Oct. 13, 2016

Contact: Russ Mason, 517-243-8928 or Ed Golder, 517-284-5815 

Blue Ribbon Advisory Group completes review of state game areas, provides recommendations to DNR

In May 2015, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced the formation of a Blue Ribbon Advisory Group to independently review state game areas in southern Michigan. The review was to include a variety of topics, including overall use of state game areas (SGAs); funds and agreements used to acquire these lands; timing and diversity of uses, and vision for the future of these areas.

At today’s meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission in Lansing, representatives of the group presented their recommendations to the DNR in a formal written report.

The group met seven times over the last year and a half, and developed formal recommendations that included items such as developing limited-draw hunt programs on SGAs, engaging local units of government in SGAs, developing friends groups for each SGA, and seeking ways to expand the state game area system.

“Our work was not intended to replace the current management approach on SGAs,” said Michigan United Conservation Clubs Executive Director Dan Eichinger, who served as the group’s co-chair. “We hope our report encourages and supports experimentation to ensure that these places continue to meet the demands of the hunting public. We look forward to seeing where the DNR goes from here.”

William Demmer, past president of Boone and Crockett and chief executive officer of Demmer Corporation, joined Eichinger as co-chair. Additional members included: 

• Chris Bunch, Six Rivers Land Conservancy
• Jordan Burroughs, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University
• Bob Coffin, merchant, Meijer Corporation
• Douglas J. Krizanic, Deloitte Tax LLP
• Amy Mangus, coordinator of Environmental Programs, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments
• Marc Miller, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
• Shawn Riley, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University
• Bill Rustem
• Zane Walker, Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council

“We appreciate the time and effort group members dedicated to this process,” said Russ Mason, DNR Wildlife Division chief. “Their recommendations will set the tone for future work at state game areas in southern Michigan.”

State game areas are important public land areas owned by the state of Michigan, providing residents with broad opportunities to hunt, trap, fish and engage in other compatible recreational activities. The DNR is responsible for creating and maintaining wildlife habitat on these areas for conservation purposes.

See a map and list of Michigan’s state game areas on the DNR website. 

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.