DNR News Digest – Week of Dec. 4, 2023

DNR News Digest – Week of Dec. 4, 2023

by | Dec 6, 2023 | Recreation
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News Digest – Week of Dec. 4, 2023

red lantern hangs from a think tree branch near a snow-covered trail in a sunlit forest
Here are 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 many of the images used in this email are available in this folder.

Want to capture a wild Christmas tree?

a man and a young girl and boy in winter coats and hats stand around a cut-down spruce tree; it's a bright, sunny day in the forestLooking to cut down a fresh-from-the-woods Christmas tree? You have options!

First of all, though, cutting of Christmas trees is not allowed in Michigan state forests. Only dead and downed trees in certain areas are available to people who have purchased a $20 fuelwood permit.

However, you can buy a $5 permit to cut a tree in Michigan’s three national forests: the Huron-Manistee in the northern Lower Peninsula and the Hiawatha and Ottawa forests in the Upper Peninsula. Permits allow people to cut a Christmas tree within designated areas of the forest.

Trees are for personal use only and cannot be sold. All stumps must be cut within 6 inches of the ground, and you may not take a tree taller than 20 feet. You have to take the whole tree; don’t cut the top off of a taller tree.

If stomping through deep snow in the forest isn’t your jam, or you don’t live close to a national forest, good news: Michigan is among the nation’s top producers of Christmas trees and there are plenty of you-cut farms to help you find the perfect tree to bring a little piece of the forest inside for your holiday season.

To make sure your fresh tree stays that way, cut off about an inch on the base after you get it home to make sure it can take up water. Use a Christmas tree stand with a large water reservoir and check it daily. Display your tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, vents or south-facing windows. Only use lights certified as safe by Underwriters Laboratories. Never leave lights on when you’re not home.

General questions about Michigan’s forests? Contact Kathleen Lavey at 517-930-4218 or visit Michigan.gov/Forestry.

Let it snow(birds)! Guide to winter finches of Michigan

As winter begins across Michigan, bird-watchers are eagerly awaiting the arrival of winter finches moving in large numbers outside their typical range.

The latest winter finch forecast from the Finch Research Network predicts that purple finches, common and hoary redpolls, pine siskins and nomadic white-winged crossbills will move through the state this winter. As crops of berries, seeds and cones deplete throughout the winter, we could see some late movements of evening grosbeaks, pine grosbeaks and red crossbills into Michigan, though most movements will likely occur west of Lake Superior.

These birds depend on cone and berry crops of the boreal (northern) forest for food each winter. When there is not enough food, they will migrate outside their usual wintering grounds. This unusual migratory movement is called an irruption, which will bring northern finches south into lower Ontario, the Great Lakes and beyond. Irruptions don’t happen every year, which makes winter finch sightings particularly magical.

Learn how to identify, find and attract some of these winter gems.

Purple finch

side by side view of male and female purple finches on thistle branches; the male is colored with red and gold, the female with pale rose and yellowMales of this small finch species have a raspberry-red head, breast and back. Females have thickly streaked undersides, with a whitish eyebrow and a dark line down the side of the throat.

  • Find them in wooded and semiopen areas, including forests, suburbs, swamps and overgrown fields.
  • Attract them with sunflower seeds, nyjer (a small, thin black seed) and millet. Use small and large tube feeders or hopper feeders. Plant native, seed-producing trees and grasses.

Pine siskin

two tan and gray birds with yellow streaks, wings stretched upward, perch on dried thistle branchesThis bird behaves like a goldfinch but is brown and streaked like a sparrow. It has a sharp, pointed bill and subtle yellow edges on wing and tail feathers.

  • Find them in semiopen areas, woodland edges and weedy fields.
  • Attract them with sunflower seeds and nyjer. Use small and large tube feeders and small hopper feeders. Plant native, seed-producing trees and grasses.

Read the full MI Birds story to learn more about the winter finches of Michigan.

MI Birds is a public outreach and engagement program created by Audubon Great Lakes and the DNR, which aims to increase all Michiganders’ engagement in the understanding, care and stewardship of public lands that are important for birds and local communities.

Questions? Contact Erin Rowan Ford at 313-820-0809.

