DNR News Digest – Week of April 11, 2022

by Becky Andrus | Apr 12, 2022 | Recreation

News Digest – Week of April 11, 2022

dark-blond-haired little girl wearing glasses, knees pulled up, sitting among tall green and pink stalked flowers, bright blue water in background

Dreamy days ahead … where will you find yourself this summer?

Here are just a few of this week’s stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:

PHOTO FOLDER: Larger, higher-res versions of some of the images used in this email are available in this folder.

See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.

Photo ambassador snapshot: Belle Isle blossoms

Want to see more pictures like this, taken last spring by Michigan state parks photo ambassador Ana Easlick at Belle Isle Park in Detroit? 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.

Forest health: 2021 efforts, progress to protect trees

Man in green T-shirt, shorts and tan, brimmed hat uses an axe to scrape bark on an oak tree, while a group of young men and women watch.

Tiny tree killers, squirrel mayhem, ugly-nest caterpillars – and what in the world is a tortrix? The 2021 Forest Health Highlights report has answers to your tree health questions.

The annual publication produced by the DNR’s forest health team reports on weather conditions, commonly seen forest pests and diseases, invasive species like kudzu vine, and university research related to detection and management of forest threats.

Top issues in 2021 included oak wilt disease treatments, public outreach on an outbreak of spongy moth caterpillars (formerly called gypsy moth) and treatments for the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid in the western Lower Peninsula. Efforts to survey and treat red pine stands affected by the spread of Heterobasidion root disease continue from previous years; see and report locations on our interactive HRD map.

white, gloved fingers point out areas of a dark brown tree branch with small white clumps indicating balsam woolly adelgid infestation

An invasive species new to Michigan, the balsam woolly adelgid, was discovered by an arborist in Kent County in July. The pocket of infested trees was destroyed, and monitoring continues to make sure that other areas are not infected.

“The balsam woolly adelgid and other invasives have the potential to harm Michigan’s trees and forests,” said DNR Forest Health Program manager Sue Tangora. “You can help protect the places you love from the spread of invasive pests and diseases by reporting potential sightings to the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network – visit online or download the app to your phone.”

The DNR’s forest health staff, federal partners and local community scientists work together to protect Michigan’s trees. In addition to surveying for and treating existing threats, they’re keeping a sharp eye on the horizon for encroaching pests like the spotted lanternfly, a colorful, winged insect that voraciously feeds on maple trees, hops and grapes.

Want to learn more? Visit Michigan.gov/ForestHealth. Contact the forest health team at DNR-FRD-Forest-Health@Michigan.gov with questions. (And if you can’t wait to read more about that tortrix, check out page 9 of the report!)

In-person professional development courses for educators are back!

A group of men and women dressed in shorts, T-shirts, khakis and other outdoor gear, listen as a man in a green DNR shirt and brimmed hat speaks.

After nearly two years of pandemic uncertainty, the DNR’s popular teacher education events return to a full schedule in 2022. The Academy of Natural Resources looks forward to hosting up to 80 Michigan educators at its two program locations this summer.

The DNR’s Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, on the north shore of Higgins Lake in Roscommon, has hosted the academy (ANR Classic) since 2008. Three courses are offered this July:

Forests, Fields and Fins is the academy’s core class about managing and caring for Michigan’s natural resources.
NatureQuest is an introduction to flora and fauna of the Great Lakes region.
WEE Ones looks at incorporating nature-based best practices into early-elementary daily lesson plans.

Although each course has a distinct focus and target, nearly all Michigan educators can benefit from these weeklong learning opportunities.

“The Academy of Natural Resources attracts formal classroom and university educators as well as nonformal education staff at nature centers, zoos and conservation districts,” said program director Kevin Frailey, who oversees the DNR’s Education Services. “The program mixes academic excellence, field work, useful hands-on activities and lots of fun.”

Men and women wearing shorts, T-shirts and other outdoor gear, stand on, around and in front of an old, orange mining flatbed

The demand for these programs has been so consistently high that in 2016 the DNR partnered with Michigan Technological University to launch an Upper Peninsula-based option. Frailey said ANR North has been a great success, and this year’s course – exploring the historical and cultural impacts on natural resources of the U.P. – is one of the most popular ever.

