MDHHS will issue face mask advisory for the holiday season

MDHHS will issue face mask advisory for the holiday season

by | Nov 22, 2021 | Health and Wellness

MDHHS will issue face mask advisory for the holiday season due to rise in cases of flu and COVID-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 19, 2021

CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112

LANSING, Mich. – With the increasing rise in COVID-19 and flu cases, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will be issuing a face mask advisory and offering guidance to keep loved ones safe and prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses during the holidays.

MDHHS will issue a Public Health Advisory that recommends everyone over the age of 2 should wear a face mask at indoor gatherings regardless of their vaccination status. In addition, establishments should implement a policy to ensure that all persons entering or seeking services, including employees, wear a mask. This face mask advisory will remain effect until further notice.

“The increases in case counts, percent positivity and hospitalizations have us very concerned,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “We are issuing the face mask advisory and are looking to Michiganders to do their part to help protect their friends, their families and their communities by wearing a mask in indoor settings and getting vaccinated for COVID-19 and flu as soon as possible if they have not already done so.”

In addition to the MDHHS advisory, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also issued recommendations for safe gatherings including getting vaccinated, wearing masks, social distancing and washing hands. Mask wearing is considered an effective mitigation strategy and is recommended for all in public indoor settings in areas of high transmission and indoors for those who are not vaccinated. Practice social distancing when possible, especially in places where the vaccination status of those around you is unknown.

“COVID-19 cases are high as we head into the holidays, and we must take every measure we can to keep our families and loved ones safe – which starts with getting vaccinated,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines are available to children ages 5 and up, and boosters are available for eligible Michiganders. The holidays can be a time to spread great cheer and we recommend taking measures including wearing a mask indoors to not spread COVID-19 to loved ones.”

It is also encouraged to get the flu vaccine which can be administered at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine. If you or family members are unwell, remain home, get tested and let close contacts know as soon as possible if you test positive for COVID-19. If you are infected with COVID-19, seek treatment with monoclonal antibodies.

Notably, getting vaccinated supports every effort to relieve the burden on Michigan hospitals, where the challenges caused by the continued pandemic response, increases in high acuity, non-COVID patients, overcrowding and understaffing have reached a critical point in areas of the state. Hospitals work to ensure that available supplies and personnel are used efficiently and effectively. Should a facility need to move into crisis standards of care then routine practices are modified, procedures cancelled, resources conserved and items in short supply may be reallocated. The goal of all hospitals is to avoid reaching that level of crisis standards of care.

“What we’re seeing is truly unprecedented,” said Dr. Darryl Elmouchi, president of Spectrum Health West Michigan, who shared that Spectrum Health currently has 370 hospitalized COVID-19 patients – 86% of those patients are unvaccinated. “Our teams are tired but working hard to care for their communities. We’re counting on people to help us by getting vaccinated or getting a booster dose if eligible, wearing masks and being smart about holiday gatherings.”

If you are considering traveling, it is recommended that you be fully vaccinated or delay travel until you are fully vaccinated. A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the completion of their primary vaccination series: two weeks after the second dose for a two-dose mRNA vaccine series or two weeks after a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. In addition to getting vaccinated, you should get tested for COVID-19 before and after you travel. If members of your family are unable to be vaccinated, CDC offers safer travel tips including wearing a mask, avoiding crowds and washing hands often.

MDHHS follows CDC guidance in offering the following special considerations for holiday gatherings:

  • Immunocompromised people should take all precautions of unvaccinated people, including wearing a well-fitted mask.
  • Choose to wear a mask if a member of your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease or is unvaccinated.
  • If you are gathering with groups from multiple households from different areas across the state and country, consider additional precautions like getting tested for COVID-19 to reduce the risk of spreading to loved ones.

To maximize protection from COVID-19 for age-eligible children and adults, get vaccinated as soon as you can. To find a vaccine near you, visit VaccineFinder.org.

Non-profit Grants Increase Mental Health Services

Non-profit Grants Increase Mental Health Services

by | Nov 22, 2021 | Health and Wellness

Oakland Together Mental Health And Wellbeing Non-profit Grants Increase Mental Health Services To Oakland County Residents

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County has awarded 42 non-profit organizations nearly $8.5 million in Oakland Together Mental Health and Wellbeing Non-profit Grants to expand mental health services to Oakland County residents. The grants, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, are a response to the acute mental health challenges faced by many during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter and Commissioner Penny Luebs joined the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Oakland Family Services, Centro Multicultural La Familia, and CNS Healthcare during a news announcement today at the Pontiac office of Oakland Family Services.

“Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit us in March 2020, we knew that there were significant challenges to providing mental health services to residents facing crisis. So, I’m thrilled that we’re getting these critical resources from the American Rescue Plan to providers of mental and behavioral health care services,” Coulter said.  “Mental health should be treated like physical health, and no one should be embarrassed or ashamed to get the help they need in these unprecedented times.”

An additional $1.2 million-plus will be shared with high performers among these 42 non-profit organizations. Click here to see the complete list of recipients.

“The Board has made an effort throughout the pandemic to ensure relevant services are getting to those who need it most, and this grant program is no exception,” Commissioner Penny Luebs said. “These organizations that provide mental health services to our residents are extremely valuable to our communities, and we were glad to have an opportunity to offer them this support.”

There are three levels of grants: operational grants from $50,000-$100,000, expansion grants from $100,001-$250,000, and community grants from $250,0001-$500,000. The United Way for Southeastern Michigan is administering the grants on behalf of Oakland County.

“Mental health services are a basic need that everyone should have access to. While lack of access was a problem even before the pandemic hit our region, the need has been amplified as we all continue to deal with the effects of COVID-19,” said Dr. Darienne Hudson, president & CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “We are proud to once again partner with Oakland County to support the health and wellbeing of our community by facilitating access to this essential service.”

Oakland Family Services, Centro Multicultural La Familia, and CNS Healthcare are three of the recipients who were on hand to share their stories and how their grant will impact Oakland County residents.

Oakland Family Services

Oakland Family Services, which is celebrating 100 years of providing prevention, education and treatment programs that provide a safety net for individuals and families in the community, will use this grant to support and stabilize staffing in its Day One program. Day One provides mental health and substance use disorder treatment that, while always in demand, has become increasingly critical during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This grant will help us face this challenging time of staff shortages and wage pressures, resulting in continuity of care for those in the community who need us most,” said Oakland Family Services President & CEO Jaimie Clayton. “Oakland Family Services is very thankful for this grant and the support of Oakland County and United Way.”

Centro Multicultural La Familia

Centro Multicultural La Familia provides comprehensive services to a diverse community based in Pontiac with a mission to provide culturally competent support services to families in a holistic approach in order to improve their quality of life. They offer culturally and linguistically competent services in the areas of mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, parenting programs, advocacy, and community partnerships throughout Oakland county

“Access to needed mental health services can be life saving for those of whom English is not their first language, and our staff and clients are deeply grateful for this funding opportunity,” said Dr. Sonia Acosta, president and CEO of Centro Multicultural La Familia. This funding will allow us to provide much needed mental health and substance abuse services to our clients and families who have been disproportionately affected by the emotional stressors and losses produced by this COVID -19 pandemic.”

CNS Healthcare

CNS Healthcare offers a broad spectrum of community-based mental health services, including psychiatry, group and individual therapy, substance use disorder services, and case management, regardless of insurance or ability to pay. CNS will utilize the grant to expand telehealth for patient mental health services. Specifically, the funding will be allocated towards patient’s access to mental health treatment by providing prepaid smartphone devices capable of telehealth (video/audio) and allowing for voice calls.

“An investment in the community and its well-being is always a positive move,” said Michael Garrett, CEO of CNS Healthcare. “We appreciate the partnership to continue our work towards a better, stronger and healthier Oakland County.”

Best Way to Fight Recent Surge in Community Transmission

Best Way to Fight Recent Surge in Community Transmission

by | Nov 18, 2021 | Regional News

COVID-19 Vaccine and Other Prevention Measures Best Way to Fight Recent Surge in Community Transmission

​Pontiac, Michigan – A recent increase in community transmission of COVID-19 is prompting Oakland County Health Division to urge residents to continue to get vaccinated along with other prevention measures such as masking indoors or in large crowds outdoors, social distancing, practicing good hand hygiene, and staying home when ill.

Oakland County’s seven-day percent positivity rate for COVID-19 tests has jumped to 12.42%. There were more than 7,400 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 from Nov. 1-14. More than one in four of the new cases were residents 18 years old and younger. Greater than 30 percent of the new cases were ages 20-39 years.

Oakland County Health Division’s epidemiologists reviewed some of the cases and determined that the increase in community transmission is general and broad, not attributable to a particular location or activity.

“The number of COVID-19 cases are surging again because too many people have given up on the things that are proven to work – masks, distancing, and vaccine,” Health Division Medical Director Dr. Russell Faust said. “We know these measures will keep you safe and healthy, reduce transmission, and help end this pandemic.”

