$1.7 million in grants will benefit fish and aquatic systems

by orionontv | May 21, 2024 | Recreation

DNR News

Water rushes through a shallow, low-lying, rocky river, against a tree-lined ridge with a pale blue sky showing through the trees

May 21, 2024
Contact: Joe Nohner, 517-599-6825 or Chip Kosloski, 517-281-1705

Over $1.7 million in grants will benefit fish and aquatic systems statewide

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is awarding more than $1.7 million in Fisheries Habitat Grants for conservation projects on lakes and streams statewide. The funds are matched by more than $950,000 in partner contributions, for a total conservation value of about $2.7 million.

“These grants provide critical funding for projects that yield cleaner water, healthier fish populations and better aquatic habitats – all of which make the outdoors safer and more enjoyable for residents,” said Randy Claramunt, chief of the DNR Fisheries Division. “Our natural resources have always been central to Michigan’s appeal as an outdoor recreation destination, and creative, collaborative projects like these make a lasting, positive impact on those resources.”

The projects will rehabilitate and protect valuable fish habitats that provide the foundation for Michigan’s world-class fisheries. Two of them are DNR Priority Habitat Conservation Projects – those proactively identified by the department as important to sustaining healthy habitats, fisheries and aquatic communities – and another four are projects that directly benefit priorities of Michigan’s Wildlife Action Plan.

The Fisheries Habitat Grant program provides funding for a variety of activities including fish habitat conservation, dam removal and repair, resource assessment studies and access to recreation opportunities such as fishing. Funding from fishing license sales, state of Michigan general funds and a settlement with Consumers Energy is distributed through three grant areas: aquatic habitat conservation, dam management, and aquatic habitat and recreation in the Au Sable, Manistee and Muskegon river watersheds.

Most of the funding is distributed through traditional grants that are funded this year, but the Fisheries Habitat Grant program also provides conditional commitments for funding from future years. These conditional commitments enable partners to leverage future Fisheries Habitat Grant funds in applications for federal and other funding sources, making high-priority and sometimes very expensive projects possible.

Joe Nohner, a resource analyst with the DNR Fisheries Division, said the funded projects will protect and rehabilitate aquatic habitats across the state, while in many cases also improving public safety through the removal of dams.

“These projects are critical to strengthening and maintaining populations of fishes and other aquatic species,” Nohner said. “They will improve fish migration in over 327 miles of Michigan streams and boost public safety through the removal of three dams and seven culverts.”

Supporting work in 12 counties

water rushes through a broken part of a snow-covered cement dam on a dark green river

This year’s funded projects (and counties where projects are located) include:

City of Battle Creek – Kalamazoo River restoration project (Calhoun County), $325,000.
City of Kalamazoo – Habitat restoration of Portage Creek at Milham Park (Kalamazoo County), $75,000.
Conservation Resource Alliance – Boyne Falls Dam removal options analysis (Charlevoix County), conditional commitment for $135,000.
Conservation Resource Alliance – Manistee River tributaries aquatic organism passage (Wexford County), $150,000.
Conservation Resource Alliance – N. Cole Creek/24th Street fish passage (Lake County), $100,000.
Conservation Resource Alliance – Stony Creek restoration, fish passage and Marshville Dam removal implementation (Oceana County), $108,604.
DNR Fisheries Division – Muskegon walleye rearing pond water intake improvements (Muskegon County), $156,000.
Duplain Township – Duplain Township Dam removal engineering and design (Clinton County), $225,000. (The snow-covered Elsie Dam is pictured above.)
J.A. Woollam Foundation – Restoring fish passage on the headwaters of the Fox River (Alger County), $62,264.
Michigan Trout Unlimited – North Branch Manistee stream restoration and improvement at Flowing Wells (Kalkaska County), $144,800.
Michigan Trout Unlimited – Riparian wood inventory for opportunistic stream improvement on state land (Crawford and Kalkaska counties), $27,700.
Trout Unlimited – Restoring habitat and connectivity in the White River watershed (Newaygo County), $250,500.

