DNR News – Fish kills may be more common during summer

DNR News – Fish kills may be more common during summer

by | Jun 7, 2023 | Recreation

DNR banner with link to website

DNR News
June 6, 2023

Contact: Jay Wesley, 269-204-7057 or Jeremiah Blaauw, 906-235-7679

Fish kills may be more common during summer heat

An accumulation of dead bluegills and black crappies during a fish kill on a southwest Michigan lakeWith increasing temperatures across Michigan, anglers, boaters and lakefront property owners may discover dead fish or other aquatic animals. While such sights can be startling, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone that it is common — summer heat conditions can cause fish and other creatures such as turtles, frogs, toads and crayfish to die.

“The majority of summer fish kills are due to low oxygen in the water, a natural phenomenon associated with weather,” said Jeremiah Blaauw, DNR fisheries biologist. “However, some other factors such as chemical treatments of aquatic plants and algae can increase the risk of a fish kill.”

Environmental conditions strongly affect the stress level of fish; temperature and dissolved oxygen concentrations are key variables. Fish need oxygen just as humans do, but fish absorb dissolved oxygen (oxygen gas that is dissolved in water) directly through their gills into the bloodstream.

During periods of hot, calm weather, dissolved levels of oxygen in nutrient-rich lakes often decline, while the metabolic rate in most fish — the number of calories needed to accomplish basic life-sustaining functions like respiration — increases. That means fish in these systems often are being pinched by both temperature and oxygen at the same time.

“‘Nutrient-rich’ sounds like a good thing, but that isn’t necessarily true when it comes to water quality,” Blaauw said. “Our lakes often have artificially high concentrations of nutrients due to human-connected sources like wastewater or fertilizer runoff. The nutrients support dense growth of plants and algae. While plants and algae produce oxygen during the day through photosynthesis, they consume oxygen at night via their own respiration. This situation can lead to oxygen crashes during warm summer nights.”

Spawning stress is another factor that plays a critical role in many fish mortality events. Due to the wide variations in climate from north to south in Michigan, sunfish can spawn from May through early July. During the last five years, these three months had the highest numbers of fish kill reports through the DNR’s Eyes in the Field system.

Most fish kill events are the culmination of a series of causes. For example, the following scenario occurs every year in southern Michigan. Bluegills are stressed from spawning activity. At the same time, a period of hot weather causes water temperatures to rise rapidly. Herbicide is applied to control algae and invasive plant species. This combination of stressors depresses the immune system, and bacteria already present in the lake infect bluegills and result in an outbreak of columnaris disease.

Learn more about fish kills at Michigan.gov/FishHealth.

The public is welcome to report fish kills using the Eyes in the Field website; such reports are valuable to the DNR’s ability to manage the state’s aquatic resources. If you suspect a fish kill is due to nonnatural causes, call the nearest DNR office or Michigan’s Pollution Emergency Alert System at 800-292-4706.

Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.
DNR News – Crews continue working on wildfire

DNR News – Crews continue working on wildfire

by | Jun 5, 2023 | Recreation

 
DNR banner with link to website

DNR News
June 5, 2023
Media contact: Laurie Abel, 517-599-6703

Crews continue working on wildfire southeast of Grayling, now more than 90% contained

Blackened trees and ash are visible at the site of a wildfire With slightly cooler weather aiding firefighting efforts, crews continued work Monday to suppress the Wilderness Trail Fire that has burned an estimated 2,400 acres southeast of Grayling. The fire is more than 90% contained.

Fire crews from multiple agencies are working to reinforce a containment line on the south side of the fire, move from suppression to mop-up status, reopen the rail line north of 4 Mile Road and reopen the fire area to the public.

Conditions remain dry and fire risk is very high or extreme across much of the state. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is not issuing burn permits.

“There’s not enough rain today to make a significant reduction in fire danger,” said Mike Janisse, commander of the DNR Incident Management Team that is assisting with the fire. “Even though it feels cooler, conditions are very dry and extreme fire conditions are expected to continue in the Grayling area and around the state.”

