MUCC Update | May 2026

In recent months, I’ve described for you the dire financial situation facing Michigan United Conservation Clubs. I’m sorry to have to report to you that the situation has not improved. The end of MUCC as an entity could be near.

Bankruptcy is an option, but likely is not necessary because MUCC does not have significant outstanding debt. The problem is that the organization does not have sufficient ongoing revenue to support ongoing operations. Multiple sources tell me this has been an issue in the making for many years. The board of directors may act soon to initiate dissolution of the 501(c)3 nonprofit we have known and loved since 1937, Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

The MUCC board of directors has taken drastic action in recent months, including the following:

• Terminated the employment of multiple staff members.
• Terminated the lease for their Lansing headquarters.
• Changed to permanent “work from home” model for remaining staff.
• Temporarily terminated publication of “Michigan Out of Doors” magazine.
• Canceled camps for the 2026 season.

A change by MUCC in recent years to the dues structure has resulted in less overall dues revenue coming into MUCC. The result of this change by MUCC in how much each club is charged has resulted in lower annual dues for large clubs (like OCSC) and higher annual dues for smaller clubs. The number of individual members (those who pay $35 per year and may not be affiliated with a club) has also decreased. Now, MUCC does not take in sufficient revenue to sustain the same level of operations that have been the norm in the past.

On the two pages that follow this article are descriptions of the tremendous value MUCC provides and an appeal to those who are willing to become individual members and help sustain the organization. I am an individual member as well as a member (like all of you) by virtue of being part of OCSC. I encourage you to do the same and become an individual member. If you are currently an individual member or will answer this appeal from MUCC, I’d love to hear from you.

Informing you of these matters is not pleasant for me. I want to write about actual conservation topics that matter to all of us at Oakland County Sportsmen’s Club. I have lots of topics I’m planning to write about (and a few opinions I’d like to convey), but for now, MUCC deserves this attention.

Please let me know what you think.
Kind regards,
Dave Budnick
OCSC rep to MUCC
(248) 978-3454
davebudnick@comcast.net
davebudnick.com