DNR presents Partners in Conservation Awards to two Southeast Michigan conservation groups
Contact: Jim Francis, 284-666-7444; Mike Thomas, 586-465-4771 ext. 23; or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014 Agency: Natural ResourcesSept. 19, 2013
Two southeastern Michigan conservation organizations -- the Clinton River Watershed Council (CRWC) and the St. Clair-Detroit River Chapter of Sturgeon for Tomorrow -- were presented with Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Partners in Conservation Awards at the September meeting of the Natural Resources Commission in Lansing.
Both organizations were nominated by the DNR Fisheries Division.
The Clinton River Watershed Council, which was formed more than 40 years ago, is a long-time partner of the DNR Fisheries Division. Dedicated to education and stewardship, the CRWC was lauded for numerous contributions, including its assistance in the removal of outdated dams on the North Branch of the Clinton River and Paint Creek. [Photo on right: The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently honored the St. Clair-Detroit River chapter of Sturgeon for Tomorrow with a Partners in Conservation Award. Shown here (left to right) at the Sept. 12 meeting of the Natural Resources Commission are NRC chair J.R. Richardson; Jim Felgenauer, president of St. Clair-Detroit River Sturgeon for Tomorrow; Jim Dexter, chief of the DNR Fisheries Division; and DNR Director Keith Creagh.]
"We're deeply honored," said CRWC Director Anne Vaara. "The DNR has been a great partner for us for many years."
The St. Clair-Detroit River chapter of the statewide sturgeon conservation group developed a brochure to help anglers handle sturgeon in a manner that will promote better survival; erected a sign at a sturgeon fishing spot to encourage the reporting of poaching; and produced a Sturgeon Management Cooperator patch and furnished a supply of them to the DNR to hand out to anglers who report catching tagged sturgeon in the St. Clair River. [Photo on left:The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently honored the St. Clair-Detroit River chapter of Sturgeon for Tomorrow with a Partners in Conservation Award. Shown here (left to right) at the Sept. 12 meeting of the Natural Resources Commission are NRC chair J.R. Richardson; Jim Felgenauer, president of St. Clair-Detroit River Sturgeon for Tomorrow; Jim Dexter, chief of the DNR Fisheries Division; and DNR Director Keith Creagh.]
"Although St. Clair-Detroit River Sturgeon for Tomorrow has only been around for a couple of years, this grassroots organization already has made a positive impact on resource conservation and stewardship in Southeast Michigan," said DNR biologist Mike Thomas.
According to DNR Fisheries Chief Jim Dexter, both of these organizations have made great strides in furthering the health and stability of Michigan's fisheries and waters. He specifically cited the efforts of the Clinton River Watershed Council.
"The folks at CRWC embraced the work and commitment needed to turn things around for the Clinton River watershed at a time when most other people turned their backs," said Dexter. "It is because of the dedication of the groups and individuals we've honored with Partners in Conservation Awards that Michigan's lakes, rivers and streams -- and the fish and aquatic life that rely on them -- that residents and visitors can enjoy these Pure Michigan resources."
Partners in Conservation Awards are bestowed upon groups and individuals who have been nominated by DNR staff in recognition of their outstanding contributions to natural resources in Michigan.
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.
