The Upper Peninsula Sportsmen’s Alliance has honored J.R. Richardson of Ontonagon as the group’s 2018 “Outstanding Conservationist.”
The award was presented over the weekend at a quarterly UPSA meeting at the William Anderson Sportsman’s Club in Hermansville in Menominee County.
Richardson, a life-long resident of the U.P., is well-known for his service on the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, which began in 2007, when he was initially appointed to the post by Gov. Jennifer Granholm.
He was later reappointed to two additional terms by Gov. Rick Snyder. Richardson was appointed chairman of the commission in 2013. He currently is the sole U.P. representative on the commission, with his current term set to expire in December.
Richardson has worked to improve fishing opportunities for anglers, including helping to increase the daily bag limit for brook trout over roughly 40 streams across the U.P. and backing efforts to improve walleye rearing, stocking and distribution, especially within inland waters.
This past spring, he worked with trappers and the DNR to extend the beaver trapping season, given late winter, heavy snowfall.
“J.R. Richardson is a fantastic recipient for our Outstanding Conservationist award,” said Tony Demboski, UPSA president. “He always looks at all sides of a problem and any recommendations that are presented. He is a tremendous supporter of the natural resources across the entire state of Michigan.”
