Michigan Sea Grant Extension Agents McKinney and Hoagman Retire
A Familiar Face on Grand Traverse Bay

On a lark, John McKinney accepted the job of commercial fisherman in Ireland 32 years ago. At the time, he had no idea the brief experience was the beginning of a lifelong passion.

McKinney later earned a graduate degree in Resource Management and became a Michigan Sea Grant Extension Agent in 1979, based in Traverse City. McKinney’s 24-year career has encompassed tasks as varied as coordinating regional fisheries meetings, educating coastal residents about Great Lakes ecology and hiking the shores of Grand Traverse Bay with local students.

“I see my job as basically being a resource for people about any Great Lakes issue—whether I’m the expert or I find an expert,” says McKinney, who retires May 31. “Over time, I’ve touched on just about every issue.”

One of the most serious has been land use and population growth along the coastline. “It’s always been a hot issue, but never more so than now,” says McKinney. “Many people recognize that what makes this region of the state unique is slowly being lost.”

McKinney helped to establish The Grand Traverse Bay Watershed Initiative (now The Watershed Center), a collaborative effort to protect Grand Traverse Bay.
Among his other accomplishments, McKinney developed maritime heritage programs and helped to establish the Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve. He educated countless residents about Great Lakes fisheries, water levels and the impacts of aquatic nuisance species.

His favorite part of the job has been working with the people of the seven counties in the Northwest region. “I’ve especially enjoyed working with students,” says McKinney. “The Great Lakes camp for young teens was always a high point. The hands-on learning really brings the issues home for the kids, and that’s very rewarding.”

During his tenure as an extension agent, McKinney led numerous tourism education activities and participated in nine international extension programs including three trips to Ireland, where he’ll visit again this summer.

John McKinney and his wife Anne plan to continue living in the Traverse City area, where he expects to be active in maritime heritage and environmental education projects.