Glen Wunderlich:  The below is the effect of the Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s actions against personal freedom and arbitrary strong-arming of every-day, honest, hard-working citizens. The strong legal action relates to my previous piece on the subject here.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Friday that the arbitrary and unconstitutional ban on motorized boats has been rescinded.

Although neither the word “boat” nor “motor” ever appeared in Executive Order 2020-42, law enforcement officers, under direction from Gov. Whitmer and Department of Natural Resources Director Dan Eichinger, have written tickets citing anglers for violations of the executive order specific to motor boating.

The governor’s announcement and signing of the new Executive Order 2020-59 comes two days after a judge agreed to hear testimony regarding a temporary injunction filed by Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC). Members of MUCC have been ticketed for violating “Frequently Asked Questions,” which appeared on the DNR and governor’s websites.

MUCC filed an initial complaint in United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan on April 19. On Tuesday, MUCC filed a motion for a preliminary injunction. Judge Paul Maloney acknowledged that the boating ban “confusion puts members of MUCC in a precarious situation” and set a formal hearing for April 29.

MUCC Executive Director Amy Trotter said the organization’s members, supporters and stakeholders were instrumental in helping to prevent further wrongful prosecution of anglers and boaters.

“The MUCC lawsuit placed discernable pressure on the governor’s office and DNR to reconsider the unconstitutional and ambiguous language that was being enforced,” Trotter said. “The grassroots power of MUCC proved that individual anglers’ voices can be heard and that they do matter.”

The new order explicitly states that outdoor activities, including boating, are now allowed while “remaining at least six feet from people from outside the individual’s household.”

MUCC thanks Gov. Whitmer for her willingness to reverse her position after giving careful consideration to the arguments presented by responsible sportsmen and sportswomen. Legislative leaders, from both sides of the aisle, also demonstrated strong support for anglers and boaters across the state.

MUCC attorney Aaron Phelps, a partner with Varnum LLP in Grand Rapids, said anglers and boaters have a right to clearly understand the criminal penalties they are subject to, and Whitmer’s reversal is a step in the right direction.

“Our case was very straightforward — Michigan boaters and anglers may not be threatened with criminal charges based on an arbitrary interpretation of a poorly written executive order,” Phelps said. “To do so violated the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution and we are pleased that our federal lawsuit was well-received by the governor.”

MUCC’s legal team is being funded by grassroots donations. Any donation amount will help to continue to protect the rights of anglers, hunters and trappers.

Charter guide, avid angler and owner of Teachin’ Fishin’ Lance Valentine said MUCC’s actions reinforce the organization’s worth and value to the angling community. Valentine was one of the first industry leaders to call for action from MUCC.

“Anglers need a group like MUCC to lead the charge in Lansing and be the watchdog over the DNR, legislature and governor’s office,” Valentine said. “My livelihood is at stake, and I feel better knowing someone has anglers’ best interest at heart when we can’t be there.”

Whitmer’s announcement comes on the eve of the state’s treasured walleye and trout opener. Launches across the state are expected to be busy, and anglers should remember that further orders by the governor could explicitly prohibit motorized boats and public access if social distancing measures are not followed.

Professional anglers Mark Zona and Kevin VanDam said this is anglers’ chance to prove they understand the seriousness of this health crisis and are able to keep that top of mind while recreating responsibly.

“The lakes, rivers and streams of Michigan will again be buzzing with anglers tomorrow thanks to MUCC and their concern for the rights of anglers and hunters in Michigan,” Zona said. “Anglers need to be responsible and prove that they can properly follow all safety protocols related to social distancing.”

“Fishing and our freshwater resource is at the heart of who we are as Michiganders,” VanDam said. “This collaborative effort could not have been achieved without MUCC, Michigan anglers, industry folks and the businesses that make communities throughout Michigan thrive.”

President of the Lake St. Clair Walleye Association and MUCC Fisheries Committee Chair Tim Muir said his club members are looking forward to hitting the water.

“The walleye fishing is really heating up, and I can’t thank MUCC enough for helping to get anglers back out on the water,” Muir said. “I’m excited to be able to fish this season and am thankful for a group like MUCC that truly represents not only anglers but all sportsmen and sportswomen in Michigan.”

Please stay in or near your vehicle as you wait to launch your boat and observe the recommended 6-feet social distancing measure at all times.

MUCC represents 40,000 members and 200 affiliate clubs throughout Michigan. Since 1937, MUCC has united citizens to conserve, protect and enhance Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor heritage. Click here to join or renew your membership today!

LITTLE ROCK — With many states issuing orders to “stay at home” or “shelter in place,” some anglers may worry that their favorite outdoor pursuits are in jeopardy. Although a couple of these states have ordered partial or complete halts to fishing within their borders, most are trying to keep the outdoors open for people to enjoy during this time of social distancing. Even in states with “stay at home” orders, outdoor exercise and recreation like fishing are listed as exceptions and healthy alternatives to sitting inside. People still need to be mindful of extending the same precautions they have in indoor settings when heading to their favorite fishing location. Here are a few things to keep in mind before loading the boat or car with the rods, reels and minnow bucket.

Keep it local

Spring is normally a time to get out and explore new places, and anglers are always looking for the “hot bite.” Traveling can promote the spread of coronavirus to new areas, so it’s best to keep your fishing trips within a manageable distance for a single day’s trip. Fill up your gas tank before leaving at your local gas station and pack all the food and drinks you’ll need for the trip at home to prevent unnecessary exposure to others. Preventing the spread of the virus to remote areas is just as important as preventing its spread within larger communities. Some rural areas do not have the medical resources to handle a large-scale outbreak.

Plan ahead

It’s also important to call ahead if the area you’re going is part of a park or other recreation area.

Spread out

It’s exciting to see so many people enjoying the outdoors as a way to enjoy their time of social distancing, but there’s plenty of room to spread out and not gather closely while enjoying what Arkansas has to offer. Try to keep at least 6 feet between you and the next person while fishing from the bank. The best way to do this is to hold your fishing pole out and make a circle. If someone is within that distance, they’re too close. “Fishing pole distance” is good practice even during normal times to prevent any accidental line tangles with your neighboring angler.

Avoid crowded access points

If you pull up to your favorite fishing location to find a full parking lot or dozens of people already there, consider going to another spot or visiting at another time. Not only can the crowds increase your chances of coming in contact with a germ, but they can also cause the fishing to go downhill quickly. Even the best hotspots will begin to cool when the fish have seen a nonstop parade of lures and hooks.

Keep it friendly, but keep it quick

Social distancing doesn’t mean being an anti-social jerk. We’re all in this together, and most of us are a bit cranky after being cooped up for so long. Arguing over fishing locations or fighting over who goes next putting your boat in at the ramp isn’t worth the added aggravation.

At the same time, it’s not a good idea to hang out at the ramp or boat dock after the day is done to swap stories. Instead of sharing a tailgate, sit on your own and keep that “fishing rod distance” in mind. Try not to linger or form a large group, and keep the conversations for your phone once you’re back home.

Crowded conditions close Tippy Dam Recreation Area; more closures likely

DNR encourages responsible recreation as it monitors COVID-19 risks at state parks and recreation areas

To help slow the spread of the coronavirus and carry out Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order, the Department of Natural Resources is closely monitoring visitor levels and adherence to social-distancing measures at Michigan state parks and recreation areas and other DNR-managed locations. Read more