Fisheries Habitat Grant funding is available annually to local, state, federal and tribal governments and nonprofit groups through an open, competitive process. The next request for proposals is expected to be announced in September.

Learn more about the Fisheries Habitat Grant program and other grant opportunities at Michigan.gov/DNRGrants.

Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption/credit information follows.

Elsie Dam: The failing Elsie Dam in Duplain Township, Clinton County, will be removed using Fisheries Habitat Grant funds, with the goal of reconnecting fish passage on 200 miles of the Maple River. Photo credit: Bruce Levey.

DNR News: New high-tech beach warning system

by orionontv | May 21, 2024 | Recreation

DNR News

May 20, 2024
Contact: Andrew LundBorg (Grand Haven State Park supervisor), 616-307-0667 or Pat Whalen (DNR PRD district supervisor), 269-838-1196

Electronic, web-enabled beach warning system takes Grand Haven State Park beach safety to the next level

a man in black shirt and pants gestures to a tall tower on the beach. The tower is topped by red, yellow and green lights and has a life ring attached

Representatives from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division, SwimSmart and the city of Grand Haven, community members and other stakeholders gathered Monday at a ribbon-cutting at Grand Haven State Park to formally unveil a new electronic beach safety notification system.

The new system features 12 electronic and web-enabled towers, demonstrating the DNR’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety and emergency response times at this popular state park.

Grand Haven State Park is among the state’s most well-known beach destinations – in fact, earlier this year it was listed in Travel and Leisure’s top 25 beaches in the nation – but it is critical that visitors respect the strong, powerful waters of Lake Michigan and are aware of and prepared for rapidly changing conditions.

“To boost safety at popular Great Lakes state park beaches, SwimSmart towers will help provide real-time warnings to beachgoers,” said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “This innovative, technology-based system features two types of towers visible along the Grand Haven swim beach, marking the first state park location for this initiative.”

Eight orange towers, located on the beach, feature an easy-to-understand electronic light display that mimics the familiar double-red, red, yellow and green flag system visitors are used to seeing on the beach. Additionally, life rings are stationed at each tower. If one of the rings is accessed to aid in helping someone in the water, 911 and park rangers will simultaneously be contacted. The towers can play prerecorded messages to alert users to changing conditions, emergencies and other important information.

The simple, silver surface of the SwimSmart blue light beach safety tower, showing the "push for help" button and call sent/received status

The four blue light towers, located along the sidewalk, feature a readily accessible emergency phone that park staff and visitors can press to trigger an immediate emergency response. The blue light towers are equipped with a higher-power loudspeaker, video monitoring system and a direct line to the Ottawa County 911 center. The loudspeaker system will work in conjunction with the prerecorded messages of the orange beach towers and allow park staff to broadcast live messages.

The $570,000 project was made possible with a $200,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and the balance covered through DNR Parks and Recreation capital outlay funds.

The products were invented, developed and installed by Michigan-based SwimSmart, an innovative technology company whose products are created to empower beachgoing families and patrons to make informed decisions when it comes to water recreation.

The DNR will leave the current flagpoles in place but will only fly the flags if the new system goes down due to loss of electricity or other reasons.

“This partnership with the Michigan DNR brings us one step closer to realizing our mission of preventing the next water emergency from happening,” said Jacob Soter, founder and CEO of SwimSmart. “We share the DNR’s commitment to public safety, and are excited to provide this resource to the countless families who will be visiting Grand Haven State Park this summer and for years to come.”

“The safety of our visitors on the Great Lakes is our top priority,” said Pat Whalen, district supervisor for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “That’s why we continually evaluate and refine beach safety protocols at state parks throughout the year.”

For example, the DNR introduced double-red warning flags at all state-designated swim beaches along the Great Lakes in Michigan state parks in 2022. When double-red flags are present, beachgoers are not allowed to enter the water from the beach.

Visit Michigan.gov/BeachSafety for tips and information on safely visiting the Great Lakes, including state-designated swim beach locations, the beach flag warning system, Great Lakes currents (and how to escape them) and more.

For more information, contact Andrew LundBorg, park supervisor, at 616-307-0667 and [email protected] or Pat Whalen, PRD district supervisor, at 269-838-1196 or [email protected].

