DNR News Digest – Week of June 26, 2023

DNR News Digest – Week of June 26, 2023

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News Digest – Week of June 26, 2023

The U.S. flag billows to the left at the top of a tall white flagpole, over several low-lying white buildings with brown roofs; blue sky above

Old Glory flies against a brilliant blue sky at Fort Wilkins Historic State Park in Copper Harbor.

Here are just a few of this week’s stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, leading into the July Fourth holiday weekend:

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

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


Know before you go: Statewide fire risk, air quality

a blue, green, orange, red and yellow map of Michigan showing circles with letter indications of fire risk, ranging from LOW to EXTREMEMichiganders know our weather can change on a dime. That’s true when it comes to fire-related risk, too, especially now with drought conditions in much of the state and air quality being dramatically affected by smoke from Canada wildfires. We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and arming yourself with information is key:


Fireworks refresher: Tips for fire-safe July Fourth fun

A person holds a flickering sparkler between their hands; it illuminates a small area with its glowAs you make Independence Day plans, prepare for fun and safety, too. Care with campfires and fireworks is critical, as Michigan continues its run of unusually dry weather that puts fields and forests at risk for wildfire.

If you choose to use fireworks over the July Fourth holiday, the following tips can help avoid injuries or sparking a wildfire.

Do:

  • Supervise kids with fireworks and sparklers. Keep fireworks away from your face.
  • Use fireworks only on a flat paved or gravel surface. Spray down the area with water before you start and when you’re done.
  • Toss used fireworks and sparklers into a bucket of water.
  • Keep a water source ready to spray embers from fireworks.

Don’t:

  • Try to reignite “dud” fireworks that don’t go off. Wait 15 minutes, then place them in a bucket of water.
  • Launch fireworks into forests or fields where dry grass or leaves could ignite.

Aerial fireworks such as Roman candles and bottle rockets are not allowed at Michigan state parks, harbors or trails. Smaller novelty fireworks such as fountains, sparklers and ground spinners are permitted in campgrounds.

“Fun, spark-free alternatives to fireworks include ribbon dancers, paper confetti poppers, glow-in-the-dark bubbles and glow sticks,” said DNR Parks and Recreation Division Chief Ron Olson.

Sky lanterns are not allowed on DNR-managed public lands. They leave wires that can entangle wildlife and foul equipment, and they have the potential to start wildfires.

So far this season, DNR firefighters have responded to more than 230 wildfires. Get wildfire prevention tips at Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires and check to see if it’s safe to burn brush and leaves at Michigan.gov/BurnPermit.

Questions? Contact Paul Rogers at 616-260-8406.


Stay dry on the water this holiday weekend

back of a woman conservation officer in uniform on a DNR boat, with white and red U.S. Coast Guard vessel and two people in the backgroundConservation officers will have an increased presence on Michigan waterways July 1-3 as part of Operation Dry Water, a national law enforcement campaign to promote sober boating.

There’s good reason for the effort. According to the most recent U.S. Coast Guard report, alcohol remains the primary contributing factor in recreational boater deaths.

Alcohol impairs a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time, and can increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion. Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion – elements common to the boating environment – intensify the side effects of alcohol, drugs and some medications.

Nationally, law enforcement officers contacted 350,472 boaters, made 794 boating under the influence arrests, and issued 45,067 citations and warnings for safety violations during last year’s Operation Dry Water campaign.

The DNR encourages boaters to ride only with a sober operator who has a valid boater safety education certificate. Learn more about boating safety or sign up for a boater safety course at Michigan.gov/RecreationalSafety.

Questions? Contact Katie Gervasi at 517-290-0679.


color graphic of the side view of a boat, titled before leaving and before launching, inspect everything; it labels different parts of a boat

Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week is July 2-8

Ahoy, boaters! Ready for Michigan’s 10th annual Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week?

This year it runs July 2-8 and features outreach events at more than 50 sites across the state. Michigan’s Invasive Species Program partners and volunteers will be reminding boaters to “clean, drain, dry” their boats and trailers before getting back on the road.

