Although the work will cause slight disruptions to overnight and day-trip plans at some locations, state park officials say it’s a worthwhile tradeoff – governed by a strict timeline – that will yield substantial long-term visitor benefits. The federal relief funds will help the Michigan Department of Natural Resources address a decades-long backlog of repair and maintenance needs and help build a new state park in Flint.

“In the construction world, this is much like a race against time to design, bid and plan these projects in such a short time frame,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation chief. “The ARPA funds must be committed by Dec. 31, 2024, and spent on those projects by Dec. 31, 2026. It’s an exciting opportunity, but one that requires careful planning, broad action and thorough execution.”

James Miller, a DNR wildlife biologist based in southwest Michigan, stops by to talk about spring infrastructure projects such as maintenance of the dike systems and water control structures at Maple River State Game Area, habitat work at Allegan State Game Area to support the Karner blue butterfly and prescribed burn planning for several locations.

DNR wildlife biologist Pete Kailing also drops in with an overview of hunting and trapping opportunities, plus a nod to filmdom’s famed mountain man, Jeremiah Johnson.

Visit the “Wildtalk” webpage for the March episode, as well as show notes and links to past episodes. Questions about the podcast? Email [email protected].

The Stewardship Forester Award, given at the association’s annual meeting in February, recognizes private sector foresters who serve Michigan’s 400,000 family forest landowners.

Dean studied biology at the University of Michigan and gained forestry experience on the job. She traveled around Michigan and the eastern United States doing seedling surveys and other forest measurements for large government and corporate landowners. A few years ago, she started her own company, Northeast Michigan Forestry LLC.

Dean has written more than 100 forest management plans over the last 15 years, covering thousands of acres in Alcona, Alpena and Iosco counties. Her clients use their plans to achieve goals like planting trees or harvesting timber to improve wildlife habitat.

“I really enjoy chatting with landowners and hearing about the history of their property and educating them about forestry,” said Dean. “I am beyond blessed to call the forest my office.”

Dean has numerous credentials to document her professional forestry skills and help landowners enroll in various forestry programs. She is a member of the Association of Consulting Foresters, a Michigan Registered Forester, a Technical Service Provider, a Qualified Forester, a DNR timber cruiser and a qualified specialist to identify and treat oak wilt disease. If you own forest land, a consulting forester like Dean can help you manage, protect and enjoy your forest.

Dennis McDougall with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service appreciates Dean’s great work.

“Relationships between foresters and landowners are at the heart of successful private forest management,” he said. “By listening to the landowner’s vision for their property, the forester develops a unique management plan designed to achieve that vision. Foresters like Jenilee help landowners understand and navigate timber markets and government programs to make sound decisions about their land.”

The Forest Stewardship Program is funded by the Forest Service and administered by the DNR. All partners are equal opportunity providers and employers. For more information, contact Mike Smalligan at 517-449-5666.

This week’s show – here’s a teaser video – airs Friday and takes you behind the scenes of a charity skeet shoot hosted by Detroit Lions favorite Frank Ragnow at the DNR’s Bald Mountain Shooting Range, as well as a CO who handles separate encounters with two hunters in violation on the same road during the firearm deer season opener.

To get the Outdoor Channel, ask your local TV service provider or go to outdoorchannel.com, myoutdoortv.com or Amazon Prime Video, or call 855-44-OUTDOOR. More than 78 episodes of “Wardens” have featured Michigan and tallied over 36 million viewers!

Episodes air on the Outdoor Channel every Friday at 9 p.m. Previous episodes air on FOX UP/WLUC-TV6 every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. The show also is available under the title “Wardens of the North” or “Michigan Wardens” on Animal Planet.

Questions? Contact Dave Haupt at 517-420-0819.

In fact, our firefighters have already responded to several wildfires this year, and in 2023 they responded to nearly 400 wildfires. Help them reduce that number by keeping fire safety in mind and taking steps to prevent the nine out of 10 wildfires caused by people.

Check conditions

In Michigan, a burn permit is required for open burning any time the ground is not completely covered by snow.

Before burning yard debris like brush and leaves, check Michigan.gov/BurnPermit to see if weather conditions are safe. A map will show by location whether burning is permitted.

There’s no cost to get a burn permit, and you don’t need to wait for written notice. Getting a burn permit is about taking the important step of checking local conditions before you ever light a match.

“Don’t be a statistic,” said DNR fire prevention specialist Paul Rogers. “The No. 1 cause of wildfire is escaped debris burns. Having a clear understanding of expected weather conditions is critically important when planning any burn.”

In southern Lower Peninsula communities, burn permits are issued by local authorities. Local ordinances for campfires and open burning may be stricter than state or county rules.

Put safety first

Whether you’re cozying close to a warming fire, grilling dinner over an open flame or burning yard debris, follow these tips to keep your fire where it belongs:

• Always keep a water source and metal shovel nearby.
• Never leave a fire unattended, even for a minute.
• Don’t burn on a windy day.
• Completely put out your fire with water every time.

Remember, too, that burning trash, plastic or electronics is illegal, even when open burning is permitted. Responsibly dispose of these items by recycling or through municipal trash service.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/BurnPermit. Direct media inquiries to DNR fire prevention specialist Paul Rogers at 616-260-8406.