While the Academy of Natural Resources has received numerous accolades and testimonials from participants over the years – a 2021 NatureQuest educator said, “The presenters were dynamic and enthusiastic, the presentations engaging and relevant, the facilitator was organized, inspiring and collegial.” – a recent doctoral study supports what attendees have said all along: Past participants are still positively influenced by the knowledge, activities and inspiration gained from the program more than five years after attending.

If you or someone you know is an education professional looking for natural resources-themed inspiration, sign up soon! ANR Classic (in Roscommon) is July 10-15. ANR North (at Michigan Technological University’s Ford Center, Alberta) is July 31-Aug. 5. For information about this summer’s courses, scholarships and credit options, go to Michigan.gov/ANR.

Questions? Contact Kevin Frailey at 517-974-7941.

Thank you, DNR emergency dispatchers, for your service

back view of two women, seated at desks with stacked computer screens, microphones and other office supplies

Did you know that DNR Law Enforcement Division emergency dispatchers are equipped with technology comparable to that of 911 call centers? It allows them to receive and manage information from the public about poaching and other violations, dispatch conservation officers accordingly and investigate tips.

In honor of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, the second week of April, the DNR recognizes the dedicated staff who operate the Report All Poaching hotline – a leader among North American conservation law enforcement agencies.

In addition to supporting conservation officers and other department personnel, dispatchers also help the public by supplying general DNR information, locating wildlife rehabilitators and answering questions about rules and regulations. The dispatchers work in concert with other federal, state and local agencies, making the RAP hotline an essential communications resource.

Last year, the RAP hotline received more than 37,000 calls and 12,000 text messages. These resulted in over 8,100 actionable complaints for conservation officers to investigate in the service of natural resources protection and public safety.

“Our knowledgeable dispatchers are often the first line of communication with the public and deliver professional customer service and essential support to conservation officers,” said Asst. Chief David Malloch, DNR Law Enforcement Division. “We are grateful for their tireless effort, which often involves working long shifts and managing high-stress, sensitive calls.”

If you witness or learn about a poaching event, immediately report it by calling 800-292-7800 or filling out the online reporting form. Tipsters may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a poacher. Learn more at Michigan.gov/RAP.

Questions? Email Capt. Jen Wolf at [email protected].

Natural Resources Commission meets Thursday in Lansing

head and shoulders view of a tan white-tailed deer, standing next to a straight, tall, dark-barked tree

The next meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Committee leads off with a Wildlife Committee agenda that includes deer hunting regulations, and research and surveillance updates on chronic wasting disease and bovine tuberculosis. The meeting also will include recognition of former commissioner Vicki Pontz, a legislative update and several land transactions.

It will start at 9 a.m. Thursday, April 14, in West Campus Rooms M119-121 at Lansing Community College, 5708 Cornerstone Drive, in Lansing. See the draft meeting agenda at Michigan.gov/NRC.

For more information or to request time to speak at the meeting, contact Victoria Lischalk at 517-599-1067 or [email protected].

THINGS TO DO

May might be morel month, but it’s not too early to start planning how and where to find these tasty treats! Learn more about morels and foraging tips and rules.

BUY & APPLY

If you’ve dreamed of helping the DNR take care of fish and wildlife, state parks, historic sites and other resources, check out seasonal and other job opportunities.

GET INVOLVED

Time for a new license plate? Consider buying a wildlife habitat plate; it’s an easy way to support Michigan’s endangered, threatened and nongame wildlife.

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!

Support for Opioid Abatement Appropriations

by Becky Andrus | Apr 12, 2022 | Regional News

Media contact:
Lynsey Mukomel

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, April 11, 2022

AG Nessel Provides Support for Opioid Abatement Appropriations

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel testified before the House Judiciary Committee this morning in support of bills that address disbursement and oversight of the State’s portion of the historic opioid settlement, which will bring millions in abatement aid to Michigan.

“On a personal note, I have spent the past couple months visiting communities and organizations around Michigan to learn more about the work being done to prevent and treat Opioid Use Disorder, and while local governments will receive direct payments, the timely deployment of state settlement dollars is crucial in the fight against opioids,” Nessel said. “Time is not on our side when it comes to Michigan’s opioid epidemic. The sooner this legislation is passed, the quicker settlement dollars can be used helping our residents and our communities. I urge you to advance this package through committee and to the floor for a vote.”

