Are you interested in Michigan wildlife and wildlands? Consider joining the Wildlife and Wildlands subcommittee of the Michigan Chapter Conservation Committee. The mission of the Wildlife and Wildlands subcommittee is to engage in advocacy, public education and grassroots action that help protect, preserve and restore Michigan’s native creatures and ecosystems.
Our current priorities include advocating for the preservation, restoration and expansion of Michigan’s wildlands with a goal of 30% protected by 2030; preservation and restoration of biodiversity; promoting science-based decision-making for Michigan’s wildlife and wildlands; ensuring equitable access to nature; representing nongame interests within the state of Michigan, and informing the public about the importance of predators and opposing predator hunting. We meet monthly virtually to discuss ways to advance these goals. Please send an email to subcommittee chair John Rebers (jrebers@gmail.com) if you would like to participate in our meetings or would like more information
We began meeting in April 2025. Here is what we have accomplished so far:
- Drafted a Mission and Priorities statement to send to the Conservation Committee and the Chapter Executive Committee;
- Sent a letter to the Michigan Natural Resources Committee opposing year-round coyote hunting;
- Sent a letter to Michigan House and Michigan Senate leadership opposing funding for Copperwood mine (next to Porcupine Mountains State Park).
The Wildlife and Wildlands subcommittee also participated in calls from the Chapter for individual action, including:
- Urging members to submit comments for the Michigan State Wildlife Action Plan;
- Letting members know about a National Park Service 30-day comment period called Improving Visitor Services in National Parks under Executive Order 14314, “Making America Beautiful Again by Improving Our National Parks.”
There are a number of things we are working on currently. One issue is working with EGLE and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on problems with the Homestead Resort spraying sewage that drifts into the National Lakeshore. We also plan to make comments to the DNR on the Michigan State Forest Plan, which will be updated in June 2026, as well as participate in public comments on State Forest planning. The Michigan legislature is working on amendments to the Recreational Authorities Act – we are following that legislation to help make sure it aligns with Sierra Club goals. The Grand Island National Recreation Area Recreation Plan is being amended this year. We plan to make comments in fall 2025 when proposed revisions to the plan are made public. We are also working with the Southeast Michigan Group on plans to help save the Louellen Woughter Nature Preserve, as well as helping their efforts to save Sibley Prairie.
There’s lots of important work to be done! Please join us and help.