From Jan. 15 – Oct. 26, Michiganders who were not fully vaccinated accounted for 89.0 percent of COVID cases, 88.0 percent of hospitalizations, and 88.9 percent of deaths.  About 350,000 eligible Oakland County residents remain unvaccinated, 131,000 of whom are ages 5-19 years old.

The Health Division continues to offer pediatric, first, second, third, and booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Appointments remain available and strongly encouraged at OaklandCountyVaccine.com or by contacting the Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533.

Meanwhile, progress is being made on vaccinating Oakland County children. More than 12,000 Oakland County children ages 5-11 years old have already received their first pediatric dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine from providers including Oakland County Health Division’s school-based clinics as of Nov. 16.

The following is an update on COVID-19 vaccine coverage for Oakland County residents, according to the State of Michigan COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard as of Nov. 16, 2021, which includes the number of pediatric doses administered in the county:

  • Total eligible residents 5 – 11 years old (eligible for pediatric dose): 98,739
    • Number of residents 5 – 11 years old who have received first dose: 12,395
    • Number of residents 5 – 11 years old who have received second dose: 0
    • Vaccine coverage for residents 5 – 11 years old: 12.6 percent
  • Total eligible residents 12 and older: 1,091,389
    • Number of residents 12 and older who have received first dose: 827,328
    • Number of residents 12 and older who have completed vaccination: 766,183
    • Vaccine coverage for residents 12 and older: 75.8 percent
  • Total eligible residents 16 and older: 1,029,737
    • Number of residents 16 and older who have received first dose: 791,212
    • Number of residents 16 and older who have completed vaccination: 732,978
    • Vaccine coverage for residents 16 and older: 76.8 percent
  • Total eligible senior residents 65 and older: 217,676
    • Number of senior residents who have received first dose: 197,824
    • Number of senior residents who have completed vaccination: 184,177
    • Vaccine coverage for senior residents: 90.9 percent
  • Total primary series doses administered within Oakland County: 1,545,285
  • Total third and booster doses administered in Oakland County: 159,132
Whitmer Proposes $300 Million Expansion of MI Clean Water Plan 

Whitmer Proposes $300 Million Expansion of MI Clean Water Plan 

by | Nov 18, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

November 18, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Proposes $300 Million Expansion of MI Clean Water Plan

Expansion would support up to 3,750 jobs, ensure local communities have the resources they need to address water infrastructure concerns and lead action level exceedances

 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer proposed a $300 million expansion of the MI Clean Water Plan, building on a previously announced, $200 million expansion to replace lead service lines statewide by using federal dollars delivered to Michigan under the American Rescue Plan. Between these two expansions and previous announcements, the governor has proposed investing $885 million in a comprehensive slate of water plans that would use a combination of state and federal funds to build up water infrastructure in our communities, schools, and homes while creating tens of thousands of good-paying jobs.

 

“Every Michigander in every community deserves access to safe drinking water, and we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity right now to use the federal dollars we have to put Michiganders first and make lasting investments in our water infrastructure,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Together, we can utilize the resources we have to create thousands of good-paying jobs, deliver safe water to every home and kid in school, and shore up our water infrastructure to make it more resilient to extreme weather. I look forward to the $1.3 billion in federal funding specifically for water that we will get, among billions more, from the bipartisan federal infrastructure plan.”

 

Since taking office, the Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration has invested $1.87 billion dollars in drinking water, wastewater, and storm water – more than the previous five years-from 2014 to 2018-combined – creating or supporting over 26,700 jobs.

 

“With renewed focus on lead in Michigan’s aging drinking water service lines and plumbing these resources are helpful in giving communities the tools they need to accelerate the essential work of removing lead from water systems,” said Liesl Clark, Director of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. “Fixing decades-old problems as fast as possible requires commitment and teamwork from local, state, federal and non-governmental partners. This strengthens those partnerships and commitments.”

 

“For too long, a lack of investment in our water has left us with crumbling infrastructure, unaffordable rates, lead pipes and toxic contamination. The time to fund our water is now. We can’t wait any longer,” said Lisa Wozniak, Executive Director of Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “The investments proposed by Governor Whitmer are a step toward re-establishing Michigan as a national leader in protecting our water and our health, and we call on lawmakers to join together at this pivotal moment to invest now for future generations to come.”