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. All photos courtesy Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

SwimSmart demo: Jacob Soter, founder and CEO of SwimSmart, explains how the electronic light displays work on one of the newly installed orange towers at the Grand Haven State Park beach. The LED lights replicate the traditional flag system (double-red, red, yellow and green) for water conditions, and the tower contacts 911 dispatch center in the event of an emergency.
SwimSmart blue light tower: One of the towers located along the beach sidewalk at Grand Haven State Park. Each tower features two-way communication with a 911 dispatcher, loudspeaker broadcasting and video monitoring for water emergencies and park security.
Blue light tower – help: The easy-to-use help button and speaker on the blue light towers that staff and the public can use to summon emergency assistance from the Grand Haven State Park beach sidewalk.
Orange light tower menu: Signage on the orange towers, now installed at the Grand Haven State Park beach, shows each light color with corresponding safety category.

DNR News Digest – Week of May 13, 2024

by orionontv | May 15, 2024 | Recreation

News Digest – Week of May 13, 2024

An adult red fox stands proudly amongst tall grass, watching something in the distance.

Check out the newest episode of the award-winning ‘Wildtalk’ podcast covering indigo buntings, red foxes and more.

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

Honoring fallen conservation officers during National Police Week

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the coinciding week as National Police Week (May 12-18 this year).

The DNR honors and remembers 17 fallen conservation officers and their families. These officers gave their lives as the result of complications or injuries sustained while serving their communities.

Recognized for the first time this year is Sgt. Paul Durham, who died in 1972 while on patrol.

“The DNR honors 17 fallen conservation officers and their families,” said Lt. Jeremy Payne. “National Peace Officers Memorial Day is a reminder of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our natural resources and communities.”

Officers place State of Michigan flags during a small ceremony at the gravesite of each of the known fallen COs; the flags remain through the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Additionally, a fallen officers memorial was dedicated in 2022 as a place to permanently recognize each of the DNR’s officers. Watch this short video about the memorial dedication.

Previously referred to as game wardens, Michigan DNR conservation officers have a physically and mentally demanding careers that require a huge commitment from both the officers and their families.

Since 1887, advanced technology, equipment and training have contributed to the evolving responsibilities of conservation officers, who are now integral law enforcement partners aiding in search and rescue efforts and community safety and education.

Questions? Contact Lt. Jeremy Payne at 989-684-9141.

Whose forests? Your forests! Share thoughts on state forest planning

A series of open houses and meetings known as “compartment reviews” begins Thursday, May 16, and runs through fall as the DNR Forest Resources Division seeks input from the public on management activities scheduled for 2026.

Management activities in the state forest – which covers nearly 4 million acres in the northern Lower and Upper peninsulas – include such things as cutting and thinning trees, prescribed burning and planting new trees.

Planned management activities are described on this interactive map.

There are multiple ways to participate and make sure your voice is heard: Email your thoughts during a 30-day period prior to each open house, attend an open house, and attend compartment review meetings where final decisions are made.

The open houses start May 16 for the Crystal Falls and Baraga management units and run through the fall. Management units are Atlanta, Baraga, Cadillac, Crystal Falls, Escanaba, Gaylord, Gladwin, Grayling, Gwinn, Newberry, Pigeon River, Roscommon, Sault Ste. Marie, Shingleton and Traverse Cit.

See a full open house and compartment review schedule with locations, times and contact information.

Hot tip for travelers: Leave firewood at home

A roaring bonfire in a rustic campfire ring, an empty hammock sways in the trees beyond as the sun sets behind the forest.

Moving firewood when you camp, hunt or head out for a weekend getaway means you risk carrying tree-killing insects and diseases to new places. Invasive pests can crawl out, infesting trees and carrying diseases that can forever change the landscape of the places you love.

According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, there are 140 pests and diseases that can be moved with firewood. Some, like oak wilt, hemlock woolly adelgid and spotted lanternfly are already present in Michigan, while others such as Asian longhorned beetle are infesting nearby states.

