Pictured is Marc Smith, policy director for the Great Lakes Regional Center of the National Wildlife Federation speaking in the film "Changing Seasons."
Photo provided/"Changing Seasons" filmMichigan's outdoor traditions and economy are at risk due to the impacts of a changing climate on the landscape, according to Michigan United Conservation Clubs Executive Director Amy Trotter.
A film debuting on Michigan Out-of-Doors T.V. tonight made by Trotter, the MUCC and the National Wildlife Federation aims to address the issue.
The film, "Changing Seasons," details how earlier warming periods and extreme swings from drought to heavy rains can increase the parasitic midges that cause Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease in deer, as it did in the 2012 die-off experienced here in Michigan.
And deer aren't the only creature affected by the changing climate in Michigan, creating trouble for hunters and anglers.
Waterfowl migration patterns are being disrupted by warming weather later into the winter and habitat could be lost by a reduction in wetlands.
Ruffed grouse nesting is also impacted by droughts and flooding. Warming weather can increase the risk of mosquito-born West Nile Virus and Brook trout are particularly susceptible to warming streams, reducing their available stream habitat.
Salmon fishing opportunities are lost when increased extreme weather events brought on by climate change create hazardous conditions more often on the Great Lakes.
Additionally, the short film features the observations of hunters and anglers and recommendations from biologists and conservation organizations on both policy solutions and how hunters and anglers can mitigate the impacts of climate change to fish and wildlife.
“Here in Michigan, we enjoy world-class hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities. However, that quality of life is at risk due to climate change,” said Marc Smith, policy director for the Great Lakes Regional Center of the National Wildlife Federation, in a press release. “The hunting and fishing organizations in this state understand that we can no longer sit on the sidelines – we have to be at the table because we’re seeing these changes.”
Trotter echoed Smith's sentiments.
"Michigan hunters and anglers contribute $11.2 billion to the state's economy annually, supporting communities and jobs throughout," Trotter said in a press release. "Hunters, anglers and trappers must be at the table with decision-makers to mitigate impacts like warming trout streams, northward regression of habitat and frequent blow days on the Great Lakes to protect our environmental, recreational and economic well-being."
The film is a companion to the report of the same title released by the organizations earlier this year.
You can watch "Changing Seasons" for free on Vimeo here. And, more information about climate change impacts to Michigan's fish and wildlife can be found here.
