• ‘Wildtalk’: Habitat work, pintails, deer, deer and more deer
• As fall/winter birding beckons, keep best practices in mind
• Get moving in the new year with three fun 5Ks
• How to bird safely during hunting season
• Passionate about snowmobiling? Help protect statewide routes
• ICYMI: November hunting and trapping opportunities
• Photo ambassador snapshot: Sunlit serenity at Negwegon

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

PHOTOS: Larger, higher-res versions of some of the images used in this email (white-tailed deer, red fall leaves and snowmobiling) are available in the DNR’s public image gallery. The burrowing owl image is courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Digital Library.

‘Wildtalk’: Habitat work, pintails, deer, deer and more deer

Just in time for firearm deer season, the DNR Wildlife Division’s November “Wildtalk” podcast is available with great information to help hunters have a safe, successful hunt. Scott Eggeman, the northern Lower Peninsula field operations manager, provides an update on habitat improvement efforts in the region, and wildlife biologists Chad Fedewa and Samantha Courtney answer questions about deer diseases, deer management and what to expect in the woods. Later in the show, listeners will learn more about what’s happening with waterfowl season and, specifically, one of the most graceful waterfowl species you’ll see on the wetlands: northern pintail ducks. These elegant birds with long, slender necks and distinct, pointed tails seek out shallow areas with grassy cover such as marshes, potholes, prairies, lakes and ponds. Want to hear more? Visit the “Wildtalk” webpage for the latest episode, as well as show notes and links to past episodes. Questions about the podcast? Email [email protected].

As fall/winter birding beckons, keep best practices in mind

Michigan welcomed some rare owls to the Upper Peninsula this fall, a trend that is likely to continue as northern owls migrate south into Michigan for the winter. At the end of September, a burrowing owl (like those pictured here) was seen at Whitefish Point, on the northern tip of Chippewa County, for the first time since 1986! This sighting is one of only four known records in Michigan. Vagrants that are seen in unusual places often return to their home range, and many folks suspect this particular bird was from Florida and visited Michigan as a result of Hurricane Helene. Just a few weeks later, a northern hawk owl also was spotted at Whitefish Point. Northern owls such as the northern hawk owl can show up in the Great Lakes region each winter, leaving their colder habitats like the boreal forests of Canada and the Arctic tundra behind – but this visitor arrived a season early! Both owls drew crowds of interested birders and photographers, and each season hundreds of species draw us outdoors as they flit in the treetops, hop through shrubs or run along shorelines. Whether in the backyard or deep forest, birding best practices can help protect our Great Lakes birds and visitors. Here are a few to start: Keep a respectful distance. Getting too close to birds, and their nests, can cause them to flush (or fly away), interfering with their natural behavior and potentially preventing them from eating or caring for their young. If your approach causes a bird to flush, you’ve gotten too close. Think carefully before sharing the location of a rare bird. While rare bird sightings are thrilling, they can draw a crowd, which can cause a disturbance. Leave the drones to the pros. Although drones can be useful to researchers and biologists documenting bird populations (such as at island nesting colonies), drones in general can be very disruptive to birds, especially osprey. They are also illegal in national parks and some state parks. Get more top tips and explore helpful resources to guide your next birding trip. Questions? Contact Erin Rowan Ford at 313-820-0809.

Get moving in the new year with three fun 5Ks

Ready to kickstart your 2025? Turn to the outdoors and help honor Michigan’s history by signing up for three 5K run/walk events. Registration is now open for the: Detroit Auto Show 5K, 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at Huntington Place in Detroit. Organized by the DNR, Detroit Auto Show and Friends of the Outdoor Adventure Center, the race route travels along the Detroit Riverfront, with the start/finish outside the doors of the Detroit Auto Show. All proceeds of the event will help update the exhibits at the DNR’s Outdoor Adventure Center. Lumberjack Pancake Run, Sunday, March 23, at the Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit. Channel the flannel and run or walk the Flapjack 5K (starting at 10 a.m.) or the Silver Dollar Mile (beginning at 9:30 a.m.) and refuel afterward at the Lumberjack Pancake Run and Pancake Breakfast. Plus, the run is part of a four-day festival of fun and flannel that starts March 20. Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K, which encourages participants to walk, run or roll anywhere outdoors April 19-27. Every participant gets a Bob Ross-inspired T-shirt, medal and bib as a thank-you for supporting tree plantings that now happen in nine states, including Michigan. You pick the pace and the place! Questions? Read the DNR’s recent news release with more details or contact Michelle O’Kelly (Auto Show 5K and Run for the Trees), 517-899-5211 or Emily Grant (Lumberjack Pancake Run), 313-396-6891.

