The Michigan United Conservation Clubs this week announced that the organization, which lobbies on behalf of sportsmen and women in the state, is dissolving after almost 90 years because of ongoing financial struggles.
Board of Directors began formal discussions about dissolution in April and voted unanimously to dissolve on May 1, the Lansing-based group said in a Monday, May 4, press release.
“It was an emotional and difficult decision. Many of us have dedicated years, some even decades, of our lives to MUCC, its mission, and the conservation community it represented. This was not a decision made lightly,” MUCC President Steve Dey said via email.
The MUCC said that after “careful evaluation of the organization’s financial condition and available options, the board determined that an orderly dissolution represents the most responsible course of action.”
“For nearly 90 years, MUCC has served as a unified voice for conservation in Michigan, championing hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts through advocacy, education, and partnerships with state agencies and the broader conservation community,” the release said. “Despite the deep commitment of its members, partners, and supporters, MUCC has faced sustained financial challenges that have impacted its long-term sustainability.”
The dissolution process is expected to be completed by mid-June 2026.
The organization said it will wind down operations, pay off any obligations and distribute assets in accordance with the nonprofit’s charitable purpose and legal requirements.
“I hope that one day an organization will step forward and continue the commitment that MUCC has upheld for the past 89 years,” Dey said.
Michigan United Conservation Clubs was founded in 1937 as a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and responsible use of Michigan’s natural resources, the group said.
The “Michigan Out-of-Doors Magazine” website says publishing is paused for 2026-27. The periodical was published quarterly.
When was the MUCC founded?
The Michigan United Conservation Club was founded Nov. 9, 1937, in Owosso, Michigan.
“Thirty-six clubs were represented at the first meeting. Harry Gaines of Grand Rapids was elected to serve as the group’s first president. Dues were set at 15 cents per capita on the membership of each member club,” according to information from the University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library.
The Shiawassee Conservation Association was the founding site and served as the MUCC offices until 1987, the SCA said. The SCA property was donated by famous outdoors author and conservationist James Oliver Curwood, who also provided funds to help build the clubhouse.
The organization expanded, growing to 81 clubs during its first year, and to 143 by the beginning of World War II. By 1944 the number of affiliated clubs had leveled off at 128. It was also during this period that the MUCC formed a magazine committee which began publishing “Michigan-Out-of-Doors” in 1947, according to the Bentley Library.
At its peak, MUCC represented approximately 400 clubs and nearly 100,000 members. Today, after years of declining membership, MUCC consists of approximately 100 clubs and roughly 39,000 members, MUCC President Steve Dey said via email.
The organization has historically been funded through membership dues, along with program revenue, donations, sponsorships, and related organizational activities. Over time, changing conditions, declining revenue, and operational challenges created financial pressures that the organization was ultimately unable to overcome, Dey said.
Will any MUCC programs continue?
MUCC continues to work through an orderly wind-down of its programs and initiatives, Dey said.
“We are currently in discussions with the Michigan DNR regarding the future of the On The Ground program, with the hope that it may continue in some form moving forward. Where appropriate, efforts are being made to responsibly transition or conclude activities in coordination with partners,” he said.
Who is on the MUCC board?
The group’s board is made up of eight regional directors and one statewide seat.
Current members include:
How many clubs make up the MUCC?
According to the MUCC, there are 32 statewide member organizations.
At its peak, MUCC represented approximately 400 clubs and nearly 100,000 members. Today, after years of declining membership, MUCC consists of approximately 100 clubs and roughly 39,000 members, MUCC President Steve Dey said via email.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: MUCC financial struggles lead to dissolution of advocacy group
Reporting by Dan Basso, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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