“On their own, these insects and diseases can’t travel very far, but they can travel hundreds of miles on firewood,” said Joanne Foreman, Invasive Species Program communications coordinator with the DNR. “Trees cut for firewood often died due to insects or disease. Why risk carrying oak wilt to your cabin or beech bark disease to your favorite camping spot?”

Keep the fire burning

You can still have a roaring campfire or a cozy night in front of the fireplace – just make sure to burn safely:

Wood that looks clean and healthy can still have tiny insect eggs or microscopic fungi spores that can start a new and deadly infestation. Always leave your backyard firewood at home, even if you think it looks fine.
Buy firewood near where you will burn it – a good rule of thumb is only using wood that was cut within 50 miles of where you’ll have your fire.
Use FirewoodScout.org to find a firewood vendor near your destination. With over 350 Michigan listings, you can comparison shop before you arrive.

Certified, heat-treated firewood is safe to move long distances. Look for a federal stamp or seal on the package and keep the firewood in the original packaging if entering a campground that requires heat-treated wood.
Aged or seasoned wood is still not safe. Just because it is dry doesn’t mean it’s clean. A recent study showed insects continued to emerge from firewood even three years after it had been cut.
If you buy firewood and don’t burn it all, don’t bring it home or to your next destination.
Tell your friends not to bring wood with them – everyone needs to know they should not move firewood. You are the first line of defense against a new infestation.

Know before you go

Firewood policies vary greatly among national parks, national forests, private campgrounds and other lands in Michigan. Call ahead or visit DontMoveFirewood.org for more information.

In state parks, the DNR requests visitors purchase certified, heat-treated firewood sold in the parks or at some local stores and roadside stands.

Information on invasive tree pests and diseases of concern in Michigan can be found at Michigan.gov/Invasives.

May ‘Wildtalk’: Indigo buntings, red foxes and UP wildlife work

A small red fox kit sits contentedly in tall grass, looking curiously at the camera.

The newest episode of the DNR Wildlife Division’s “Wildtalk” podcast is now available. The May show flits into focus with a discussion of the color-shifting indigo bunting, and burrows in on red foxes – and why you might soon catch a flash of that telltale coat.

DNR wildlife field operations manager Bill Scullon stops by to chat about efforts for wildlife above the bridge in the Upper Peninsula, and DNR wildlife biologist Pete Kailing also drops in with an overview of hunting and trapping opportunities available this month.

Award winner

Beyond the deep dive into Michigan’s wondrous wildlife, here’s another good reason to listen in: Government Social Media named “Wildtalk” as best podcast in its 2024 Golden Post Awards!

From the GSM website:

“The judges of this category chose Michigan DNR’s Wildtalk podcast as the winning entry because they put so much thought into their entry, showcasing the overall quality of the show and their commitment to their podcasting efforts overall. Their goals stood out as a beacon of excellence and they highlighted the steps they took to ensure the show is as inclusive and accessible as possible, beyond just providing transcripts.

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].

Photo ambassador snapshot: Earth-tone tapestry

An early spring day in a forest of winter-browned vegetation. 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 Aubry Healy, for the Michigan DNR, at Ludington State Park in Mason County.)

THINGS TO DO

Mild spring days are a great time to get out on the trail by foot or bike. Find trail tips, maps and more on our hiking and biking page.

BUY & APPLY

Fire danger remains high in many areas of the state. May is usually Michigan’s biggest month for wildfires, so always check weather conditions and apply for a burn permit before you burn, especially as we head into summer.

GET INVOLVED

Nature is returning to full bloom, and community science opportunities abound! Check out local, state, national and international projects.

News Digest – Week of May 6, 2024

by orionontv | May 6, 2024 | Recreation

News Digest – Week of May 6, 2024

An eastern kingbird perches atop the long branch of a dead tree.

Upcoming open houses are a great time to experience Michigan’s Wetland Wonders and get some birding in!

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

Need a hunter safety field day? Head to Montcalm County

Already completed the online portion of an approved hunter safety course but still need an in-person field day? There are plenty of spots left in two classes this week in Vestaburg, Montcalm County. Get full details, including registration, on each class:

Learn more about hunter safety and other ways to responsibly enjoy our woods and water at Michigan.gov/RecreationalSafety.

