Hey, how 'bout that!

[Pinefarm]

I know I've been beating on the DNR for not giving any updates about CWD. Well low and behold, we have at least some news. Good deal. Keep it coming. Right now, since the situation is so fluid, constant information is about all we can ask for. The paste is below...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, 12 Apr 02
CONTACT: Brad Wurfel, 517-335-3014



NRC REVIEWS GAME ISSUES

LANSING-The Michigan Natural Resources Commission assembled in Grandville today to conclude its two-day, regular monthly meeting, focusing largely on wildlife issues.
Department of Natural Resources Veterinarian Steve Schmitt presented to the Commissioners an update on Chronic Wasting Disease, a deadly illness affecting deer and elk that was recently discovered in Wisconsin. Schmitt noted that Michigan must design wildlife regulations to keep the disease out of the state, but that Commissioners should also make plans to deal with the disease if it is ever discovered here. His recommendations included a proposed surveillance plan targeting 35 counties each year for the next three years, testing 50 elk and 1,950 deer annually. The surveillance plan further includes monitoring all hunter- harvested elk. Ultimately, DNR biologists anticipate examining 6,000 deer and elk during the three-year plan.

The Commission reviewed regulations, season dates and management unit boundaries for deer, elk, fall turkey hunting and trapping of beaver and otter. Commissioners anticipate making final decisions on those items at the next meeting. DNR staff presented a proposal to close woodcock hunting this year in a section of Dickinson County as part of a joint research project with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and other Great Lakes States to determine causes for the continued decline in woodcock populations. Biologists noted that the Dickinson Woodcock Research Unit was selected because it is similar to properties selected for study in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

DNR Director K.L. Cool approved the formation of an "Off Road Vehicle Trails" advisory board, composed of representatives from user groups, ORV dealers, law enforcement, conservation and environmental interests. The Board is charged with assisting and advising the DNR on ORV program issues, including regulations and standards, and formulation of a statewide ORV plan.

For details about DNR or NRC actions, see the DNR Web site by clicking here.

The next regular meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission is May 9-10 at the Bengel Wildlife Center, 6380 Drumheller Road in Bath.

[Tom Morang]

Bob, I think the Department was waiting for the NRC Wildlife Committee Meeting to be held on Thursday before anything was put out in the form of a press release. I attended the meeting and have a few things I would like to comment on.

It is obvious that the NRC and DNR want to do everything within their ability to make sure Michigan wildlife does not experience a CWD problem. At the Wildlife Committee Meeting on Thursday the DNR Wildlife Veterinarian, Dr. Steve Schmitt, addressed the NRC with his concerns and presented his in depth wildlife CWD surveillance and testing plan to the Commission.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture also presented that agency's plan which consists of monitoring records, sampling captive facilities, and work on a CWD accreditation program. They made the statement that the feds are also increasing procedures and making policies tougher and we should see more uniform regulations at State levels.

At that same meeting DNR Director Cool expressed his Department's concerns about fencing. He had been in contact with several experts from other states who have struggled with CWD outbreaks for several years. They have suggested that double fencing at captive cervid facilities is an absolute necessity in fighting CWD. In fact those experts suggested to Director Cool and Wildlife Chief Becky Humphries that fence line contact represents an unacceptable risk to wildlife and because of that risk they recommend double fencing be required at all captive cervid operations. Director Cool specifically directed his remarks to the Michigan Department of Agriculture. The Ag Department's response was that of a wait and see approach and stated it was premature to demand that kind of action without specific proof that it's needed. Farm Bureau had the same type of response to the same question by Director Cool. The Director went on to say that the DNR would look to the legislature for help with this pressing issue. I believe it would be in everyone's best interest to get behind the DNR's lead on this one and support it's efforts to protect the resource. I am certain we will hear more about this issue in the immediate future from the DNR/NRC.

.............tm

[Pinefarm]

That only makes sense. Who has the power to make that final decision? I assuming that it's the legislature. A single fence only keeps the penned deer from escaping. A double fence protects the wild deer from the penned deer. This is a good first step.

[Tom Morang]

I am not sure if the Dep of Ag has the authority to insist that captive cervid operations use double fencing. I think they do but I'll have to research that to be sure. None the less, the Dep of Ag displayed resistance to the idea of double fencing which must have prompted Director Cool to make the statement that the DNR would look to the legislature for help.

If I owned a captive cervid operation it would be in my best interest to protect my investment by erecting a double fence......tm

[Liv4Huntin']

Are we REALLY surprised at the response from the Dept of Ag and the Farm Bureau?????? After all...... what would happen IF CWD did get into Michigan's wild cervid population???..... It is my belief that the Farm Bureau would not be disappointed at all!! That would be a means to HELP their position with regards to the Whitetail population.

:mad:

Got to back Kool on this one.......

~ m ~

[sadocf1]

iT IS INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT OUR DNR IS HOLDING THE LINE.NO MENTION OF THE POSSIBILITY THAT CWD COULD BE TRANSMITTED BY BAIT OR FEED CONTAMINATED WITH CWD INFECTED MATERIAL. THEM GAME FARMS ARE THE CULPRITS.THE WESTERN SPIN DOCTORS HAVE TOLD US SO.