As if Gov. Whitmer’s numerous calls for stricter gun control laws weren’t disheartening enough, her decision to appoint George Heartwell as chair of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC), is a sign she intends to actively threaten Michiganders’ Second Amendment rights.

Heartwell, a well-known anti-Second Amendment activist and environmental extremist, will be a disaster for Michigan. As recently as 2014, Heartwell blasted Congress for its inaction on regulating firearms and further stated it’s his belief that “guns make us less safe.”

The former Grand Rapids mayor’s displeasure for the Second Amendment – paired with his radical views on environmental matters – is exactly why the governor would want him to lead the NRC.

Such a position has more authority than one would think. If the Michigan Senate doesn’t reject his nomination, our state’s hunting and fishing regulations will most certainly be in jeopardy under his rule.

Heartwell is going to target our firearms right from the get go. As chair of the NRC, he has the legal jurisdiction to ban firearms on state land and certain portions of private land without the authorization of the Legislature.

Heartwell won’t stop with abolishing our right to bear arms. After that, “Gun Grabbing George” will continue on his egregious crusade by installing rigorous environmental regulations that will dismantle some of Michigan’s most cherished traditions.

It could not be clearer – Michigan cannot have this type of person chairing the NRC. Please contact your state senator and the rest of the members serving on the Senate Advice and Consent Committee to voice your opposition to Heartwell.

Our Second Amendment, hunting and fishing rights, and culture are in peril. As hunters, anglers, and freedom-loving Michiganders, we must stand up to those who threaten to end our way of life.