DNR seeks to fill vacancies on UP Citizens’ Advisory Councils

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is soliciting applications for open volunteer positions on the Eastern and Western Upper Peninsula Citizens’ Advisory Councils.

The councils, which were formed in 2008, advise the DNR on regional programs and policies, identify areas in which the department can be more effective and responsive, and offer insight and guidance from members’ own experiences and the public. Members are encouraged to share information from council meetings within their communities.   

A Sept. 30 deadline has been set to apply for membership to the councils. Several vacancies are available with terms beginning in January 2027.

The two councils each meet six times per year, with meeting agenda items set by council members. Council advisements and recommendations are forwarded to the DNR for consideration.

“The councils are a great opportunity for members and the public to learn about, and have input into, DNR issues and programs,” said Stacy Welling Haughey, DNR U.P. field deputy. “Since their creation, the U.P. citizens’ advisory councils have submitted over 145 recommendations to the DNR on a wide variety of topics.”

Council members, who are required to have their primary residence located in the U.P.’s five eastern or 10 western counties, represent a wide variety of natural resource and recreation interest groups or the citizenry at large.

Members are selected for the councils based on a variety of factors.

Each council includes roughly 20 members.

Application forms and more information about the councils are available online at Michigan.gov/UPCAC or by calling the DNR’s Marquette Customer Service Center at 906-226-1331.

Completed applications may be emailed to dahlstromk@michigan.gov, or dropped off at or mailed to DNR, Attn: CAC, 1990 U.S. 41 South, Marquette, MI 49855.