DRAFT. MICHIGAN UNITED CONSERVATION CLUBS 78 th Annual Convention Draft Minutes June 20 21, 2015 Treetops Resort Gaylord, Michigan

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1 DRAFT MICHIGAN UNITED CONSERVATION CLUBS 78 th Annual Convention Draft Minutes June 20 21, 2015 Treetops Resort Gaylord, Michigan Pre Convention Board Meeting Saturday, June 20, 2015 President Ron Burris called the meeting to order at 9:08 a.m. The pledges were led by Statewide Vice Presidents Radloff and Lindquist. Fran Yeager, Chair, Credentials Committee, verified a quorum was present to conduct business. Old Business: none New Business: Membership Committee Report: Dan Radloff, Chair, Membership Committee. The membership committee is recommending one club to the Board for full affiliation. Cass City Gun Club Radloff asked for a motion to affiliate Cass City Gun Club as a member club. Furtaw (Yeager) moved Vote on Motion President Burris asked for a motion to adjourn the pre convention board meeting. P. Farrell (Lindquist) moved Vote on Motion The Board of Directors pre convention meeting adjourned at 9:13 a.m. General Session Saturday, June 20, 2015 Call to Order and Welcome of the 78 th annual meeting was made at 9:20 a.m. by President Ron Burris. President Burris introduced Immediate Past President Dawn Levey who shared the 2015 Moments of Memory. President Burris asked for a moment of silence for those we have lost. Point of Personal Privilege: Tom Heritier introduced Chuck Hoover and Bridgeport Gun Club as newest directors in District

2 DRAFT Orders of the Day reviewed by Parliamentarian Thomas Heritier. President Burris introduced guest Natural Resources Commission Chair John Matonich Report of the Credentials Committee: Quorum Call: Fran Yeager, Chair of the Convention Credentials Committee and Attendance Committee, announced that there was a quorum. She will have the number of votes and delegates tallied prior to voting on the Bylaws Amendments. Report of the Nominating Committee given by Past President Bill Krepps. The Nominating Committee has accepted the following candidates for office: Presidential nomination: Ron Burris Statewide Vice Presidents: Jack VanRhee, Dan Radloff and George Lindquist. Treasurer: Fran Yeager Region 1 Vice President: Jack Lehto Region 2 Vice President: Jane Finnerty Region 3 Vice President: David VanLopik Region 4 Vice President: Jim Pryce Director at Large: Tim Kobasic (R1), Richard P. Smith (R1), Bill Malloch (R1), Rob Miller (R3), Furmer Reed (R3), Paul Ray Earl (R3), Kevin Eldred (R3), Patricia Doherty (R4) Nominations will be taken from the floor. Past President Krepps asked if there were any other nominations for President. No nominations. Past President Krepps asked for a motion to close nominations for President. Earl (Yeager) moved Past President Krepps asked if there were any other nominations for Statewide Vice President. Scott Kallenberg (Jim DeClerck) nominated Tom Heritier as a candidate for Statewide Vice President. Heritier accepted the nomination. Past President Krepps asked for a motion to close nominations for Statewide Vice President. Hays Walkley (Yeager) Past President Krepps asked if there were any other nominations for Treasurer. No nominations. Past President Krepps asked for a motion to close nominations for Treasurer. Hays Walkley (R. Miller) moved 23

3 DRAFT Past President Krepps asked if there were any nominations for Region I Vice President. No nominations. Past President Krepps asked for a motion to close nominations for Region I Vice President. Lindquist (Earl) Past President Krepps asked if there were any other nominations for Region II Vice President. No nominations. Past President Krepps asked for a motion to close nominations for Region II Vice President. R. Miller (Earl) moved Past President Krepps asked if there were any other nominations for Region III Vice President. No nominations. Past President Krepps asked for a motion to close nominations for Region III Vice President. Yeager (Earl) moved Vote on Motion Past President Krepps asked if there were any other nominations for Region IV Vice President. No nominations. Past President Krepps asked for a motion to close nominations for Region IV Vice President. D. Levey (Earl) moved Past President Krepps asked for nominations for Directors at Large. Paul Farrell nominated Kris Matthew as Director at Large (R4). He accepted. Terry Vucksonovic nominated Bruce Finnerty as Director at Large (R2). He accepted. Past President Krepps asked for a motion to close nominations for Directors at Large. Earl (Yeager) moved Point of Personal Privilege: Dan Radloff, Statewide Vice President, withdraws his name for the election of Statewide Vice President for and endorses Tom Heritier. 24

4 DRAFT President Burris asked for a motion to approve the agenda. J. Finnerty (VanLopik) moved to approve the agenda with a change to move the Candidate Speeches until after lunch. President Burris asked for a motion to approve the 2014 Convention minutes. Furtaw (Walkley) moved to approve the minutes President Burris announced the newly affiliate Cass City Gun Club, which was just approved today. Emergency Resolution Announcements President Burris stated there are no Emergency Resolutions at this time. Resolutions Committee Chair Jack VanRhee reminded attendees that they can submit Emergency Resolutions to the Committee until noon today, they must be in their final format and by tomorrow, the writer would have to provide 100 copies for the delegates. Annual Report Executive Director Dan Eichinger introduced staff and guests, including Todd Grischke (Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fishieries), Jason Dinsmore (National Wildlife Federation (NWF)), and Gildo Tori (Ducks Unlimtied). Eichinger recognized those attendees for which it was their first Convention and polled the audience to determine the person attending the most MUCC Annual Conventions Bill Krepps has been attending for 45 years since 1969, and missed only one. Eichinger then presented the Annual Report, which included policy updates, highlighted MUCC s education programs such as the Youth Camp and Tracks, described new grants received and fundraising efforts, membership trends, and future activities. He discussed the importance of the proposed board restructuring within the Bylaws Amendments before the delegates. BYLAWS AMENDMENTS President Burris presented the background that led to the development of the Bylaws Amendments before Convention. This proposal presents a major organizational restructuring, but seeks to maintain and grow the grassroots involvement of our affiliate clubs and members. Below is a summary and the final adopted Bylaws are at the end of the minutes. Executive Board The new proposed Executive Board will be a 17 member body that connects monthly to handle the governance and fiduciary responsibilities of MUCC, including: President Vice President/President elect 25

5 DRAFT Immediate Past President Treasurer 9 Region Directors (see Region Map) 2 elected At Large Directors from the 2 regions with the most MUCC affiliated clubs 2 At Large Directors appointed by the President Conservation Policy Board A complementary Conservation Policy Board will be established consisting of up to 40 voting members and chaired by the Vice President: Three members from each Region to represent affiliated clubs (27 members) Eight Individual Members (not affiliated with a club) from each of the 8 geographical regions One representative from each of the five Policy Committees established under the bylaws: Wildlife, Fisheries, Shooting & Ranges, Parks & Trails, and Youth & Education The Conservation Policy Board s quarterly meetings are intended to represent a significant organizational outreach, member engagement and leadership recruitment opportunity. This board will be responsible for the conservation policy process of the organization, including debating and moving policy resolutions on for consideration at MUCC s Annual Convention. MUCC s Annual Convention will continue to invite every affiliate club to participate in the only grassroots policy development process of its kind. The first election of officers of both the Executive Board and the Conservation Policy Board will occur at the 2016 Annual Convention, which will be June 17 19, 2016 in Big Rapids, Michigan. Burris asked for a motion to bring Proposed Bylaws Amendment #1 to the floor. Earl (J. Finnerty) moved. Past President Rose (Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee) discussed the process and the major proposed Amendments A D which were developed to address concerns from members on the Proposed Bylaws Amendment #1. MUCC BYLAWS AMENDMENTS #A D The proposed bylaws amendments #A D are offered as amendments to the proposed new bylaws (Proposed Bylaws Amendment #01) Amendments to the Bylaws Amendment #01 are in CAPITAL BOLD UNDERLINED AND strikethrough Proposed Bylaws Amendment #A Submitted by: MUCC Governance and Board Meeting Review Ad Hoc Committee 26

6 DRAFT Amendment to add Section 3 to Article VII on Regions (after line 563, page 44 of the Convention Book) SECTION 1 PURPOSE ARTICLE VII REGIONS There shall be regions for the purposes of electing Region Directors to the Executive Board and electing and appointing regional members of the Conservation Policy Board at the Annual Convention, to provide for regional meetings, and for any additional purposes which may be determined by the Executive Board SECTION 2 TERRITORIAL LIMITS A. The Executive Board shall determine the territorial limits of Regions and assign them a numerical identifier (e.g. Region 1, Region 2) B. Any change in the territorial limits of the regions shall require a two thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Board at an Executive Board s meeting. SECTION 3 SUB REGION MEETINGS IN ADDITION TO REGION MEETINGS, SUPPLEMENTAL MEETINGS WITHIN REGIONS ARE TO BE ENCOURAGED. LOCAL MEETINGS WITHIN REGIONS MAY BE CONVENED ON THE BASIS OF TRADITIONAL MUCC DISTRICT BOUNDARIES OR BY COUNTIES. Proposed Bylaws Amendment #B Submitted by: MUCC Governance and Board Meeting Review Ad Hoc Committee Amendment to add part B to Section 1 of Article V on Conservation Policy Board (after line 386, page 39 of the Convention Book) SECTION 1 ESTABLISHMENT ARTICLE V CONSERVATION POLICY BOARD A. There shall be a Conservation Policy Board to develop conservation policy recommendations for consideration at the Annual Convention and other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Board. 27