Love snowmobiling? Here’s your chance to shape riding routes

three snowmobiles, lights on, travel single-file down a snow-covered, forested trail. Blue sky peeks through tall, bare treesIf your ideal winter day in Michigan involves hitting the snowmobile trails, and if having a say in the future of the state’s designated riding routes is important to you, the DNR wants to hear from you – your riding experience and insight could be a perfect fit for an open position on the Michigan Snowmobile Advisory Workgroup.

“We’re looking for someone with a passion for snowmobiling and an interest in helping maintain and shape Michigan’s more than 6,200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails,” said Tim Novak, state trails coordinator for the DNR. “Specifically, we’re seeking an owner or operator of a snowmobile-related business to serve on the advisory workgroup, which plays a tremendous role in Michigan’s snowmobile community.”

The position could be filled by an individual who owns a power sports dealership, a repair facility or a hotel, gas station or other snowmobile tourism business, Novak said.

This new member will offer advice related to the creation, development, operation and maintenance of the designated snowmobile trail system. Other members of the workgroup represent trail sponsors, at-large trail users, the Michigan Snowmobile Association and the DNR.

Workgroup members help develop safety education and training programs, assist in determining how best to use funds from the DNR’s recreational snowmobile trail improvement fund, and serve as ambassadors and advocates on behalf of snowmobile users statewide.

The workgroup, which works closely with the Michigan Trails Advisory Council and the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, consists of seven individuals each serving four-year terms and contributing as volunteers (travel expenses to and from meetings are eligible for reimbursement). The group meets quarterly at varying locations around the state.

“Members tell us that being part of this workgroup is a rewarding experience – it’s not overly time-consuming and provides an opportunity for avid snowmobilers to express themselves and connect with others who enjoy the sport and wish to contribute to our state’s awesome snowmobile trail network,” Novak said.

Interested in getting involved and sharing your expertise? Apply for the position by filling out this form. The DNR will accept applications through Jan. 8. For more information, contact Anna Centofanti at 517-331-6219.

ICYMI: Nominate your forest for protection funding by Dec. 15

Flurries of snow float through the air in a wintry forestA round of special Inflation Reduction Act funding is available through the Forest Legacy Program to protect environmentally important forests. Funding will support projects in three key categories: large landscape projects, state-tribal projects and strategic small-tract projects.

In case you missed it, the deadline to nominate your forest land for proposal consideration is just over a week away, Dec. 15. Learn more about the opportunity and eligibility in a recent DNR news release.

Questions about the Forest Legacy Program or IRA funding opportunity? Contact program coordinator Kerry Heckman.

Plenty of ways to lend a hand this month

small group of men and women in winter gear and flannel, some holding trimming tools, on a snow-covered road in forestIf you’re interested in helping protect, preserve and promote Michigan’s natural and cultural resources, here are a few ways you can get involved with the DNR in December.

Nurturing nature

Several state parks in southern Michigan will host volunteer stewardship workdays. Volunteers are needed to help restore natural areas by removing invasive plants that threaten high-quality ecosystems. Workdays will take place:

  • 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 9, at Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County).
  • 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 9, at Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien County).
  • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County).
  • 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Dec. 10, at Muskegon State Park (Muskegon County).
  • 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry County).
  • 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 16, at Belle Isle Park (Wayne County).
  • 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo County).
  • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw County).

More details about each workday and how to register can be found on the DNR volunteer events calendar.

Bird counts

Enjoy bird-watching? You can help scientists better understand bird movement and population health and protect birds and their habitats by counting and reporting the birds you see this winter. Join these upcoming community science bird counts:

Gifts for good

Give holiday gifts that give back! Check some shopping off your list and support natural and cultural resources with our holiday gift guide. Find unique gifts for just about anyone on your list – choose from a variety of products benefiting Michigan’s state parks, trails and waterways, history and wildlife education programs, habitat restoration and management, and the Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative.

For more ways to volunteer, contribute and provide input, visit Michigan.gov/DNRVolunteers.

Photo ambassador snapshot: Sledding at Cheboygan

three young boys in winter coats and snowpants sit on green saucer sleds on the snow-covered, forested groundSee more pictures by Michigan state parks photo ambassadors at Instagram.com/MiStateParks. For more on the program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182. (This photo is by Jamie Ball, for the Michigan DNR, at Cheboygan State Park in Cheboygan County.)

THINGS TO DO

Winter disc golf, fishing, stargazing and fat-tire biking? Yes, please! Discover all this and more on our winter fun webpage.

BUY & APPLY

It’s not too early to think about the start of summer camping season; check out available reservations and book your spot.

