Protection of Michigan’s woods and waters starts with you

Protection of Michigan’s woods and waters starts with you

by | Feb 25, 2025 | Environmental

 
Michigan Invasive Species Program banner

News Release
Feb. 25, 2025
Contact: Joanne Foreman, 517-284-5814

Protection of Michigan’s woods and waters starts with you

National Invasive Species Awareness Week, Feb. 24-28, a great time to learn more, commit to year-round action

Invasive species are a growing problem in Michigan and the U.S. During National Invasive Species Awareness Week (Feb. 24 – 28, 2025), Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is joining efforts across all 50 states to encourage everyone to take action to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful plants, animals and diseases.

An infographic announcing "Feb. 24-28, 2025 Support National Invasive Species Awareness Week."Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources.

The program includes a network of 22 cooperative invasive species management areas, or CISMAs, which provide services to all 83 Michigan counties. Universities, nonprofit organizations, volunteers and other state agencies, including the Michigan Department of Transportation, also play a crucial role in preventing, detecting and managing invasive species throughout the state.

In 2024, the MISP surveyed more than 100,000 acres of public and private land for invasive species, including spotted lanternfly, red swamp crayfish and beech leaf disease. Management actions for invasive phragmites, hemlock woolly adelgid, oak wilt, mile-a-minute weed and other species covered nearly 25,000 acres.

What is an invasive species?

An invasive species is one that is not native and whose introduction causes harm, or is likely to cause harm to Michigan’s economy, environment or human health.
Many non-native species in Michigan, including fruits, vegetables, field crops, livestock and domestic animals, are important to our economy and lifestyle. Most non-native species are not harmful and may provide economic benefits.

“Invasive species cause harm when they outcompete native species by reproducing and spreading rapidly in areas where they have no natural predators,” said Joanne Foreman, DNR invasive species communication specialist. “This can change the balance of ecosystems we rely on, like forests, rivers and lakes. As for economic impact, a 2021 study estimated that invasive species have cost North America over $26 billion per year since 2010.”

How do invasive species get here?

Most invasive species don’t move far on their own. Instead, they find their way with the help of humans. Modern modes of transportation bring goods, services, people and invasive species to and from all parts of the world.

  • Some exotic pets and plants escape or are released into the wild and adapt to local conditions.
  • The spotted lanternfly is moving across the U.S. by hitchhiking or laying eggs on vehicles and goods traveling through infested areas.
  • Other insects arriving from abroad in wood packing materials and wood products have caused irreparable damage to native trees and forests.
  • Some species now classified as invasive were intentionally brought to the U.S. as biological controls for other invasives; others were introduced as game or food species.

How do they spread?

An adult spotted lanternfly rests on the trunk of a tree of heaven.What makes many invasives so successful in taking hold is their ability to colonize new areas very rapidly. For plants, this can mean having seeds that catch on clothing and fur or are eaten and distributed by birds. Some plants, like Eurasian watermilfoil or invasive phragmites, can reproduce from cut or broken plant parts.

Oak wilt spores and emerald ash borer larvae have been transported to many sites in Michigan on firewood. Microscopic zebra mussel larvae and many invasive aquatic plants have hitchhiked from one lake to another on watercraft and trailers. Garlic mustard has spread along many roadsides and forest trails with the help of cars, plows, all-terrain vehicles and hikers. In fact, for many invasives, hitchhiking with humans is a common (yet preventable) mode of transportation.

You can help!

  • Travel clean – After spending time in the outdoors, check for and remove mud, debris and plant material from vehicles, clothing and gear before heading to your next destination. Always leave firewood at home. Instead, purchase it at or near your destination.
  • Lend a hand – Connect with your local CISMA to find volunteer opportunities or learn best practices for managing invasive species on your property.
  • Identify and report – Learn how to spot invasive species and help MISP efforts by reporting watch list species. Visit Michigan.gov/Invasives and the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network for identification and reporting information.

