The Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, announced a proposed initiative in June 2016 that aims to bring back an extirpated species to the state – Arctic grayling.  The Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative seeks to establish self-sustaining populations of this species throughout its historical range in Michigan. The initiative has more than 45 partners collaborating on the reintroduction.

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The next steps include identifying interest and abilities of partners, collecting baseline data, initiating the building of broodstock and stocking efforts. The Manistee River watershed, once known as a premier grayling river, will be the first location for reintroduction.

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The DNR will work closely with partners as the proposed Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative moves forward. The Little River Band, located in Manistee County, has been engaged in extensive research for potential grayling reintroduction for several years.

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Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative © 2019  All Rights Reserved
"We can open the door of experience by restoring what we thought was lost forever. Let's unite Michigan and return grayling to our waters."
—Bill Rustem, Inaugural Recipient of the Thomas L. Washington Lifetime Conservation Award
Support
None of this work can happen without the generous support of foundations, sponsors and donors. The Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative has a projected budget of $1.1 million. We are incredibly thankful for the generous support that the initiative has received from the following contributors:
Henry E. and Consuelo S. Wenger Foundation
Consumers Energy Foundation
Rotary Charities of Traverse City
Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation
Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
If you wish to support the reintroduction of Arctic grayling to Michigan please contact the DNR's Fisheries Division at 517-284-5830 to help determine how you may best contribute!
Ways You Can Contribute
Interested in helping to support the work being done to reestablish Arctic grayling in Michigan?