Rockwood, Mich. – On Thursday, U.S. Representative John D. Dingell (D-MI15) and the Michigan League of Conservation Voters hosted a panel discussion event entitled, Losing Ground: An Expert Panel on Vanishing Hunting and Angling Opportunities. 

“I grew up hunting along the banks of the Detroit River.  I’ve taken my kids hunting and fishing all over our beautiful state and across this great country, and I want to help preserve the opportunities that I had with my family for future generations,” said Dingell.  “We do not inherit this Earth from previous generations, but we borrow it from the future ones.  We cannot let these opportunities vanish for the generations after us.”

“The implications of climate change on Michigan's hunters and anglers are very real, as anyone walking through a shrunken wetland or warmer stream could tell you,” said Lisa Wozniak, Executive Director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “The Congressman has done more for conservation than most anyone in this nation's history, and when his knowledge is combined with the caliber of panelists there today, their collective sense of urgency makes it is clear that the outdoor opportunities for future generations of sportsmen very much depends on the choices we all make today.”

Congressman Dingell and the Michigan League of Conservation Voters held the open forum to hear from experts and the public about how Michigan can better address the decreasing places for hunters to hunt and anglers to fish.  Panelists included representatives from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Detroit International Wildlife Refuge, Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, Anglers of the Au Sable, and the National Wildlife Federation.  

Dingell added, “I’m very proud of the work each of the organizations represented by today’s panelists.  Their tireless  hard work makes a huge difference.  I am extremely grateful, and want to do all I can in Congress to help them help preserve the precious hunting and fishing opportunities in our beloved country.”

The meeting took place yesterday afternoon at the VFW Post 4230 in Rockwood. 

###