Public invited to review Michigan’s plan for rare wildlife conservation

Feedback on draft State Wildlife Action Plan is due Sept. 12

Michigan is one of the only strongholds for some of North America’s most unique and vulnerable wildlife.

Whether it’s the Kirtland’s warbler nesting in young jack pine forests, piping plovers scurrying across sandy Great Lakes beaches or the Karner blue butterfly flitting among wild lupine in oak savannas, these species rely on rare habitats that exist almost exclusively here. Their survival depends on conservation actions, and Michigan’s State Wildlife Action Plan, or SWAP, is the roadmap that helps make that possible.

The SWAP is a guiding conservation strategy to protect the state’s rare and declining species and the habitats they depend on. Now, Michiganders have an opportunity to weigh in on that strategy.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has released the updated draft of the State Wildlife Action Plan for public review and comment, open through Sept. 12.

“This plan is about protecting the unique fish and wildlife that call Michigan home. Not just because they’re rare, but because they’re a reflection of the health of our forests, waters and communities,” said Tony Henehan, Michigan’s State Wildlife Action Plan coordinator. “Whether you care about native pollinators, rare birds, or just want future generations to enjoy clean water and great outdoor recreation, this plan matters.”

The SWAP is developed in close partnership with tribal governments, conservation organizations, researchers and other stakeholders. It identifies Species of Greatest Conservation Need and outlines specific actions to restore, monitor and protect them.

From a wide range of species such as the northern leopard frog to Blanding’s turtle to osprey and walleye, the plan targets threats and prioritizes habitat improvements that benefit a range of wildlife and ecosystem services.

Henehan said that while it’s grounded in science, the plan also connects directly to quality of life: “Habitat conservation supports bird watching, hunting, fishing, hiking and other outdoor recreation that is so much a part of Michigan’s identity and economy.”

How to review and comment

Access the draft 2025 chapter revisions on the State Wildlife Action Plan webpage, which is available via Michigan.gov/Wildlife. Use the dropdown menu to make a chapter selection. The plan is divided into chapters so you can focus on the sections that matter most to you. They include:

• Warmwater streams and their headwaters.
• St. Clair and Detroit River System.
• Littoral zones.
• Great Lakes ciscoes.
• Forested wetlands
• Coldwater streams.
• Coldwater lakes.
• Big rivers.
• Wildlife health.
• Peatlands.
• Mines and caves.
• Islands.
• Great Lakes coastal systems.
• Grasslands.
• Dynamic forests.
• Dry forests, savannas and barrens.
• Boreal forests.
• Bedrock communities.

Each chapter includes a short poll where you can rate your satisfaction and leave feedback. Polls are quick, just a minute or two each, and your comments will help inform the final version of the plan, which will be published in 2026.

“Your voice matters,” Henrehan said. “This is a simple, yet impactful way you can help shape Michigan’s wildlife future today.”

Accompanying photos of various wildlife species (including Kirtland's warbler, Blanding's turtle, Karner blue butterfly and piping plover) are available in the wildlife section of the DNR's online public image collection. Many habitat photos (including grasslands and wetlands) also are available.

All photos are courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources unless noted otherwise.