DNR News Digest – Week of July 18, 2022

by Becky Andrus | Jul 20, 2022 | Recreation

News Digest – Week of July 18, 2022

A young child with glasses and long blonde hair rides a bike through a campground, flashing a huge smile to the camera.

No matter where you go outdoors, make sure to always #RecreateResponsibly.

Here are just 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 the images used below, and others, are available in this folder.

Photo ambassador snapshot: Port Crescent perusing

Two young, blonde children frolic atop a sandy dune framed by leafless trees. A vast lake extends into the horizon in the background. Want to see more pictures like this, taken by Michigan state parks photo ambassador Joey and Jessica Sancrant at Port Crescent State Park in Huron County? Visit Instagram.com/MiStateParks to explore photos and learn more about the photo ambassadors! For more on the photo ambassador program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182.

DNR’s summer nature programs a fun fit for kids

A group of three children stand with a DNR guide, who points across a wetland on a sunny day.

State parks, recreation areas, fish hatcheries and visitor centers aren’t just cool places to visit, they also are amazing destinations for learning about Michigan’s natural world and history. And the park naturalists, interpreters and explorer guides are so good at what they do, all your kids will know is that they’re having fun! Here are just a few examples coming up this week:

11 a.m. Friday, July 22 – Field Investigation: Monarchs! (Eddy Discovery Center at Waterloo Recreation Area, Washtenaw County). Be part of a field investigation of monarch butterflies and help naturalists collect eggs and caterpillars for the visitor center display. Visit the center’s webpage for more details, including the weekly events calendar and other helpful info.
1 p.m. Friday, July 22 – Chalk Art Contest (Interlochen State Park, Grand Traverse County). Kids can create designs that promote ways to preserve area lakes and waterways. The winner in each age group gets a gift bag. Check out the weekly events calendar to see what else is happening.
10:30 a.m. Sunday, July 24 – Cast Away (Tawas Point State Park, Iosco County). Practice casting a fishing line with Explorer Guide Nicole, and see who can cast the farthest and who has the best aim! The weekly events calendar offers more suggestions (Outstanding Owls or Super Snakes, anyone?).

If those sound inviting, definitely see what else is offered at Michigan.gov/NaturePrograms; there is a map linking to individual locations. Throughout the summer, program schedules also will be posted in participating parks; check with campground hosts or other park staff to see what’s happening.

Though the programs are free of charge, you do need a Recreation Passport for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas.

Questions? Contact Holly Vaughn at 248-459-7917.

#RecreateResponsibly with just a few simple steps

A conservation officer stands in front of a sand dune with arms splayed wide. A red, transparent YouTube play button is overlayed atop the image.

During the pandemic, people across the country ventured outdoors in record numbers, to destinations including Michigan state parks, trails and waterways. In fact, visitation to state parks went up 30% over the past two years, with annual visitation jumping from approximately 28 million to 35 million people.

While the outdoors is an important component of many people’s leisure activities and healthy lifestyles, it’s just as critical that we each do our part to take care of these outdoor spaces so they are protected and here for future generations to enjoy and use.

“We’ve seen record numbers of both established and new visitors over the last couple years,” said Jason Fleming, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division’s Resources Section. “Many visitors have grown up coming to state parks and others are new to outdoor recreation. We’re always excited to provide these opportunities to create new memories, but we also need everyone’s help to work together to maintain these natural and historical spaces.”

A new “Recreate Responsibly” video series highlights guidelines and steps people can follow to protect Michigan’s woods, water and wildlife, while also keeping themselves and other visitors safe. Those tips include:

Plan ahead.
Build an inclusive outdoors.
Leave no trace.
Be a kind visitor.
Play it safe.

Visit Michigan.gov/RecreateResponsibly to check out the videos and learn more about getting involved. If you’d like to help promote the “Recreate Responsibly” principle and video series, consider sharing them on social media. You can also share your stewardship ideas by using the #RecreateResponsibly, #MiOutdoorIdea and #MiDNR hashtags. We’ll see you outside!

Questions? Contact Stephanie Yancer, social media coordinator, at [email protected].

ICYMI: Volunteer your outdoor know-how at UP State Fair

A young child pulls the drawstring of a knocked arrow.

If you have fond memories and a love of Michigan’s outdoors, consider sharing your knowledge to inspire a new generation of outdoor adventurers and conservationists!

In case you missed it, last week we announced we are recruiting volunteers to help at the DNR’s Pocket Park during the Upper Peninsula State Fair, Aug. 15-21 in Escanaba. The 1-acre park, located off U.S. 2 within the fairgrounds, caters especially to youngsters seeking an outdoor adventure or wanting to learn an outdoor skill.