7 DRAFT B. THE CONSERVATION POLICY BOARD MEETINGS ARE INTENDED TO REPRESENT A SIGNIFICANT ORGANIZATIONAL OUTREACH, MEMBER ENGAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP RECRUITMENT OPPORTUNITY. Proposed Bylaws Amendment #C Submitted by: MUCC Governance and Board Meeting Review Ad Hoc Committee Amendment to part A to Section 2 of Article III on Corporate Officers (beginning on line 211, page 34 of the Convention Book) ARTICLE III CORPORATE OFFICERS SECTION 2 QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICERS OF THE CORPORATION A. Any person who is a dues paying member of this corporation shall be eligible for office in this corporation, except that: 1. a Region Director must be a resident of the Region from which he or she will be elected, or if the person does not reside (defined as their principal place of residence) in the region he/or she must be a member of a Member Club, Junior Member Club, or Statewide Affiliate Club within the region. 2. THE TWO ELECTED AT LARGE DIRECTORS MUST BE A RESIDENT OF EACH OF THE TWO REGIONS WITH THE GREATEST NUMBER OF AFFILIATED CLUBS AS OF 90 DAYS IN ADVANCE OF CONVENTION. IF THE PERSON DOES NOT RESIDE (DEFINED AS THEIR PRINCIPAL PLACE OF RESIDENCE) IN THE REGION HE/OR SHE MUST BE A MEMBER OF A MEMBER CLUB, JUNIOR MEMBER CLUB, OR STATEWIDE AFFILIATE CLUB WITHIN THESE REGIONS. Submitted by: MUCC District 20 Proposed Bylaws Amendment #D A package of amendments to three Articles in order to continue to have a MUCC Region dedicated to Statewide Affiliate Clubs and those Member Clubs with a statewide mission and membership composed of a geographical representation of the state. 1. Amend Article II, Section 3 (B) on Membership (beginning on line 184, page 33 of the Convention Book) ARTICLE II MEMBERSHIP 28

8 DRAFT SECTION 3 QUALIFICATIONS, ACCEPTANCE, DISAPPROVAL, AND TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP B. Acceptance of Application for Affiliation All applications for affiliation as a Member Club or Junior Member Club or Statewide Affiliate Club shall be subject to approval by the Executive Board. The Executive Board shall approve or disapprove the class designation and designate the Region in which the club shall belong. A Statewide Affiliate Club MAY shall be assigned to A REGION REPRESENTING STATEWIDE AFFILIATE CLUBS AND THOSE MEMBER CLUBS WITH A STATEWIDE MISSION AND MEMBERSHIP COMPOSED OF A GEOGRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION OF THE STATE OR a Region on the basis of their club s primary physical location or mailing address of record. After assignment to a Region, affiliates may request a change, subject to approval by the Executive Board. 2. Amend Article V, Section 4 (A 3.) on Conservation Policy Board (beginning on line 407, page 39 of the Convention Book) SECTION 4 MEMBERS A. Voting Members ARTICLE V CONSERVATION POLICY BOARD 3. The Conservation Policy Board Chair may appoint up to one (1) member per Region to represent Individual Members. THERE WILL BE NO INDIVIDUAL MEMBER REPRESENTATIVE FOR A REGION REPRESENTING STATEWIDE AFFILIATE CLUBS AND THOSE MEMBER CLUBS WITH A STATEWIDE MISSION AND MEMBERSHIP COMPOSED OF A GEOGRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION OF THE STATE. 3. Amend Article XII, Section 2 (A.) on Enactment (beginning on line 707, page of the Convention Book) ARTICLE XII ENACTMENT SECTION 2: EXCEPTION FOR 2016 ELECTION OF CORPORATE OFFICERS A. The map of Regions entitled New Boundaries of the 9 8 Regions of MUCC is incorporated by reference into this article. The Executive Board shall adopt it pursuant to Article VII Regions following the effective date of these bylaws. New Boundaries of the 9 8 Regions of MUCC 29

9 DRAFT *REGION 9 IS A STATEWIDE REGION REPRESENTING STATEWIDE AFFILIATE CLUBS AND THOSE MEMBER CLUBS WITH A STATEWIDE MISSION AND MEMBERSHIP COMPOSED OF A GEOGRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION OF THE STATE. DeClerck (Lubaway) made a motion to adopt Amendments A D to Proposed Bylaws Amendment #1. unanimously. D. Levey (D. Meixner) made a motion to further amend Bylaws Amendment #1 to add Past Presidents of MUCC to the Conservation Policy Board as voting members. C. Farrell opposed the amendment., call for division Attendance Chair Yeager said that 323 votes were available at this time. Parliamentarian Heritier ruled that all that was required to amend the Bylaws proposal was a simple majority, but the Bylaws Amendment itself required 2/3 majority. Roll Call vote: 116 support, 175 oppose Amendment failed Vote on Proposed Bylaws Amendment #1 as amended by Amendments A D.. President Burris introduced the Past Presidents of MUCC in attendance: Fran Yeager, Don Meixner, Paul Rose, Jack Van Rhee, and Dawn Levey. Burris asked for a motion to bring Proposed Bylaws Amendment #2 to the floor. Earl (J. Finnerty) moved. Trotter clarified the proposed Bylaws Amendment #2 and #3 would amend our existing bylaws, which will be in effect until the newly adopted ones are enacted on June 19, Proposed Bylaws Amendment #2 Requires 2/3 Majority Submitted by: Fran Yeager, MUCC Treasurer Recommended: Bylaws and Resolutions Committee and passed by MUCC Region III, February 22, 2015 Title: INTERIM QUORUM REVISION Purpose: The quorum of 35 represents approximately 30 % of a fully staffed MUCC Board of Directors. Currently, MUCC has many vacancies on the Board and has lost a number of past presidents who were also members of the Board. Moving to this type of quorum requirement would still require the representation of voting delegates from at least two regions in the state. 30

10 DRAFT This bylaws amendment is intended to enable the MUCC Board of Directors to conduct business while the effort to find a permanent fix for the problem is underway. SECTION 2 MEETINGS B. Quorum ARTICLE VIII BOARD OF DIRECTORS At any meeting of the Board of Directors, THE ATTENDANCE OF VOTING DELEGATES FROM AT LEAST 8 DISTRICTS (WHICH REPRESENT AT LEAST TWO REGIONS) thirty five (35) members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the official transaction of business. Krepps (Lindquist) moved to adopt Bylaws Amendment #2. Yeager supports. D. Meixner asked a question of clarification.. Burris asked for a motion to bring Proposed Bylaws Amendment #3 to the floor. J. Finnerty (J. Meixner) moved. This Bylaws Amendment would amend our existing bylaws, which will be in effect until the newly adopted ones are enacted on June 19, Proposed Bylaws Amendment #3 Requires 2/3 Majority Submitted by: Dawn Levey, Immediate Past President Revised for Clarification and Recommended: Bylaws and Resolutions Committee Passed: MUCC District 20, April 2, 2014 Title: CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE Purpose: The following Bylaws amendment is offered to protect the corporation from a potential real or perceived conflict of interest and to protect the corporation s status as a 501c3 organization. This is the addition of a new section to the current bylaws (adopted June 22, 2014). SECTION 6 MANDATORY RESIGNATION ARTICLE XV AMENDMENTS AND GENERAL PROVISIONS 31

11 DRAFT A. An officer of the corporation and/or member of the board of directors that files papers to become a candidate for political office: national, state or local, shall be required to immediately submit a letter of resignation, to be effective immediately, to the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee. That member shall be prohibited from running for office as an officer of the Corporation or member of the Board of Directors for the duration of his/her campaign for public office. 1. The exception to this rule is that a resigning president who has completed one full year as a President or past President, due to holding lifetime membership on the Board of Directors, shall submit a request for leave of absence, to be effective immediately, to the Board of Directors, or the Executive Committee. At the conclusion of the campaign for political office, the leave of absence will automatically expire. D. Levey spoke in support and questions were clarified. This will also need to be incorporated into the newly adopted Bylaws to carry it forward under the board restructuring; there will be a proposed Bylaws Amendment at the 2016 Convention to do so. Resolutions led by Statewide Vice Presidents Jack VanRhee, George Lindquist, and Dan Radloff Summary of the newly adopted Bylaws as passed by MUCC Delegates at MUCC s 2015 Annual Convention follow the minutes. Text of the resolutions passed by the Convention are available as an attachment. (Resolutions to change state or federal law or rules or Natural Resources Commission orders require a 2/3 vote to pass per MUCC bylaws). Summary of resolutions passed and failing at MUCC s 2015 Annual Convention #01: POSITION ON NUCLEAR WASTE REPOSITORIES IN MICHIGAN AND THE GREAT LAKES BASIN MUCC adopts the position to ban long term disposal and deep geological repository (DGR s) of ALL grades (low level, intermediate and high risk) radioactive waste in Michigan and the Great Lakes Basin. #02: GRAY WOLF MANAGEMENT (UNITS IN EASTERN U.P.) MUCC strongly urges the Michigan DNR and the Natural Resources Commission to add a new Wolf Management Unit that will include the east end of the Upper Peninsula in our future wolf hunting season. #03: RESTORING STATE MANAGEMENT OF THE GRAY WOLF IN THE WESTERN GREAT LAKES STATES Michigan United Conservation Clubs calls on the United States Congress to enact legislation directing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to reissue its 2011 rule removing the gray wolf from the Federal Endangered Species list in the states of Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin and to provide that such rule is not subject to any judicial review. MUCC also fully supports the state s appeal to the court decision returning the grey wolf in the Western Great Lakes area to the endangered species list. #04: MICHIGAN ELK MANAGEMENT RESOLUTION 32

