MSU student club, MI DNR lead successful steelhead stocking event to promote local fishing, conservation

East Lansing, MI – On April 18, the Michigan State University (MSU) Fisheries and Wildlife Club, in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), successfully conducted a steelhead stocking event at the Red Cedar River on MSU’s campus. This initiative aimed to bolster the local steelhead population, which cannot naturally reproduce in the river, while promoting local fishing and angling activities.

Students, faculty and community members enthusiastically participated in the event, contributing to conservation efforts and learning more about the importance of maintaining healthy fish populations. Steelhead stocking ensures the sustainability of the Red Cedar River’s ecosystem and fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural world among the campus community.

“Students cross the Red Cedar in multiple locations each day and probably don’t know much about what’s in there, how it’s managed or that you can even fish portions of it. I think that awareness is key,” said Jay Wesley, the Lake Michigan basin coordinator with the Michigan DNR.

“My goal is to educate the students on campus about the fisheries Michigan has to offer through hands-on opportunities. This event provided that. The Red Cedar supports a lot of biodiversity; there’s a lot of life in it. I want to help the MSU community recognize and appreciate that. I think today helped our club’s mission to do just that,” said Braydon Sprik, the MSU Fisheries and Wildlife Club fisheries chair.

The MSU Fisheries and Wildlife Club and the Michigan DNR commit to ongoing conservation efforts and promote environmental stewardship through educational and hands-on activities. This event’s success highlights the positive impact that collaborative efforts have on local ecosystems while raising awareness about local natural resources and the opportunities they offer.