MUCC Annual Convention canceled for June 2020

lschultz • May 4, 2020

Due to concerns regarding COVID-19, this summer’s Michigan United Conservation Clubs Annual Convention has been canceled. Convention was previously scheduled from June 26 to 28. This decision is in the best interest of our members to ensure their safety and well-being, and please know that this decision was not made lightly.

A total of 23 resolutions were slated to head to convention in June. Each of these resolutions had passed through a rigorous process to arrive at this point – passing one of the three MUCC Conservation Policy Board meetings which have occurred since the 2019 MUCC Annual Convention. 

The MUCC Executive Board and staff are working to develop creative solutions to continue the grassroots policy process. We realize that the in-person debate and amendments that happen at convention are an important step in creating sound policy stances that MUCC works to implement.

A committee has been formed to discuss all possible options moving forward. MUCC is proud of the grassroots process that gives its members a platform and voice. 

At this time, we are still asking that club delegates and IM delegates turn in their registration (with no payment) and club authorization forms . A proper credentialing process will be important if the policy process and/or elections continue this year virtually.

The MUCC Annual Convention has been a gathering place of conservationists for more than 82 years. MUCC is committed to defending Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor heritage and will still be advocating on your behalf at the Capitol and the Natural Resources Commission until we convene again.

 

Staff has started to compile a Frequently Asked Questions document that will be hosted on the MUCC Annual Convention landing page. This document will be continually updated as questions are received. Here are the first round of FAQs:

Q: Is convention canceled for 2020? 

A: Yes, the in-person MUCC Annual Convention previously scheduled from June 26 to 28 is cancelled. MUCC Executive Board and staff have formed a committee to explore options of a virtual election or policy process. Please stay tuned for future communications regarding decisions made. 

 

Q: If I have already registered for convention, will I receive a refund? 

A: MUCC members who have registered will have the option of a refund. However, MUCC has been significantly affected by this pandemic. Please consider donating your registration if you or your club is financially able to do so. If you are unable, MUCC Policy and Special Events Assistant Ian FitzGerald will be contacting registrants regarding a refund. Your patience through this process is greatly appreciated.

 

Q: If I have already registered for convention, what will happen to my booked room at the Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie? 

A: The MUCC room block has been canceled. If you booked your hotel room in the MUCC block using the code provided, it has now been canceled. If you had paid for your hotel room in advance or separate from the MUCC room block, please reach out to Kewadin Casino. You must cancel any reservations on your own that you had booked at other lodging or camping facilities. 

 

Q: What about elections? What happens if I am running for a position? 

A: The MUCC Executive Board voted to extend the current terms of both the Executive Board and the Conservation Policy Board until Sept. 30 to allow staff and committee members time to develop a plan for elections. Please keep an eye out for further communications regarding the election process. 

 

Q: Is MUCC still accepting nominations for the purposes of elections? 

A: Yes! Please send a completed nomination form to Ian FitzGerald at ifitzgerald@mucc.org . 

 

Q: Do I still need to file my registration and club authorization form for elections? 

A: Yes. This is necessary in the event an online election or policy process occurs. You can find those forms here . Please mail them to PO Box 30235 Lansing, MI 48909 or scan and email them to Ian FitzGerald at ifitzgerald@mucc.org. Payment is not necessary. 

 

Q: What if my club is not meeting in person and I am unable to get signatures from my club officers for the club authorization form? 

A: You can have at least two club officers email Ian FitzGerald at ifitzgerald@mucc.org to authorize you as a delegate. An email template is below. Please, still turn in the club authorization form which has other important information on it. 

Hello Ian,

I, [Enter Name], authorize [Enter delegate name] to vote on behalf of [Enter club name].

[Enter Name] [Date]

 

Q: Will there be Conservation Policy Board meetings this year? 

A: MUCC staff and committee members will be exploring the options surrounding a September Conservation Policy Board (CPB) Meeting. Please look for further communications on the matter in the coming months. Generally, CPB meetings are held in September, December and March.

 

Q: My club has changed leadership since last year, how do I update MUCC of these changes?

A: You can update your club’s contact information here .

 

Q : What happens with my resolution that was passed by the CPB?

A: MUCC Executive Board and staff have formed a committee to explore options for an online/virtual policy process. Please stay tuned for future communications regarding decisions made. 

 

Q: What if my resolution is pressing or timely?

