Michigan BHA goes to Washington DC In early April, Mike Donovan, Chapter Board member, participated in a “DC Fly-In” to talk to our Legislators about the importance of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to Michigan’s hunters, anglers, and other recreationists.   A bipartisan creation in the 1960s, the LWCF is primarily funded by revenues from federal offshore oil and gas leases.  Much like Michigan’s own Natural Resources Trust Fund (created in the 1970s), political leaders and ...

Michigan Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Raises Concerns About Sea Lamprey Control Staff Cuts The recent firing of 12 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) employees responsible for sea lamprey control in the Great Lakes is a serious concern for Michigan’s fisheries. These staff members played a critical role in managing invasive sea lampreys, and their absence puts Michigan’s aquatic ecosystems at risk. Michigan’s Fisheries at Risk Michigan’s lakes and rivers are vital to both the ...

MI BHA Chapter Advocates for Responsible Public Land Use The Michigan BHA chapter continues to actively advocate for the responsible management of our state’s public lands. Recently, we submitted our concerns regarding the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) proposal to lease 420 acres of state-managed forest land within the Gaylord Forest Management Unit for solar development. Our letter, shared with the DNR, emphasized concerns about the potential impacts on public access, ...

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input on two new general management plans in the Keweenaw Peninsula. One is for Keweenaw Point state-managed lands and the other is for Fort Wilkins Historic State Park in Keweenaw County Feedback collected will help shape the plans that help protect the natural communities, historical significance, and recreational value of both these locations. Why we are engaging in the planning effort?BHA is the watch dog or voice for wild ...

  2023 has been an eventful year for the Michigan Chapter of BHA! This year, we've been deeply engaged in vital policy work that is shaping the future of our precious public lands and waters in the great state of Michigan. From our active involvement with Department of Natural Resources' land management decisions, rallying opposition to the expansion of Camp Grayling, and fighting for the protection of sport fish, Michigan BHA has been at the forefront of advocating for new and continued ...