Camp Grayling

Justin Tomei • November 2, 2022

A groundswell of local support has been growing as a decision on the Camp Grayling land review could come at any time.

In June, the National Guard announced its intention to expand Camp Grayling’s current lease of 148,000 acres to 315,000 acres — more than doubling its existing footprint on public land. MUCC submitted its public comments at the end of August opposing the expansion. 

County and township governments have continued passing resolutions across Northern Michigan in opposition to the expansion of the Camp Grayling lease. Eleven local government units across four Northern Michigan counties have expressed their opposition. Regional leaders are working to secure even more support from local governments.

The status of the expansion has not changed since the unofficial end of public comment around  the Labor Day holiday.  

The decision to proceed with a review lies solely in the hands of Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director Dan Eichinger.

While the final decision on expansion approval is likely more than a year away, the first major step, approval or denial of the review, could come from Director Eichinger at any time. 

The DNR has not provided much public comment to the media, refusing to comment on Michigan Out-of-Doors TV, who has aired a multi-part segment on the proposed expansion . The DNR has held public meetings in and around the area where the proposed expansion would occur. Some meetings had hundreds of attendees who overwhelmingly opposed the expansion.

While the decision is in the hands of the DNR, as we approach the election it is essential to ask local and state candidates their views on the expansion. A few basic questions include:

  • Are you aware of the 162,000 proposed expansion of the Camp Grayling lease that sits before the DNR Director right now?
  • What is your view on the militarization of Michigan’s public lands?
  • Will you join me in making a public statement opposing the militarization of public lands?

MUCC has posted a call to action on its website , creating a simple tool for Michigan residents to send emails to the DNR director, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and an individual’s state legislators.

MUCC opposes the expansion of Camp Grayling except in a national emergency, per a 1989 resolution (click here to read) . 

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

Recent Posts

On the Ground: Jack Pine Planting Day 2026

By Olivia Triltsch • May 7, 2026
On Saturday, May 2, 2026, a group of dedicated volunteers joined Kirtland's Warbler Alliance, Huron Pines, Saginaw Children’s Zoo, and MUCC's OTG program in planting approximately 4,800 jack pine saplings within the Grayling Forest Management Unit in Crawford County. Jack pines are a critical nesting habitat feature for the once-threatened Kirtland’s warbler. In total, volunteers directly impacted about 7 acres of land were prepared by the Michigan DNR for this planting to allow volunteers to maximize their efforts across the land. This is one of our annual events that is perfect for helpers of all ages and interests.

MUCC Announces Dissolution After Nearly 90 Years of Conservation Advocacy

May 4, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) announces its decision to dissolve after nearly 90 years of conservation advocacy, citing ongoing financial challenges and outlining next steps in an orderly wind-down process.

On the Ground: Trees and Trash in Grayling Forest Management Unit

By Olivia Triltsch • April 30, 2026
On Saturday, April 25, 2026, MUCC's On the Ground program partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Ruffed Grouse Society, National Wild Turkey Federation, and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers for a crabapple tree planting and dump site clean-up event in the Grayling Forest Management Unit. Volunteers worked as a team to plant, compost, mulch, and fence 25 eight-foot trees at various locations in Crawford County on the public lands to offer forage for wildlife. Many species, like grouse, turkey, and deer, utilize mast-producing trees for food when other resources are not available. These trees were planted along an old logging road for both game and non-game wildlife, while enhancing the local recreational opportunities. Another group of volunteers branched off to remove trash from three dump sites on public land in Kalkaska County, which included couches, mattresses, shingles, and tires. Volunteers filled a 30-yard dumpster with trash found in the landscape in an attempt to keep the environment better than how it was found while improving future recreational opportunities. In total, volunteers directly enhanced 2.1 acres of wildlife habitat through this project.
More Posts