You can help kids catch and release bluegills in the U.P.-shaped pond or shoot a pellet gun or bow and arrow, staff the fire tower or greet visitors. A variety of shifts are available. Businesses, organizations, clubs and groups also can sponsor shifts and have their employees or members volunteer as a group.

Want to help? Contact Jo Ann Alexander at 906-786-2351, ext. 0 or Kristi Dahlstrom at 906-226-1331.

THINGS TO DO

Horseback riding, hiking, biking and more – there’s so much fun to be had on Michigan’s trails. Check out the state trails page to find everything from maps to trail etiquette. Happy exploring!

BUY & APPLY

Heading out to drop a line and enjoy fishing Michigan waters? Find your next favorite fishing hole, check the weekly fishing report and make sure you have your 2022 fishing license.

GET INVOLVED

The natural world is full of wonders – sometimes in ways that need further understanding. Check out community science opportunities to contribute to this growing base of knowledge.

We recently launched a new website, and we’d love to hear what you think via this brief survey. Thanks for helping us improve our site for all users!

New website to educate Michigan residents about monkeypox

by Becky Andrus | Jul 20, 2022 | Health and Wellness

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 20, 2022

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@michian.gov

MDHHS launches new website to educate Michigan residents about
monkeypox, how to get help if you have symptoms, the state’s response

LANSING, MICH. – To help keep Michiganders up to date on monkeypox (MPV) and the state’s response to the virus, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has launched a new website at Michigan.gov/mpv.

The site provides information about the signs and symptoms of MPV, number of cases in the state by county; information for health care providers about testing and coordinating with local health departments; treatment; and other resources for the public and providers. State case count information will be updated regularly.

“MDHHS is working closely with our federal partners, local health departments and health care providers across the state in response to this outbreak,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “MPV is a viral illness that spreads primarily through direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, bodily fluids or prolonged face-to-face contact. It is important to remember that the risk to the general public is low. However, Michiganders with concerns about MPV should see their provider to be evaluated for testing.”

MPV is a disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. MPV belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine) and cowpox virus. While both diseases may have similar presentation, MPV is not related to chickenpox.

Persons experiencing MPV symptoms should contact a health care provider for evaluation. CDC is urging health care providers in the United States to be alert for patients who have rash illnesses consistent with MPV, regardless of whether they have travel or specific risk factors for MPV and regardless of gender or sexual orientation. While many of those affected in the current global outbreaks are men who have sex with men, anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has MPV can get the illness.

There are no treatments specifically for MPV infections. However, MPV and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, which means that antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox can be used to prevent and treat MPV infections.

States are receiving vaccine allocations from the Strategic National Stockpile in accordance with the number of MPV cases and the size of the underlying at-risk population. Michigan has received a limited supply of the vaccine, JYNNEOS. Additional limited allocations will follow in the next few months, but specific quantities and timelines are not yet known. The federal government continues to purchase vaccine, but JYNNEOS is not likely to become broadly available in the near-term.

A local health department may initiate contact with eligible individuals who have been identified as a close contact to an MPV case about receiving the vaccine. If you know you have had a contact with someone with MPV please contact your local health department for more information. Information about federal vaccine allocations is available online and will be updated every Wednesday.

Treatments for MPV have not been pre-deployed to states by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and will continue to be available through the Strategic National Stockpile. Clinicians evaluating MPV patients should be aware of the clinical considerations and process of requesting TPOXX (Tecovirimat) for their patients.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/MPV or CDC.gov/monkeypox.

Nessel Issues Statement on Victory in “Adopt and Amend”

by Becky Andrus | Jul 20, 2022 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

July 19, 2022

Media contact:
AG Press

AG Nessel Issues Statement on Victory in “Adopt and Amend”

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following statement regarding the Court of Claims opinion declaring “adopt and amend” unconstitutional:

“This order is a victory for the residents of Michigan whose efforts to bring an issue before their elected representatives were wrongly circumvented by the Legislature in 2018. The initiated law process is intended as a tool for the people. As Judge Shapiro noted in his opinion, the constitution ‘grants the Legislature three options to address a law proposed through the initiative process—enact the law, reject the law, or propose an alternative. Article 2, § 9 does not permit the Legislature to adopt a proposed law and, in the same legislative session, substantially amend or repeal it.’

The actions undertaken by the Legislature in 2018 denied the will of the people and distorted the purpose of Michigan’s citizens initiative process. This is a victory for Michiganders and for democracy.”

Note: The Court of Claims ordered that Public Acts 368 and 369 of 2018 are voided, and the initiatives adopted by the Legislature as Public Acts 337 and 338 of 2018 remain in effect.

