LANSING — While announcing Friday morning that many of the restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic and her stay at home order will remain in place, some with revisions, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer removed her ban on all use of motorized boats in Michigan waters, which had been extremely unpopular with the state’s anglers and sportsmen.
The ban, which made the use of any boat powered by a gasoline or electric motor illegal but permitted the use of canoes, kayaks, and sailboats, grounded Michigan’s huge recreational boating fleet at a time of year when the fishing options are at their peak.
The Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) had filed suit against the governor’s boating ban order on Sunday, challenging the prohibition as unconstitutional.
In her revised directive announced on Friday, Gov. Whitmer also allowed outdoors activities such as golf, and stated that landscapers, garden shops, nurseries, and certain repair facilities could resume operation as long as social distancing measures are followed. Her order also requires masks or other face coverings to be worn in grocery stores and other enclosed public spaces.
First Published April 24, 2020, 4:45 p.m.