Michigan’s settlement totals approximately $776 million. Half of the total will be paid directly to eligible local governments and the other half will go to the State.

April was initially the target for first payments from the settlement, but the Department was since notified the payments will more than likely begin in late spring or summer instead.

Nessel’s testimony, and the entire hearing, will ultimately be archived on House TV.

Legislation to Lower Costs for Small Businesses

by Becky Andrus | Apr 12, 2022 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 11, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Signs Legislation to Strengthen Unemployment Insurance Agency, Fight Fraud, Lower Costs for Small Businesses

Bipartisan legislation will decrease financial obligations for small businesses and tackle waste, abuse, and fraud

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed HB 5525, legislation making a deposit in Michigan’s Unemployment Compensation Fund and funding ongoing efforts to crack down on waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer funds.

“This fiscally-responsible, bipartisan bill will lower costs for small businesses and fight waste, fraud, and abuse in our unemployment system,” said Governor Whitmer. “This is the latest step we are taking to fight fraud, hold people accountable, and strengthen the Unemployment Insurance Agency after decades of disinvestment. By making a deposit into the Unemployment Compensation Fund, we can help small businesses balance their books by lowering the costs of unemployment. Together, we will pursue anyone who improperly exploits unemployment benefits to pad their own pockets and ensure they are prosecuted to the full extent of our laws. Attorney General Dana Nessel, Michigan’s UIA agency, our federal partners, and my administration will continue working together to utilize this funding as effectively as possible to crack down on fraud and save taxpayers money.”

HB 5525 Details

The bill appropriates a total of $139.8 million, including $106.8 million in federal funds, $24.0 million of Michigan’s General Fund, and $8.9 million of state restricted funds. The majority of the resources would be deposited into the Unemployment Compensation Fund to lower future costs for small businesses. The bill will also make customer service improvements at the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) and hire dozens of additional employees to enhance fraud enforcement efforts. Finally, the bill helps the Office of Attorney General Dana Nessel pursue unemployment claimant fraud, employer fraud, and identify theft.

Pause on Collections

Recently, the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency paused new wage and state income tax refund garnishment until May 7th for approximately 398,000 Michiganders marked with overpayment statuses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the start of the pandemic, UIA has worked quickly to increase capacity and meet Michiganders’ unprecedented needs. When the federal government’s lack of clarity caused issues regarding who could receive payments, Governor Whitmer intervened to seek legal authority from the U.S. Department of Labor for a temporary pause on state collections until cases could be reviewed and/or issued waivers. Thanks to the recently granted pause and expanded eligibility for waivers, eligible Michiganders will not be penalized for following the established rules at the time they applied for benefits, and HB 5525 will continue improving the UIA system to better serve Michiganders.

Fighting Unemployment Fraud

Over the last several years, the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration and the UIA has leveraged resources on the federal and state levels to fight unemployment insurance fraud. It has worked closely with U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, the DOL’s Tiger Team initiative, other agencies such as the FBI and a former member of the United States Secret Service to monitor and quickly crack down on fraud, especially illegal activity committed by crime syndicates nationwide.

On the state level, UIA is an active member of the Governor’s Unemployment Insurance Fraud Response Team, working with the Department of the Attorney General and local law enforcement to identify and prosecute criminals. To date, 54 individuals have been charged and 13 have been convicted or pleaded guilty. The funding approved by Gov. Whitmer will allow UIA to hire more investigators and collections staff to pursue criminals and work to recover stolen funds. As the new head of UIA, Director Julia Dale will oversee implementation of the funding to continue to crack down on fraud and hold bad actors accountable.

Whitmer Announces Road Repair Projects Kicking Off

by Becky Andrus | Apr 12, 2022 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 11, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Announces Road Repair Projects Kicking Off Today in Iron, Ontonagon, Berrien, Jackson, Oakland and Macomb Counties

In 2022, Gov. Whitmer is making the largest investment in state roads and bridges in Michigan’s history

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Whitmer announced that multiple road rebuilding projects are expected to begin today. The projects include the rebuilding of four bridges in Iron and Ontonagon counties, resurfacing US-12 in Berrien County, expansion of I-94 and rebuilding the I-94/Portage Road interchange in Jackson, the next phase of the I-96 flex route project in Oakland County and drainage work at 14 Mile Road at M-3 (Gratiot Avenue) in Macomb County. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 7,450 jobs.

