Nick Buggia and Michigan staff highlight the great work happening in Michigan
June has been an active month across the state of Michigan for the Ruffed Grouse Society & the American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS). On the member engagement side, local chapters have held shoots, and begun planning for other member events throughout the summer and into fall. On the conservation side RGS & AWS has entered into two stewardship agreements with the U.S Forest Service.
This month has also been busy for RGS & AWS staff and volunteers on the conservation policy front as well. On June 7, 2022 the Michigan legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus summer outing was held at the Capitol area Sportsmen’s League in Lansing, MI. This event, sponsored by The Michigan Sportsmen’s Caucus Advisory Council made up of conservation organizations from around the state, allows Michigan Legislators and their staff to have real time dialogue regarding pending conservation legislation and needs across Michigan.
The afternoon also featured hands-on opportunities to experience clay target shooting, fly casting and other outdoor related pursuits. RGS & AWS was able to discuss Michigan House Bill 5631 sponsored by Representative John Cherry. The bill would require the MIDNR to develop a management plan for American woodcock; the bill is pending for vote by the Michigan House of Representatives.
On top of this success, Saturday June 25, 2022 RGS & AWS staff and volunteers attended the 85th annual convention of MUCC. This convention brings conservation minded members and club from across Michigan together to discuss and vote on a variety of state-based conservation issues. This year, there were two resolutions brought to the convention that were of importance to RGS & AWS members. Both, championed by local RGS & AWS volunteers Abraham Downer and Travis Powers. The first resolution pertained to requiring the State of Michigan to have a dedicated game bird biologist on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) staff, the second resolution was to insure the MDNR would study American Woodcock populations across the state and institute a long-term development plan for American Woodcock. RGS & AWS volunteers and staff, publicly spoke for the record in support of the resolutions and passed unanimously without dissent.
June has been a good month in Michigan for RGS & AWS, our membership and chapters. We’re active in advocacy on important issues, stewardship agreements have been signed, and on-the-ground conservation is moving forward. The best news of all, ruffed grouse, American woodcock and all the species that rely on young forest management have benefited.
If you’d like to learn more or get involved, please contact Nick Buggia. If you have questions about forest conservation or have questions about managing your land, contact Jon Steigerwaldt.
