The Shiawassee Flats are actually a massive floodplain formed by the confluence of the Bad, Cass, Flint, Shiawassee, and Tittbawassee rivers as well as Swan creek. Together, these rivers form the headwaters of the Saginaw River. The region has historically been a major migration stopover point for migrating waterfowl, particularly the Southern James Bay population of Canada geese. In recognition of the importance of this habitat, the state and federal governments signed a cooperative agreement in the 1950s which established the Shiawassee River State Game Area (SRSGA) and the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR). The charter stated that the primary purpose of the unit was to provide waterfowl habitat for migrating waterfowl with particular emphasis on Canada geese. Land purchases and dike / pump construction began in 1956 and continued for many years.

Waterfowl responded immediately to the habitat improvements and the Shiawassee flats became a very popular hunting area. Many wildlife species also benefited from the habitat improvements: the whitetail deer population exploded and the area became known for its trophy bucks. The area continued to grow in popularity throughout the 60s, 70s, and early 80s until a MDNR management draft proposal threatened to disrupt this thriving program. In a series of public meetings, MDNR representatives stated that intensive management efforts were not “cost effective”, and that they would be replaced by “moist soil management” practices. The impact of this draft, if implemented, would have been devastating to habitat and wildlife on the area. The design and construction of the dikes and pumps did not contemplate moist soil management practices: there were no spillways and the gravity based flooding system would not provide the required water management capability. In addition, waterfowl food production would have been reduced by over 80% compared to the existing sharecrop programs.

Many of the people who loved the area could see that the future of the Shiawassee Flats were in jeopardy and began to organize in order to voice opposition to the MDNR moist soil proposal. Tom Mendenhal, the founding president, assumed the role of communications director and spokesperson for our group, which we named the Shiawassee Flats Citizens and Hunters Association (SFCHA). We quickly established a charter and a mission statement: “To preserve and enhance habitat on public lands collectively known as the Shiawassee Flats”. Our purpose was to preserve intensive management, including sharecropping as an integral part of the management practice on the SRSGA. We knew that moist soils were also a beneficial waterfowl habitat, but felt that 6 key units should be preserved in sharecropping.

Our early years were characterized by public opposition as a “watchdog group” as we fought to preserve the historic management practices and build an awareness of the potential consequences of the proposed changes. Our efforts frequently landed us in Lansing in meetings with congressmen, senators, the NRC director and the MDNR wildlife division chief. We were labeled by our detractors as “front men” for the area sharecroppers and we looked for ways to disprove them. The obvious way was to “put our money where our mouth is” and become a fund raising organization to help support the habitat needs of the area.

We filed as a chapter 501c organization and held our first banquet in 1986. With the monies raised, we sought partners through Michigan Wildlife Habitat , Ducks Unlimited, and the Michigan Duck Hunters Association in order to compound the value of our efforts. Our projects encompassed many different habitats and involved thousands of hours of “sweat equity” as well as cash contributions. (See “SFCHA projects” on this website for a complete list of our projects.) Our crowning achievement was the NAWCA phase II grant, for which the SFCHA provided a $100,000 contribution. It is widely recognized that our contribution was the deciding factor in achieving federal approval. Over $700,000 of wetland restorations were completed on the SRSGA as a result of this grant.

The SFCHA is now recognized as a leader in Michigan wetland and waterfowl issues. We strive to work as partners with the state and federal agencies, providing policy guidance as well as project support. We hold a permanent vote on the Citizens Waterfowl Advisory Committee (CWAC). Our philosophy is to provide constructive solutions to problems and issues rather than complain without alternatives.

If you seek to join a dedicated group of conservationists who have achieved our goal established 20 years ago, please complete a membership application or join us at a monthly meeting,

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