12 DRAFT Michigan United Conservation Clubs continues to support the recommendations included in the 2012 Elk Management Plan as adopted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources; and opposes all efforts to provide preferential treatment for the issuance of elk harvest tags which is based upon land ownership, crop loss reparation, or any other measures which would be contrary to the current Michigan resident lottery system which has been a key element of the success of Michigan s elk restoration program. #06: TO SUPPORT ATV/ORV/OHV USE IN THE HIAWATHA NATIONAL FOREST MUCC requests and encourages the USDA Forest Service Hiawatha National Forest Managers to consider utilizing those trails and routes recommended by the State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Trail Sponsors for inclusion into the overall system; and encourages the USDA Forest Service Hiawatha National Forest Managers to also consider adoption of the Use Permit Process specific to motorized recreation on the designated system currently in place by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources by means of entering a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that is mutually understood and agreed by and between both parties with the exception of specific restrictions necessary to protect sensitive periods of time within a year that may impact the procreation of certain wildlife species not limited to but including the Kirtland Warbler. #07: BEAR POPULATION DATA AND QUOTAS MUCC should work with stakeholders in the Michigan Bear Forum (or future advisory groups) to provide a consensus recommendation to the DNR on the desired future trend for the BMU and Peninsula level bear population that also acknowledges the many biological and social factors; and that MUCC recognize hunting as the primary tool for bear population management and that all legal methods of bear hunting have equal opportunities. Furthermore, recognizing that bears belong to all residents of the State of Michigan, no preference shall be given to private landowners regarding allocation of harvest tags. #09: SUPPORT FOR ALL METHODS OF BEAR HUNTING IN MICHIGAN MUCC should work with affiliated clubs and other members and stakeholders, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Natural Resources Commission to ensure that bear hunting using both hounds and bait is preserved as a legal method of take. #11: FULL DISCLOSURE (HYDRAULIC FRACTURING) MUCC should work with the Michigan Legislature and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to insure that sound scientific management is utilized to protect our private and public lands; and that regulations include full disclosure of the chemicals utilized in the process to insure that they do not pose a health threat to the public; the Michigan Legislature should also consider reevaluating Part 327 of Act 451 to include gas and oil companies in the water withdrawal statute. #12: A RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE HUNTING LICENSES AT REDUCED PRICES FOR YOUTH HUNTERS Michigan United Conservation Clubs should work with the DNR, NRC and the legislature to establish a lower hunting license fee for Michigan resident youth under the age of 17. #13: LAKE ERIE DUCK HUNTING MUCC should work with stakeholders in the Citizens Waterfowl Advisory Committe to provide a recommendation to the DNR and NRC to consider more duck hunting dates in December in the southern zone, provided a 60 day season continues. #16: LAKE ST. CLAIR COMBINED POSSESSION ON PIKE, WALLEYE, AND BASS 33

13 DRAFT Michigan United Conservation Clubs should work to eliminate the combination bag limit in favor of specific bag limits in Lake St. Clair of five pike, six walleye, and five bass, per day. #17: THE EXPANSION OF AQUACULTURE IN MICHIGAN MUCC opposes any significant expansion of cage culture or flow through aquaculture on the public waters of the state. MUCC should also 1) work with state and federal agencies, First Nations, sporting groups, universities, private industry and others to evaluate the potential expansion of aquaculture in Michigan and assist regulators with risk assessment, planning and compliance with water quality and disease prevention regulations, recreational impacts, and other associated issues; 2) assure that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources continues to have a strong and effective voice in the permitting and regulation of aquacultural practices which may be injurious to public natural resources especially the waters of the state, aquatic organisms and sport fisheries upon which the fishing and boating industries depend; and 3) assure the protection of natural and developed populations of fish stocks and the accompanying recreational and commercial fishing and boating industries via establishment of compensation and mitigation procedures and monetary means to achieve these mitigations via adequate insurance policies or surety bonds procured by the aquaculture industry prior to any newly established aquaculture on, or discharging into the waters of the state. #18: BELLE ISLE STATE PARK ENHANCEMENT PRIORITIZATION Michigan United Conservation Clubs should encourage and support the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Belle Isle Conservancy, and Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee with the initiation of enhancements that will draw people from around the state and outside the state to the island, including operating or contracting with a third party operator to offer the following on and around Belle Isle Park: ice skating on the canals, canoeing on the canals, new and improved public boat launches, campgrounds, and other recreational opportunities. #19: SECOND AMENDMENT HOLIDAY Michigan United Conservation Clubs work with the Michigan Legislature to create a Second Amendment Holiday, in which the state sales tax would be waived on firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, hunting, fishing, and trapping supplies during some period of time (i.e. a weekend in late August prior to hunting seasons or a single day two times per year). #20: INCREASED RESTITUTION FOR MOOSE POACHING MUCC staff should work with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Legislature to enact higher restitution payments for moose poaching, with restitution continuing to go into the Game and Fish Protection Fund. There should also be a lifetime loss of hunting privileges in Michigan, as well as the others states that are a part of the Wildlife Violator Compact Law. #21: RESTITUTION INCREASE ON ELK POACHERS MUCC staff should work with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Legislature to enact higher restitution payments for elk poaching, with restitution continuing to going into the Game and Fish Fund. There should also be a lifetime loss of hunting privileges in Michigan, as well as the others states that are a part of the Wildlife Violator Compact Law. #22: INCREASED RESTITUTION FOR BEAR POACHERS Michigan United Conservation Clubs should work with the Department of Natural Resources and Michigan Legislature to increase the restitution on bear poachers. Restitution should continue to go into the Michigan Game and Fish Protection Fund. MUCC should also work with DNR Law Enforcement and 34

14 DRAFT the Michigan Legislature (if necessary) to deter illegal bear harvest activities which harm the public s perception of legal bear hunting in order to protect the future of bear hunting in Michigan. #23: MIGRATORY BIRD POACHERS Michigan United Conservation Clubs should work with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Citizen Waterfowl Advisory Council (CWAC) to develop legislation that would charge poachers of migratory bird game species restitution of $500 per animal. #25: DOG COLLARS MUCC work to make it unlawful to remove any collar or electronic tracking device on a dog without permission from the owner. #26: LIMIT HUNTING SAFETY ZONE APPLICATION TO HUNTING WITH FIREARMS Michigan United Conservation Clubs should work with the Legislature, Natural Resources Commission and/or any other necessary decision making bodies to limit the application of the hunting safety zone to hunting with firearms, and to reduce and/or eliminate the safety zone for hunting with archery equipment. Failed Resolutions #05: SUPPORT OF DEER BAITING Resolution was withdrawn due to the discovery of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a deer in Ingham County. #08: INCREASING UP BEAR LICENSE QUOTAS Resolution was withdrawn by the maker in light of the Natural Resources Commission adoption of the 2015 Bear Harvest Quotas on April 9, #10: COME HOME TO HUNT Michigan United Conservation Clubs should enter into a conversation with the Michigan Legislature and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to study the feasibility of developing a Michigan Come Home to Hunt program to allow former residents to purchase hunting licenses at the resident prices based upon an established threshold residency requirement not on property ownership. #14: SAFETY GREEN FOR HUNTING MUCC should work with the Michigan Legislature and DNR to include safety green clothing (also known as highway green or fluorescent lime) as an option for hunting. #15: ELIMINATE SPEARING FOR MUSKELLUNGE IN MICHIGAN WATERS Michigan United Conservation Clubs should work with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Natural Resource Commission to oppose further opening of waters to muskellunge spearing, oppose any change to muskellunge angling seasons that would create a de facto expansion of muskellunge spearing and oppose the continuation of current lawful muskellunge spearing on any waters that have seen a decline in muskellunge population. #24: TURN IN POACHERS (TIPS) REPORTING OPTION Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) staff should work with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Legislature to enact a TIPS reward system in very limited circumstances 35

15 DRAFT where a high value tag (such as elk) could be a reward for valuable information leading to a conviction of a poacher; the TIPS reporting option should not be granted if it would reduce the awarding of licenses through the regular lottery system for the given species. Proposed Resolutions J. VanRhee asked for a motion to bring Resolution 1 to the floor. Meixner (Yeager) moved unanimously Statewide Vice President Lindquist requests that Proposed Resolution #06 go next. J. VanRhee asked for a motion to bring Resolution 6 to the floor. Earl (Kotrch) moved J. VanRhee asked for a motion to bring Resolution 2 to the floor. Radloff (Rob Miller) moved Paddy Doherty, On behalf of the Wildlife Committee, supports the resolution with an Amendment adding at the end ; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that MUCC also supports the further expansion of Wildlife Management Units, where justified and appropriate based on sound scientific evidence. Maturen (VanLopik) made a motion to approve the amendment. Vote on Motion Vote on resolution, as amended, unanimously J. VanRhee asked for a motion to bring Resolution 3 to the floor. Radloff (Miller) moved Paddy Doherty, On behalf of the Wildlife Committee, supports the resolution with an Amendment adding at the end ; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that MUCC fully supports the state s appeal to the court decision returning the grey wolf in the Western Great Lakes area to the endangered species list. C. Farrell (Lindquist) made a motion to approve the amendment. Vote on Motion 36

