PETITION TO AMEND MICHIGAN FISHING REGULATIONS FOR NURSING FACILITY RESIDENTS

Equal Access to Therapeutic Catch-and-Release Fishing Opportunities
To the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Natural Resources Commission, and Michigan State Legislature:

We, the undersigned, respectfully request a review and amendment of Michigan fishing regulations and applicable statutes to allow residents of licensed nursing facilities to participate in supervised catch-and-release fishing activities without requiring individual fishing licenses or to establish a facility-based licensing option.

Recently, nursing facilities seeking to provide fishing opportunities for residents were informed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources that they do not qualify as a “Home for the Aged” under Act 451 of 1994, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, MCL 324.43515. As a result, many nursing facility residents are unable to benefit from fishing programs that may be available to residents in other senior living settings.

This distinction creates an unintended barrier for elderly individuals living in skilled nursing facilities, many of whom:

·         Have significant mobility limitations.

·         Depend upon facility staff for transportation and supervision.

·         Have limited financial resources.

·         Are no longer able to independently obtain fishing licenses.

·         Have enjoyed fishing as a lifelong hobby and source of recreation.

Fishing is more than recreation. For many seniors, it promotes:

·         Emotional well-being.

·         Social interaction.

·         Cognitive stimulation.

·         Physical activity.

·         Connection to nature and past experiences.

·         Improved quality of life.

We respectfully request that Michigan law be amended to: 

1. Include licensed nursing facilities among eligible senior care facilities authorized to participate in organized fishing programs. 

2. Establish a nursing facility fishing permit similar to existing exemptions available to qualifying facilities. 

3. Allow supervised catch-and-release fishing activities for residents of licensed nursing facilities without requiring each resident to obtain an individual fishing license. 

4. Promote equitable access to outdoor recreational opportunities for all seniors regardless of their level of care.

Michigan’s nursing facility residents deserve the same opportunity to experience the therapeutic benefits of fishing as other senior populations. We urge state leaders to review this issue and make the necessary changes to ensure equal access for all residents living in long-term care settings.

Thank you for your consideration and support.