by Becky Andrus | Aug 3, 2022 | Recreation
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News Digest – Week of Aug. 1, 2022
Your input matters! Comment on forest road maps by Aug. 31.
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| Here are just a few of this week’s stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:
See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.
PHOTO FOLDER: Larger, higher-res versions of the images used below, and others, are available in this folder.
 Want to see more pictures like this, taken by Michigan state parks photo ambassador Diane Dawson Wilks at Wilderness State Park in Emmet County? Visit Instagram.com/MiStateParks to explore photos and learn more about the photo ambassadors! For more on the photo ambassador program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182.
 Fall is one of the best times to get involved in the DNR Wildlife Division – and one of the busiest.
In the lead-up to popular hunting seasons, the department hires seasonal employees to work at various locations throughout the state, including DNR field offices, customer service centers and state game areas. If you’ve ever wanted to know more about the DNR Wildlife Division, help answer questions from the public or spend some time outdoors, this could be the job for you!
These positions involve duties such as conducting drawings for waterfowl hunting areas, entering database information, assisting the public with questions, as well as chronic wasting disease surveillance.
These jobs are perfect for college students, those looking to reenter the workforce and seniors or retirees interested in getting more involved in the outdoors.
Get more details on these seasonal wildlife job opportunities by visiting Michigan.gov/DNRJobs and looking for the seasonal wildlife positions section.
The application period is open through Aug. 14.
Questions? Contact Jen Schafer at 517-648-8290. |
 Every two years, the Michigan Inland Lakes Convention brings together passionate lakefront property owners, lake scientists, policy makers and conservationists to spark new ideas and inspire stewardship of inland lakes. This year’s convention, centered on the theme “Protecting Lakes Today for Tomorrow,” will take place via Zoom Sept. 14-16.
The three-day virtual event will include more than 45 presentations and workshops designed to engage, educate and empower. Participants can choose from a variety of concurrent sessions focused on specific issues such as fisheries management, landscaping near shorelines, lake protection and governance, algal blooms, native freshwater mussels, communications, policy, invasive species, lake restoration and much more. Wednesday and Thursday will also include keynote speakers regionally recognized for their contributions to the field of lake science and conservation.
Registration is $60 and includes three days of virtual workshops, presentations and networking opportunities. Student registration is $15. A complete agenda is available on the convention website. Sign up today to save your spot!
Registration closes Sept. 11.
Questions? Contact Joe Nohner at 517-599-6825 or Christina Baugher at 517-582-3245. |
 If you enjoy riding off-road vehicles on Michigan’s forest roads, you can help the DNR shape the 2023 forest road maps. Submit comments by Aug. 31.
To make sure people know which forest roads are open or closed to public use, the DNR annually updates online maps on April 1 as part of its review process. This annual update helps the DNR keep its forest road inventory accurate and meet requirements outlined in Public Act 288 of 2016.
Comments on forest road maps may be submitted at any time. Feedback received by Aug. 31 will be considered when developing the 2023 maps.
Updates may include decisions to open or close a road to ORV or conventional vehicle traffic, or to update a road’s status. These decisions are typically made to protect damaged natural resources, ensure public safety due to road conditions or fix data errors in maps.
About 11,700 miles of forest roads currently are open to the public. View the status of forest roads and submit comments on an interactive map at Michigan.gov/ForestRoads, or email comments to DNR-RoadInventoryProject@Michigan.gov.
Questions? Contact Jason Caron at 906-235-4361. |
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Are the Great Lakes State’s 11,000 inland lakes calling you? Enjoy this time-honored Michigan tradition, but stop by our boating page first for info on safety, destinations, laws and rules, and other helpful resources.
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No matter where or how you enjoy the outdoors, put safety first. Whether you’re new to the outdoors or a veteran adventurer, recreational and hunting safety classes can help make your next adventure your best. |
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Michigan has over 13,000 state-designated trails; a variety of opportunities to enjoy Michigan’s natural spaces. Whether you hike, bike, kayak or horseback ride, you can support the trails you love. |
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by Becky Andrus | Aug 3, 2022 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer Announces Michigan Reconnect Milestone:
Over 100,000 Applicants Accepted into Program
Bipartisan effort is putting more working-age adults on tuition-free path to high-demand, high-wage careers
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that as of late July, more than 100,000 Michiganders are on their way to a tuition-free degree or skills certificate through the Michigan Reconnect program.
This news marks a major milestone in the state’s efforts to achieve the governor’s Sixty by 30 goal, which aims to increase the number of adults in the state with a postsecondary degree or credential to 60% by 2030. Since the announcement of the Sixty by 30 goal, the percentage of working-age adults with a college degree or certificate has increased from 45% to 49%.
