Michigan Land and Water Policy Project

About this grant

The Michigan United Conservation Clubs is the largest statewide conservation organization in the nation. Its membership includes conservationists, hunters, anglers, and trappers. With previous support, the grantee has played a key role in numerous policy discussions and decisions of importance to the Great Lakes, including funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and protecting the Great Lakes from the release of invasive species from ballast water. They undertook ambitious research to document the contribution of hunting and fishing to Michigan’s recreation economy, and they facilitated coalition efforts to reduce hydroelectric facilities’ impacts on downstream water. With renewed support, the grantee will continue monitoring hydroelectric operations; raise awareness and lead education efforts on Asian carp and other invasive species in coordination with other state organizations; create maps of water quality concerns in Michigan; and extend its work on the economic benefits of hunting, fishing, and trapping in Michigan.