Charrette Process

Project Description

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Michigan’s deer population is having statewide impacts felt by Michigan residents, well beyond traditional hunting groups. As more is learned about the disease, broader stakeholders may be impacted by regulations, legislative policy, and impacts on retail, and environmental contamination. The health and wellbeing of the deer population in Michigan affects everyone in some way. Many, including Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR), are working hard to understand CWD, slow its spread, and communicate important information to those who may be affected or interested in knowing more.

Impacted stakeholders and the public need information about the disease and policies related to it that may affect them. To make sure that the information is timely, relevant, and useful, the National Charrette Institute, MSU Extension, and DNR are convening a broad set of viewpoints including, agriculture, deer co-ops, hunters, local businesses, local government, privately-owned Cervidae (deer, elk, reindeer, and moose) producers, processors, public health organizations, sports shops, tribal government, and youth to co-create an education and outreach plan on CWD using a unique community engagement process.

The goal of this project is to help individuals from across Michigan better understand the scope of the CWD effects and communicate the strategies that can be undertaken to minimize the impact of the disease and reduce the spread. While the community-engagement activities will take place in the Montcalm/Ionia county area– the hotspot for CWD prevalence in Michigan – it is anticipated that components of the plan will be relevant for audiences statewide.

Education and Outreach Plan

Final Project Report

Contact information

Holly Madill (Project Manager)

Director, National Charrette Institute

School of Planning, Design and Construction

Michigan State University

517-884-7743 madill@msu.edu

Katie Ockert

MSU Extension

Chronic Wasting Disease Educator

50 E. Sprague Rd.

Ionia, MI 48846

616-527-8219 (direct line)

616-527-5357 (main office) ockertka@msu.edu

Emily Pomeranz

Human Dimensions Research Specialist

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

517-256-1788 PomeranzE@michigan.gov

Diane Doberneck

University Outreach and Engagement

Michigan State University

517-353-8977 connordm@msu.edu

Steering Committee

This project was guided by a community based Steering Committee that provided context, reviews processes and materials, and helped plan the community engagement workshop and other project activities. Their leadership was invaluable.

Resources & Links

 

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