16 DRAFT Vote on resolution, as amended, unanimously J. VanRhee asked for a motion to bring Resolution 22 to the floor. Earl (Kasdorf) moved Paddy Doherty, On behalf of the Wildlife Committee, supports the resolution with an Amendment Striking lines 5 7 (the whole Whereas statement) and Striking beginning with The components of this proposal might include The committee feels the level of detail described is not necessary in the resolution. Summey (Lindquist) made a motion to approve the amendment. Vote on Motion Amendment failed Vote on resolution as introduced Convention was recessed for the Conservation Awards Luncheon Candidate Speeches: Candidates for President and Vice President were offered an opportunity to give speeches, but no one chose to do so. J. VanRhee asked for a motion to bring Resolution 25 to the floor. Earl (Kotrch) moved Paddy Doherty, On behalf of the Wildlife Committee, supports the resolution with an Amendment Amending lines 5 6 as follows: WHEREAS, training collars are also used to TO PREVENT DOGS FROM CHASING NON TARGET ANIMALS AND aid in controlling dogs from running off game, or handling issues to HELP prevent dogs from entering private property etc,; and Miller (Finnerty) made a motion to approve the amendment. Summey suggested adding the word help between the second occurrence of to and prevent in the amendment. The maker of the motion accepted that as an editorial amendment. Vote on Motion Amendment carried 37

17 DRAFT Vote on resolution as amended unanimously J. VanRhee asked for a motion to bring Resolution 4 to the floor. Finnerty (Levey) moved Vote on Motion Paddy Doherty, On behalf of the Wildlife Committee, supports the resolution Vote on resolution Resolution 5 was withdrawn by the maker, Richard P. Smith, due to the discovery of Chronic Wasting Disease in Michigan J. VanRhee asked for a motion to bring Resolution 7 to the floor. B. Furtaw (Miller) moved Paddy Doherty, On behalf of the Wildlife Committee, supports the resolution with several amendments, taken in whole. Miller (Lindquist) made a motion to approve the amendments to the resolution. Motion carried Vote on the resolution as amended unanimously Resolution 8 was withdrawn by the maker, Richard P. Smith VanRhee asked for a motion to bring Resolution 9 to the floor. Radloff (Kensinger) moved Paddy Doherty, On behalf of the Wildlife Committee, supports the resolution Vote on resolution unanimously. George Lindquist asked for a motion to bring Resolution 10 to the floor. Earl (K. Matthew) moved Vote on Resolution, call for division Roll Call vote: 83 support, 181 oppose Resolution failed Lindquist asked for a motion to bring Resolution 11 to the floor. K. Mattew (J. Meixner) moved 38

18 DRAFT Vote on resolution Lindquist asked for a motion to bring Resolution 12 to the floor. Hays Walkley (VanRhee) moved Vote on resolution, call for division Roll Call vote: 208 support, 80 oppose Resolution Lindquist asked for a motion to bring Resolution 13 to the floor. Finnerty (Kensinger) moved Paddy Doherty, On behalf of the Wildlife Committee, supports the resolution with an Amendment Striking lines starting with "and Be it Further Resolved". This would support adding more dates in the latter part of the season but would remove the language about rezoning to accommodate an additional Lake Erie zone due to concerns about this impacting the flexibility of season structure in the rest of Michigan. VanLopik (R. Reed) make a motion to support the amendment Vote on amendment Vote on resolution unanimously G. Lindquist asked for a motion to bring Resolution 14 to the floor. Furtaw (Earl) moved Vote on resolution Resolution failed G. Lindquist asked for a motion to bring Resolution 15 to the floor. Furtaw (Radloff) moved Vote on resolution Resolution failed unanimously G. Lindquist asked for a motion to bring Resolution 16 to the floor. Hays Walkley (Miller) moved Vote on resolution 39

19 DRAFT G. Lindquist asked for a motion to bring Resolution 17 to the floor. Hays Walkley (Walkley) moved Fisheries Committee offered an amendment. VanLopik (Summey) made a motion to adopt the amendment. DNR staff Todd Grischke suggested a change of terminology from net pen to cage culture in the amendment, which was accepted by the makers of the motion. Vote on amendment Vote on resolution, as amended unanimously Radloff asked for a motion to bring Resolution 18 to the floor. Kasdorf (Miller) moved Vote on resolution Radloff asked for a motion to bring Resolution 19 to the floor. Earl (Kensinger) moved VanLopik offered an amendment to add firearm safes and/or trigger locks. This was accepted by the writer of the resolution as an editorial amendment. Vote on resolution Radloff asked for a motion to bring Resolution 20 to the floor. Hays Walkley (Walkley) moved Paddy Doherty, on behalf of the Wildlife Committee, supports the resolution with an Amendment Striking lines beginning with Components of this could include The committee feels the level of detail described is not necessary in the resolution. Miller (D. Levey) make a motion to support the amendment Vote on amendment Amendment failed Vote on resolution, as introduced Radloff asked for a motion to bring Resolution 21 to the floor. J. Meixner (Kensinger) moved 40

20 DRAFT Paddy Doherty, On behalfof the Wildlife Committee, supports the resolution with an Amendment Striking lines beginning with Components of this could include The committee feels the level of detail described is not necessary in the resolution. Levey (Earl) make a motion to support the amendment Vote on amendment Amendment failed Vote on resolution, as introduced unanimously Radloff asked for a motion to bring Resolution 23 to the floor. Hays Walkley (Earl) moved Paddy Doherty, On behalf of the Wildlife Committee, supports the resolution with an Amendment Amending line as follows: to develop legislation that SUPPORTS STIFF PENALITES FOR would charge poachers of migratory bird game species restitution of $500 per animal. The committee was unsure if $500 was too much and may depend on the circumstances. VanLopik (Kettler) make a motion to support the amendment Vote on amendment Amendment failed Vote on resolution, as introduced Radloff asked for a motion to bring Resolution 24 to the floor. Kasdorf (Kensinger) moved Paddy Doherty, On behalf of the Wildlife Committee, opposes the resolution Vote on resolution Resolution failed Radloff asked for a motion to bring Resolution 26 to the floor. Earl (Kotrch) moved Paddy Doherty, On behalf of the Wildlife Committee, supports the resolution with an Amendment Striking all lines The committee felt that, while the Whereas statements supported the argument that the safety zone should be reduced or eliminated for archery, and eliminated for trapping, and hunting with dogs, these statements may add to confusion about the intent of the proposed resolution when it is 41

21 DRAFT shared with MUCC members and lawmakers. There was a desire to keep it simple and to the point rather than trying to amend it in several places to make it consistent. R.P. Smith (Lindquist) make a motion to support the amendment Vote on amendment #1 Amendment failed VanLopik (B. Levey) made a motion to strike Lines Vote on amendment #2 Amendment failed Vote on resolution, as introduced unanimously Montross announced that $311 was raised for the Youth Camp by raffling off the custom fly swatter. Burris called on Elections Chair Bill Krepps to discuss elections, where voting will take place this evening and tomorrow morning. General session recessed until 8:30 a.m. tomorrow morning. Sunday, June 21, 2015 President Ron Burris called the meeting to order at 8:36 a.m. Invocation was given by Past President Dawn Levey Treasurer s Report Fran Yeager, Treasurer, gave the Treasurer s report. Miller (D. Levey) moved to accept the report and place it on file. MUCC Communications and Technology MUCC staff members Drew YoungeDyke and Logan Schultz gave a presentation about the new website and membership database capabilities under our new platform, NationBuilder Convention Site: Jane Finnerty gave a site committee report on searching for a location for the 2016 Annual Convention. There was not support for returning to Treetops. The committee will explore options available on June 17 19, 2016 as well as June 24 26, District Fundraiser Presentation: Paul Farrell presented the Buck Stop trophy to District 2. Jim Pryce reported they raised $6,775 for camp. Farrell announced they did not host a fundraiser, but instead requested donations among the District 1 clubs. They have collected $2,500 in donations to date. Next year, they will do a combined fundraiser in the new Region 8. They challenged other Regions to host their own as well. National Wildlife Federation Regional Representative Jason Dinsmore gave a report on NWF, discussing a change in their Executive Director, new policy directions including public land defense and MUCC s new wolf delisting resolution that was approved this year. 42

22 DRAFT Hunter Safety: Chair Furmer Reed recognized all those attendees in the audience that were instructors in the Hunter Safety Education program. Policy Report: MUCC Staff Amy Trotter and Drew YoungeDyke gave an update on the implementation of past approved resolutions in both the Michigan Legislature and Natural Resources Commission. Final Attendance Report Fran Yeager, Chair of the Convention Credentials Committee and Attendance Committee, announced that there were 93 delegates carrying 248 club votes, 17 proxy votes, and 57 Officer/Director votes for a total of 322 votes. Radloff (Lindquist) moved to accept the attendance report and place it on file.. Elections Committee Report: Bill Krepps and Kay Leja are co chairs. Krepps gave the report on the elected officers for President Ron Burris Statewide Vice Presidents George Lindquist, Tom Heritier, and Jack VanRhee Region I Vice President Jack Lehto Region II Vice President Jane Finnerty Region III Vice President David VanLopik Region IV Vice President Jim Pryce Treasurer Fran Yeager Directors at Large Region I Tim Kobasic, Richard P. Smith and Bill Malloch Region II Bruce Finnerty Region III Rob Miller, Furmer Reed Region IV Patricia Doherty, Kris Matthew Kasdorf (Meixner) moved to keep the ballots for 30 and then destroy. Jane Finnerty announced that the next Board of Directors meeting was August 8, 2015 at Saginaw Field and Stream. President Burris asked for a motion to adjourn at 10:34 a.m. Furtaw (DeClerck) moved Post Convention Board Meeting Sunday, June 21,

