MARQUETTE, MI— A group of state lawmakers wants to create a Natural Resources Commission specifically for the U.P.
Republican Representatives Dave Prestin, Greg Markkanen, Parker Fairbairn, and Karl Bohnak say the Michigan NRC has rulemaking jurisdiction over hunting and fishing across the entire state, which often leads to broad-stroke rulings that don’t respect the unique nature of U.P. wildlife and natural resources.
They say the U.P. has unique challenges, such as a predator-prey imbalance that threatens the whitetail deer population, which is in decline as the deer population in lower Michigan explodes at an alarming rate.
Under the bills, the U.P. NRC would have exclusive authority to regulate the taking of game and sport fish within the Upper Peninsula. Commissioners would be appointed by the governor from a list compiled by legislators representing the U.P., ensuring local representation and accountability.
