Governor Snyder to Volunteer with MUCC on Grouse Trail in Upper Peninsula
OutdoorHub 08.08.14
Governor Rick Snyder will volunteer to improve grouse habitat and hunter access trails in the Upper Peninsula with Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) on August 13. The public is invited to volunteer with Governor Snyder to plant berry-producing shrubs and mast-producing trees at the Grouse Enhanced Management (GEM) Trail southwest of Gwinn as part of MUCC’s On the Ground (OTG) program, Governor Snyder’s “Do Something Michigan” initiative, and Outdoor Life’s Open Country initiative.
“Hunters and anglers fund conservation in Michigan with their hunting and fishing licenses, but they also support conservation by volunteering their time and effort on projects like this,” said Governor Snyder. “This is a great example of volunteers getting out there and doing something for wildlife habitat and to make Michigan the ‘Trails State.’”
Governor Snyder launched his “Do Something Michigan” initiative in 2013 to encourage volunteerism in the state, the same year that Michigan United Conservation Clubs launched OTG as a partnership with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to encourage volunteerism for fish and wildlife habitat. The DNR received Outdoor Life Magazine’s inaugural Open Country Award for its participation in the OTG program.
“We’re very excited that Governor Snyder is willing to take time out of his busy schedule to volunteer for grouse habitat,” said Dan Eichinger, executive director at MUCC. “We’re one of the few states making a proactive investment in conservation, thanks to Governor Snyder, and the improved habitat should make for better experiences for the hunters and anglers who make up such a large part of the economy in Michigan, particularly in the Upper Peninsula.”
Volunteers will meet at 9:00a.m. at the DNR Field Office in Gwinn, then drive and carpool to the planting site on Perrin Brothers Trail, off County Road 438. Volunteers will receive a free digital subscription to Michigan OutofDoors Magazine, a free “Live the Wildlife” t-shirt and lunch. Discovering with Brian Whitens and Trails and Tales Outdoor Radio with Tim Kobasic will be covering the project. Representatives from National Wildlife Federation will also discuss the fiftieth anniversary of the federal Wilderness Act. Those wishing to volunteer are encouraged sign up at www.mucc.org/ontheground.
Contact:
Drew YoungeDyke, Grassroots Mgr. | 734.272.2584 | dyoungedyke@mucc.org