23 DRAFT President Ron Burris called the meeting to order at 10:36 a.m. Newly elected officers took their oaths of office. President Burris asked for a motion to appoint Daniel Eichinger as Secretary of the Corporation Yeager (Jack VanRhee) moved Vote on Motion President Burris asked for a motion to appoint the following people as signatories on the corporate bank accounts: Daniel Eichinger Amy Trotter Fran Yeager Ron Burris Jack VanRhee Furtaw (B. Krepps) moved the signatories be appointed. Vote on Motion President Burris asked for a motion to adjourn at 10:39 a.m. Yeager (J. Finnerty) moved 44

24 (Bylaws as of June 19, 2016, adopted June 20, 2015) Michigan United Conservation Clubs BYLAWS Mission Statement: Uniting citizens to conserve, protect and enhance Michigan s natural resources and outdoor heritage. Michigan United Conservation Clubs prohibits discrimination in employment, educational programs and activities on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity. MUCC also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all activities and facilities. Article I NAME, PURPOSE, AND OBJECTIVES Section 1 - Name Section 2 - Corporation Purpose and Objectives Article II MEMBERSHIP Section 1 Classification of Members A. Member Clubs B. Junior Member Clubs C. Statewide Clubs D. Sustaining Members E. Individual Members 45

25 F. Life Members Section 2 - Dues Section 3 - Qualifications, Acceptance, Disapproval, and Termination of Membership A. Qualifications of Membership B. Acceptance of Application for Membership C. Disapproval and Appeal of Application for Membership D. Termination of Membership Section 4 - Representation Article III CORPORATE OFFICERS Section 1 Officers of the Corporation Section 2 Qualifications for Officers of the Corporation Section 3 Duties A. President B. Vice President/President-Elect C. Region Directors D. Treasurer E. At-Large Directors and Immediate Past President F. Secretary Section 4 Terms Section 5 Vacancies Section 6 Removal of Officers Section 7 - Limitations Article IV EXECUTIVE BOARD Section 1 Executive Board Powers Section 2 Meetings Section 3 Members of the Executive Board Section 4 Removal or Disciplinary Action of Members of the Executive Board Article V CONSERVATION POLICY BOARD Section 1 Establishment Section 2 - Meetings Section 3 - Chair Section 4 - Members A. Voting Members B. Non-Voting Members Section 5 - Voting Article VI ANNUAL CONVENTION Section 1 Annual Convention Section 2 Annual Convention Agenda Section 3 Minutes Section 4 Effective Date of Annual Convention Actions Section 5 Annual Convention Election Procedures 46

26 Section 6 Voting Article VII REGIONS Section 1 Purpose Section 2 Territorial Limits Article VIII EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Section 1 Procedures A. Appointment B. Selection C. Vacancy or Disability Section 2 Duties Article IX FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT Section 1 Dues Section 2 Use of Corporate Funds Section 3 Annual Operations Plan Section 4 Conflict of Interest Section 5- Payment of Accounts Section 6 Borrowing Power Section 7 Fiscal Year Section 8 Audit Section 9 Surety Bonds Article X DISSOLUTION Section 1 - Dissolution Procedure Article XI AMENDMENTS AND GENERAL PROVISIONS Section 1 - Amendments Section 2 - Interpretation of the Bylaws Section 3 - Parliamentary Guide Section 4 - Effective Date of Bylaws Change Section 5 Definitions Article XII ENACTMENT Section 1 - Effective Date Section 2 - Exception for 2016 Election Of Corporate Officers Section 3 - Repeal 47

27 SECTION 1 - NAME MICHIGAN UNITED CONSERVATION CLUBS BYLAWS ARTICLE I NAME, PURPOSE, AND OBJECTIVES The name of this organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Michigan and hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation", shall be the Michigan United Conservation Clubs. SECTION 2 - CORPORATION PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES A. To further and advance the cause of the environment and conservation in all its phases; and to perpetuate and conserve the fish, game, mineral, air, water, forest and land resources of the state; to so manage the use of all natural resources so that this generation and posterity will receive the maximum benefit from the same. B. To promote and encourage the scientific management and intelligent sustained use of the above resources, recognizing as a valid management tool the harvest and use of surplus wildlife and other renewable resources. C. To promote conservation education programs designated to educate citizens in the cause of natural resource conservation and environmental protection and enhancement, creating in them awareness and understanding of the importance of this aim, equipping them to work knowledgeably and effectively toward this achievement, and through rational discussion, to attempt resolution of all issues affecting our environment. D. To protect and defend the right of our citizens to own, keep, and bear arms. E. To disseminate these purposes and objectives through an official publication known as Michigan Out-of-Doors, and through such other publications or media which may from time to time be desirable. F. To own, hold, lease, establish, maintain and support, either directly or in cooperation with other organizations or governmental agencies, property, facilities and services in order to provide facilities and financial benefits to this corporation. 48

28 G. To acquire, own, dispose of, transfer, manage, encumber, mortgage, lease or operate real and personal property, or any interest therein, in order to provide facilities and financial benefits to this corporation. H. To apply any revenue generated by these activities or any gifts, grants, bequests and devises, and the proceeds thereof, in furtherance of the purposes of this corporation. ARTICLE II MEMBERSHIP SECTION 1 CLASSIFICATION OF MEMBERS A. Member Clubs - Member Clubs are those groups of persons, such as clubs, societies, chapters and associations, consisting of ten (10) or more adults who accept the purposes and objectives of the corporation and agree to promote the same. Any individual associated with a Member Club, for whom annual dues have been paid to the corporation shall be considered a member of the corporation. B. Junior Member Clubs - Junior Member Clubs are those groups consisting of boys and/or girls up to twenty-one (21) years of age who accept the purposes and objectives of the corporation and agree to promote the same. Any individual associated with a Junior Member Club, for whom annual dues have been paid to the corporation shall be considered a member of the corporation. C. Statewide Affiliate Clubs - Statewide Affiliate Clubs are those clubs approved by the Executive Board who accept the purposes and objectives of the corporation and agree to promote the same, and whose membership is composed of a geographical representation of the state. Only the club, for whom the annual dues have been paid to the corporation, shall be considered a member of the corporation except that an individual delegate appointed by the club can be designated to vote and represent the club with the corporation. D. Sustaining Members - Sustaining Members are those persons, groups, corporations, organizations and companies who accept the purposes and objectives of the corporation and agree to promote the same and annually contribute to the corporation at a level determined by the Executive Board. They may or may not be members of a Member Club or a Junior Member Club. E. Individual Members - Individual Members are those persons not affiliated with a Member Club or Junior Member Club who accept the purposes and objectives of the corporation and agree to promote the same. Any individual for whom annual dues have been paid to the corporation shall be considered a member of the corporation. F. Life Members - Life Members are those persons who accept the purposes and objectives of the corporation and agree to promote the same and have elected membership in the corporation in accordance with procedures and conditions established by the Executive Board. 49

29 SECTION 2 - DUES The annual dues for the members of the corporation shall be as designated in Article IX Financial Management of these bylaws. SECTION 3 - QUALIFICATIONS, ACCEPTANCE, DISAPPROVAL, AND TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP A. Qualifications of Membership The members of this corporation shall be persons and/or groups of persons who accept the purposes and objectives of the corporation, and agree to promote the same and have complied with the requisites of membership as provided for in these bylaws and as further determined by the Executive Board. B. Acceptance of Application for Affiliation All applications for affiliation as a Member Club or Junior Member Club or Statewide Affiliate Club shall be subject to approval by the Executive Board. The Executive Board shall approve or disapprove the class designation and designate the Region in which the club shall belong. A Statewide Affiliate Club may be assigned to a Region representing Statewide Affiliate Clubs and those Member Clubs with a statewide mission and membership composed of a geographical representation of the state or a Region on the basis of their club s primary physical location or mailing address of record. After assignment to a Region, affiliates may request a change, subject to approval by the Executive Board. C. Disapproval and Appeal of Application for Membership If an application is disapproved because the applicant fails to meet the qualifications of membership: 1. A new application may be submitted to the Executive Board at any time if the reason for denial changed, or; 2. An appeal of such disapproval may be made as a matter of first action taken by the Annual Convention delegates at the next Annual Convention of the corporation. D. Termination of Membership The Executive Board may, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote, terminate the membership of any member for cause after notice and hearing pursuant to guidelines established by the Executive Board. For cause shall include, but is not limited to the conviction of any member of a violation of any game, fish, or environmental laws. SECTION 4 - REPRESENTATION 50

30 All members may attend and have the privilege of the floor at any meeting of the corporation, including Annual Convention and Region meetings. The Executive Board may adopt procedures for holding closed sessions. ARTICLE III CORPORATE OFFICERS SECTION 1 - OFFICERS OF THE CORPORATION The officers of this corporation shall be a President, Vice President/President-Elect, immediate Past President, Region Director from each of the Regions, a Treasurer, two (2) At-Large Directors elected at an Annual Convention, and two (2) At-Large Directors appointed by the President of the Executive Board and approved by the Executive Board. SECTION 2 - QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICERS OF THE CORPORATION A. Any person who is a dues paying member of this corporation shall be eligible for office in this corporation, except that: 1. A Region Director must be a resident of the Region from which he or she will be elected, or if the person does not reside (defined as their principal place of residence) in the region he/or she must be a member of a Member Club, Junior Member Club, or Statewide Affiliate Club within the region; 2. The two elected At-Large Directors must be a resident of each of the two Regions with the greatest number of affiliated clubs as of 90 days in advance of convention. If the person does not reside (defined as their principal place of residence) in the Region he/or she must be a member of a Member Club, Junior Member Club, or Statewide Affiliate Club within these Regions. B. No member either currently serving as, or seeking election to, political office at the state level may be an officer of the corporation. SECTION 3 - DUTIES Officers of the corporation shall: act in good faith; act in the best interests of the corporation; act on an informed basis; not be wasteful; and not involve self-interest. A. President 1. The President shall be the Chair of the Executive Board and the President or his or her designee shall chair all meetings of the corporation. The President shall have such other powers and duties as are incident to the office and not inconsistent with these bylaws, or as shall be assigned by the Executive Board. The President shall work with the Executive Director in the development of an annual operations plan. The President shall also 51