“Public reporting has been critical to statewide invasive species detections. Residents in southeast Michigan helped identify new infestations of spotted lanternfly by posting photos and locations in Michigan’s Eyes in the Field reporting system, and people across the state have assisted with oak wilt management by reporting through the Oak Wilt Interactive Mapping Tool,” said Foreman.

To learn more about protecting Michigan’s special places from invasive species, visit Michigan.gov/Invasives.

Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Department of Natural Resources; and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

NISAW: National Invasive Species Awareness Week is an international event to raise awareness about invasive species, the threat that they pose, and what can be done to prevent their spread. Courtesy of NAISMA, the North American Invasive Species Management Association.

SLF close up: Help to slow the spread of spotted lanternfly in Michigan by checking for and removing hitchhiking insects or egg masses on vehicles, gear and outdoor items that have been in infested areas.
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OAA Basketball Top 23

OAA Basketball Top 23

by | Feb 25, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

OAA Basketball Top 23.

Written Saturday February 22nd at 9:05 AM

Final Boys poll.

Boys

1. Groves 17-5: Falcons know what’s ahead of them in the district finals.

2. Avondale 15-7: Yellow Jackets have been really impressive in first year in Red.

3. Oxford 21-1: It’s been an incredible year for the Wildcats.

4. Clarkston 15-7: Wolves staring Avondale in the face as we speak.

5. Lake Orion 15-7: Dragons have their confidence back heading into the postseason.

6. Farmington 16-5: Falcons looked shaky against Oak Park, can’t have that come postseason time.

7. Rochester 17-5: Falcons could have Adams staring at them in the district final.

8. North Farmington 12-9: Raiders need Rob Smith to perform in the postseason.

9. Ferndale 9-13: Eagles looking at Detroit Pershing as we speak.

10. Royal Oak 13-9: How do you lose to Romeo, Ravens???

11. Bloomfield Hills 13-9: Mason Canfield and D’Ron Mason are stars in the making.

12. Troy 10-12: Colts confidence is a bit shaken after rough loss to Seaholm.

13. Adams 7-15: Highlanders are the most dangerous team in their district.

14. Troy Athens 7-15: Red Hawks looking to get revenge on their arch rivals in the postseason.

15. West Bloomfield 5-16: Lakers are better than their record indicates.

16. Pontiac 12-9: Phoenix riding with some confidence heading into the postseason.

17. Seaholm 5-17: Maples might be the hottest team right now heading into the postseason.

18. Oak Park 6-11: Knights have been really inconsistent.

19. Ferndale University 9-11: Eagles preparing for Hazel Park as we speak.

20. Southfield Arts and Tech 7-15: Warriors win at Stoney Creek is a confidence boost.

21. Stoney Creek 10-11: Losses to Ferndale University and Southfield Arts and Tech is not a good sign.

22. Berkley 5-17: How do you lose to Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood Bears???

23. Harper Woods 3-16: Pioneers had a rough week, now it’s Eastpointe.

 

