Protect trees and forests from invasive species; don’t move firewood

by | Jun 8, 2020 | Uncategorized

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For immediate release: June 8, 2020
Program contact: Cirsten Main, 517-614-1369
Media contacts: Jennifer Holton, MDARD, 517-284-5724; Joanne Foreman, DNR, 517-284-5814

Protect trees and forests from invasive species; don’t move firewood

LANSING, Mich. –- The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is reminding the public about the risk of accidentally spreading invasive species while moving firewood. New infestations of invasive pests or diseases can be devastating and pose a serious threat to Michigan’s agriculture, forests and the environment.

Oak wilt fungus 1Harmful invasive species, some of which are invisible to the naked eye, can hide in or on firewood. While most cannot move far on their own, these pests and diseases can be transported undetected on travelers’ firewood, starting new infestations in locations hundreds of miles away. These invasive species threaten native tree species without natural defenses against these pests and diseases. Infestations also can destroy forests, lower property values and cost huge sums of money to control.

“It is nearly impossible to detect diseases – like thousand cankers disease, which affects walnut trees, or oak wilt in oak trees – just by looking at the wood,” said Mike Philip, director of MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division. “Never assume wood appearing uninfested is safe to move.”

Jason Fleming, chief of resource protection and promotion in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division, said awareness of these tree pests and diseases and a commitment to not move firewood are especially important at Michigan’s state parks, where many trees and forested areas have been devastated.

“As camping resumes this year, we urge all campers to look to purchase firewood at the state park campgrounds, rather than bring wood with you,” Fleming said. “Typically, the firewood sold at state parks is affordable, locally sourced or heat-treated to eliminate pests and diseases.”

One way MDARD safeguards Michigan’s natural resources against harmful insects and diseases is through plant pest quarantines, which limit the movement of certain plant material within, into or out of the state.

“Over the last hundred years, invasive pests have killed tens of millions of trees in forests, cities and communities across the country,” added Philip. “Quarantines can help limit the movement of potentially infested wood, but everyone has to do their part to stop or slow the spread of invasive species.”

To limit the spread of invasive species, leave firewood at home and:

Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Invasives and on MDARD’s plant pest quarantine webpage.

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 & Rural Development.

/Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Suggested captions follow:

Oak wilt fungus: Oak wilt fungus, found under the bark of infested trees, can spread oak wilt to new locations through firewood movement.

Tree loss: Oak wilt has had a devastating effect on parks across the state, including this campground at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park near Grand Haven./
The COVID-19 Update

The COVID-19 Update

by | Jun 8, 2020 | Uncategorized

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The COVID-19 Update provides the latest news and resources to help community partners plan, prepare, and respond to the coronavirus outbreak.

Video: June 5 Press Conference

Latest News

Governor Whitmer rolls back COVID-19 executive orders on FOIA, hospital capacity, and ambulances, MDHHS loosens visitation rules in hospitals

Executive Order 2020-38, which extends certain FOIA deadlines due to COVID-19, will be rescinded at 12:00 am on June 11, 2020. Executive Orders 2020-39 (providing temporary relief from certain restrictions and requirements governing the provision of emergency medical services) and 2020-82 (providing temporary enhancements to operational capacity and efficiency of health care facilities) are rescinded, effective immediately.

Michigan National Guard helps communities offer no-cost COVID-19 testing at six new sites

The Michigan National Guard will continue its partnership with MDHHS, Michigan State Police, and local health departments to offer COVID-19 testing this weekend in the communities of Holland, Ferndale, Battle Creek, Sturgis, Allegan, and Petoskey. These drive-through sites will be offering tests at no cost to the public both Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7.

MDHHS updates COVID-19 statistics on website, provides additional data sets and information

In an effort to provide more information about COVID-19 in Michigan, MDHHS is providing additional and improved statistics on its website Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

Additional food assistance for 350,000 Michigan families in response to COVID-19 emergency extended through June

Michigan previously approved the additional food assistance for March, April and May and now that is being extended for the month of June with approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service.

Gov. Whitmer’s request to extend use of Michigan National Guard to combat COVID-19 approved by President Trump

The Michigan National Guard will continue its efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic after President Donald Trump extended federal deployment known as Title 32 authority until Aug. 21. The extension comes after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer sent a letter to the president on May 27 urging him to extend Title 32 authority.

Take Action – How You Can Help

Contact Tracing

To break the chain of infection and continue to slow the spread, we’re calling anyone who has been exposed to coronavirus. If you get a call from MI COVID HELP or your local health department please answer.

Find a Job in Health Care

Health care organizations across Michigan are hiring full-time, part-time, and temporary staff to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Volunteer & Donation Opportunities

You can make a difference to fight and slow the spread of COVID-19. Your time, talent and donations will have an impact now.

Resources

MI Symptom App

MI Symptoms is a symptom survey to be taken daily by Michigan residents, for early detection of COIVD-like illnesses by Michigan public health professionals. This symptom survey may also help us better understand what influences the spread of the virus.

MI Safe Start Map Dashboard

MI Safe Start Map is a dashboard to monitor the status of COVID-19 indicators across the state of Michigan. The dashboard tracks and displays the current risk phase of Michigan regions and counties due to COVID-19.

Mental Health Resources

If you’re feeling emotional distress caused by COVID-19, this page offers many ways you can connect to emotional-support services without leaving home.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Tool

Visual COVID-19 tool for deaf and hard of hearing.