“Across Michigan, we continue to fix the damn roads to save motorists time and money. Investments like these in Iron, Ontonagon, Berrien, Jackson, Oakland and Macomb will ensure families, emergency services, and school buses can get where they need to go safely and efficiently,” said Governor Whitmer. “My Rebuilding Michigan Plan and the recently enacted Building Michigan Together Plan are helping us fix our roads and bridges with the right mix and materials, making them much less susceptible to our notorious pothole seasons, all without raising taxes by a cent. Since I took office, Michigan has repaired, rebuilt, or replaced over 13,000 lane miles of road and over 900 bridges, supporting nearly 82,000 jobs. These projects will add to that total and continue to support even more good-paying jobs in these communities.”

Projects Starting Today:

US-45, M-64, and US-141 Projects in Ontonagon County

MDOT will invest $4.9 million to rebuild four bridges in Iron and Ontonagon counties. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 62 jobs. Work will include deck replacement, substructure repairs, scour countermeasures, beam end repairs, steel cleaning and coating, and roadway approach work on M-64 over the Floodwood River, M-64 over Halfway Creek, US-141 over the East Branch of the Net River, and US-45 over Roselawn Creek.

Counties:	Iron and Ontonagon
Highways:	M-64, US-141, US-45
Closest towns:	Ontonagon, Paulding, Covington
Start date:	Monday, April 11, 2022 (for US-45 over Roselawn Creek; start dates for other locations will be announced later)
Estimated end date:	Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022
Traffic restrictions:	One alternating lane will be open at the bridges during work using temporary traffic signals.
Safety benefit:	This work will extend the lifespan of the bridges and result in a smoother driving surface and increased safety for motorists.

US-12 Project in Berrien County

MDOT will invest $2.7 million to resurface 5.1 miles of US-12 from the state line to Red Arrow Highway. Work includes milling and asphalt resurfacing, joint and crack repairs, railroad approach resurfacing, and pavement markings. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 34 jobs.

County:	Berrien
Highway:	US-12
Closest city:	New Buffalo
Start date:	Monday, April 11, 2022
Estimated end date:	Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022
Traffic restrictions:	Single-lane closures with a flagging operation.
Safety benefit:	This work will repair and preserve the pavement to provide a safer and smoother driving surface and extend the life of the roadway.

I-94 Project in Jackson County

Work is resuming next week on the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) I-94 Jackson County project. Work will proceed from the Calhoun County line to Parma Road. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 2,057 jobs.

Funding for this project is made possible by Governor Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan program to rebuild the state highways and bridges that are critical to the state’s economy and carry the most traffic. The investment strategy is aimed at fixes that result in longer useful lives and improves the condition of the state’s infrastructure.

County:	Jackson
Highway:	I-94
Closest cities:	Jackson Albion Parma
Start date:	Monday, April 11, 2022
Estimated end date:	Tuesday, May 31, 2022
Overall project end date:	November 2024
Traffic restrictions:	This work will require single-lane closures on I-94 from Parma Road to the Calhoun County line Monday-Thursday each week. Motorists should expect delays.
Safety benefit:	These improvements will provide increased safety and mobility in this area of I-94, which is a significant local and national trade corridor. Closing lanes during this type of work is necessary to provide the safest work area possible for crews and motorists.

I-96 Project in Oakland County

Work on the I-96 Flex Route along Kent Lake Road and the I-275/I-696/M-5 interchange continues with bridge work closing the Wixom Road ramps beginning 6 a.m. Monday, April 11, through Monday, April 25. The I-96 Flex Route project includes rebuilding the freeway, rebuilding the median shoulders for use during peak periods, sign upgrades, and active traffic management installation, including intelligent transportation systems (ITS) equipment, overhead gantry installation and ramp signals for metering traffic onto the freeway. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 3,416 jobs. More information including lane closures and detours can be found here.