31 facilitate the Executive Committee s annual performance review of the Executive Director. 2. The President shall appoint 2 At Large Directors as members of the Executive Board not later than 60 days following Annual Convention. 3. The President shall succeed to office from the office of Vice President/President-Elect upon completion of the President s term or a vacancy in office. 4. The President shall establish at least five (5) Resource Committees for the Conservation Policy Board, including: Wildlife and Habitat; Fisheries and Habitat; Shooting and Ranges; Parks, Recreation, and Trails; and Youth and Education. 5. The President may establish other committees within the Conservation Policy Board or Executive Board as he/she or the Executive Board deems necessary and advisable, and designate a member or members to serve as committee chair(s), subject to the approval of the Executive Board. 6. The President shall not appoint a committee to act on behalf of or in place of the Executive Board. B. Vice President/President-Elect 1. It shall be the duty of the Vice President/President-Elect to assist the President in the performance of his or her duties when called upon to do so by the President or the Executive Board. In the event of a disability of the President, the Vice President/President-elect shall have all the powers and perform all the duties of the President during the disability. The Vice President/President-Elect shall have such other powers and duties as may be assigned to them by the Executive Board or the President. 2. The Vice President/President-Elect or his or her designee shall chair the meetings of the Conservation Policy Board. C. Region Directors It shall be the duty of the Region Director to assist the President in the performance of his or her duties in their respective region when called upon to do so by the President or the Executive Board. Each elected Region Director of the Executive Board shall be encouraged to convene not less than one (1) meeting a year. D. Treasurer The Treasurer shall keep full and accurate account of all receipts and disbursements and deposit all money, checks and other obligation to the credits of the corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Executive Board. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the corporation only in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation, these bylaws, and the policies 52

32 established by the Executive Board. The Treasurer shall make a complete annual statement for the past fiscal year at each Annual Convention. The Treasurer shall perform all other duties incident to the office subject to the control of the Executive Board. The Treasurer shall make such other reports and at such times as determined by the Executive Board. E. At-Large Directors and Immediate Past President In addition to their duties as members of the Executive Board, At-Large Directors and the Immediate Past President shall act as assistants to the President. F. Secretary The Secretary shall be a non-voting officer of the corporation and these responsibilities shall be performed by the Executive Director. The Secretary shall be responsible for the records of the corporation. SECTION 4 - TERMS A. The terms of elected officers of the corporation shall commence immediately upon adjournment of the Annual Convention. B. The President shall serve not more than one (1) 2-year term. Completing a prior unfulfilled term from the office of President-Elect does not count in the term limit. C. Vice President/President-Elect shall be elected for not more than one 2-year term. At the conclusion of their term or in the event of a vacancy, the Vice President/President-Elect shall assume the Presidency. D. The term of Immediate Past President shall correspond with the term of their successor. E. Appointed and Elected At-Large Directors shall hold office for a term of two (2) years. There shall be a 6 year limit for continuous service. F. The Region Directors shall be elected for two (2) year terms. There shall be a six (6) year limit for continuous service. Regions assigned odd numbers shall elect the Region Director at the Annual Convention occurring in odd-numbered years; regions assigned even numbers shall elect Region Directors at the Annual Convention occurring in even-numbered years. G. The Treasurer shall be elected for two (2) year terms and there shall be no limit on the number of terms which may be served. SECTION 5 - VACANCIES A. President 53

33 1. In the event of a vacancy in the office of the President, by death, resignation, removal, permanent disability, or for any other cause, the Vice President/President-Elect shall assume the position of President. 2. In the event of a disability of the President where he or she cannot perform the duties of the office, the Vice President/President-Elect shall act as President for the duration of the disability. 3. In the event that neither the President nor the President-Elect can perform the duties of office, the Executive Board shall appoint a member of the Executive Board to fill the position until the next Annual Convention. B. Other Offices In the event of a vacancy in other elected offices, by death, resignation, removal, permanent disability, or for any other cause, the President shall appoint an interim officer, subject to the approval of the Executive Board, who will serve the remainder of the term. Interim terms are not subject to the term limits provided for in these bylaws. SECTION 6 - REMOVAL OF OFFICERS Elected and Appointed Officers of the corporation may be removed from their office for cause such as, but not limited to, a breach of duty of loyalty or duty of care, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Board at any meeting of the Executive Board. SECTION 7 - LIMITATIONS No person shall hold more than one (1) office of the corporation at any time unless appointed on interim basis by the President. ARTICLE IV EXECUTIVE BOARD SECTION 1 EXECUTIVE BOARD POWERS A. The property and lawful business of this corporation shall be held and managed by the Executive Board, which shall possess such powers and authority in addition to the powers and authority herein specifically prescribed, as may be necessary to complete execution of the purposes of the corporation, limited only by the Articles of Incorporation, these bylaws and actions of the Annual Convention relative to establishment of conservation policy. 1. The Executive Board shall have the authority to consider, and vote on interim conservation resolutions in accordance with procedures established by the Executive Board. 54

34 2. An interim conservation resolution passed by the Executive Board shall become interim conservation policy and shall be subject to confirmation at the next Annual Convention and if passed at the next Annual Convention shall become policy. 3. The Executive Board shall not have the authority to reverse existing policies approved at an Annual Convention unless there is a material, science-based change of circumstance which demands immediate action. Policies adopted under this provision shall be presented for consideration at the next Annual Convention. B. Finances of this corporation shall be under the control of the Executive Board except as otherwise provided in the Articles of Incorporation and these bylaws. C. The Executive Board may appoint or employ additional agents or Officers as it deems necessary, prescribing their duties and authority and providing for their compensation. D. The Executive Board shall have authority to affiliate this corporation with any other organization having like interests, aims or purposes, and may appoint delegates, if not elected by the Annual Convention, and provide the delegates expenses to attend the meetings of such organizations. E. Provide for an annual review of the Executive Director. F. To advise and consent on the appointments made pursuant to these bylaws by the President and Vice President/President-Elect SECTION 2 - MEETINGS A. General and Special Meetings of the Executive Board 1. The President or his or her designee shall chair the Executive Board meetings. 2. The Executive Board shall hold meetings as deemed necessary. The times and places of the Board meetings shall be determined by the Executive Board. 3. Special meetings of the Executive Board may be called by the President or upon written request of the Executive Director, or upon written request by any nine (9) members of the Executive Board. The purpose of said special meetings shall be contained in the notice of the meeting. 4. Twelve (12) members of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum for the official transaction of business. 5. The specific agenda for any meeting of the Executive Board shall be set by the President and Executive Director, subject to the approval of the Executive Board. 6. Not less than fifteen (15) days in advance, all members of the Executive Board shall be notified of the time, place, and purpose of all meetings. 55

35 7. Each member of the Executive Board shall have not more than one (1) vote. 8. Except as otherwise provided in these bylaws, the actions of the majority of the Executive Board present at a meeting of the Executive Board shall be the action of the Executive Board. B. Special Meetings of the Corporation 1. Special meetings of this corporation may be called by the Executive Board President, or by the Executive Board. 2. All Member Clubs, Junior Member Clubs, Statewide Affiliate Clubs, Officers of the corporation and Members of the Conservation Policy Board shall be notified of the time, place and purpose of the special meeting at least thirty (30) days in advance. Nothing shall take place at any special meeting that has not had prior approval as an agenda item by the Executive Board or that does not pertain to the purpose or reason for which the special meeting was called. 3. At any Special Meeting of this corporation, a quorum consisting of the quorum from the most recent Annual Convention shall be necessary for the transaction of business. SECTION 3 - MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD A. The Members of the Executive Board shall consist of the Officers of the Corporation. B. Except as otherwise provided in these bylaws, no employee of this corporation shall be eligible to serve as a member of the Executive Board. SECTION 4 REMOVAL OR DISCIPLINARY ACTION OF MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD A member of the Executive Board may be removed for the following: A. Absences: Any member of the Executive Board who shall be absent from two (2) consecutive meetings of the Executive Board, unless permission to do so has been granted by the Executive Board, or unless at the next meeting he or she shall present an excuse satisfactory to the Executive Board, shall cease to be a member of the Executive Board and the Executive Board shall declare the office vacant. B. For cause: Any member of the Executive Board may be removed from the Executive Board or disciplined by the Executive Board for cause, such as, a breach of the duty of loyalty or the duty of care or violation of the Executive Board Code of Conduct by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Board present at any meeting of the Executive Board. The Executive Board may establish procedures for the removal or discipline of any member of the Executive Board. ARTICLE V 56

