Forests and farmlands in the Great Lakes region support diverse and abundant wildlife populations. This wildlife resource is highly valued, with recreation-based expenditures accounting for billions of dollars in the region. Crop damage is common, however, where wildlife and agriculture overlap.

The last national survey of U.S. wildlife damage to agriculture estimated $944 million in losses in 2001, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). At the national level, primary wildlife species resulting in losses to field crops included deer, turkeys, raccoons and waterfowl (collectively, 75% of reported losses), with 22% attributed to other species, according to USDA NASS. All these species have the potential to significantly affect agriculture in Michigan as they are generally abundant, widespread and persistent in agriculture landscapes.

Given the importance and demonstrated interdependence of crop production and wildlife-based recreation in the region, growers are encouraged to attend Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) listening sessions and contribute to conversations around wildlife and other resources of interest. The DNR is responsible for managing a number of relevant species, including deer, bear and turkeys.

The DNR is giving Michigan citizens the opportunity to share input and ideas on policy decisions, programs and other aspects of natural resource management and outdoor recreation opportunities. One important avenue for this input is at meetings of the public bodies that advise the DNR — and, in some cases, also set policies for natural resource management.

The following boards, commissions, committees and councils will hold meetings in December 2018, and the public is encouraged to attend. Click on the links below to find specific meeting locations and, when finalized, meeting agendas. Please check these pages frequently as meeting details and agendas may change and sometimes meetings are canceled or rescheduled:

• Dec. 12, Natural Resources Trust Fund Board. 9 a.m., Lansing Community College West Campus (Contact: Jon Mayes, 517-284-5954)

• Dec. 13, Natural Resources Commission. 9 a.m., Lansing Community College West Campus (Contact: Cheryl Nelson, 517-284-6237)

• Dec. 13, State Parks Advisory Committee. 9 to 11:30 a.m., Lansing Community College (Contact: Renee Parker, 517-284-6135)

• Dec. 18, Michigan Iron Industry Museum Advisory Board. 3 p.m., Michigan Iron Industry Museum, Negaunee (Contact: Barry James, 906-475-7857)

• Dec. 20, Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee. 9 to 11 a.m., Belle Isle Nature Center, Detroit (Contact: Renee Parker, 517-284-6135)

For more information on current DNR wildlife policy, visit DNR’s Nuisance Wildlife webpage. 

Note that some of the meetings will be toll-free conference calls, so you can participate from anywhere. For more information on wildlife damage, visit the NASS Page at USDA NASS website and enter “wildlife damage” into the search box.

Source: Michigan State University Extension