“Michigan Reconnect is putting hardworking Michiganders on a tuition-free path to a brighter future,” said Governor Whitmer. “This bipartisan program is a game-changer not only for the people enrolled in the program, but also for their families, small businesses, and the state of Michigan. I am so proud of all 100,000 and counting Reconnect applicants. They have taken an important step to chase their dreams, learn new skills, and land a good-paying job to support themselves and their families. Because of their grit and determination, we can keep growing Michigan’s economy, supporting and attracting hardworking people, and powering small businesses in every region of our great state.”
Created with overwhelming bipartisan support, the program is the largest effort in state history to ensure that Michiganders who are 25 or older and do not have a college degree have an opportunity to earn an associate degree or certificate with free or deeply discounted tuition. Since its launch in February 2021, approximately 18,000 participants have returned to school to finish their degree or enrolled for the first time. Over 500 have already graduated with an associate degree or skills certificate.
“More Michiganders are within reach of a college degree or skills certificate thanks to efforts like Michigan Reconnect,” Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Susan Corbin said. “We are creating new opportunities for our workers to land high-paying jobs in fulfilling careers and for our Michigan businesses to fill critical talent needs so they can continue to compete, grow and innovate.”
Paving Pathways for Opportunity
After facing significant challenges throughout her life, including time in the foster care system and living on her own while trying to graduate from high school, Shelby Essenmacher always thought that obtaining a college education and a fulfilling career with a good paycheck were out of her reach.
That is, until the native Detroiter applied for the Michigan Reconnect scholarship program.
Essenmacher, 31, is taking advantage of the program to pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree at Wayne County Community College District.
“This has been a life changer,” Essenmacher said. “I can now go after my dream of becoming a nurse without worrying about the cost of tuition, which has always been a major barrier preventing me from going back to school. Reconnect has cleared a pathway for me to achieve my education and career goals.”
Governor Whitmer and her administration have worked with the Legislature to assemble a network of people and resources to provide Reconnect students the critical support they need to successfully enroll in classes and complete their degree or certificate program.
Last month, the governor announced a $6 million bipartisan investment to help enrollees overcome other major barriers, including the cost of books, child care, food, internet access and transportation.
Grants will be available through Michigan community colleges, including its three tribal colleges, for Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners students, allowing up to $550 per academic year to be distributed directly to eligible students who have completed at least one semester with either scholarship program.
Michigan Reconnect Navigators are another available resource to help students succeed with the steps leading up to enrollment. Navigators are available to help applicants complete admissions and financial aid requirements, set career goals, identify educational opportunities and create a plan to graduate. Navigators also connect students to additional programs and assistance offered by their community college and local partners to remove barriers to education.
“Making the decision to go back to school, especially when you are already balancing adult responsibilities like a job or a family, is empowering and inspiring—and it can be daunting,” said Sarah Szurpicki, LEO’s Office of Sixty by 30 director. “That’s why we want everyone considering the Michigan Reconnect scholarship program to know there is support along the way, and the Navigators can help them find solutions to anything that would stop or slow them down.”
Michigan Reconnect pays the cost of in-district tuition for eligible adults who want to pursue an associate degree or skills certificate at any of Michigan’s public community colleges, including its three tribal colleges. Eligible residents can attend community college tuition-free at a community college where they are considered in-district. For those who are not considered in-district by a community college, Michigan Reconnect will still cover up to the in-district portion of tuition.
To be eligible for Michigan Reconnect, a person must:
- Be at least 25 years old when you apply
- Have lived in Michigan for a year or more
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Have not yet completed a college degree (associate or bachelor’s)
by Becky Andrus | Aug 3, 2022 | Regional News
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| Hi there,
I have some incredible news for Michiganders – especially our auto workers: last week, the House passed the landmark CHIPS and Science Act, a bill that will encourage the production of microchips here in the U.S. and create thousands of new American manufacturing jobs.
Let’s be clear: this is a huge deal. By incentivizing companies to build new microchip plants here in the U.S., instead of places like China, this bill helps prevent future shortages like the ones that have shut down auto plants across the country, including GM’s Delta Township and Lansing Grand River plants. As we start to make more chips in the U.S., we’ll get thousands of workers back on the job and help bring prices down for consumers.
And as a former CIA officer, I know this bill is also critical for our national security by reducing our dependence on foreign suppliers for critical parts our military needs. This isn’t just an economic issue, it’s a national security issue too – by bringing this manufacturing back home, we’re ensuring that we can’t be held hostage by our adversaries in the event of a conflict with countries like China.
The legislation also takes care to make sure that the chip companies live up to their commitment to invest in American manufacturing. It includes prevailing wage requirements and other provisions that ensure U.S companies don’t buy back their own stock or invest in overseas chip projects.