 

“Clean drinking water and efficient stormwater management are issues that are important to every resident in the state of Michigan,” said Douglas Stockwell, Business Manager of Operating Engineers 324. “Making an investment in ourselves and our residents through water infrastructure is not only necessary and smart for the impact it has on our safety, but also an efficient way to create jobs that support our communities.”

 

“Safe drinking water is a medical and public health necessity, yet children across this state and nation continue to suffer the consequences of old and dangerous infrastructure,” said Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha. “Thanks to state and federal support, we are quickly reversing decades of disinvestment and working to deliver safe drinking water for all Michigan kids and families.”

 

MI Clean Water Community Support Expansion

A $300 million expansion of the MI Clean Water Plan with investments in three key areas.

 

Lead Action Level Exceedance Community Support Program – $100 million

Community water supplies are required by law to routinely sample a certain number of distribution points, such as homes, to verify whether lead is in the drinking water. An Action Level Exceedance (ALE) occurs when more than 10% of the sample locations have greater than 15 parts per billion of lead in the water. This program will allow communities to access funds at any point in the year if they experience an ALE. It is intended to offer immediate support to replace water lines or provide other solutions for communities.

 

This investment could create or support up to 1,500 jobs.

 

Community Technical, Managerial, and Financial Support Program – $50 million

The replacement of LSLs and other water infrastructure upgrades requires upfront engineering and project management. In some cases, communities cannot afford to pay engineering firms to complete this crucial planning. These funds would support planning and project management in communities and offers evaluations and recommendations for long-term technical, managerial, and financial support. Priority will be placed on disadvantaged communities and those with ALEs.

 

Impaired Community Water Relief Program – $150 million

This program aims to shift individuals off contaminated water sources or poorly performing systems to an alternative safe community water supply. It helps communities address PFAS, arsenic, and other contaminants found in drinking water systems and expands on the existing program established in the MI Clean Water Plan. These funds will be distributed to community water suppliers to help them expand their system and connect homeowners, schools, daycares, and others who are currently getting water from contaminated, non-community wells to the community water supply’s safe drinking water system.  In addition, the funding could be used for relocation of a contaminated or threatened community water well if no opportunity for consolidation with other systems exists or consolidation of systems where significant or sustained non-compliance is present. This program would complement a private well, septic replacement program for low-income homeowners (included within the MI Clean Water Plan) to provide across the board assistance for residents with drinking water challenges.

 

This investment could create or support up to 2,250 jobs.

 

Outstanding Water Proposals

MI Clean Water Plan

The MI Clean Water Plan started as a $500 million investment in drinking water, source water, and wastewater infrastructure that would support 7,500 good-paying jobs, address high water rates, lead-laden water service lines, toxic contaminants like PFAS, sewers that can’t meet demand, and failing septic systems. To date, $210 million of the plan has been obligated to rebuild drinking water infrastructure but $290 million still needs to be appropriated for clean water infrastructure improvements.

 

Lead Service Line Replacement Expansion

A proposed $200 million expansion of the MI Clean Water Plan to replace LSLs statewide to support 3,000 jobs.

 

Filter First

A proposed $55 million investment from the governor’s FY 2021 executive budget recommendation to install drinking water filter stations in schools.

 

Home Plumbing Repairs

A proposed $40 million investment to provide home repair and plumbing assistance to support minor home and plumbing repair needs for residents with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level. Part of the larger MI Healthy Communities plan to expand care for families, build up facilities, and invest in local public health with federal relief dollars from the American Rescue Plan.

 

Table of Water Proposals

AMOUNT

NAME

USE

SOURCE

DATE

$300M

MI Clean Water Expansion Community Support

Supporting communities in providing clean water to residents

American Rescue Plan

Today

$290M

MI Clean Water Plan

Rebuilding stormwater, and wastewater infrastructure, and improving asset management and planning.

Great Lakes Water Quality Bond of 2002

October 2020

$200M

MI Clean Water  Expansion LSL Replacement

Removing LSLs

American Rescue Plan

September 2021

$55M

Filter First

Installing filter stations in schools

State General Fund

February 2020

$40M

Home Plumbing & Repair Program

Improving in-home water infrastructure

American Rescue Plan

September 2021

 

Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan

The State of Michigan is expected to receive an estimated $1.3 billion specifically for water infrastructure from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan. The water proposals listed above are separate from the water infrastructure funding Michigan is expected to receive from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan.
Showcasing the DNR: A shared wildlife experience

Showcasing the DNR: A shared wildlife experience

by | Nov 18, 2021 | Recreation

Centennial banner

– Showcasing the DNR –
A hunter and his dog motor out in a boat on the waters of Goose Lake to hunt ducks.

