The Michigan Wild Rice Initiative (MWRI) stems from a collective understanding among State and Tribal governments that the protection and restoration of wild rice in Michigan should be elevated in importance.
The initiative brings together specialists and managers from all twelve federally-recognized tribes, multiple state departments and federal agencies, and others to share information, coordinate approaches, and elevate awareness about wild rice conservation and restoration. The initiative is composed of a Wild Rice Initiative Team (WRIT) with representatives from each of the tribes, state agencies, and other partners; and several subcommittees focused on specific topics including education and outreach, monitoring and restoration, harvest strategies, inventory of current and historical information, and current regulations and authorities.