Assistance for Needy Families State

by Becky Andrus | Jul 20, 2022 | Health and Wellness

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 20, 2022

CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, WheatonB@michigan.gov

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families State Plan available
for public comment

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is accepting public comment on its plan for spending Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding from the federal government.

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) State Plan can be viewed on the MDHHS website. The plan is effective Jan. 1, 2023. The public can submit comment by email to [email protected] through Sept. 5, 2022.

TANF is a federal program run by states that assists families who are unable to provide for their children’s basic needs.

“TANF provides important funding from our federal partners as we work to support families who are struggling to pay for food, clothing and other necessities for their children,” said Lewis Roubal, MDHHS chief deputy director for opportunity. “TANF also helps parents find jobs. We welcome input from our residents about our plans for spending these federal dollars that come to Michigan.”

The state plan describes programs and services paid for with TANF, including:

The Family Independence Program, which provided cash assistance to more than 27,000 low-income people in June.
Child care.
Services to support employment and self-sufficiency, including job search services and assistance with transportation.
Support for children in foster care and adoption assistance.
Hunger relief.
Services for school children at-risk of struggling with academics.
Buying diapers.

The plan is for the three years beginning in 2023. Michigan received $772.8 million from TANF for fiscal year 2022, with $528.1 million appropriated to MDHHS.

To be eligible for TANF, applicants must be low-income and have a child 18 or younger, or be pregnant, or be younger than 18 while also being the head of the household.

Ransomware: How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

by Becky Andrus | Jul 20, 2022 | Regional News

Hi there,

Earlier this month I brought my House Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism, which I chair, to Michigan for a field hearing focused on how local officials, school administrators, business owners, and families can protect themselves against cyber attacks. I wanted to do this because since my very first day in office, local leaders have been telling me stories about how their offices have been hit by ransomware attacks.

In layman’s terms, ransomware is malicious software designed to deny a user or organization access to files on their computer. By encrypting these files and demanding payment to “unlock” the system, cyberattackers place organizations in a position where paying the ransom is the easiest and cheapest way to regain access to their files. And these attacks have become extremely frequent.

There’s the township supervisor who told me his network was hacked three times in one year. And the local power company that paid $25,000 in ransom to the cybercriminals who locked their internal communication system, along with another $2.4 million responding to the attack. Or the room full of superintendents who ALL raised their hands when I asked whose school data had been hacked. And did you know that hackers target the state of Michigan’s servers more than 90 million times a day?

Those are just some of the issues we highlighted in the field hearing, which featured testimony from the Michigan State Police, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

But as new as those threats are, there are resources and experts that can help. If you are a local leader of a town, school, church, community group, or other organization and you find yourself locked out of your files or computer systems, here’s what you should do:

You should call the Michigan Cyber Command Center at 1-877-MI-CYBER. This is your “hotline” to report a cybercrime and discuss with Michigan State Police the ways that they can help make your organization more secure.
You can also contact the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) at www.cisa.gov. Here you can learn how to improve cybersecurity, details about the various resources that CISA offers and the ability to report incidents directly to CISA or get into contact with CISA.
Because these attacks can cause lasting damage to your organization and potentially jeopardize private, financial, or other sensitive data, it’s so important to take steps to report them when they happen.
The state and federal government both have trained experts in responding to cyber crime, so they are in the best possible position to help investigate the incident, mitigate its consequences, and help prevent future incidents.

But I don’t want you to wait until an attacker strikes to start taking action. There are steps you can take right now to protect yourself and you/your organization’s data:

Ransomware attackers sometimes find an entry point within software by exploiting any vulnerabilities. So make sure you’re backing up all your data and that all your software is up-to-date.
Most ransomware attacks are the by-product of bad habits or pure ignorance. Someone may voluntarily give out their password or download an unfamiliar file. Step up your employee/volunteer training so that the chances of this happening are much lower.
The Michigan Cyber Command Center (MC3) offers resources to check and enhance your cybersecurity regime. Take some time to browse through the resources and vetted vendors you’ll find there.
CISA also offers several free scanning and testing services to help organizations assess, identify and reduce their exposure to threats, including ransomware.
Here’s something simple everyone can do- experts say enabling multi factor authorization can make an organization 99% less likely to fall victim to a ransomware attack. You can learn more here: https://www.cisa.gov/mfa
And an important reminder: NEVER click on a link or open an attachment from an unknown source! If it looks suspicious…it probably is.

Here’s the bottom line: whether you’re in charge of a multi-million dollar organization or just checking your personal email, it’s time to step up your “cyber hygiene” routine. Cybercrime is modern warfare, and because of our reliance on the Internet, we’re all on the frontlines of this fight. So let’s arm ourselves with information and stay vigilant!

– Rep. Elissa Slotkin

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