Girls

1. Clarkston 15-6: Wolves riding with a ton of confidence right now.

2. Rochester 17-3: Falcons riding into the postseason with confidence.

3. Avondale 16-4: Despite loss to Chippewa Valley, the Yellow Jackets are fine.

4. West Bloomfield 12-8: Sheridan Beal is the real deal.

5. Stoney Creek 13-6: Cougars have been treading water lately.

6. Lake Orion 11-10: Congrats Izzy Wotlinski on 1,000 career points.

7. Oxford 7-14: Wildcats have been competitive despite rough season.

8. Southfield Arts and Tech 13-7: Warriors could be very dangerous come postseason time.

9. Berkley 13-7: Bears are in a really interesting spot this postseason.

10. Seaholm 12-9: Maples are the team to watch this postseason.

11. Bloomfield Hills 8-10: Blackhawks have been really competitive despite two tough losses.

12. Groves 5-14: Harlem Simpson is the real deal.

13. Ferndale 7-13: Forfeiting games is not the way despite beating Stoney Creek.

14. Royal Oak 9-11: Ravens have been a Jekyll and Hyde lately.

15. Adams 9-10: Highlanders starting to get their confidence back.

16. Harper Woods 8-8: Pioneers looking to gain confidence heading into the postseason.

17. Troy Athens 7-13: Red Hawks are still a Scooby Doo team.

18. Troy 6-13: Colts are a different team without Diamond Prince.

19. Farmington 8-12: Falcons loss to Walled Lake Western was not good.

20. North Farmington 5-13: Raiders have been playing tough opponents as of late.

21. Pontiac 9-6: Phoenix have been really competitive lately.

22. Ferndale University 8-6: Eagles getting a week to prepare for final stretch.

23. Oak Park 0-12: Knights struggling with confidence.

OAA Basketball Top 23

Avondale has their new Varsity Football Coach

by | Feb 25, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Avondale has their new Varsity Football Coach

Written Wednesday February 19th at 1:50 PM

The Yellow Jackets have their new football coach.

Avondale has named Jim Carlisle as their new football coach according to an accurate source and the MHSAA website. Carlisle takes over for Coach Bob Meyer who stepped down at the end of the season.

Carlisle has coached 36 years most recently he coached at Vassar from 2022 until this season. He also had a stint at Imlay City which he was the coach from 2018 until 2022.

The Yellow Jackets will be in line for another change in offense. Carlisle likes to run the spread offense, it will be a much in line to past Avondale coaches Steve Duestch and Ed Coutrier when they were in Auburn Hills.

Carlisle will be tasked of keeping the tradition alive in Auburn Hills. Avondale will be in the Gold with Berkley, Royal Oak, Pontiac, and Ferndale this season.

My Thoughts.

Carlisle is a really interesting hire coming from the thumb area. Carlisle brings experience and the spread to a program that has seen a ton of experience in this offense. I don’t know if he is familiar with the OAA when it comes to the teams. What helps is the majority of the division has new coaches if you include Casey Humes who was at Berkley last season. It will be very interesting to see what happens.

Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.

 

MHSAA Website

https://www.mhsaa.com/schools/avondale/boys/varsity/football/2025

MiLEAP Celebrate PreK for All Success

MiLEAP Celebrate PreK for All Success

by | Feb 24, 2025 | Regional News

LG Header 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

February 24, 2025

Contact: [email protected]

 

Lt. Governor Gilchrist and MiLEAP Celebrate PreK for All Success, Highlight Continued Investments for Michigan’s Youngest Learners

 

LANSING, Mich. – Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) are celebrating the success of the PreK for All Initiative, which is helping Michigan families save money while preparing the state’s youngest learners for kindergarten. This milestone was marked today during in event with families at the South Lyon Early Childhood Center in southeast Michigan.

 

“Governor Whitmer and I are committed to ensuring that every child in Michigan receives the strong start they deserve,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Thanks to PreK for All, we have witnessed record enrollment for 4-year-olds across our state, and we are building on that momentum. This is about investing in our kids’ futures, and we will continue collaborating with all partners to make sure every Michigan family has access to high-quality early education, no matter where they live.”

 

“PreK for All is truly transforming lives, making quality early learning more accessible than ever for Michigan families,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP.  “We are pleased to see so many families benefiting from these investments as their children grow academically and socially, all while keeping more money in their pockets. With the Governor’s budget recommendation, we will continue to expand lifelong education opportunities to ensure that every in child in Michigan has a solid foundation for success.”

 

“I strongly believe that no family should have to pay out-of-pocket for a high-quality preschool experience,” said Michael Lloyd, Principal at the South Lyon Early Childhood Center. “Continued investments in PreK for All means more families will have access to early education without the financial burden, ensuring every child can learn and grow in a supportive environment. Free preschool will have a lasting impact for families in our community, and with support from the state, we can make sure every Michigan four-year-old has a strong foundation for lifelong learning at this crucial stage of their development.”