The meeting also will cover 40-year service awards for volunteer hunter education instructors, presentation of the DNR Wildlife Division annual report, an update on the state’s deer management initiative, discussions of migratory game bird hunting seasons and elk regulations, a legislative report and several land transactions.

The day starts at 9:30 a.m. at Lansing Community College, Downtown Campus, 600 North Grand Ave. in Lansing. See the draft meeting agenda and remaining 2024 meeting dates at Michigan.gov/NRC.

For more information or to request time to speak at the meeting, email [email protected].

“Honeybees are the most important pollinating insects in the world,” said Mike Connor, Michigan Beekeepers Association beekeeper, arborist and founder of the Grand Rapids Bee Club.

Trees for Pollinators took root three years ago when Connor and Michigan Beekeepers Association president Rich Wieske started to encourage people to plant pollen- and nectar-producing trees. Together, the two solidified a plan to make pollinator-friendly trees available through local bee clubs. Wieske sold 100 basswood trees out of the trunk of his car in the first year. In the second year, more than 1,300 flowering trees were planted.

“Trees are meadows in the sky,” said Connor. “Some trees have millions of flowers that provide large quantities of quality nectar and pollen.”

As the Trees for Pollinators program continues, Wieske aims to get more pollinator-friendly trees in the ground by starting a tradition of planting a tree for every child born.

“Given the essential role honeybees play in crop pollination, it’s only sensible that the Michigan Beekeepers Association might commemorate new life by planting a tree to give back to the bees that work to sustain us,” said Wieske.

• Pussy willows, blooming in April, help bee colonies with pollen and nectar as they emerge in the spring.
• Flowering crabapples provide nectar and pollen in early May. They also provide winter food for robins and cedar waxwings.
• Tulip poplars are large trees and produce an exceptionally high nectar yield per flower.
• American basswoods create high-quality nectar in great quantities for honeybees.
• Winged sumac produces large quantities of nectar in August, supporting bees and butterflies.

The Michigan Beekeepers Association website shares growing information for each of the trees offered. A portion of proceeds benefits the organization and the local clubs that will distribute trees for pickup in April.

Questions? Visit MichiganBees.org or contact Michigan Beekeepers Association member Lisa Stinson at [email protected].

Get tree planting tips, resources and a planting map from the DNR at Michigan.gov/MiTrees.

Want to see what’s going on behind the scenes, learn about native animals and discover simple steps to elevate your conservation game? Check out the DNR’s winter 2024 “Wild Times” newsletter. This issue provides quick updates on several topics:

• The striped skunk’s (stinky) mating season.
• Responsible wildlife photography.
• Profiles of DNR Wildlife Division staff in southeast Michigan.
• Counting winter waterfowl with the Detroit Bird Alliance.
• Joining the Vernal Pool Patrol.
• ‘Wildtalk’ podcast: Do crows really have funerals?
• Upcoming event, job, grants and support opportunities.

Learn more about how the DNR cares for wildlife at Michigan.gov/Wildlife.

The DNR is looking for:

• More than 1,300 summer park workers and 60 seasonal park rangers.
• Temporary wildlife workers in positions across the state, in roles that help maintain healthy wildlife populations.
• Full-time, peak-season and on-call wildland firefighters.
• Foresters and forest technicians to help manage public land for varied uses, including outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, timber production and more.
• Seasonal park interpreters to lead hikes/activities and present fun programs tied to each park’s unique natural and cultural resources.
• Historical interpreters who will hone their skills in education program creation and presentation, exhibit development, collections care and site operations.

Here’s your opportunity to work alongside DNR staff to help maintain and protect the more than 4,000 miles of state-designated ORV riding routes and scramble areas.

The DNR is accepting applications for an opening on the Off-Road Vehicle Advisory Workgroup, which consists of seven people 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 Michigan Trails Advisory Council, meets quarterly at varying locations around the state.

“Michigan’s ORV Advisory Workgroup is dedicated to raising awareness about the use of public lands by ORV enthusiasts to respect, protect and enjoy,” said Jessica Holley-Roehrs, state motorized trails program specialist. “Each person on the committee is familiar with the importance of cooperation among different trail user groups and offers their perspective on the issues facing our volunteer organizations, helps shape policy and works with the DNR trails staff to ensure the future of ORV access to public land across Michigan.”

The ideal candidate is an individual who represents ORV communities.

“Members tell us that being part of this workgroup is a rewarding experience – it isn’t overly time-consuming and provides an opportunity for avid ORV riders to share their insight and connect with others who enjoy the sport and want to contribute to our state’s ORV opportunities,” Holley-Roehrs said.

With thousands of miles of state-designated ORV trails, scramble areas, (eligible) county, state forest and national forest roads, and frozen surfaces of public waters, Michigan is a top destination for ORV riders of all levels.

Interested? Apply for the position by filling out this form. The DNR will accept applications through March 15. For more information, contact Anna Centofanti at 517-331-6219.

“This virtual race is a perfect trifecta: people being active and spending time outdoors, celebrating their love of trees and honoring legendary artist and outdoor enthusiast Bob Ross,” said Michelle O’Kelly, fund developer and Happy Little Trees race director for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “We are incredibly proud to be helping expand this positive impact across the United States.”

Race packets will start shipping March 1. To guarantee shipment before the race, please register by April 1. Online registration closes April 15.

Questions? Contact Michelle O’Kelly at [email protected].