A shared wildlife experience

By HANNAH SCHAUER
Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan is full of opportunities to enjoy wildlife recreation, and full of people who do just that, including people who work for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Many DNR staffers are outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy participating in wildlife recreation pastimes like hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing – just like Michigan’s citizens who benefit from the work the department does.

Along with many others across the state, DNR employees value these outdoor pursuits and want to preserve these opportunities for the future.

“It is our privilege to manage the state’s wildlife resources on behalf of all the citizens of Michigan,” said Jared Duquette, chief of the DNR Wildlife Division. “We all benefit from having a diversity of wildlife and habitats on the landscape.”

DNR Wildlife Division Chief Jared Duquette is shown on a wintry hunting trip.Duquette said maintaining the plethora of wildlife recreation opportunities in Michigan is vital to supporting funding for conservation projects and continued public support for conservation efforts.

Wildlife recreation has a significant impact on Michigan’s economy. According to a 2019 Michigan United Conservation Clubs economic impact study, hunting- and fishing-related purchases in the state generate more than $11.2 billion annually.

In Michigan, MUCC’s study estimates there are 700,000 hunters and 1.1 million anglers. Many DNR staff are among those ranks of outdoor enthusiasts.

In fact, DNR staff often seek out a career in the natural resources management field because they enjoy some related outdoor recreation as a personal pastime.

“Hunting was a major part of my childhood growing up,” said Chad Stewart, the DNR’s deer, elk and moose program specialist. “I enjoyed the camaraderie and traditions associated with hunting season, and as I got older, grew to appreciate the animal’s biology and influence on the landscape even more.

“Having a job where you can uphold those same traditions that were valuable to your youth, while understanding more about the animal itself, is so incredibly unique. I think it’s safe to say without my early exposure to hunting, I wouldn’t have the same level of appreciation I have now for hunters, and certainly would have another job.”
Chad Stewart's hunting dog is shown with a pheasant on a hunting trip.Like Stewart, many DNR Wildlife Division staffers got started in wildlife management because they grew up with fond memories of experiences such as watching birds or other wildlife or hunting and trapping with their family and friends.

“I know that I wouldn’t have found this career without the experiences I was introduced to when I was young,” said DNR wildlife biologist Shelby Adams, who covers Pigeon River Country, in parts of Otsego and Cheboygan counties. “I feel so fortunate to get to work with wildlife and encourage the next generation of hunters and wildlife managers. Appreciation of wildlife and the outdoors is something I was taught and is integral to all parts of my life.”

Adams recalls fondly her first deer hunt with her father.

“To this day, it’s still the largest buck I’ve ever harvested,” Adams said. “I love that memory with my dad.”

Kristie Sitar, a DNR wildlife biologist covering Luce and parts of Chippewa and Mackinac counties in the eastern Upper Peninsula, recalled as a kid one of the things she loved was hearing great horned owls at night and seeing bluebirds hunting insects in the fields. This early interest in birds and other wildlife spurred her to pursue a career in wildlife.
A mourning warbler is shown perched outside a DNR office in Marquette County.“Memories associated with cool sightings of birds, elk antler shed hunting and watching ermine hunt, all got me where I am today,” Sitar said. “Once you have an appreciation for a bird or animal the next logical step is an interest in maintaining or improving their habitat.

“For example, many bird species are in decline, and having this awareness of a critical habitat need helps me in my job as I work on habitat management for species conservation.”

Duquette has a similar story.

“My love for exploration of wild places started at a young age. I grew up in a family that was active in outdoor recreation, including camping and deer hunting in remote areas of Michigan. Over time I have expanded my interests to also include studying plants and birding.”

In the United States, an estimated 103.7 million residents 16 years old and older, or 41% of the population, participated in wildlife-related recreational activities in 2016, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.

Wildlife watchers made up a wide majority of those residents at 86 million, anglers made up 35.8 million and there were 11.5 million hunters.
An image from Chad Stewart's family birdwatching album showing a young boy with binoculars.“Getting people into the outdoors to experience wildlife in some manner is essential to maintaining and increasing the number of people who are stewards of wildlife conservation,” Duquette said.

Conserving wildlife species and their habitats, especially on public lands, provides a place for people to participate in outdoor and wildlife-based recreation.

