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M4-HYCC

What the does the Michigan 4-H Youth Conservation Council Do?

The Michigan 4-H Youth Conservation Council (M4-HYCC) was originally introduced by the Michigan Senate in 1999 and is coordinated by Michigan 4-H Youth Development. The M4-HYCC was created to help teens become involved in state and local government in Michigan. They conduct an issues indentification process and present on a particular environmental issue to a Michigan Senate Committee.

In 2007, M4-HYCC discussed land use and "Cool Cities" in Michigan.

In 2006, M4-HYCC discussed expanded recyling efforts in Michigan.

In 2005, the M4-HYCC selected on-site waste water disposal for their topic.

In 2004, the M4-HYCC received a SEAWORLD/BUSCH GARDENS/FUJIFILM ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARD. Also in 2004, the M4-HYCC presented to the Michigan Senate Committee on Environmental Affairs and Natural Resources about recycling and waste reduction in the state of Michigan.

In 2003, M4-HYCC presented additional information on the Michigan Heritage Water Trails Program. The council also presented information about recreational petroleum spills. This presentation led to the creation of several bills in the Michigan Legislature. The Council was also presented with the White Pine Award from the Michigan Senate.

In 2001 and 2002, the Michigan Youth Conservation Council presented on the Michigan Heritage Water Trails Program. You can view the presentation they made to the Senate Committee. The bill they presented on, Senate Bill 415, was passed into law by the Michigan Legistlature and signed by the governor.

In 2000, The Michigan 4-H Youth Conservation Council as a statewide 4-H club. Five regional teams were formed to more effectively research their selected conservation issue and encourage local action. The Council researched Non-native Invasive Species, Effects of Golf Courses on the Environment, Destruction of Wetlands, and Land Use Issues.

In 1999, M4-HYCC youth members gave testimony to the Senate Committee of Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs on the very controversial issue of Bovine Tuberculosis in the white tailed deer population in Michigan and the importance in water quality and watershed education in schools. Senate Bill 529 was sponsored by Senator Ken Sikkema to support the Michigan 4-H Youth Conservation Council. The bill did not pass but funding was allocated to the operation of the M4-HYCC from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

In 1998, Michigan Senator Loren Bennett recommended a "youth conservation council" be formed to give youth the opportunity to voice their opinions on current environmental issues. Michigan 4-H Youth Development was presented the Senate White Pine Award because of the Mecosta County 4-H club local efforts in watershed education. The club had created a watershed model, and educational activities and given presentations to local schools. The Mecosta County 4-H clubs, along with other 4-H youth statewide, were the first members of the M4-HYCC.

M4-HYCC History of Research Topics

1998:
HOME Group
-Watershed Education.

1999:
Studied Several Regional Topics
Presented before a new legislative chairperson.
-Watershed Education,
-General Michigan Water Quality,
-Bovine Tuberculosis In White-Tailed Deer

2000:
Studied Multiple Topics Within Regions
-Effects of Golf Courses on The Environment
-Wetland Education
-Landuse
-Clean Michigan Initiative
-Invasive Aquatic Species

2001:
-Recreation WaterTrails
Partnered With Department of Natural Resources

2002:
-Michigan Heritage Watertrail Program
*(Added the heritage component to the original idea of beginning a recreational watertrails system.)
Partnered with Western Michigan University Center for Maritime Studies and the Department of History, Arts, and Libraries through the MI Executive Branch with the Michigan Heritage Watertrail Idea.

2003:
-Great Lakes Recreational Vessel Petroleum Spills
-Tied Up Work with MI Heritage Watertrails Program
Continued through the Western Michigan University Center for Maritime Studies and the Michigan Department of History, Arts, and Libraries.
-Tuition Credits

2004:
-Recycling Education and Waste Minimization
-Regional Development of the South East Conservation Team (South East Region II (Metro))

2005:
-Impacts of Septic Systems On The Environment

2006:
-Expanded Recycling efforts

MSUE State 4-H Office MYCC website

Andrea Grix
M4-HYCC Coordinator
14901 4H Drive
Tustin, MI 49688
USA
Email: agrix@kettunencenter.org
Phone: (231) 829-3421

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