GET INVOLVED

Thanks to all the hunters who have registered their deer harvest this season! Better deer data means better management.
MDARD celebrates World Soil Day

MDARD celebrates World Soil Day

by | Dec 5, 2023 | Agriculture

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For immediate release: December 5, 2023
Program contact: Mike Philip, 517-512-0187
Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724

MDARD celebrates World Soil Day

LANSING – December 5 is World Soil Day; a day to recognize soil as a foundational piece of our ecosystems and a vital contributor to human health through food and fuel production and water quality protection. Today, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is encouraging the public to learn more about the importance of soil health and what steps can be taken to improve and sustain soil quality in Michigan.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 95 percent of the food the world consumes is grown directly in the soil. However, soil health is under pressure from many threats, including erosion, loss of soil organic carbon and biodiversity, and pollution. Proper soil management is needed to continue to produce enough food to feed a growing global population.

“Thanks to Governor Whitmer’s bipartisan budget investments, MDARD is realigning, expanding and revitalizing our environmental programs and developing new initiatives to invest in regenerative agriculture,” said Tim Boring, MDARD. “Through existing programs such as the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program and the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program, we work directly with farmers make long-term, tangible improvements to Michigan’s soil health.”

Sustainable agricultural practices, such as conservation tillage, diverse crop rotations, and cover cropping play a huge role in improving soil health, reducing erosion and pollution, and enhancing water infiltration and storage.

“Protecting soil health is not just the responsibility of our agricultural industry,” added Boring. “Everyone can and must do their part.”

How to improve soil quality in your community and backyard:

  • Plant trees – Trees can help prevent soil erosion, increase aeriation, and water infiltration, and add nutrients into the ground.
  • Reduce plastic pollution – Microplastics can enter the soil, impact agricultural yields, and can harm the organisms that make their home in the soil.
  • Cultivate biodiversity – Growing native plants can restore local ecosystems and help our pollinators thrive.
  • Be informed – Learn more about what you can do to protect and promote soil health and share your knowledge with friends and family.

To learn more about MDARD’s agricultural and environmental programs, visit www.Michigan.gov/MDARD.

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Apply now for the Oakland Together 40 Under 40

Apply now for the Oakland Together 40 Under 40

by | Dec 5, 2023 | Regional News

40 under 40
40 Under 40 reception

Apply now for the Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2024

Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter’s Oakland Together 40 Under 40 program is looking to recognize dynamic individuals making an impact in their community or career for the class of 2024. Apply before 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 12: OakGov.info/40under40_2024.

“Our 40 Under 40 classes have encompassed talent, skill, and excellence coupled with passion for public service and a commitment to significant and critical contributions to their communities,” said Coulter. “I have no doubt that the 2024 class will be no different, and I look forward to connecting with the people who are making such a difference in our county.”

Oakland County’s Equity Council will promote diversity, equity, and inclusion when it completes the first-round review of the applicants. From there, a panel of judges comprised of community and county leaders will recommend the 40 award recipients. Award winners will receive an invitation to the 2024 State of the County Address and pre-reception and the Oakland Together 40 under 40 Award celebration.

To be eligible, a candidate must live or work in Oakland County, be 18 years of age or older, and have been born after Dec. 31, 1983. For more information or to apply, go to www.oakgov.com/40under40.

APPLY NOW
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MDHHS recognizes National Influenza Vaccination Week

MDHHS recognizes National Influenza Vaccination Week

by | Dec 4, 2023 | Health and Wellness

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 4, 2023

CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

MDHHS recognizes National Influenza Vaccination Week Dec. 4-8

Michigan residents urged to get flu vaccine

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is recognizing National Influenza Vaccination Week this week and reminding Michigan residents that it’s not too late to get flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines. All three of these vaccines can help protect against respiratory illnesses and can be given at the same time.

“Vaccines against respiratory illnesses are the best way to protect yourself and your families against the anticipated surge of these illnesses over winter months,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “It is not too late to get vaccinated this season — please get your flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines (if eligible) today to prevent yourself from the potentially severe consequences of influenza and other respiratory illnesses this holiday season and to help prevent further burden on our health care system.”

