Michigan experts warn federal cuts threaten state wildlife protections

Michigan environmental experts say recent federal policy changes are straining the state's ability to protect threatened and endangered species, including the grey wolf, barn owl, and cerulean warbler. The Department of Natural Resources notes that these species rely on specific habitats that are increasingly vulnerable to development and logging.

Emily Smith, land and water conservation policy manager at the Michigan Environmental Council, stated that while the state has forestry plans to protect nesting grounds, funding for these protections is scarce. She explained that the DNR is continually underfunded and must determine which programs to cut due to reduced federal support for land and water conservation.

Aaron Sullivan, director of wildlife programs at the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy, noted that federal rollbacks have particularly affected water protection rules for wetlands and streams. Although Michigan has its own laws prohibiting the hunting and sale of endangered species, Sullivan warned that protection programs are costly and funding is spread thin across the state.

Read the full story at greatlakesecho.org.