Michigan DNR Fisheries Division Releases Five-year Strategic Plan
The Department of Natural Resources’ Fisheries Division has released the final version of a new five-year strategic plan that will guide its future management activities. The plan – titled “Charting the Course: Fisheries Division’s Framework for Managing Aquatic Resources” – can be found online at www.michigan.gov/fishing.
The 2013-2017 Fisheries Division Strategic Plan provides a vision and relevant broad activities for managing the various components of Michigan’s fisheries, including its fish, their habitat, and engaging angler participation. It is designed to assist the division in meeting its long-standing responsibilities to protect, manage and enhance Michigan’s aquatic resources for the benefit of current and future generations.
“We are excited to provide citizens with this transparent strategy,” said Fisheries Division Chief Jim Dexter. “It has taken over a year of intensive work and public engagement to define what needs to be and can be accomplished. The plan will help us continue to provide some of the finest freshwater fishing opportunities in the world.”
The plan was developed through a process that engaged the public at large, constituent group leadership and Fisheries Division staff. More than 10,000 people provided input through online surveys or phone interviews describing their desires for future fisheries management activities. Additional public input was provided on the draft version of the plan, which was available online during January and February.
Fisheries Division staff is currently at work developing specific tactics that will be designed to meet the plan’s strategies, objectives and goals, using information provided by the public through the review process.
