Nearly 600 people so far have attended a series of public engagement meetings on chronic wasting disease, a fatal neurological disease that has affected the deer population in a handful of Michigan counties. The final meetings will take place in Gaylord (May 1), Newberry (May 2) and Houghton (May 3).
While the face-to-face meetings have provided a great forum in which the DNR can both share information and hear feedback from hunters and other interested community members, there are online opportunities for those who’ve been unable to attend any of the meetings. A video of the DNR presentation on CWD, by DNR state wildlife veterinarian Dr. Kelly Straka and deer management specialist Chad Stewart, and an online survey are available on the DNR website michigan.gov/cwd.
All feedback is due by Friday, May 4, and will be shared with the Michigan Natural Resources Commission at its May meeting.
Chronic wasting disease is a serious wildlife challenge. The DNR hopes to receive broad, thoughtful feedback from throughout the state, feedback that will help shape next steps moving forward. For more information, contact Chad Stewart, 517-284-4745.