How to bird safely during hunting season

November is a great time for birding as species like the sandhill crane are migrating through Michigan, but birders are urged to be aware of another season that is underway: hunting. You can still explore the outdoors safely this hunting season by following a few simple guidelines: Wear bright, visible clothing, including “hunter orange” items such as hats and vests. Check open hunting season dates. Stay on marked trails. Keep pets on leashes. The bottom line is that hunting is a very safe sport. By following these steps, you can confidently enjoy birding during any hunting season! Read the full Audubon Great Lakes story for for more tips. Questions? Contact DNR bird biologist Karen Cleveland at 517-388-9795.

Passionate about snowmobiling? Help protect statewide routes

Does your perfect snowy day include hitting the trails with your sled? Are you interested in helping protect the state’s thousands of miles of snowmobile routes? Here’s an opportunity to work alongside DNR staff to help maintain and protect more than 6,000 miles of DNR-designated snowmobile trails, public roads and public lands open to snowmobiling (where authorized). We are accepting applications for an opening on the Snowmobile Advisory Workgroup, which consists of seven volunteers each serving four-year terms and contributing as volunteers (travel expenses to and from meetings are eligible for reimbursement). The group, which works closely with the Trails Advisory Council, meets quarterly at varying locations around the state. “Michigan’s Snowmobile Advisory Workgroup collaborates with the DNR’s trails program staff to discuss and implement the sound management of recreational snowmobiling throughout the state,” said Jessica Roehrs, state motorized trails program specialist. “Topics may include snowmobile safety and education, balanced relationships with the environment and wildlife, the collection, development and sharing of snow trail information, and collaboration with other trail user groups.” The ideal candidate will fill a member-at-large position. “Members tell us that being part of this workgroup is a rewarding experience,” Roehrs said. “The opportunity provides snowmobile riders or someone with a vested interest in the sport to share their insight and connect with others who want to contribute to our state’s snowmobiling opportunities.” Interested? Apply for this position by Jan. 15. For more information, contact Jessica Roehrs at 517-331-3790.

ICYMI: November hunting and trapping opportunities

Whether you’re a longtime hunter or someone just getting started in this outdoor tradition, November is an excellent time to check out Michigan’s options. We’ve got everything from snowshoe hare, ruffed grouse and gray squirrel to turkey, raccoon and coyote – plus a variety of trapping opportunities, such as badger, beaver and muskrat. In case you missed it, our November 2024 hunting and trapping roundup covers this month’s lineup, including some seasons that extend into December and even into the new year. Plus, you’ll learn where pheasant releases have occurred on state game/wildlife areas, and where more are scheduled throughout December. There’s also info about how to get the popular 2024 wild turkey, bear and deer management cooperator patches. Questions? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.

Photo ambassador snapshot: Sunlit serenity at Negwegon

See more pictures by Michigan state parks photo ambassadors at Instagram.com/MiStateParks. For more on the program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182. (This photo is by Samantha Hageman Gaina, for the Michigan DNR, at Negwegon State Park in Alcona County.)

Contact: Keith Murphy (Upper Peninsula), 906-250-1382 or Jeff Vasher (Lower Peninsula), 989-745-2942

Going north this weekend? Be careful with fire, ORVs, sparks

If you’re heading up north to enjoy deer hunting or a little fall color, please be careful with campfires, off-road vehicles and trailer chains or anything else that might cause a spark that could lead to a wildfire.

