By collaborating with local entrepreneurs, the DNR can offer a wider range of services that help elevate visitor experiences. Those can include retail and food services, equipment rentals, water park operations, guided tours and more.

Through a competitive bidding process, the DNR selects qualified businesses to provide these services. Successful bidders can secure contracts lasting up to seven years. These are partnerships that support local economies and create stable, long-term relationships.

“We take a lot of pride in offering opportunities to establish small businesses in state parks,” said the DNR’s Lori Green, who co-manages commercial land use in state parks, trails and waterways. “We encourage local businesses to consider expanding their operations through the bidding process.”

Currently, there are several business opportunities up for bid, including food trucks, beach concessions, farming activities, shuttle services, a riding stable and more. Visit Michigan.gov/StateParkConcessions to see a list of current opportunities and deadlines.

Questions? Contact Lori Green or Elissa Buck.

On Christmas Day 1900, Frank M. Chapman, an early officer of the National Audubon Society, proposed a new holiday tradition: a “Christmas Bird Census” to count, rather than hunt, birds during the holidays. This marked the beginning of the Audubon Christmas Bird Count!

In its first year, 27 volunteers conducted 25 CBCs across locations from Toronto to California, tallying 90 bird species. This year marks the count’s 125th year, making it the longest-running bird census in the hemisphere. Dec. 14 to Jan. 5 every season across the Americas, tens of thousands of volunteers participate to gather critical data that helps scientists protect birds and the places they need.

That information allows researchers, conservationists and wildlife agencies to study long-term trends in bird populations across the Americas. When combined with other surveys, such as the Breeding Bird Survey, these data provide insights into how bird populations have changed in time and space over the past century. Audubon and other organizations use these findings to guide conservation efforts for birds where they are most needed.

In Michigan, dozens of local Audubon chapters organize CBCs. Many counts include guided bird walks, making them great opportunities for new birders to gain experience and connect with others who share their interest. The Christmas Bird Count is a prime example of how everyday observations from first-time volunteers and experts alike can make a big difference.

To get involved in this year’s Christmas Bird Count, visit the Audubon website. You also can learn more about Michigan birds and community science opportunities like the CBC at MI Birds, a public outreach and education program created by Audubon Great Lakes and the DNR.

Questions? Contact Erin Ford at 313-820-0809.

Snowmobiling

Buy your trail permit, check conditions. Michigan’s 6,000-plus miles of DNR-designated snowmobile trails, public roads and public lands (only where riding is authorized) are open Dec. 1-March 31, and trail grooming occurs when there is enough snow on the ground. Purchase your trail permit and find maps at Michigan.gov/Snowmobiling. Be sure to check trail reports and trail closures while planning your excursion, and follow Ride Right safety precautions, including staying on the right side of the trail.

ORV riding

Know where you can go. Off-road vehicle riding is allowed on all county roads that are open in the summer as well as all DNR-designated multiuse trails; note that ORV trails in the Upper Peninsula are marked by letters. Snowmobile-only trails, however, are closed to ORV use Dec. 1-March 31, and snowmobile trails are identified by numbers only on diamond-shaped signs.

In addition, highway rights-of-way are closed until May 1 and therefore are not open to ORVs. (These are areas where the trail runs on the side of state and U.S. highways allowing a trail to connect.) Always be aware of icy sections, especially on morning and evening rides, and ride in a manner that minimizes trail damage given that some trails’ terrain may be soft.

As 2024 winds down, the DNR is looking to trail users to reflect on this land use order change and to share their thoughts on both riding e-bikes and interacting with e-bike users on state-managed trails.

The short e-bike survey will help the DNR gather public input on the land use order, which went into effect in August on state-managed trails with the exception of those located on state wildlife or state forest lands.

The approved DNR land use order expanded operation of Class 1 e-bikes so that they are allowed on improved-surface trails such as linear trails (paved or gravel/asphalt) as well as natural-surface, nonmotorized bicycle trails/pathways in state parks and recreation areas and on state forest pathways and roads.

In addition, the change allowed – for mobility purposes – operation of Class 2 e-bikes, which are throttle- and pedal-assisted and can travel up to 20 miles per hour, on those trails/pathways open to Class 1 e-bike use, as long as a cyclist has applied for and received a no-cost permit to do so. Prior to the land use change, Class 1 e-bikes were only allowed on improved-surface trails and roads on state-managed land.

Read more about the land use order change in this Showcasing the DNR article. Visit Michigan.gov/DNR/Ebikes to learn more and to access the survey, which will remain open through early summer 2025.

Questions? Contact Tim Novak at 517-388-8347.

Snowy owl populations fluctuate greatly each year, based on the availability of their summer prey: lemmings. When lemmings are plentiful, snowy owls can have a successful nesting season in the Arctic and produce a lot of healthy chicks. This boom in population can cause an “irruption” in the winter, when snowy owls are seen far outside of their usual winter range and in greater numbers. In past irruption years, snowy owls have been spotted in Florida and Hawaii! This year, there has been an early push of snowy owls south into Michigan and across the Great Lakes region, which is promising.

Winter also provides a chance to marvel at Michigan’s year-round residents, like the great horned owl and eastern screech owl. Amid leafless trees and snow-covered surroundings, these nocturnal creatures are often easier to spot and hear. Their haunting calls echo through still, winter nights, offering a magical experience for those who venture out to find them.

Although spotting owls is a rare occurrence, it’s part of what makes winter birding so special. Check out MI Birds’ blog, Enchanting Owls: Your Guide to the Great Lakes’ Winter Birds, for tips on where and how to responsibly observe these captivating creatures. Then bundle up, head outdoors and enjoy the wonders of winter birding in Michigan!

This story is brought to you by MI Birds, a public outreach and education program created by Audubon Great Lakes and the DNR. MI Birds aims to deepen all Michiganders’ engagement in the understanding, care and stewardship of public lands that are important for birds and local communities.

Questions? Contact Erin Ford at 313-820-0809.

*This picture of a snowy owl in Huron County, Michigan, is courtesy of Lauren Bunker/Audubon Photography Awards.