While it is ideal to get a flu vaccine before flu starts spreading in your community (usually in October each year), getting vaccinated is beneficial anytime flu viruses are circulating. Respiratory virus activity is beginning to increase nationally, which is why getting vaccinated now can still provide protection. Flu activity usually peaks in February, but significant flu activity can continue into May.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual influenza vaccination for all persons ages 6 months and older with rare exceptions. According to data from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry, as of Nov. 18, approximately 2.2 million people in Michigan have received their flu vaccine for the 2023-2024 flu season, which is 55% towards the state’s goal of reaching 4 million doses of flu vaccine administered this season.

For people younger than 65 years, CDC recommends any flu vaccine available during the 2023-2024 flu season. Options for this age group include inactivated flu vaccine, recombinant flu vaccine or live-attenuated flu vaccine for those ages 2-49.

Vaccination is particularly important for individuals at higher risk of developing serious flu complications, including young children, adults ages 65 years and older, people with certain chronic medical conditions and pregnant persons. Some children ages 6 months through 8 years will need two doses of flu vaccine this season to be fully protected. Individuals should speak with their health care provider to determine which vaccine is best for them.

It takes about two weeks after the vaccine is administered before the body builds up enough immunity to protect from severe illness from the flu. Michiganders should get their vaccine now to protect themselves before flu activity peaks in Michigan.

The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) also reminds Michiganders that flu shots are an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act and are covered with no out-of-pocket costs by most health plans in Michigan.

“As the weather gets colder and Michiganders spend more time inside, getting a flu shot can help keep you and your family healthy without missing time from work or school,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “Most health plans cover flu shots at no cost, so I urge you to get your vaccine and to make sure that your kids and other family members are also protected.”

Michiganders with questions about their health insurance can contact DIFS at 877-999-6442 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or online at Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance.

Flu vaccines are widely available now at local health departments, physician offices and pharmacies around the state. Find a location near you using the Vaccine Finder. Visit Michigan.gov/flu for more information or visit IVaccinate.org to find answers to vaccine questions.

Visit Michigan.gov/CovidFluRSV and Michigan.gov/flufocus for updates on flu and respiratory illnesses in Michigan.
Boys Basketball Thoughts

Boys Basketball Thoughts

by | Dec 4, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Boys Basketball Thoughts.

Written Sunday December 3rd at 10:35 AM

Here are my thoughts after week one of the season.

North Farmington: The Raiders had a really slow start against Detroit Martin Luther King but found a way to win that game. Dylan Smith was huge in the game against the Crusaders. It wasn’t the perfect game for Coach Todd Negoshian but North Farmington got a win out of it which is a great sign going forward.

Ferndale: The Eagles split their two games this week. They fell to Birmingham Brother Rice on the road but beat Davison at North Farmington. Ferndale is young but they are also very talented led by Trenton Ruth who is off to a strong start. Coach Juan Rickman’s team will be fine.

West Bloomfield: It was a rough week for the Lakers which saw two losses to two really good teams. West Bloomfield put 70 points which is a good start but was held to 50 points against East Lansing who was in the back end of a back to back. Defensively is where the concern lies for Coach Arnette Jordan where they are allowing 78.5 points per game. The Lakers need to step up defensively if they want to turn things around.

Adams: The Highlanders will be as good as Peter Kardasisis and Will Gee takes them. Kardasisis had 29 points against Lanse Creuse North and Adams needed to survive Milford by four points. Coach Isiah Novak will rely a ton on his guards but they need to find that interior presence especially with the schedule that is ahead of them.

Clarkston: The Wolves have started to become more of a balanced team and it showed in their nine point win over Sterling Heights Stevenson. Clarkston isn’t just John Kaul but Quinn Rosenberg and Peyton Fitzsimmons had big games against the Titans. Cole Charter and Hayden Flavin are more capable of having big games. Coach Tim Waslik has a really tough schedule ahead of them but if they can get balance they’ll be in every game.

Oak Park: The Knights had a rough outing against Detroit Edison falling 72-58. Oak Park has a tough schedule coming up. Coach Durrand Sheppard needs to clean some things up especially defensively if not, it could be a really long season for the Knights.

Groves: The Falcons are off to a really strong start. They put 65 and 82 respectably against two good teams in Livonia Clarenceville and Redford Thurston. Groves has two really tough games coming up but Coach Marc West’s team has a ton of confidence right now.

Troy: The Colts were shocked by Berkley in overtime despite Mason Parker and Chase Kupier scoring 21 points each in that game but that’s not a good way to start the season. It could also be a wake up call for Coach Gary Fralick’s team as well that you don’t take any team for granted. Troy will be fine going forward.