“Due to unusually dry conditions this fall, fire danger throughout much of the state remains high despite a little bit of rain today,” said Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

DNR firefighters Friday morning were handling 17 fires in the Upper Peninsula and eight to 10 in the northern Lower Peninsula. Additionally, the Summit Lake Fire in the Ottawa National Forest’s McCormick Wilderness area reached over 300 acres in size.

“We want everybody to have fun at deer camp, but please make sure that campfires are totally out before you turn in for the night,” Rogers said.

When you’re done with a campfire, drench it with water, stir the ashes and drench it again.

Also be careful when using power equipment or riding ORVs, as heat from equipment motors or ORV exhaust systems can set dry grass or leaves on fire.

If you intend to burn leaves or yard debris, check online for a burn permit; in the southern Lower Peninsula, check with your local fire department or municipality to make sure conditions allow for safe burning. As with campfires, when you’re done burning, drench the fire site with water and stir any ashes, then wet again to make sure the fire is out.

For more information on safe burning and the DNR’s fire program, visit Michigan.gov/FireManagement.

DNR announces $3 million in grants to help 19 Michigan communities expand and enhance trees and green space

Projects such as community engagement and tree planting in Morenci and Portage and youth training and education in Detroit are among those sharing about $3 million in Michigan Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act grants recently awarded to Michigan communities and organizations. The UCF IRA grant program is made possible through money provided by the USDA Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Trees play an essential role in improving the quality of life for Michigan residents. They improve air quality, lower summer temperatures, reduce energy costs and help manage the flow of stormwater. Trees enhance people’s mental and physical well-being and help reduce the effects of climate change, creating healthier and more resilient communities. “This program provides vital funding to help disadvantaged Michigan communities sustainably grow, care for and manage their public trees,” said Kerry Gray, grant coordinator for the program. “This helps ensure that trees and the essential benefits they provide are available to more people in more communities.” A total of 40 applications requesting nearly $6.7 million from Michigan communities were received. The 19 awards to communities around the state will collectively plant and care for more than 2,800 trees, train 3,200 city staff, students and residents, and inventory and develop plans to sustainably manage over 157,000 public trees benefiting more than 769,500 Michigan residents.

Funding a variety of projects

All projects occur in or directly benefit disadvantaged Michigan communities and include community engagement activities. The following projects received funding:

City of Alpena: $160,000 to complete a public tree inventory and management plan to guide project tree planting and maintenance activities.

Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District: $142,495 for tree planting and volunteer engagement in several eastern Upper Peninsula communities.

Detroit River Project: $219,568 for youth education and training and tree planting and care.

Grand Valley Metro Council: $206,359 for volunteer engagement and tree planting in the city of Wyoming based on the results of a tree canopy assessment and planting plan.

City of Hazel Park: $147,620 to complete a public tree inventory and maintenance plan to guide project tree planting activities.

Kent County Parks and Recreation: $56,885 for youth training, park tree inventory and management plan at three county parks.

Manistee Conservation District: $224,301 to complete a public tree inventory and management plan to guide project tree planting and maintenance activities.

City of Marshall: $102,400 to complete a public tree inventory and management plan to guide project tree planting, removal and maintenance activities.

City of Midland: $225,000 to complete a public tree inventory to guide project tree planting activities.

City of Morenci: $218,165 for tree planting, volunteer engagement, and outreach, education and training.

Michigan State University Department of Forestry: $225,000 to develop and implement a two-year Urban Forest Management certificate program through Michigan State University’s Institute of Agricultural Technology at the MSU-Detroit Partnership for Food, Learning and Innovation.

Oakland County Parks and Recreation: $100,000 for tree planting and park tree inventories in select county parks.

City of Portage: $150,000 for volunteer engagement and public tree planting to replace trees lost to storm damage.

Presque Isle Conservation District: $197,157 for public tree planting, tree removal, volunteer engagement and city staff training in Rogers City and Onaway.

City of River Rouge: $71,000 for tree planting at Belanger Park following U.S. Environmental Protection Agency clean-up at the park.

Village of Romeo: $20,900 for a public tree inventory and maintenance plan.

