In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the coinciding week as National Police Week (May 12-18 this year).

The DNR honors and remembers 17 fallen conservation officers and their families. These officers gave their lives as the result of complications or injuries sustained while serving their communities.

Recognized for the first time this year is Sgt. Paul Durham, who died in 1972 while on patrol.

“The DNR honors 17 fallen conservation officers and their families,” said Lt. Jeremy Payne. “National Peace Officers Memorial Day is a reminder of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our natural resources and communities.”

Officers place State of Michigan flags during a small ceremony at the gravesite of each of the known fallen COs; the flags remain through the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Additionally, a fallen officers memorial was dedicated in 2022 as a place to permanently recognize each of the DNR’s officers. Watch this short video about the memorial dedication.

Previously referred to as game wardens, Michigan DNR conservation officers have a physically and mentally demanding careers that require a huge commitment from both the officers and their families.

Since 1887, advanced technology, equipment and training have contributed to the evolving responsibilities of conservation officers, who are now integral law enforcement partners aiding in search and rescue efforts and community safety and education.

Questions? Contact Lt. Jeremy Payne at 989-684-9141.

A series of open houses and meetings known as “compartment reviews” begins Thursday, May 16, and runs through fall as the DNR Forest Resources Division seeks input from the public on management activities scheduled for 2026.

Management activities in the state forest – which covers nearly 4 million acres in the northern Lower and Upper peninsulas – include such things as cutting and thinning trees, prescribed burning and planting new trees.

Planned management activities are described on this interactive map.

There are multiple ways to participate and make sure your voice is heard: Email your thoughts during a 30-day period prior to each open house, attend an open house, and attend compartment review meetings where final decisions are made.

The open houses start May 16 for the Crystal Falls and Baraga management units and run through the fall. Management units are Atlanta, Baraga, Cadillac, Crystal Falls, Escanaba, Gaylord, Gladwin, Grayling, Gwinn, Newberry, Pigeon River, Roscommon, Sault Ste. Marie, Shingleton and Traverse Cit.

See a full open house and compartment review schedule with locations, times and contact information.

Moving firewood when you camp, hunt or head out for a weekend getaway means you risk carrying tree-killing insects and diseases to new places. Invasive pests can crawl out, infesting trees and carrying diseases that can forever change the landscape of the places you love.

According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, there are 140 pests and diseases that can be moved with firewood. Some, like oak wilt, hemlock woolly adelgid and spotted lanternfly are already present in Michigan, while others such as Asian longhorned beetle are infesting nearby states.

“On their own, these insects and diseases can’t travel very far, but they can travel hundreds of miles on firewood,” said Joanne Foreman, Invasive Species Program communications coordinator with the DNR. “Trees cut for firewood often died due to insects or disease. Why risk carrying oak wilt to your cabin or beech bark disease to your favorite camping spot?”

Know before you go

Firewood policies vary greatly among national parks, national forests, private campgrounds and other lands in Michigan. Call ahead or visit DontMoveFirewood.org for more information.

In state parks, the DNR requests visitors purchase certified, heat-treated firewood sold in the parks or at some local stores and roadside stands.

Information on invasive tree pests and diseases of concern in Michigan can be found at Michigan.gov/Invasives.

The newest episode of the DNR Wildlife Division’s “Wildtalk” podcast is now available. The May show flits into focus with a discussion of the color-shifting indigo bunting, and burrows in on red foxes – and why you might soon catch a flash of that telltale coat.

DNR wildlife field operations manager Bill Scullon stops by to chat about efforts for wildlife above the bridge in the Upper Peninsula, and DNR wildlife biologist Pete Kailing also drops in with an overview of hunting and trapping opportunities available this month.

Award winner

Beyond the deep dive into Michigan’s wondrous wildlife, here’s another good reason to listen in: Government Social Media named “Wildtalk” as best podcast in its 2024 Golden Post Awards!

From the GSM website:

“The judges of this category chose Michigan DNR’s Wildtalk podcast as the winning entry because they put so much thought into their entry, showcasing the overall quality of the show and their commitment to their podcasting efforts overall. Their goals stood out as a beacon of excellence and they highlighted the steps they took to ensure the show is as inclusive and accessible as possible, beyond just providing transcripts.

Visit the “Wildtalk” webpage for the latest episode, as well as show notes and links to past episodes. Questions about the podcast? Email [email protected].