LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – A group of Upper Peninsula lawmakers is calling for the creation of a new Natural Resources Commission focused solely on the U.P. State Representatives Dave Prestin, Greg Markkanen, Parker Fairbairn, and Karl Bohnak introduced legislation this month to establish a commission that would oversee hunting and fishing rules in the region.
The lawmakers argue that statewide regulations from the current Michigan NRC often fail to account for the U.P.’s unique wildlife challenges, including predator-prey imbalances affecting whitetail deer populations. They say a locally based commission would ensure decisions are made with U.P. perspectives in mind.
Under the plan, the U.P. NRC would have exclusive authority over hunting and fishing within the peninsula. Commissioners would be appointed by the governor from a list provided by U.P. legislators, giving local leaders a greater role in shaping resource management.
The bill package, House Bills 4783–4786, is the latest effort by U.P. lawmakers from both parties to secure more direct representation in natural resource decisions.