“Personally, I really enjoy the challenge of exploring new places and finding the unique wildlife or plants that are there,” Duquette said. “I love doing the homework using field guides and other tools to find areas, like good spots to hunt or places I might find rare plants. This often takes me to locations I may not otherwise explore. And to have the homework pay off in harvesting a deer or photographing a native orchid is icing on the cake.”

Lately, Duquette has been visiting state-managed lands in southern Michigan and has enjoyed exploring the fens and wetland habitats at Waterloo Recreation Area in Jackson and Washtenaw counties.

Adams said her favorite hunting activity is archery deer hunting.

“I also enjoy goose and duck hunting with my husband, brother and cousins,” she said. “I love the community atmosphere of those hunts and the excitement that hits you when you can tell that the birds are coming your way.”

Adams adds that she prefers hunting with others and sharing those moments of excitement or disappointment.
A beautiful wintry river scene is shown from Iron County.When asked what his favorite wildlife-related activity is, Stewart said picking just one is difficult because it varies from season to season.

“I really love spring turkey hunting because of the ability to interact with the bird from a distance, while trying to beat its amazing eyesight up close,” Stewart said. “I also enjoy archery hunting for whitetails in the fall as their activity combined with the time of year is tough to beat. And I have a blast taking my German shorthair pointer out pheasant hunting, too.”

While Stewart enjoys hunting, he never passes on the chance to go birding, hiking and geocaching with his family throughout the year. Places they enjoy exploring include local community parks, Rose Lake State Wildlife Area north of East Lansing and also the Marquette area in the Upper Peninsula.

In addition to abundant hunting and fishing opportunities, Michigan offers chances at some unique wildlife watching you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

Elk viewing opportunities during the fall months in the northern Lower Peninsula draw people from all around. Birdwatching opportunities are abundant year-round and statewide with multiple migratory routes converging in the state.

Sitar said that while there are many kinds of enjoyable outdoor and wildlife-related recreation, her favorite activity is bird watching.
A boreal chickadee, a locally rare species, is shown in winter in Marquette County.And she’s not alone. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife survey, of the 86 million wildlife watchers in the United States, 45.1 million people participated in bird watching.

“I enjoy the challenge of bird identification from sound alone and identifying species at different times of year, when they are changing plumage and as they become more secretive during nesting activities,” Sitar said. “It requires a lot of patience and is very rewarding to finally identify a bird you’ve been watching or hearing.”

Dollarville Flooding State Wildlife Management Area and the Silver Creek Birding Trail, both near Newberry in Luce County, are places with diverse habitats where Sitar enjoys birding.

She also likes searching out and finding local rarities, like boreal chickadees she photographed recently in Marquette County. Sitar said another great thing about bird watching is it is free, and you can do it anyplace.

“You can hike, bike, kayak, camp or stack wood and be bird watching,” she said. “And with the wide variety of bird species found in Michigan, and that migrate through the state, there is always something new to look for.”

From birdwatching to hunting and fishing to camping, off-road vehicle riding, geocaching, photography and more, DNR staffers enjoy the diverse range of outdoor recreation and wildlife opportunities Michigan offers.

Just like you do.

Learn more about the wide range of outdoor and wildlife-related recreation activities Michigan has to offer on the DNR’s Things to Do page.

Find out more about wildlife management and how the DNR manages your resources at Michigan.gov/DNR.

Check out previous Showcasing the DNR stories in our archive at Michigan.gov/DNRStories. To subscribe to upcoming Showcasing articles, sign up for free email delivery at Michigan.gov/DNR.

Note to editors: Contact: John Pepin, Showcasing the DNR series editor, 906-226-1352. Accompanying photos and a text-only version of this story are available below for download. Caption information follows. Credit Michigan Department of Natural Resources, unless otherwise noted.

Text-only version – Showcasing Story – DNR outdoors

Birding: An image from Chad Stewart’s family birding album. (Chad Stewart photo)

Boreal: A boreal chickadee is shown in Marquette County.

Duck: A duck hunter motors out across Goose Lake in Marquette County.

Hunt: Chad Stewart’s dog with a pheasant during a hunt. (Chad Stewart photo)

Hunter: A hunter walks through the snow in Iron County on a November morning.

Hunting: Jared Duquette is shown on a winter hunting trip. (Jared Duquette photo)

River: Michigan’s outdoors offers countless recreation opportunities and beautiful scenery, like this wintry scene from Iron County.

Warbler: A mourning warbler photographed outside a Michigan Department of Natural Resources office in Marquette County.
DNR COVID-19 RESPONSE: For details on affected DNR facilities and services, visit this webpage. Follow state actions and guidelines at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/DNR.