A tree, burned by the fire, is still standing despite having most of its base burned. Vegetation is burned in the background.People cause nine out of 10 wildfires and burning yard debris is the top wildfire cause in Michigan. The Wilderness Trail Fire started with a campfire.

The DNR urges people to use an abundance of caution if they are making a campfire or a cooking fire. Keep a water source nearby and never leave any fire unattended, even for a moment. Get more fire safety tips at Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires.

The DNR will continue to share updates via news releases and on the department Twitter account at Twitter.com/MichiganDNR.

Note to editors: Accompanying photos and resources are available below; caption information follows.

  • PDF map: PDF map of the Wilderness Trail Fire area southeast of Grayling in Crawford County, which has burned approximately 2,400 acres.
  • Burned trees: Blackened trees and ash are visible in the area where the Wilderness Trail Fire burned.
  • Burn area: A tree stands on a spindly burned base after encountering wildfire.
  • Fire danger map: Great Lakes Fire and Fuels map displaying current fire danger conditions. Much of Michigan is experiencing extreme fire danger.

 
Oakland County Earns Six National Achievement Awards

Oakland County Earns Six National Achievement Awards

by | Jun 5, 2023 | Regional News

Oakland County Earns Six National Achievement Awards for Government Programs

Post Date:06/05/2023 12:30 PM

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County has been recognized with six Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents. Oakland County’s Department of Communications, Board of Commissioners, Health Division and Parks won awards in various categories. Below is a brief description of each submission.

Transit Education Campaign
The Transit Education Campaign was submitted by the Department of Communications in the Civic Education and Public Information category. During this campaign, Oakland County used a multi-prong approach to educate residents about the 2022 Oakland Transit millage, which was approved by voters.

Anti Violence Initiative
Anti Violence Initiative was submitted by the Board of Commissioners in the Criminal Justice and Public Safety category. This initiative was created in response to the mass shooting at Oxford High School in 2021, which included the Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) Pilot Program and a Gun Buyback Pilot Program.

Invasive Spongy Moth Prevention
The Invasive Spongy Moth Prevention program was submitted by the Board of Commissioners in the Health category. The program provides matching grants to communities around the county that are experiencing a spongy moth outbreak.

Oakland County Harm Reduction Program
Oakland County Harm Reduction Program was submitted by the Health Division in the Health category. In the fall of 2020, the State of Michigan approached Oakland County Health Division to launch the first Harm Reduction program in Oakland County. Harm Reduction is a strategy that engages people who use drugs to prevent overdoses and infectious disease transmission, improve the physical, mental, and social well-being of those served, and increase access to substance use treatment and other health care services.

Oxford Families and Local Business
Oxford Families and Local Business was submitted by the Board of Commissioners in the Health category. After the Oxford High School shooting, the Oxford Response Ad Hoc Committee created the Mental Health Assistance for Oxford Families Insurance Co-pay and Deductible Relief Program and the Oxford Area Economic Recovery Program.

Disability Dirt Days
Disability Dirt Days submitted by Oakland County Parks in the Parks and Recreation category. Parks founded Disability Dirt Days where volunteer off-road vehicle (ORV) drivers take participants with disabilities for rides around Holly Oaks ORV Park.

“We’re proud of the quality services and programs that Oakland County provides its residents, businesses and communities,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “We’re honored that NACo has recognized the work we do to ensure that we’re always and in All Ways, Moving Forward in Oakland County.”

Each year, NACo’s Achievement Awards are given in 18 categories that reflect the comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, county administration, information technology, health and civic engagement. Launched in 1970, the program is designed to recognize innovation in county government.

“The Achievement Awards demonstrate excellence in county government and the commitment to serve our residents every day,” said NACo President Denise Winfrey. “This year’s winners represent some of the most innovative and collaborative efforts we have seen in over 50 years of presenting these awards.

For more information about NACo’s Achievement Awards, click here.

 

 

 

About the National Association of Counties

 

The National Association of Counties (NACo) strengthens America’s counties, including nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees. Founded in 1935, NACo advocates for county government priorities in federal policymaking; promotes exemplary county policies and practices; nurtures leadership skills and expands knowledge networks; optimizes county and taxpayer resources and cost savings; and enriches the public’s understanding of county government.

