This annual update helps ensure that the DNR’s forest road inventory is accurate and meets requirements outlined in Public Act 288 of 2016.

“Public participation is important for this decision-making process to protect natural resources while ensuring as much recreational access as possible,” said DNR Forest Resources Division acting chief Jeff Stampfly.

Proposed changes to road maps include:

• Adding roads that previously were unmapped.
• Deleting roads that no longer exist.
• Removing duplicate road entries.
• Closing roads to conventional vehicle use, including ORVs.
• Closing roads only to ORV use and opening other roads to ORV use.

“This year, efforts focused on evaluating the existing forest road maps, making changes where warranted, and comparing on-the-ground roads to online datasets,” said Kristen Matson, forest road inventory review team member. “Changes were proposed to increase the accuracy of the map system.”

Public input will be accepted online and via email until Dec. 1. Comment on or view the locations of proposed changes on an interactive web map or printable PDF maps at Michigan.gov/ForestRoads or send emails to DNR-RoadInventoryProject@Michigan.gov.

Comments will also be accepted at upcoming Michigan Natural Resources Commission meetings in early 2021. At the January meeting, state forest road proposals will be brought before the DNR director for information. At the February meeting, the DNR director is expected to make a formal decision on the proposed changes.

New maps will go into effect and be published online April 1, 2021.

Eagles, while still protected by state and federal laws, have recovered in number and it’s not uncommon to see them throughout Michigan. Bald eagles’ white head and tail feathers are striking features, but did you know that the birds don’t get these white feathers until they’re 5 years old? This is also when they start looking for a mate. Immature eagles are all brown with white mottling.

During the early spring and summer months you might be fortunate enough to see an eagle nest site and get to watch the adults raise their chicks. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, there were almost 850 bald eagle nests in Michigan in 2019! Nests were found in 81 of the state’s 83 counties.

Michigan is also lucky to get occasional visits from one of North America’s other eagles – the golden eagle. While golden eagles don’t nest in Michigan, they can be seen moving through the state during fall and spring migrations. These large, majestic birds are an exciting sight, so break out your binoculars and keep your eyes trained on the sky.

The All About Birds site by The Cornell Lab has helpful information and bird identification tips, including for the bald eagle and golden eagle.

Additional tips and information about wildlife viewing in Michigan can be found at Michigan.gov/Wildlife.

For a third year, the DNR is cooperating with the organization and Jay’s Sporting Goods in Clare to accept deer for donation to local food banks. Hunters in northeast Michigan will have a new opportunity to participate by donating at Northwoods Wholesale Outlet in Pinconning.

Hunters donating a legally taken deer at the Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger truck at the Jay’s Clare location or Northwoods Wholesale Outlet in Pinconning will have their name entered for a chance to win a $500 gift certificate from the store where they donated.

A donation truck will be at Jay’s – located at 8800 S. Clare Ave. in Clare – from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16; Friday, Nov. 20; and Saturday, Nov. 21. Deer donated at Jay’s will be processed at Carson Village Market in Carson City.

Northwoods Wholesale Outlet, located at 229 W. 5th St. in Pinconning, will host a truck from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16.

Hunters who can’t make these events will have another opportunity to enter a separate drawing – open to any hunter who donates a deer at one of the many Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger participating processors throughout the state – for a chance to win a wild boar hunt or one of several other prizes.

Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that helps connect donors, wild game processors and charities like food banks, pantries and shelters that offer critical food assistance.

The organization processed over 82,000 pounds of ground venison last year, providing more than 400,000 meals for families in need.

“Last year was great, but with the pandemic, the need for food donations is even greater. I would love to hit 100,000 pounds this year,” said Dean Hall, executive officer of Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger.

To learn more about the prize drawing, find a participating processor or make a monetary donation to support venison processing, visit
SportsmenAgainstHunger.org.

Hunters also can make a monetary donation when they buy a hunting license.

Questions? Contact Ray Rustem at 517-420-0005.

Ken Silfven, DNR license sales and customer service manager, said the last-minute rush for licenses tends to happen every year, and it’s understandable.

“We totally get it. People are busy with work and family responsibilities. Sometimes, you’re probably thinking ahead about the excitement of that first hunt of the year, but maybe not about the details,” Silfven said. “We’re just trying to avoid having too many people sitting down at their computers to buy licenses the weekend before opening day, and then worrying about kill tags.”

Hunters can buy licenses online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or in person at any licensing agent. For more information, email [email protected] or call 517-284-6057.

The 2020 grant program handbook outlines priorities and application guidelines. Applicants also can take advantage of a two-part webinar Thursday, Nov.5:

• Part 1 starts at 9 a.m. and will focus on general grant information, 2020 priorities and the application process.
• Part 2 follows at 10 a.m. and will explain the Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area application process and funding for 2020.

Both the handbook and webinar registration information are available at Michigan.gov/MISGP. A recorded version of the webinar will be available at this website after Nov. 10.

Local, state, federal and tribal units of government, nonprofit organizations and universities may apply for funding to support invasive species projects in Michigan. Full project proposals are due Dec. 11. Award announcement is anticipated in March 2021.