DNR Backs Down: Michigan Duck Rescue Wins Key Break in Fight to Save Dozens of Birds

After months of legal battles, the Michigan DNR now says it’s willing to work with the Michigan Duck Rescue and Sanctuary on permits — a major turnaround in a story I first broke.

Oct 22, 2025

∙ Paid

WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now signaling it may work with Michigan Duck Rescue and Sanctuary after more than a year of legal uncertainty surrounding the nonprofit’s care of abandoned ducks and geese — a story I first broke a few weeks ago.

Matt and Teresa Lyson, who founded the sanctuary in 2014, said …

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