As microchip shortages have wreaked havoc on our economy, I’ve been sounding the alarm for over a year. Last summer, I joined a group of UAW workers at a parking lot on MSU’s campus where GM was storing dozens of cars that couldn’t be shipped or sold because they were missing a 14-cent microchip.
The path to turning this bill into law has been long and winding, but today Congress finally showed that we’re ready for American – not Chinese – companies to lead the way in the global chip industry.
– Rep. Elissa Slotkin |
by Becky Andrus | Aug 3, 2022 | Regional News
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 2, 2022 |
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AG Nessel Announces the Formation of a Nationwide Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force
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Attorneys General form a national, bipartisan Task Force to combat robocalling
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LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that the State of Michigan is joining a nationwide Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force of 50 attorneys general to investigate and take legal action against the telecommunications companies responsible for bringing a majority of foreign robocalls into the United States. This bipartisan nationwide Task Force has one goal: to cut down on illegal robocalls.
“Robocalls aren’t just a Michigan problem. They are a nationwide problem. That is why I am proud to join my fellow Attorneys General. We will take this fight to anyone who helps these scammers and robocallers. If the telecom industry won’t police itself, the Task Force will,” said Nessel.
The Task Force has issued 20 civil investigative demands to 20 gateway providers and other entities that are allegedly responsible for a majority of foreign robocall traffic. Gateway providers that bring foreign traffic into the U.S. telephone network have a responsibility to ensure the traffic is legal, but these providers are not taking sufficient action to stop robocall traffic. In many cases, they appear to be intentionally turning a blind eye in return for steady revenue. The Task Force will focus on the bad actors throughout the telecommunications industry, to help reduce the number robocalls and benefit the companies that are following the rules.
Attorney General Nessel is committed to stopping illegal and unwanted calls. According to the National Consumer Law Center and Electronic Privacy Information Center, over 33 million scam robocalls are made to Americans every day. These scam calls include Social Security Administration fraud against seniors, Amazon scams against consumers, and many other scams targeting all consumers, including some of our most vulnerable citizens. An estimated $29.8 billion dollars was stolen through scam calls in 2021. Most of this scam robocall traffic originates overseas. The Task Force is focused on shutting down the providers that profit from this illegal scam traffic and refuse to take steps to otherwise mitigate these scam calls.
- Be wary of callers who specifically ask you to pay by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. For example, the Internal Revenue Service does not accept iTunes gift cards.
- Look out for prerecorded calls from imposters posing as government agencies. Typically, the Social Security Administration does not make phone calls to individuals.
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by Becky Andrus | Aug 1, 2022 | Recreation
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DNR Events – August 2022
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Here are a few ways to get out and enjoy Michigan’s natural and cultural resources in August. For a full list of events, see the Department of Natural Resources calendar at Michigan.gov/DNRCalendar.
 Find your favorite people and come explore the great outdoors, learn new skills and make memories that will last a lifetime with Lodge and Learn at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, on the northern shore of Higgins Lake in Roscommon.
Designed for multiple generations to enjoy, this all-inclusive package for up to 12 people – offered Aug. 12-14, Aug. 19-21 and Aug. 29-31 – is like a private summer camp for your friends and family. Your group can lodge at the RAM Center and learn about local wildlife, Michigan ecosystems and outdoor skills.
The package includes three days filled with your choice of summer-camp style programs provided by your own nature educator, two nights of lodging for your group, an evening bonfire with s’mores, use of kayaks for those over 16, and all your meals for one rate of $2,200 for the stay!
Select your favorite Lodge and Learn programs when you register.
Offerings for adults are Birdwatching 101, RAM Center Escape Room, Tour Historic Higgins Lake Tree Nursery and CCC Museum, Compassing and Navigation 101, and Fishing Knot Jewelry.
Programs for families are Leaf Impressions: Looking at Shapes, Water Bug Investigation, Mini Biodiversity Investigation, Parent-Guided Scavenger Hunt, Invasive Species “Among Us”: A Naturalist’s Version, Signs Animals Leave Behind and Sensing like a Wild Animal – Sight, Sound, Touch, Smell.
Registration is available through the Lodge and Learn event registration form. Call the RAM Center at 989-821-6200 for more details. |
 As you travel around the state this summer, don’t miss out on experiencing our state’s past at the Michigan History Center’s 12 museums and historic sites. The Michigan History Museum System will host a variety of fun and educational events around the state in August.
Cambridge Junction Historic State Park in Brooklyn
- Walker Wheels Historic Base Ball Invitational, Aug. 27
Cheer on the home-team Walker Wheels as they compete against other historic base ball clubs in this annual invitational tournament. They all play the game by 1860s rules – no gloves, no swearing! – when the sport was so new, it was spelled as two words.