36 SECTION 1 ESTABLISHMENT CONSERVATION POLICY BOARD A. There shall be a Conservation Policy Board to develop conservation policy recommendations for consideration at the Annual Convention and other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Board. B. The Conservation Policy Board meetings are intended to represent a significant organizational outreach, member engagement and leadership recruitment opportunity. SECTION 2- MEETINGS A. The Conservation Policy Board shall meet quarterly, including Annual Convention. Meeting dates and locations shall be established within 45 days after the Convention and these meetings shall be open to any member of the corporation B. Notice of each Conservation Policy Board meeting shall be given to each member club, each Executive Board member and each voting member of the Conservation Policy Board member at least fifteen (15) days before the meeting date. The notice shall include the location, time and date and, if possible the agenda. SECTION 3-CHAIR The Vice President/President-Elect shall be the chair of the Conservation Policy Board. SECTION 4-MEMBERS The Conservation Policy Board shall consist of voting members and non-voting members. A. Voting Members 1. Three (3) members from each Region elected at the Annual Convention to represent Member Clubs, Junior Member Clubs, or Statewide Affiliate Clubs. 2. One (1) member of the following Resource Committees: Wildlife and Habitat; Fisheries and Habitat; Shooting and Ranges; Parks, Recreation and Trails; and Youth and Education. These individuals will be selected by the Conservation Policy Board Chair. Additional Committees may be added by majority vote of the Executive Board. The Conservation Policy Board Chair may appoint up to one (1) member per Region to represent Individual Members. There will be no Individual Member Representative for a Region representing Statewide Affiliate Clubs and those Member Clubs with a statewide mission and membership composed of a geographical representation of the state. 3. In the event of a vacancy of a Voting Member of the Conservation Policy Board, by death, resignation, removal, permanent disability, or for any other cause, the Chair shall appoint an interim Voting Member that will serve until the next Annual Convention. 57

37 4. Any Voting Member of the Conservation Policy Board may be removed from the Conservation Policy Board or disciplined by the Conservation Policy Board for cause, such as, a breach of the duty of loyalty or the duty of care by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the voting members of the Conservation Policy Board present at any meeting of the Conservation Policy Board. B. Non-Voting Members 1. The members of the Executive Board. 2. All other members of the corporation. C. Except as otherwise provided in these bylaws, no employee of this corporation shall be eligible to serve as a member of the Conservation Policy Board. SECTION 5 - VOTING On those matters requiring a vote, representation from a majority of the regions must be present and each member of the Conservation Policy Board shall have no more than one (1) vote. Matters requiring a vote are: passing resolutions on to Annual Convention; making recommendations on Emergency or Interim Conservation policy resolutions to the Executive Board. SECTION 1 ANNUAL CONVENTION ARTICLE VI ANNUAL CONVENTION A. Conservation policies, positions of this corporation, and amendments to these bylaws shall be established by resolution at any Annual Convention. B. The corporation shall hold a regular Annual Convention. The definite date and place of the Annual Convention shall be determined by the Executive Board. All Member Clubs, Junior Member Clubs, Statewide Affiliate Clubs, Officers of the corporation, and Members of the Conservation Policy Board shall be notified of the Annual Convention at least thirty-five (35) days in advance. C. At any Annual Convention of this corporation, fifty (50) delegates certified by the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. SECTION 2 ANNUAL CONVENTION AGENDA A. The agenda shall be prepared by the President subject to the approval of the Annual Convention delegates. B. Agenda items shall include: 58

38 1. Only conservation resolutions brought pursuant to these bylaws, by either the Executive Board or Conservation Policy Board, through the conservation resolution procedure established by the Executive Board. 2. An Annual Report made through the Executive Director or an officer of the corporation designated by the Executive Board. The Annual Report shall be a complete but concise report of the corporation s activities and actions during the prior year, including any recommendation for future action at the Annual Convention. 3. Election of members of the Executive Board and Conservation Policy Board. 4. Receipt and consideration of financial reports for the corporation. 5. Proposed amendments to these bylaws. 6. Emergency Conservation Resolutions SECTION 3 - MINUTES a. Emergency conservation resolutions are only those resolutions where: 1. A serious event occurred after the deadline for submitting resolutions to the Annual Convention. 2. A change in policy is necessary because of changed circumstances after the resolution deadline. 3. The Executive Board shall establish procedures for receipt of these resolutions and consideration of these resolutions under New Business. The minutes of the Annual Convention shall be properly edited to include all actions and pertinent discussion of same and shall be presented to the Annual Convention for approval and following approval shall be published as prescribed by Executive Board. SECTION 4 EFFECTIVE DATE OF ANNUAL CONVENTION ACTIONS Unless otherwise provided in these bylaws or the Annual Convention, all actions shall take effect upon adjournment. SECTION 5 - ANNUAL CONVENTION ELECTION PROCEDURES A. All elected members of the Executive Board and Conservation Policy Board of the corporation shall be elected at the Annual Convention by secret ballot. All delegates seated may vote for all elected members of the Executive Board and Conservation Policy Board, except the election of Region Directors shall be only by delegates from their regions. 59

39 B. In the event of an emergency that prevents the Annual Convention from being legally held, the Executive Board may direct the election of elected members of the Executive Board and Conservation Policy Board and shall prescribe procedures for qualifying voters and canvassing the election. The terms of current officers shall be extended until such either an Annual Convention is held or until the procedures prescribed by the Executive Board are implemented. C. Nominations from the floor at the Annual Convention for all elected members of the Executive Board and Conservation Policy Board will be accepted, however, nominations for Region Directors shall be made only by a delegate from the region from which the Region Director will be elected. SECTION 6 VOTING A. Delegates 1. Certification and Appeal a. All voting delegates to the Annual Convention must be certified. No delegate shall be seated unless certified pursuant to procedures established by the Executive Board. b. Appeal of any decision may be made to those members of the Executive Board present at the Annual Convention. The decision of the Executive Board shall be final. 2. Voting Delegates a. Voting delegates are those individuals who have been certified representing Member Clubs, Junior Member Clubs, Statewide Affiliate Clubs, and Individual Members (IM) who have subscribed to the hard copy of the magazine and Life Members, and 1. Alternate Delegates An alternate delegate may vote only in the absence of the delegate representing the Member Club or Junior Member Club if certified. 2. Members of the Executive Board and Conservation Policy Board 3. Past Presidents of the corporation b. Except as otherwise provided in these bylaws, no employee of this corporation shall be eligible to serve as a delegate of a Member Club or Junior Member Club. B. Number of Votes 1. Member Clubs and Junior Member Clubs shall be entitled to two (2) votes. The determination of additional votes shall be based upon the number of members that club 60

40 has for whom annual dues have been paid to the corporation on Record Day. Please review the table below to verify additional votes your club may be entitled to. 2. Statewide Affiliate Clubs shall be entitled to two (2) votes at the annual convention 3. Members of the Executive Board shall be entitled to one (1) vote 4. Past Presidents shall be entitled to one (1) vote. 5. All members of the Conservation Policy Board shall be entitled to one (1) vote at the Annual Convention a. Individual Members who meet the membership requirements established by these bylaws, will be grouped by region of residence. The appointed Individual Member (IM) Representatives of the Conservation Policy Board will be entitled to votes based on the number of IMs in his/her region, the appointed IM Representative will be entitled to one (1) vote as an officer of the Conservation Policy Board and two (2) additional votes for up to 50 Individual Members in his/her Region. Additional votes will be based on the numbers of IMs on record day using the table below. For additional votes, see table below for qualification MEMBERS VOTES MEMBERS VOTES MEMBERS VOTES b. Individual Members who are entitled to additional votes under this provision, shall canvass those Individual Members in their region so as to determine the preferences of the Individual Members on those matters to come before the delegates of an Annual Convention which may require a vote, and vote in accordance with those preferences. C. Acting Delegates and Maximum Votes 1. No person may act as a voting delegate for more than one (1) Member Club or Junior Member Club except by proxy as herein provided. 61

41 D. Proxies 2. Except individuals serving as a member of the Executive Board, Conservation Policy Board or a Past President, no person may carry or vote more than five (5) votes (including proxies) except as otherwise provided. a. Members of the Executive Board, Conservation Policy Board, and Past Presidents may carry no more than six (6) (including proxies). 3. The appointed IM Representative on the Conservation Policy Board may carry up to five (5) votes as representative of the IMs. The maximum number of votes that may be granted to a region for the IMs residing in the region will be sixteen (16). The Executive Board may appoint additional IM Delegates from each qualified Region to carry any additional votes over the 5 votes the appointed IM Representative is entitled to carry. Proxy votes will not be allowed. 1. A delegate of a Member Club or Junior Member Club may act as a proxy for no more than one (1) other Member Club or Junior Member Club. 2. No Member Club or Junior Member Club may have more than one (1) of its delegates act as proxy for another Member Club or Junior Member Club. 3. All proxies must be received and date stamped by the Secretary of the corporation prior to midnight (11:59 p.m.) on the last business day of May. E. Method of Voting 1. Voting shall be by voice vote except as otherwise provided in these bylaws or called for by the Annual Convention. 2. A majority vote is sufficient for the adoption of any motion that is in order except: F. Plurality and Tie Votes a. As these bylaws and Robert s Rules of Order otherwise prescribe, and b. A two-thirds (2/3) vote is necessary on any proposal for a change in Regulation and/or State or Federal Law. All elections shall be determined by plurality vote, defined as more than any other candidate. A tie vote shall be decided by a run-off election to be held during the meeting in which the election is occurring. ARTICLE VII REGIONS 62

