MI HR0353

Declares Clay Township in St. Clair County the Sturgeon Angling Capital of Michigan based on its status as the primary sturgeon angling destination in the state.

Identifies the North and Middle channels of the St. Clair River within Clay Township as having the longest and most active harvest seasons for lake sturgeon in Michigan, running from July 16 through September with catch-and-release continuing until November.

Notes that Clay Township waters support the only commercial charter boat fishery for lake sturgeon in Michigan and host the North Channel Sturgeon Classic tournament, which caught over 33 fish in 2015.

Cites data showing 63 of 67 Michigan DNR master angler program records for sturgeon in the past 5 years came from St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair waters, and more tagged sturgeon reports and Lake Sturgeon Management Cooperator patches are issued from Clay Township than anywhere else in the state.

Directs copies of the resolution to be sent to Clay Township, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the North Channel Sturgeon Classic organizers, and the Michigan United Conservation Clubs.