City of Roseville: $101,600 for city staff training, tree planting and a public tree inventory and management plan.

City of Warren: $190,000 to complete a public tree inventory and management plan to guide project tree planting and maintenance activities.

West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission: $225,000 to complete a public tree inventory and management plan to guide project tree planting and maintenance activities in Muskegon.

More info and future oportunities

The UCF IRA Grant program will release applications for the final round of funding in early 2025.

Under the Inflation Reduction Act, the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry program received a historic $1.5 billion to support tree-planting, urban forest planning and management, and related activities, particularly in disadvantaged communities. To date, the agency has invested over $1.3 billion in grant projects submitted by entities that are working to increase equitable access to trees and green spaces and the many benefits they provide. For more information, visit the USFS UCF Inflation Reduction Act website.

The Michigan DNR Urban and Community Forestry Program is a  federally funded program providing  technical, educational and grant assistance to communities, nonprofits, educational institutions and tribes to build capacity for managing trees and forests in communities throughout the state.

Nominate your forest for protection under special round of Forest Legacy Program funding; apply by Dec. 13

Are you the owner of a large private forest land area who would like to protect your property while continuing to sustainably manage the timber resource? Are you a tribal member or employee who is aware of some significantly important forest land that is in need of protection through a partnership with the state? Do you own a forested tract of land that is strategically located adjacent to state, federal or other protected lands? Do you represent a conservation organization that is interested in a partnership to protect important forests? If any of these scenarios sound familiar, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources wants you to know about an opportunity, thanks to the federal Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

Which projects are eligible?

The Inflation Reduction Act included significant specialized funding to protect environmentally important forests through the nationally competitive Forest Legacy Program. Nominations for project proposals to be considered for this funding will be accepted through Dec. 13.

Project categories include:

• Large landscape projects: These focus on large-scale, high-impact opportunities in ecological and economically significant landscapes where a significant federal investment available at one time will achieve a conservation outcome with exceptional public benefits. Up to $50 million per project is available, with an emphasis on projects that contribute to climate resilience, carbon sequestration, habitat connectivity or benefits for disadvantaged communities or tribal communities.
• State-tribal partnerships: In this project category, the state works with tribes to identify and conserve lands with high cultural importance and significant benefits for those tribes. Up to $50 million per project is available for acquisition of privately held lands. The state and tribe will manage the acquired property together for long-term stewardship. Special emphasis criteria include meaningful support and involvement of tribes in design, implementation and stewardship of the project; enhancement of the long-term stewardship relationships between the state and tribes, and support to protect cultural resources and/or traditions. Management plans should incorporate traditional indigenous ecological knowledge/practices to reflect joint stewardship. Proposed projects should also contribute to climate resilience, carbon sequestration, habitat connectivity and the benefit of disadvantaged or tribal communities.
• Strategic small-tract projects: Proposed projects in this category support the conservation of strategic inholdings or properties next to already conserved lands, including strategic tracts that complement previous Forest Legacy Program investments. Each tract will need to be submitted as a stand-alone project, not bundled with other tracts. For the purposes of this opportunity, a “tract” is defined as contiguous land under the same legal ownership. Proposed projects that contribute to climate resilience, habitat connectivity and the benefit of disadvantaged communities will receive stronger consideration.

Learn more

In addition to the specific criteria in each project category, all other standard Forest Legacy Program requirements apply. Proposed projects must be 75 percent forested and managed as working forests according to a forest management plan. At the minimum, nonmotorized public access must be permitted. All project nominations will be reviewed based on the outlined criteria. This will culminate in a list of prioritized projects being recommended to Michigan’s state forester for consideration. A decision will then be made as to which projects on this list will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service to compete for funding at the national level. For this round of Inflation Reduction Act projects, a final decision on grant awards is expected in the spring, and funding will be immediately available. Across all project categories, stronger consideration will be given to projects that are ready to be implemented as soon as funding is awarded. Visit the DNR’s Forest Legacy Program webpage for more information about the program, to see examples of past successful projects in Michigan and to view the nomination application.