Return to full list >>

DNR News – Your trees need a little love

DNR News – Your trees need a little love

by | Jun 5, 2023 | Recreation

DNR banner with link to website

DNR News
June 5, 2023
Contact: Kevin Sayers, 517-582-3209 or Lawrence Sobson, 313-316-4137

Your trees need a little love (and water) during dry spells

A person uses an orange 5-gallon bucket to water a young tree

Image via Casey Trees

If you planted new trees this spring or last fall, bring out the garden hose. A little water will keep those trees healthy and happy as Michigan’s dry spring progresses into summer.

“Abnormally hot and dry conditions mean your newly planted trees are probably thirsty,” said Kevin Sayers, Urban and Community Forestry Program manager with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “Make sure any trees planted in the past year are getting at least 10 to 20 gallons of water a week until regular precipitation returns. Your trees will appreciate the drink.”

New trees, especially, are still setting their roots and need water, Sayers said. However, dry weather also can weaken healthy trees and make them more vulnerable to disease, insect damage or winter breakage.

Deciduous trees – those that lose their leaves in fall – show drought stress through curling or drooping leaves. Leaves may “scorch,” or turn brown at the margins, fall off early or exhibit early fall color. Evergreen needles may turn yellow, then red or brown.

A sprinkler sprays garden flowers with waterIt’s important to water trees correctly. When watering, prioritize newly planted or high-value trees. Water newly established trees weekly and established trees every two to three weeks. A long, slow soak under the tree’s dripline, the ground where branches extend over, is best, so soil is saturated at least 10 to 12 inches deep. Once a week is generally enough. Overwatering can create problems too, so if soil under the tree is moist, you don’t need to add more water.

Mulch also helps retain soil moisture and save water. Apply 3 to 4 inches of organic mulch under the tree canopy, around but not touching the base of the trunk. You want the finished mulch pile to look like a doughnut, not a volcano.

Watering tips

  • Sprinkler: Place an empty container or rain gauge nearby to measure about 1 inch of irrigation.
  • Hand watering via hose: Let water run slowly until the ground is saturated (10 to 12 inches deep) and moist near the base of small trees or at various points under the dripline of large trees.
  • 5-gallon bucket: Most newly planted trees need 5 to 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter (at knee height) each week.
  • Soaker or trickle hoses: Saturate the soil under the dripline to at least 10 to 12 inches deep.
  • Don’t water during the middle of the day. Much of the water applied at the hottest or windiest time of day is immediately lost to evaporation.
  • Mist sprinklers aren’t effective for trees. As much as 70 percent of water may be lost to evaporation into the air.
  • Lay off the fertilizer. Fertilizer salts can cause root injury when soil moisture is limited.

Summer is a stressful time to plant trees, largely due to hot temperatures and the need for water. So, if you haven’t already planted, it may be best to wait until fall.

When conditions are right for planting, the DNR encourages Michigan residents to join the challenge of planting 50 million trees by 2030 and pin their new trees on an interactive map as part of the MI Trees challenge. Help ensure the future of conservation in our state – plant it forward!
Lacrosse State Semifinal Preview

Lacrosse State Semifinal Preview

by | Jun 5, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Lacrosse State Semifinal Preview.

Written Saturday June 3rd at 9:52 PM

Here is my State Semifinal Preview for Lacrosse.

Boys Lacrosse State Semifinal Preview

CLARKSTON vs Birmingham Brother Rice @ TBA

The Wolves are riding into the Division One State Semifinals with confidence after destroying Lake Orion at Troy Athens on Saturday afternoon. They will have a much tougher task with Birmingham Brother Rice. The Warriors are motivated after losing in the State finals last season. Clarkston has a shot to make history and prevent Birmingham Brother Rice from making the State Finals but they need a lot to go right to make it a reality.

 

Girls Lacrosse State Semifinal Preview

BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs Brighton @ Fenton

These are two teams that are very familiar with each other in the Blackhawks and the Bulldogs. Brighton beat Bloomfield Hills last season and they two are back in the same spot. It should be a very interesting matchup to say the least between these two teams.