September NRC Recap

Justin Tomei • September 8, 2022

The Natural Resources Commission (NRC) passed three fisheries orders at its September meeting Thursday. The fourth order up for action, Fisheries Order 206.23 was tabled to get more public input from Upper Peninsula residents at the October meeting. 

The orders mostly changed regulations for some warm water species and waters, and addressed some spawning closures. More in-depth summaries can be found in our blog previewing the August NRC meeting.

There were also a trio of fisheries orders relating to coldwater species up for information this month, including changing the definition of an artificial fly. In-depth breakdowns of these orders can be found in our September NRC preview here .

Michigan United Conservation Clubs Policy Assistant Justin Tomei said the organization does not have policy on most of the fisheries orders, but there has been interest among a policy committee to consider the definition of an artificial fly.

While there were no director’s orders under old business this month, there were a pair of land use orders up for information: one was proposed regulations at the new Crystal Waters State Game Area and the second proposing regulations for the Silver Lake State Park ORV area . 

Initially, the Crystal Waters order contained a provision allowing only the use of non-toxic shot within the game area, but that provision was removed without notice.

MUCC has a 2018 policy asking the organization to educate the hunting and conservation public on the uses of non-toxic alternatives where practical and available.

“There is no benefit to adding more lead to the environment,” Tomei said. “Non-toxic alternatives exist and their efficacy and efficiency have increased dramatically over recent years. It is our duty as conservationists to protect our natural resources.”

Nine land transactions were on the agenda. MUCC only reviews land transactions exceeding 80 acres, of which there was one. Land Transaction Case #20200154 is the only transaction meeting that threshold. It is an acquisition of 200 acres that is adjacent to state land on two sides.

During the fisheries committee meeting, commissioners saw presentations from Jay Wesley and Jory Jonas, both from DNR Fisheries Division, regarding wild vs stocked fish as well as wild vs. stocked steelhead . 

Michigan Trout Unlimited Director Bryan Burroughs  provided a presentation on the organization’s policy regarding splake stocking in Lake Superior . 

Following the Fisheries Committee the Wildlife Committee saw a presentation on the trends on methods and manner of take from Lt. Jason Wicklund from Law Enforcement Division, and Sara Thompson of Wildlife Division. 

The October NRC meeting will be at Northern Michigan University. The meeting will be Thursday October 13 at 1401 Presque Isle Avenue in Marquette. MUCC will be streaming the meeting on our Facebook page as technology allows. 

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

Recent Posts

Species Spotlight: The Kirtland's Warbler

By Katelyn Helsel • April 30, 2025
As spring gets fully underway and the warmer weather hits, many birds are in the process of migrating back to Michigan. One migratory species you might see (if you live in northern Michigan) is the rare Kirtland’s warbler. This bird has a long and detailed conservation story, coming back from the brink of extinction with the help of strong conservation efforts. 

The Legacy of Michigan Logging

By Olivia Triltsch • April 24, 2025
Historically, Michigan experienced a lumber era in which the state was a leading producer for 50 years starting in 1860.

MUCC celebrates a successful Clinton River Cleanup

By Katelyn Helsel • April 23, 2025
Rochester Hills, MI — On the Ground, MUCC’s volunteer stewardship program, celebrated its 250th habitat improvement project in Oakland County this past weekend. In partnership with Metro-West Steelheaders and the Clinton River Watershed Council , 62 volunteers removed more than 460 pounds of trash from the Clinton River watershed and surrounding areas, restoring more than 80 acres of fish and wildlife habitat. Volunteers focused on picking up trash and other debris in the river near Yates Park and along various walking trails near the Yates Cider Mill. Many different items were collected, including a couple of tires, fishing line, old cans, a sign, and even a car bumper. “We definitely wanted to clean up as much trash as possible because that's going to help the watershed as a whole, and it’s going to clean up the river for both humans aesthetically, and also the animals that live in it, and create safer drinking water” said Olivia Triltsch, MUCC’s Habitat Program and Partnerships Coordinator.
More Posts