Executive Orders & Directives

An updated list of the COVID-19 Executive Orders and Directives.
Michigan National Guard helps communities

Michigan National Guard helps communities

by | Jun 8, 2020 | Uncategorized

Michigan National Guard helps communities offer no-cost COVID-19 testing at six new sites

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2020
Contact: Capt. Andrew Layton, 517-940-0881

LANSING, MICH. The Michigan National Guard will continue its partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan State Police, and local health departments to offer COVID-19 testing this weekend in the communities of Holland, Ferndale, Battle Creek, Sturgis, Allegan, and Petoskey.

These drive-through sites will be offering tests at no cost to the public both Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7.

“Expanded testing is a critical component of our MI Safe Start plan to re-engage Michigan’s economy,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “We have significantly expanded our testing eligibility criteria so that most people are eligible to receive a test, and for these sites you do not need a doctor’s order. We appreciate the Michigan National Guard members who are stepping up to make this testing available. If you will be in these communities over the weekend, please reach out to obtain a test.”

The Michigan National Guard has more than 50 trained testing teams ready to assist, of which 21 are currently assigned to support the community testing mission. These three-member teams include a certified medic to conduct the testing and two members to assist with paperwork, logistics, and non-medical tasks. All team members from the Michigan National Guard have tested negative for COVID-19 and have been following strict medical protocols to ensure health and safety and to protect Michigan communities.

“Michigan National Guard members come from these communities, we live, work, and raise our families here,” said Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, Adjutant General and Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “We are proud to work alongside our state and local partners to serve our neighbors and keep our communities safe.

Locations for each testing site include:

Allegan
Allegan County Health Services
3255 122nd Ave. Allegan, MI 49010
Saturday Only: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Battle Creek
Kellogg Community College Field House
450 North Ave. Battle Creek, MI 49017
Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Holland
West Ottawa High School
3600 152nd Ave. Holland, MI 49424
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Ferndale
Royal Oak Twp Recreation Department
21272 Mendota Ave. Ferndale, MI 48220
Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Petoskey
Odawa Casino
1760 Lears Rd. Petoskey, MI 49770
Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Sturgis
Doyle Community Center
310 N. Franks Ave. Sturgis, MI 49091
Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

These drive-through testing sites will feature additional resources, such as information for those interested in joining the Michigan National Guard and resources for veterans.

The MING has been actively engaged in the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic through widespread testing and screening, distribution of personal protective equipment, and assistance at numerous food banks across the state. The community testing initiative is a continuation of those efforts.

Similar testing was held in Flint and Muskegon Heights over Memorial Day weekend and again last weekend in Albion, Flint Midland, Mackinaw City, Traverse City, and Westland.

Locations for alternate test sites can be found at https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98189—,00.html.

For photos of COVID-19 testing in Muskegon, click here: https://www.dvidshub.net/image/6221059/michigan-national-guard-supports-successful-free-covid-19-testing-muskegon-heights-residents.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

MDHHS Updates COVID-19 Statistics on Website

by | Jun 8, 2020 | Uncategorized

MDHHS Updates COVID-19 Statistics on Website, Provides Additional Data Sets and Information

LANSING, Mich. – In an effort to provide more information about COVID-19 in Michigan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is providing additional and improved statistics on its website Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

The new data presentation was developed by MDHHS staff using PowerBI software.

“We are continuing to improve the information we are providing as our goal is to share timely and accurate data during this pandemic,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “Data is now being provided in visual, easy-to-understand graphs and allow users to display data by date, for their county or by preparedness region. I am grateful for the hard work and dedication of MDHHS staff who made this possible.”

Starting today, the following information is being included:

  • Confirmed and probable cases and deaths by age group, sex and race breakdowns for the state, preparedness regions and counties.
  • Total serologic and diagnostic tests by county and preparedness region.
  • Cumulative confirmed cases and deaths by date.

The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists has provided a national standard defining “probable” cases. Identifying probable cases and deaths provides a more complete picture about how COVID-19 has impacted the state. They are defined by one of the following:

  • Having clinical disease AND an epidemiologic link.
  • Having a presumptive lab result AND either clinical disease OR an epidemiologic link.
  • Having a death certificate that lists COVID-19 disease as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death without a positive COVID-19 confirmed lab result.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Whitmer Blasts Civil Service Commission Action That Attacks Frontline State Employees 

Whitmer Blasts Civil Service Commission Action That Attacks Frontline State Employees 

by | Jun 8, 2020 | Uncategorized

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 5, 2020

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Blasts Civil Service Commission Action That Attacks Frontline State Employees

 

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement today blasting the Michigan Civil Service Commission for a proposed action that would weaken collective bargaining rights for state employees who are working on the frontlines to keep Michiganders safe from COVID-19. All four of the current civil service commissioners were appointed by the previous administration.

 

“Make no mistake, this action is a direct assault on our hardworking state employees, who are serving bravely on the frontlines to protect the people of Michigan from COVID-19,” said Whitmer. “We are in the middle of a global pandemic and the worst economic crisis in our lifetimes, and the notion that Civil Service Commission would choose this moment to take power away from our health care workers, road repair workers, corrections officers, and unemployment call center employees is unthinkable. This action will make it harder for these frontline workers to negotiate together for strong wages, health care, and a secure retirement. I’m calling on the civil service commissioners to do the right thing and reject this anti-worker proposal. Our frontline state workers have our backs, and now it’s time for us to have theirs.”