A: Resolutions requiring immediate action may be passed by the MUCC Executive Board as interim policy. According to Executive Board procedures, this is defined as a resolution pertaining to an event or circumstance that, due to timing, requires immediate action because a policy action will take place before the next regular annual convention or a policy board meeting. Resolution writers may contact Ian FitzGerald at ifitzgerald@mucc.org to discuss the interim policy process.

 

Q: What will happen with the MUCC Conservation Awards that are normally awarded at Annual Convention.

A: MUCC Conservation Awards will not be given in 2020. 

 

Q : Does my club still need to pay its dues?

A: While there will not be an in-person convention, club dues will need to be paid to maintain membership of MUCC and prior voting in online elections and/or policy processes. 

Recent Posts

New Partnership: Certified Wildlife Habitat with National Wildlife Federation

By Olivia Triltsch • October 23, 2025
Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) is proud to announce a new partnership with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) to bring the Certified Wildlife Habitat ™ program to communities across Michigan. This collaboration connects MUCC’s long-standing commitment to conservation with NWF’s national effort to create, restore, and certify habitats that provide food, water, cover, and places to raise young. Together, the organizations aim to inspire individuals, schools, and communities to take action in their own backyards to support native species. Through this initiative, MUCC will help expand awareness of the Certified Wildlife Habitat program, integrate it into its volunteer network, and provide resources to landowners interested in enhancing habitat on their property. One of the greatest benefits for volunteers comes from the knowledge gained in understanding wildlife habitat enhancement, allowing for the application to private land habitat enhancement. In addition to this, much of the work we do for habitat can apply to a variety of species, from rabbits to wood ducks, even birds of prey. The partnership will also promote community engagement opportunities through educational events, workshops, and collaborative restoration projects. In coordination with efforts like the certified wildlife habitat, MUCC hopes to expand conservation efforts across Michigan. Our award-winning, statewide volunteer habitat program, On the Ground (OTG), works to conserve, protect, and enhance wildlife habitat. In 2025 alone, OTG worked with 739 volunteers across 27 habitat projects, from invasive species removal to river clean-ups. Through the hard work contributing over 2,900 volunteer hours, habitat stewards were able to improve 423 acres of land for wildlife conservation in Michigan. Although OTG projects are not active year-round, we encourage Michigan residents to continue land stewardship on both public and private lands. To qualify for certification through the Certified Wildlife Habitat program, a property must include: Three natural food sources One water source Two places for shelter Two places to raise young Two sustainable practices To determine if your habitat qualifies, visit the NWF website and take the habitat quiz or download the checklist. If your habitat needs native plants, check out Garden for Wildlife to find species native to your area. The $25 application fee includes a personalized paper certificate, a 1-year NWF membership, and the option to purchase lawn plaques and garden flags. Habitats located on school grounds do not have a fee to get certified, so check to see what you might need to qualify today. If you are interested in joining our On the Ground program for the 2026 season, stay connected through our Facebook , Instagram , and OTG webpage for upcoming events.

On the Ground Junior: Fall Event Recap

By Olivia Triltsch • October 16, 2025
In 2025, the On the Ground program conducted 8 junior projects with schools involving 316 students from across the state. From tree plantings to invasive species removal, these students worked to enhance 39.3 acres of public land after contributing over 200 volunteer hours. Visit our website to learn more information about our On the Ground program and On the Ground Junior . To wrap up the 2025 field season, the On the Ground program worked with two classrooms to enhance wildlife habitat and recreational access. Junior programs like these allow teachers to get their students out of the classroom and into hands-on learning about the importance of habitat work while meeting individuals in the field.

October NRC Recap

By Justin Tomei • October 9, 2025
The Natural Resources Commission met today, Thursday, October 9th for their October meeting. The commission reaffirmed its intent to allow for lethal year-round coyote management on public and private land via a unanimously passed resolution before passing fisheries orders, and tabling more for consideration in November. The commission passed Fisheries Orders 210.26 , and 254.25 before tabling 206.26, 219.26 , and 253.26 . Commissioner John Walters provided an amendment to the fisheries order to expand underwater spearfishing opportunities to most of the Great Lakes, allowing for some spatial closures for the protection of particularly sensitive areas. The commission took steps to make good on their promise to allow year-round coyote management, unanimously passing a resolution more clearly stating their intent and what the pending wildlife conservation order will look like. The next meeting is Thursday November 6 in Lansing.
More Posts