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There are two DNR Advisory Councils in the UP, one on each side of the peninsula.
They come together each year to talk about wildlife, natural resources and a number of other topics.
This year, Chronic Wasting Disease was a big item on the agenda. CWD is a neurological disorder created by a mutated protein, similar to mad cow disease.
UP Regional Wildlife Supervisor Terry Minzey explains the danger this poses to the local deer herd.
The disease hasn’t been spotted in the UP, yet, but the DNR is taking steps to make sure it doesn’t.
They’ll be monitoring the counties bordering Wisconsin, where it has been seen, to make sure it doesn’t cross over.
Another important topic was a review of how this past deer-hunting season went.
Wildlife Biologist David Jentoft says the Midwest has been hit with three hard winters, so buck counts were pretty low.
Efforts are being made to revive the population, such as habitat improvement and a limitation on bow hunting licenses.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.
The fund sets aside money from oil and natural gas leases and mineral rights for recreation projects.
Deputy Public Information Officer John Pepin says that’s good news.
Since the fund was started, over a billion dollars has been spent state wide, with over 33 million spent right here in the UP.