 

Michigan’s PreK for All initiative saves families an estimated $10,000 per year in child care costs, putting an estimated $450 million back into Michigan families’ pockets this school year. The Governor’s recent budget recommendation builds on these efforts by:  

  • Investing $676.1 million to continue providing PreK for All through the Great Start Readiness Program.
  • Piloting free PreK for three-year-olds, anticipated to serve nearly 4,000 children by 2029.

 

In addition to the benefits for children and families, PreK for All benefits Michigan’s economy as a whole. A recent analysis from the Upjohn Institute found that for every dollar spent on the program, it creates $1.72 in total economic benefits for our state.

 

PreK enrollment for 2025-2026 school year will open soon. Families can learn more and find programs that fit their needs by visiting MiPreKforAll.org . For families seeking other child care options, visit the Great Start to Quality website.

 

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AG Re-issues Tax Season Consumer Alerts

AG Re-issues Tax Season Consumer Alerts

by | Feb 24, 2025 | Regional News

Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 24, 2025

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Re-issues Tax Season Consumer Alerts

LANSING – This tax season, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is encouraging Michigan residents to file their taxes early to help prevent tax-related identity theft and is reissuing tax season consumer alerts to ensure consumers are better prepared to protect their personal information.

“During tax season, scammers take advantage of the opportunity to steal taxpayers’ money, access their personal data, and commit identity theft,” Nessel said. “To protect yourself, file early and stay informed about their tactics and how to avoid common tax-season scams.”

Tax-related Identity theft occurs when someone uses stolen personal information – including, but not limited to, an individual’s Social Security number (SSN) – to file a phony tax return and claim another person’s refund.

The IRS is often the first to inform victims that their identity has been stolen. Nessel’s advice to help consumers protect themselves and avoid being a victim includes:

  • Filing your tax return as early as you can, before identity thieves have the opportunity to do so.
  • Not giving out your SSN unless there’s a good reason, you’re confident you’re giving it to someone authorized to request this information, and you know how they will protect it.
  • Using a secure internet connection if you’re filing electronically.
  • Sending your tax return directly from the post office if you’re filing by mail.
  • Thoroughly researching a tax preparer before handing over your personal information and never sending your personal information in a text or email.
  • Reviewing the IRS’ informational guides, like their Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft and Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers (PDF).

The Attorney General is also reissuing the IRS Phone and Email Tax Scams Alert to remind consumers the IRS will never call taxpayers to:

  • Threaten arrest;
  • Request payment by wire transfer, gift card, or prepaid debit card; or
  • Ask you to provide credit card information over the phone.

For residents who find they owe money after filing, the Debt Collectors & the IRS and Tax Debt Resolution Scams alerts include valuable information to avoid falling for a debt collection scam.

Businesses are not immune from tax-season scams or identity theft. Small and midsized business owners are encouraged to know the signs and watch for common tactics and signs during tax season and year-round.

Nessel encourages those who find they are victims of any type of identity theft to follow the steps recommended by the Federal Trade Commission and file a complaint.

If an individual’s SSN is compromised and tax-related identity theft is suspected, the IRS recommends that consumers:

  • Immediately contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490;
  • Respond immediately to any IRS notice;
  • Complete the IRS Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit (PDF) – also available online through IRS Publication 5027: Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers (PDF);
  • Continue to pay your taxes and file your tax return even if you must do so by paper; and
  • Remember: Even if a false refund is claimed and issued in your name, identity scammers do not actually steal your refund. If you are legally entitled to a tax refund, being a verified victim of tax-related identity theft will not change that. Your refund may be delayed, but you will, eventually, get your refund.

To file a complaint with the Attorney General or get additional information, contact:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form