Michigan SPEAR Act Michigan Sturgeon Protected and Exempt from Absurd Regulations Act
Impact
The proposed legislation emphasizes the strong recovery of lake sturgeon populations in Michigan, asserting that their numbers have more than doubled in recent years due to effective local management practices. This bill aims to affirm local efforts and showcases cooperation between the state and various Native American tribes, emphasizing their role in the stewardship of these fish. By exempting these populations from federal oversight, the bill seeks to maintain the current regulatory framework that has proven effective, thereby ensuring continued participation and investment from local communities in conservation initiatives.
Summary
House Bill 7817, dubbed the Michigan Sturgeon Protected and Exempt from Absurd Regulations Act (Michigan SPEAR Act), proposes an amendment to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to exclude certain populations of lake sturgeon from the federal protections typically afforded under this legislation. Proponents of the bill argue that the conservation efforts for lake sturgeon in Michigan have been successful and that imposing further federal regulations could jeopardize this progress. The bill highlights the cultural significance of the lake sturgeon to local communities, particularly near Black Lake, where fishing traditions have been long-standing.
Contention
However, the bill has also generated discussion regarding the potential drawbacks of removing federal protections. Critics fear that such exemptions could lead to gaps in conservation measures, possibly impacting sturgeon populations negatively in the long term. There are concerns that local oversight may not be sufficient to guard against all detrimental practices. As the bill progresses, continued dialogue among stakeholders, including environmentalists and fishing communities, will be crucial to balance the preservation of local traditions with the overarching need for sustainable wildlife management.
A concurrent resolution to urge the United States Congress to designate the Ehlco Area, the Trap Hills, the Norwich Plains, and a 2,000-acre addition to the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula as federal Wilderness.
A concurrent resolution to oppose the designation of additional federal wilderness areas in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and to urge the United States Congress to declare the entire city of Ann Arbor a wilderness area.
A resolution to oppose the designation of additional federal wilderness areas in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and to urge the United States Congress to declare the entire city of Ann Arbor a wilderness area.
Appropriations: department of natural resources; Michigan natural resources trust fund; provide appropriations for fiscal year 2022-2023. Creates appropriation act.
Natural resources: other; authority to make decisions regarding fish in the Upper Peninsula; grant to the Upper Peninsula natural resources commission. Amends secs. 48701, 48703 & 48703a of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.48701 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4506'23, HB 4507'23, HB 4508'23