Harper Woods: The Pioneers have had two really tough games against Detroit Renaissance and Novi Detroit Catholic Central. The 34 points scored against the Shamrocks is most concerning for Coach Tajuan Porter but to their defense the football players who won the Division Four State crown aren’t in game mode yet. Harper Woods could struggle if things don’t turn around quick.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks had a really strong week. They earned a 53-45 win over Rochester despite allowing 30 points from Max Mohl. Troy Athens put up 83 points in a win over Waterford Oakdale Prep. The Red Hawks have a tall order ahead of them this week which should tell more about Coach Dave Scott’s team.

Seaholm: It was a split week for the Maples which saw them fall by seven to Walled Lake Western but survived Avondale 43-41 in a defensive slug fest. Max Laskey has really emerged in their first two games for Coach Mike DeGeeter. Seaholm has been really scrappy and that could help them going forward.

Lake Orion: The Dragons might have something after two really good wins. Zach Parks has fit in really well and has contributed everywhere. Nick Galben, Gabe Scott, Ethan Sharkey and Ryan Rocheleau are off to strong starts and Quay Fly has been solid on the glass. Lake Orion is still very young, if they find that balance then Coach Jose Andrades might have something here. The Dragons will be tested next week and beyond but it’s a promising early start.

Farmington: The Falcons had a solid outing despite falling 68-62 to Livonia Stevenson. Greg Grays was solid for Farmington. It should be a very interesting matchup for the Falcons when they play arch rival North Farmington but it will take some time for Coach Bryan Johnson to put his program in place.

Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks have some big concerns after scoring 23 points against Walled Lake Central. Bloomfield Hills did lose a ton of talent from last season but I didn’t expect them to score 23 points in their first game. Coach Brian Canfield will get this thing figured out, they’ll be fine.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors have not played a game yet so I can’t judge them yet.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars had a really tough 12 point loss to Romeo. Stoney Creek had some moments especially from the three point line where they executed offensively but defensibly is a big concern still. Griffin Beers looked solid. They rely a ton on Tre Walker to carry them and if he gets in foul trouble that’s where they could struggle. The Cougars have to overcome when Walker is not on the floor and that’s a concern for Coach Jeff Olind going forward. Stoney Creek will be fine but they need to overcome when Walker is not on the floor.

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets had a really rough loss to Seaholm falling 43-41. Avondale was solid defensively all night but the offense struggled at times. It was going to be a transition period for Coach Jaret Thomas which it has. The Yellow Jackets will be fine, no need to panic.

Oxford: The Wildcats are the typical Batman and Robin type team. Jake Champagne is the Batman but he needs a Robin. Luke Stoffan had 14 points in their three point win over Lapeer but was held to six against Lake Orion. Champagne had 20 points in both their games against Lake Orion and Lapeer. It’s clear as day for Coach Joe Fedorinchik he needs a Robin if Oxford is going to win games.

Rochester: The Falcons have had two rough games against Troy Athens and Lake Orion. Max Mohl had 30 points against the Red Hawks while Luke Lionas had 12 points against the Dragons. Rochester needs to find that balance where both their stars along with Jake Tandy and Evan Crowe have monster games, if they do then Coach Nick Evola might have something brewing.

Berkley: The Bears could be an enigma this season. Berkley did not play well by any means against Novi falling by 21 points only to go and stun Troy in overtime at home. The Bears have size and scoring which is huge for Coach Joe Sermo. The next two games look very manageable, Berkley despite the loss to Novi is in a good spot right now but they can’t haven an letdown.

Pontiac: The Phoenix are off to a strong start with wins over Hazel Park and Southfield Christian. Coach Andrew Myers has this program believing at the moment which is a great sign going forward. JJ Claudio is off to a really strong start. Pontiac could be a sleeper in the Blue this season.

Royal Oak: The Ravens have been a really odd team to figure out. They won by eight over Southfield Christian and trailed at the half against Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood. Camden Clark has been solid for Coach Aaron Smith. They have two big tests looming this week so we’ll know a ton about the Ravens.

Ferndale University: The Eagles have had two very competitive games despite two tough losses to Detroit Douglass and Detroit Osborn. It’s a game of inches that separates Coach Josh Nicks team. Ferndale University isn’t there yet. They have shown that they can be in close games, they’ll be fine.