Fort Wilkins in Copper Harbor
Higgins Lake Nursery and CCC Museum in Roscommon
- A Tree Party!, Aug. 6
Celebrate forests and the hard work the Civilian Conservation Corps did in Michigan! You can cool off with an ice-cold, local root beer and meet Smokey Bear, tour Michigan’s first tree nursery, watch as a shortwave radio operator shows how CCC members communicated between camps and learn about the life of a CCC boy from reenactors. Make your weekend even more fun – stay overnight with event cohost, the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, where you’ll enjoy a special CCC dinner and the enchanting songs and stories of Bill Jamerson’s CCC Boy program – register using MobileCause.com.
Michigan History Museum in Lansing
- Mathias J. Alten: An American Artist at the Turn of the Century, through Nov. 6
This special exhibition highlights the life and work of noted Michigan artist Mathias J. Alten, who was born in what is now Germany in 1871, came to the United States at age 17 and settled in Grand Rapids. The exhibition features more than 45 works and artifacts, from Alten’s naturalization papers as a U.S. citizen to his impressionist oil paintings – some that celebrate Michigan’s compelling natural landscapes.
Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee
- Iron Ore Heritage Bike Tour, Aug. 5 and Aug. 12
Enjoy a leisurely, guided bike tour on the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, led by historian Troy Henderson. Stops along the way include the Jackson Mine and Old Town Negaunee.
- Tuesday afternoon Upper Peninsula history programs
Drop by the museum on select Tuesday afternoons for stories of the U.P.’s intriguing history, courtesy of a variety of experts. Programs are also available on the Michigan Iron Industry Museum Facebook page. August programs include:
For more details about everything going on at the Michigan History Center, see the MHC events calendar. |
 Looking for something fun for the family to do – or a chance to learn more about Michigan’s outdoors – in Detroit? Check out some of these upcoming events at the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center.
Get hooked on fishing
Aug. 6, learn more about the fish found in the Detroit River, how to fish, the parts of a fish and how to identify fish with Get Hooked on Fishing, a catch-and-release fishing program. Equipment, bait and instruction will be provided; beginners are welcome! Included with the price of admission, but preregistration required to ensure the availability of supplies.
Adults interested in fishing for the first time and seasoned anglers alike, grab your fishing license for Fishing With Friends Aug. 12. We’ll fish near the harbor at Milliken State Park and offer prizes for the most fish, biggest fish and smallest fish caught. Don’t let this one get away! Beer, wine and snacks provided. For age 21 and over only. Cost is $20 per person.
Relax and see what you can reel in during an evening of fishing on the Detroit River Aug. 25, with a Thrilling Thursday that’s all about fishing. For these monthly, family-friendly, free evenings of fun, we offer free admission from 6 to 8 p.m. for all our visitors. Equipment, bait and instruction will be provided, and beginners are welcome.
Get to know nocturnal animals
Join us for Nighttime Animals on Belle Isle, a series of outdoor nighttime animal explorations, Aug. 11. We’ll take a hike to look for resident bats, listen to the calls of summer insects, attract moths to observe up close and more. Taking place at the Belle Isle Nature Center, the hike is recommended for ages 8 and up. An adult must accompany children under the age of 18. The event is free, but registration is required.
Aug. 27, find out what happens after the sun goes down with Nature’s Night Life, an exciting exploration into the world of nocturnal animals presented by Leslie Science and Nature Center. Meet live animals such as bats, owls and arachnids to learn why they choose to work in the dark and how they are adapted for life at night. Included with the price of OAC admission.
Get on your bike and ride
Bring your bikes and join us for our Dequindre Cut Bike Ride Aug. 13. During this leisurely, 4-mile-roundtrip ride along the Dequindre Cut to Eastern Market, we’ll learn about the history of the area and explore the market. Upon our return to the Outdoor Adventure Center, we’ll cool down with lemonade and a snack. Suggested for ages 7 and up. This is a free outdoor event. Regular admission fees apply for building access.
Get the lowdown on all the August fun
Learn more about everything that’s coming up – including opportunities to try archery, nature education programs for kids and more – on the Outdoor Adventure Center events calendar. |
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If you’re looking for a fun outdoor fitness experience, there’s still plenty of opportunity to check out stand-up paddleboard yoga or PaddleFit – combining intervals of paddling and various types of exercises for a great nonimpact core muscle workout – at Pinckney Recreation Area in Pinckney or Island Lake Recreation Area in Brighton. |
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Join us as we team up with the National Wild Turkey Federation for an Intro to Turkey Hunting clinic – an “A to Z” class covering everything you need to know to get started, including how to find a location, scouting, calling and gear – at Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon Aug. 9. The clinic also includes an intro to BB gun shooting. |
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