42 SECTION 1 PURPOSE There shall be regions for the purposes of electing Region Directors to the Executive Board and electing and appointing regional members of the Conservation Policy Board at the Annual Convention, to provide for regional meetings, and for any additional purposes which may be determined by the Executive Board. SECTION 2 - TERRITORIAL LIMITS A. The Executive Board shall determine the territorial limits of Regions and assign them a numerical identifier (e.g. Region 1, Region 2). B. Any change in the territorial limits of the regions shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Board at an Executive Board s meeting. SECTION 3 SUB-REGION MEETINGS In addition to Region Meetings, supplemental meetings within Regions are to be encouraged. Local meetings within Regions may be convened on the basis of traditional MUCC District boundaries or by counties. SECTION 1 - PROCEDURES A. Appointment ARTICLE VIII EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Executive Director shall be appointed by the Executive Board and shall serve at their pleasure. B. Selection Selection and screening of candidates and final recommendation for consideration by the Executive Board shall be accomplished by procedures approved by the Executive Board. C. Vacancy or Disability Any vacancy by death, resignation, removal, permanent disability, or for any other cause, or disability of the Executive Director shall be filled by the appointment of an Interim Executive Director. The Interim Executive Director shall be appointed by the Executive Board by twothirds (2/3) vote to serve only until the vacancy is filled by the appointment of a new Executive 63

43 Director by the Executive Board or until the disability ceases. The Interim Executive Director cannot be a Member of the Executive Board. SECTION 2 - DUTIES A. The Executive Director shall be the chief salaried employee of the corporation and shall have the authority and responsibilities of the position. He or she shall report to and function under the direct supervision of the Executive Board. He or she shall execute and administer policies developed by the Executive Board, the Conservation Policy Board, and by the Annual Convention. B. The Executive Director shall: 1. Be the sole supervisor of staff personnel either directly or through his/her designee and he or she shall accept responsibility for staff actions. 2. Be responsible for day-to-day management of the financial affairs of the corporation within the limits prescribed by the annual budget as approved by the Executive Board and by financial policy established by the Executive Board. 3. Either directly or with consultation, functions as chief professional advisor for all facets of the corporation s activities, and assist and advise the Executive Board in its function, report and respond to questions at all levels of the corporation s structure including Members, Regions, Conservation Policy Board and Executive Board. 4. Either directly or through other professionals, maintain direct liaison with state and federal legislatures and executive offices. Also, the Executive Director shall meet all legal requirements of this function with any cost for same to be borne by the corporation. 5. Either directly or through other professionals, develops professional positions on conservation and environmental issues for submission to and consideration by the Executive Board and Conservation Policy Board. These position papers should attempt to anticipate emerging problems, both short and long-range; should characterize both the problems and suggested potential solutions; and suggest practical means to achieve solutions. 6. Be the resident agent of the corporation 7. Perform such other duties assigned by the Executive Board. SECTION 1 - DUES ARTICLE IX FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 64

44 Dues shall be paid in such manner and at such times as determined by the Executive Board. Any such change shall require the approval of a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Executive Board in attendance at each of two (2) consecutive regularly scheduled Executive Board meetings. Any proposed dues change must appear on the agenda distributed in advance of each of the Executive Board meetings in which consideration is to be given. SECTION 2 - USE OF CORPORATE FUNDS A. All funds and assets of the corporation shall be used only for purposes that are consistent with the purposes of the corporation, and for the actual administrative expenses in conducting the affairs of the corporation, under the direction and with the approval of the Executive Board. The Executive Board may purchase land, buildings, and equipment whenever the general interests of the corporation require the same. B. Checks for one thousand ($1,000.00) dollars or less may be signed by an employee designated by the Executive Director and checks covering staff remuneration may be issued with a machine or facsimile signature of the Treasurer and the Executive Director. All other checks shall be signed by the Treasurer and the Executive Director or other designees on the corporate account. SECTION 3 ANNUAL OPERATIONS PLAN A. A proposed annual financial plan covering anticipated revenue and proposed expenditures for the next fiscal year shall be established by the Executive Board at the beginning of the fiscal year. B. Adjustments in line items as necessitated by unexpected expense or revenue curtailment shall be approved by the Executive Board. SECTION 4 - CONFLICT OF INTEREST No elected Officer or Director of this corporation or firm in which the Officer or Director of this corporation has an interest shall receive any form of compensation for services rendered to this corporation, including employment by this corporation, during the Officers or Directors term in office and one year thereafter, except that after full disclosure of his or her interest by the interested Officer or Director of this corporation to, and approval by two-thirds (2/3) vote of, disinterested members of this corporation s Board, compensation may occur. Also, the interested Officer or Director of this corporation shall abstain from any vote by any committee of which he or she is a member if such committee vote has any bearing on selection of employees of the corporation. SECTION 5 - PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS No bills or accounts against the corporation shall be paid until approval of the Executive Board has been granted, or unless covered by the annual budget approved by the Executive Board. All accounts shall be paid when due and management of cash flow to achieve this shall be the 65

45 responsibility of the Executive Board Treasurer, and Executive Director in their respective functions. SECTION 6 - BORROWING POWER The Executive Board may, whenever the general interests of the corporation require the same, borrow money and issue its promissory note or bond for the repayment thereof with interest and may, in like case, mortgage its property as security for its debts or other lawful engagements. SECTION 7 - FISCAL YEAR The fiscal year of the corporation shall be from October 1st to September 30th. SECTION 8 - AUDIT The financial accounts of this corporation shall be subjected to a full audit whenever the Executive Board shall so determine, but at least once every year. SECTION 9 - SURETY BONDS Surety bonds in the amounts determined by the Executive Board and covering staff and elected officers of the corporation as designated by the Executive Board shall be financed as a budgeted item by the corporation. ARTICLE X DISSOLUTION SECTION 1 - DISSOLUTION PROCEDURE Upon dissolution of the corporation by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the entire Executive Board and after paying or making provision for payment of all liabilities of the corporation, all remaining assets of the corporation shall be transferred to the appropriate court of the county in which the principal office of the corporation is then located for dispersal according to the laws of the State of Michigan with the provision that these assets shall, to the extent possible, be distributed among those public universities in the State of Michigan maintaining active educational programs in natural resource management. Such dispersal shall be solely at the discretion of the court. SECTION 1 - AMENDMENTS ARTICLE XI AMENDMENTS AND GENERAL PROVISIONS 66

46 A. These bylaws may be amended at any Annual Convention by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the delegation present at an Annual Convention. All proposed amendments shall be referred to the Executive Board not less than ninety (90) days prior to the Annual Convention. The Executive Board may make changes and/or additions to the proposed amendments and shall report the proposed amendments with its recommendations to the Annual Convention. The purpose of all proposed amendments shall be included in the notice of the Annual Convention. B. Further, all proposed amendments may be amended upon motion from the floor of the Annual Convention, in which case any proposed amendment as amended shall be re-referred to the Executive Board which shall make such alterations as it deems necessary and suggest such changes in other parts of these bylaws necessitated by the proposed amendment as amended. The Executive Board shall report back with recommendations to the Annual Convention for final consideration with said amendments worded exactly as they would appear in the bylaws if adopted. SECTION 2 - INTERPRETATION OF THE BYLAWS If any question shall arise relative to the interpretation of these bylaws, the Executive Board may request the establishment of a committee to study and provide recommendations. All questions pertaining to an interpretation of the bylaws shall be submitted in writing to the Executive Board. Any member aggrieved by the decision of the Executive Board may appeal at the next Annual Convention of the corporation. SECTION 3 - PARLIAMENTARY GUIDE Robert s Rules of Order shall govern the corporation in all cases to which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws. SECTION 4 - EFFECTIVE DATE OF BYLAWS CHANGE Effective dates of all future bylaws changes shall be noted by end notes or an addendum to these bylaws. SECTION 5 - DEFINITIONS A. Notice Notice occurs when the required documents are placed in the U.S. mail, first class, with proper postage and properly addressed with the last known address on the records of the Corporation of the intended recipient. B. Record Day The date, fixed by the Executive Board by resolution, on which a Member must be registered on the books of the corporation as having paid their annual dues to the corporation for the purpose to notice of and to vote on corporate business at any meeting of the corporation, including Annual Convention. The date fixed shall not be more than sixty (60) days before the commencement of the Annual Convention. 67

47 C. Regulations A rule issued by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, the Michigan Legislature, and/or the U.S. Congress. A violation of this order can result in penalty. SECTION 1 - EFFECTIVE DATE ARTICLE XII ENACTMENT A. These bylaws shall become effective at the close of the 2016 Annual Convention. B. Notwithstanding Section 1(A) of this Article, Article XI Section 5, shall become effective on the first day of the 2016 Annual Convention, to facilitate the election of officers under these revised bylaws. SECTION 2 - EXCEPTION FOR 2016 ELECTION OF CORPORATE OFFICERS B. The map of Regions entitled New Boundaries of the 9 Regions of MUCC is incorporated by reference into this article. The Executive Board shall adopt it pursuant to Article VII Regions following the effective date of these bylaws. C. For the purposes of the 2016 Annual Convention, Region Directors elected in the oddnumbered Regions and one (1) At-Large Director shall have a term of one (1) year. This partial term will not count towards the six (6) year continuous service term limit. SECTION 3 - REPEAL A. Article XII shall be repealed immediately upon adjournment of the 2016 Annual Convention. 68

48 New Boundaries of the 9 Regions of MUCC *Region 9 is a statewide region representing Statewide Affiliate Clubs and those Member Clubs with a statewide mission and membership composed of a geographical representation of the state. i i On June 20, 2015, MUCC s Bylaws underwent a complete revision and reorganization, which will become effective upon adjournment of the 2016 Annual Convention. 69