Calling all waterfowl hunters! Join the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Saturday, Aug. 3, 3:30-6:30 p.m. at the Saginaw Bay Waterfowl Outdoor Festival to learn about planning efforts for the DNR's managed waterfowl hunt areas, or MWHAs.

The open house will be hosted in the auditorium of the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center located inside Bay City State Park, 3582 State Park Drive in Bay City.

Michigan's MWHAs were created to offer exceptional waterfowl hunting opportunities and are managed to provide quality waterfowl habitat for nesting and migration and for the benefit of other wetland wildlife. To clarify habitat and recreation management priorities for these Wetland Wonders, the DNR Wildlife Division formed a planning workgroup to establish goals and objectives for the next 10 years for the six areas within the Managed Waterfowl Hunt Program:

• Fennville Farm Unit at Allegan State Game Area (Allegan County).
• Fish Point State Wildlife Area (Tuscola County).
• Harsens Island at St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area (St. Clair County).
• Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area (Bay County).
• Pointe Mouillee State Game Area (Monroe and Wayne counties).
• Shiawassee River State Game Area (Saginaw County).

Four priorities have emerged from this planning process:

• Enhance ecosystem function.
• Increase waterfowl abundance and diversity.
• Improve user satisfaction with waterfowl hunting experience.
• Improve user satisfaction with other recreation opportunities.

More on MWHA planning ?

We want your input!

At the Aug. 3 open house, DNR workgroup members and local area staff will give an overview of the 10-year MWHA plan and present proposed management strategies that address identified priorities for each area. After that presentation, it's all about the users of these treasured outdoor spaces.

"The DNR wants to hear from the people who spend time in and value these areas," said Barb Avers, DNR waterfowl and wetlands specialist. "Anyone who currently uses or has interest in using any of the MWHAs for hunting (waterfowl, deer, small game, etc.), trapping or other recreation such as birding, kayaking or hiking is welcome and strongly encouraged to attend. This is a great opportunity to add your voice to the conversation."

Questions?

For more information, contact Barb Avers at 517-930-1163.