Funding for this project is made possible by Governor Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan program to rebuild the state highways and bridges that are critical to the state’s economy and carry the most traffic. The investment strategy is aimed at fixes that result in longer useful lives and improves the condition of the state’s infrastructure.

I-94 Project in Kalamazoo County

The east leg of Kilgore Road will be closed at Portage Road as part of the Michigan Department of Transportation project to expand I-94 and rebuild the I-94/Portage Road interchange. Crews will be rebuilding the intersection, requiring the total closure. Based on economic modeling, this $87 million investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 1,105 jobs.

County:	Kalamazoo
Roads:	Portage Road and Kilgore Road
Closest cities:	Kalamazoo and Portage
Start date:	Thursday, April 14, 2022
Estimated end date:	Saturday, April 30, 2022
Traffic restrictions:	The east leg of Kilgore Road will be closed at Portage Road while one lane of Portage Road will remain open in each direction. The detour for Portage Road to eastbound Kilgore Road will be on Romence Road and Sprinkle Road.

14 Mile Road Drainage Project in Macomb County

Starting at 7 a.m. Monday, April 11, 14 Mile Road will be closed at M-3 (Gratiot Avenue) in Macomb County until Friday, April 15, weather permitting, for drainage work in the median. This work is part of the second year of the two-year M-3 (Gratiot Avenue) project to rebuild 1.7 miles of M-3 (Gratiot Avenue) between Common and 14 Mile roads in the city of Roseville. Work includes replacing the asphalt roadway, water main and storm sewer work, sign replacement, and signal modernization, along with ramp and sidewalks to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The project is expected to be completed by late fall. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 838 jobs. More information including lane closures and detours can be found here.

Rebuilding Michigan Plan

Since Governor Whitmer took office, Michigan has repaired, rebuilt, or replaced 13,198 lane miles of road and 903 bridges, supporting nearly 82,000 jobs. Recently, Governor Whitmer signed the Building Michigan Together Plan, a bipartisan plan to invest nearly $5 billion in Michigan’s infrastructure, grow the economy, create jobs, and benefit families in every region of the state. The Building Michigan Together Plan calls for critical investments of $645 million in Michigan’s infrastructure, including $317 million for road and bridge programs, benefitting both state and local projects.

Bloomfield Hills will have a new Boys Basketball Coach

by Becky Andrus | Apr 11, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Monday, April 4, 2022

Bloomfield Hills will have a new Boys Basketball Coach next winter.

Written Monday April 4th at 7:30 PM

Written by Sammy Taormina

Updated Monday April 4th at 9:30 PM

There will be a new Boys Basketball Coach next winter at Bloomfield Hills.

Blackhawks coach Phil Kurajian has stepped down from the program. The move was confirmed on Kurajian’s personal Twitter on Monday evening.

“The past five years have been an amazing journey and I’m extremely proud of what our student athletes have been able to accomplish on and off the court and in the classroom. Unfortunately due to advances and time constraints in my professional career, I must step down as the Head Varsity Coach at Bloomfield Hills High School. I want to thank the outstanding young men I was blessed to coach, the Bloomfield Hills administration and community for letting me be a part of the Blackhawk family and a special thank you to our District Athletic Director Mike Cowdrey for his belief and unwavering support” said Kurajian in a statement on Twitter.

Kurajian said to Hometown Life’s Brandon Folsom that the reason he stepped down was because he was taking on a much bigger role with his family’s food packaging business and will be traveling more.

He also became a father in which he has a one year old daughter at home.

Kurajian was 47-62 overall with two league titles (White) in his five years coaching the program. He led Bloomfield Hills to a 16-5 year this season.

The Blackhawks lose a lot of talent from this season’s team but they have Noah Adamcyzk, CJ Jackson, Derrick Lee, Ahmad Taylor, and Brandon Newland coming back for whoever the new coach will be.

Program strength looks very strong for Bloomfield Hills in the future as well.

Kurajian did a lot of good for that program. He took over the Blackhawks and made them into a better program. It will be interesting to see who takes over next season.

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

Here is the Tweet confirming the move.

https://twitter.com/flipk9/status/1511119378695208974/photo/1

Folsom article.

https://www.hometownlife.com/story/sports/2022/04/04/bloomfield-hills-boys-basketball-coach-phil-kurajian-steps-down/9463613002/