Southeast Michigan Wetland Wonders spring open houses

A sandhill crane stands tall in a shaded wetland; a person in a kayak floats in the foreground, out of focus.

Spring is prime birding time, and upcoming open houses at Michigan’s Wetland Wonders are the perfect opportunity to learn more about the birdwatching hobby, Important Bird Areas and local ecosystems. These open houses are presented in partnership with MI Birds, a public outreach and education program created by Audubon Great Lakes and the DNR.

Be sure to bring your own kayak or canoe for paddling through wetlands and marshes and a bike or good hiking shoes for trails, dress for the weather and enjoy these birding hotspots.

Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area

Friday, May 17, 8 a.m.-noon.
Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area Field Office, 1570 Tower Beach Road, Pinconning.

Despite its small size, tens of thousands of ducks, swans, geese, wading birds, shorebirds, raptors, and songbirds migrate through Nayanquing Point SWA each spring, making it one of Michigan’s premier Wetland Wonders.

Restrooms and light snacks will be provided at the DNR Field Office, and just a half-hour north you can visit Wigwam Bay State Wildlife Area, or join in on the fun at Tawas Point Migration Days if you want to make a day trip out of your visit.

View event details and important information on accessibility.

Questions? Contact Brandy Dybas-Berger at 989-385-0958.

Pointe Mouillee State Game Area

Friday, May 17, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Pointe Mouillee State Wildlife Area Field Office, 37205 Mouillee Road, Route 2, Rockwood.

Pte. Mouillee State Game Area is located between two globally recognized Audubon Important Bird Areas: the Detroit River IBA and Lake Erie Western Basin IBA. The state game area is also a recognized IBA and one of Michigan’s premier Wetland Wonders that supports large congregations of waterfowl and waterbirds during winter and migration, as well as supporting vulnerable breeding marsh birds like least bitterns and black terns each summer.

View event details and important information on accessibility.

Questions? Contact Adam Shook at 734-379-9692.

Harsens Island at St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area

Saturday, June 8, 8 a.m.-noon.
Harsens Island at St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area Field Office, 3857 Columbine Road, Harsens Island.

These 3,355 acres of strictly managed waterfowl habitat are part of the largest freshwater delta in the United States. Mallards are the most prevalent species seen each fall on the managed area, but black ducks, pintails, wood ducks and Canada geese are also observed each year. Along with waterfowl opportunities, St. Clair Flats is an Audubon Important Bird Area for the vulnerable secretive marsh bird populations it supports each summer and is one of Michigan’s premier Wetland Wonders.

View event details and important information on accessibility.

Questions? Contact Kaitlyn Barnes at 586-719-1111.

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.

Natural Resources Commission meets Thursday in Acme

The next meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission – Thursday, May 9, in Acme – leads off with a Fisheries Committee agenda that includes an overview of the Michigan Hydro Relicensing Coalition and a discussion on a historic dam removal on the Boardman-Ottaway River.

The meeting also will include a recognition of former Commissioner Carol Rose, land use order amendments, a cormorant management update, the 2023 deer harvest report and deer management survey update, a DNR legislative report and several land transactions.

The meeting starts at 9 a.m. at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, 100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd. Before the meeting, at 8 a.m., the public is invited to enjoy Coffee with the Commissioners, an opportunity to speak with commission members in a less formal setting.

See the draft meeting agenda at Michigan.gov/NRC. For more information about the meeting, email [email protected].

ICYMI: Summer Beyond BOW events

A woman readies her fist to punch a dummy at a BOW self-confidence class.

Looking for a fun, friendly learning experience in the outdoors? In case you missed it, the DNR’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program is offering four Beyond BOW events this summer at various venues in Washtenaw, Roscommon and Marquette counties.

The BOW program gives women, 18 and older, an opportunity to improve their outdoors skills in a relaxed, noncompetitive atmosphere. In addition to being fun to participate in, the BOW and Beyond BOW classes offer important instruction on numerous outdoor skills, safety and appropriate outdoor clothing attire.

Read the full release for more details.