MSU MUCC Special event, June 22-24, 2001

by Brandon Schroeder

Your B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation partnering with MUCC

What are the benefits of our B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation affiliation with the Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC)?? Over the past couple years your Federation leadership has looked to answer this question and what has been realized as a result is only the beginning of the considerable opportunities that lie within the Federation and its chapters affiliating with the MUCC!

It is the mission of the Michigan United Conservation Clubs to Unite Citizens to Conserve Michigan’s Natural Resources and Protect OUR Outdoor Heritage. MUCC serves to create an alliance of the many different conservation organizations of different interests from hunting and fishing to hiking and boating for the common purpose of promoting the wise and scientific use of the natural resources we enjoy. Each individual organization, such as the B.A.S.S. Federation Chapters, is unique and prestigious in their own right, but bring to the table different values and ideas for the promotion, use, and protection of these resources. Through the collection of our affiliated clubs, the Michigan United Conservation Clubs proves an effective means of discussing and promoting the issues and concerns that are similar among these conservation groups.

Among the many benefits of MUCC, the Federation has drawn on the support of other conservation groups beyond bass anglers to largely increase your voice throughout the state. By nature, MUCC offers a network for the Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapters to bring your mission of promoting conservation through bass fishing to the table with these groups across the state - whether it be trout or walleye fisherman, or even hunters, trappers, or foresters.

PROMOTING YOUR IMAGE - This past June MUCC co-hosted with Michigan State University (MSU) the first annual OUTDOOR EXPO where people came from across the state to learn about the rich and diverse opportunities available for enjoying and sustaining our natural heritage. Here the Federation, as a partner of MUCC, was the face and voice to which attendees looked in learning our state’s opportunities in bass fishing. OUTDOORAMA is another of MUCC’s outdoor shows where the Federation has promoted its mission for many years, and the Michigan Out-of-Doors magazine, television, and radio show are opportunities lying in wait for promoting the joint efforts of the Federation as a partner of MUCC.

FISHERIES POLICY– As coolwater fishing regulations are reviewed through the coming year, the Federation will work with MUCC to seek out opportunities through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) for improvements to the current coolwater regulations. The Federation has also been key in supporting the MUCC’s efforts toward an Aquatic Species Conservation Act which would codify 22 existing state laws under MDNR and Natural Resources Commission (NRC) authority. This is an important step toward achieving a catch-and-release/no harvest fishing season (an initiative of the Federation which was voted on and passed by MUCC as MUCC policy this past summer), but more critically, an assurance that fisheries management will continue to be based on sound science with decisions made by science professionals.

FISHING & BOATING ACCESS – Again the Federation, in crafting further MUCC policy, has reaffirmed MUCC’s continued efforts toward increasing fishing and boating access opportunities across our state’s public waters.

YOUTH FISHING – Again MUCC and the Federation have been active in coordinating activities through a statewide fisheries youth education initiative – PROJECT FISH – a partnership between MUCC and its sportfishing affiliates, MSU, MDNR, and 4-H Youth Programs. This initiative has great potential in promoting existing Federation programs, such as CASTING KIDS, and has further opportunities in creating long-term involvement of youth with the Federation.

MUCC policy and initiatives are driven by its membership. MUCC policy is set by vote of our membership, but also a good deal of MUCC’s work is done through the MUCC Fisheries Committee. Incorporating the Federation in the MUCC decision making process - whether it be through participation of various BASS chapters at the local MUCC district level or at the state level through the Federation’s voice on the MUCC Fisheries Committee – has demonstrated benefits to the entire MUCC organization, while promoting the Federation’s interests and mission.

This two-way road of benefits is why I invite each individual chapter of the Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, if your chapter is not already affiliated, to consider its affiliation with the MUCC. Chapter involvement in the local MUCC Districts allows chapters the benefit of being heard statewide through a second network of conservation leaders while being directly responsible for strengthening a relationship between two statewide leaders, MUCC and MI B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, both working together to promote our state’s great fishery. Active B.A.S.S. Chapters in each MUCC District would allow your statewide Federation to be a larger influence, through your chapter’s voice and vote, on the policies and initiatives that MUCC pursues.

Probably the most widely recognized benefit of Federation and members at the Chapter level, is the MUCC membership publication, Michigan Out-of-Doors magazine. This monthly magazine updates our membership on conservation issues, and a “Club News” section is available for Federation Chapters to promote events and accomplishments. This magazine reaches over 100,000 individuals monthly, including each chapter member who is submitted as part of the chapter’s application roster.

MUCC has been very fortunate to have the likes of the Michigan BASS Chapter Federation as a statewide affiliated organization. The work of your Federation has developed into a win-win relationship between Michigan’s bass anglers and the rest of the conservation community, yet there is still remains a great deal of opportunity. Most importantly, there is a great opportunity for your B.A.S.S. Chapter to promote and contribute to the mission of the Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation through a partnership with the Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

For more information regarding your local MUCC District or affiliation with MUCC please visit us on the web at or contact me, Brandon Schroeder, MUCC Staff Fisheries Resource Specialist, at .