MICHIGAN (June 13, 2022) – Communities all through the Jap Lake Michigan area have misplaced as much as 90 p.c of their historic wetlands, pure areas that birds and different wildlife depend on to thrive. Final week, Michigan State Senator Jon Bumstead (R-MI-34) went birdwatching with Audubon Nice Lakes at Muskegon State Park in North Muskegon, Michigan to find out about Audubon Nice Lakes’ work to revive wetlands throughout the area, and to debate bipartisan conservation options to guard Michigan’s pure areas, wildlife, and other people.
“Thanks to Audubon Nice Lakes for inviting me to go chicken watching,” stated Sen. Bumstead. “Defending Michigan’s nice pure sources creates jobs, boosts tourism and helps our regional economic system – a win-win for wildlife and Michiganders all over the place. I applaud Audubon Nice Lakes conservation work to guard our nice state’s native wildlife, whereas supporting our rising economic system.”
On Friday, June 10, Audubon Nice Lakes representatives led the chicken stroll accompanied by Beth Miller, President for Muskegon County Nature Membership and volunteer for Audubon Nice Lakes; Wendy Ogilvie, Director of Environmental Applications for Grand Valley Metro Council; Jason Shamblin, Parks and Recreation Director for Ottawa County Parks and Recreation; Sara Rose, Workplace Supervisor for Western Michigan Environmental Motion Council; Dave Bowers, State Coverage Chair for Michigan Geese Limitless; and representatives from the Michigan Division of Pure Assets.
Throughout the stroll Audubon Nice Lakes representatives shared the significance of defending wetland habitat throughout the Jap Lake Michigan area. Since 2018, Audubon Nice Lakes has instantly restored 2,000 acres of wetlands throughout the area, and has helped information companions within the restoration of a further 8,000 acres.
Final yr, Audubon Nice Lakes labored with Ottawa County Parks and over 20 stakeholders to develop conservation recommendations for the close by Grand River Coastal Hall, which stretches throughout Grand Haven, Muskegon and Port Sheldon Township. Regardless of large wetlands loss, the Hall is dwelling to fragmented wetlands and marshes that present critically necessary habitat for susceptible marsh birds just like the Marsh Wren and Virginia Rail. Along with defending birds, wetland restoration improves water high quality, alleviates flooding, and gives pure areas and recreation alternatives for the good thing about native communities. Michigan’s outside recreation trade contributes billions to the state’s economic system and helps 126,000 jobs.
The realm is critically necessary throughout spring migration, as birds search for high quality habitat to relaxation throughout their lengthy journeys. In June, most species within the area have already begun nesting, together with marsh birds just like the Common Gallinule and Least Bittern. Throughout the chicken stroll, the group heard the Least Bittern and noticed the Great Blue Heron, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-eyed Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and lots of extra.
The stroll additionally included a cease overlooking the Muskegon State Park dunes and beaches, which is acknowledged as an Audubon Essential Chook Space (IBA) for the sandy habitat it gives for the federally endangered Nice Lakes Piping Plover. Within the Nice Lakes area, Piping Plovers are making a outstanding restoration due to conservation funding, and the efforts of lots of Audubon’s companions.
Audubon representatives thanked Sen. Bumstead for championing Senate Invoice 565, which incorporates $450 million in funding to help state and native parks throughout Michigan, and mentioned the significance of conservation funding, which makes of Audubon Nice Lakes’ vision plan to guard and restore wildlife habitat throughout the Nice Lakes area potential.
“Audubon Nice Lakes thanks Sen. Bumstead for becoming a member of us on a chicken stroll to find out about our work to revive the area’s wetlands for the good thing about birds and communities in Jap Lake Michigan,” stated Brian Vigue, Coverage Director of Freshwater for Audubon Nice Lakes. “We applaud Sen. Bumstead for championing conservation laws like Senate Invoice 565, and we look ahead to persevering with to work together with his workplace on commonsense coverage options that can shield Michigan’s birds and other people.”