Boaters and anglers need to know that state law requires removal of plants and debris from watercraft and trailers; removal of drain plugs; and draining of bilges, ballast tanks and live wells before any watercraft is transported. Remembering to “clean, drain, dry” also helps prevent the spread of invasives like starry stonewort and zebra and quagga mussels.

Michigan’s AIS Awareness Week events support the Great Lakes AIS Landing Blitz, spreading the word about aquatic invasive species prevention throughout the Great Lakes states and Canadian provinces. It’s sponsored by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Water Resources Division in partnership with the departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture and Rural Development, federal agencies and private and nonprofit organizations.

Get involved with AIS Awareness Week and the AIS Landing Blitz and learn about preventing the spread of invasive species at Michigan.gov/Invasives.

Questions? Contact Joanne Foreman at [email protected].


Double red flags? Don’t go in the water

Two red flags hang from a tall pole on a sandy beach, near the shoreline. Double red flags on Great Lakes beaches mean don't go in the water.To boost awareness of changing conditions and save lives, there’s a new addition to the Great Lakes beach flag warning system. If you see double red flags, you are not allowed to enter the water from the beach.

DNR land use order now makes it illegal to enter the water when there is risk to human health and safety. Risks can include hazardous waves and/or dangerous water conditions, active rescue or recovery efforts, and environmental hazards. This order does not apply to surfers using wind-powered or self-propelled wave-riding boards.

More ways to stay safe

Keep these other cautions in mind when enjoying time in and around the Great Lakes:

  • There are no beach guards at state parks. Never swim alone and always keep close watch of children and bring U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, especially for new and inexperienced swimmers.
  • Water currents near piers, breakwalls and outlets of rivers can be extremely hazardous.
  • Visitors in areas without designated swim beaches should use extreme caution because they will not have the benefit of the beach flag warning system or the visual cautions of buoys that mark water depth and obstacles.
  • When water access is permitted, be prepared for widely varying water temps; some parts of the Great Lakes are still hovering around 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Before leaving home for any beach outing, check local weather reports and lake conditions and learn about the types of Great Lakes currents and how to escape them.

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.

Questions? Contact Pat Whalen at 269-838-1196.


ORV operators: Ride Right, ride again

side view of a person wearing a helmet riding a dirt bike over a sandy area, with a side-by-side ORV in the backgroundA long holiday weekend means many people will be enjoying one of the fastest-growing recreation activities in Michigan – off-road vehicle riding. If you’ll be on a quad, side-by-side, dirt bike or other type of ORV, the DNR wants everyone to Ride Right to ensure you ride again.

Speed, drugs and alcohol, and reckless operation are leading causes of ORV accidents.

“Conservation officers are seeing an increase in alcohol and marijuana use, particularly on side-by-sides,” said the DNR’s Cpl. Mike Hearn. “Alcohol and marijuana laws are the same for ORVs as they are for street vehicles – there’s zero tolerance.”

If you are the first rider (acting as leader) of an ORV group, you can help prevent reckless operation by leading at a safe speed for all rider abilities, conditions and equipment. Also be cautious of dust clouds, especially during dry weather conditions such as those Michigan is now experiencing. Dust clouds can impair your ability to see nearby riders, trees and other objects, making it challenging to determine a safe stopping distance.

three off-road vehicles travel single file down a dirt road, alongside a large blue body of water. Green forests and blue sky line the backgroundKeep these important ORV safety tips in mind:

  • Ride at a safe speed based on your abilities and the machine’s capabilities.
  • Know the trail conditions.
  • Ride sober; open alcohol is not allowed on side-by-sides or any other ORV.
  • Ride on the right side of the trail.
  • Wear a helmet and other appropriate safety gear, such as eye protection, gloves, footwear and chest protectors.
  • Ride with your lights on to increase your visibility to others.
  • Always supervise ORV operators who are under the age of 16 (it’s the law).
  • Complete an approved ORV safety course.
  • Refer to manufacturer guidelines for passenger limits.
  • Stay on the trail and watch where you park. A hot muffler or engine can ignite dry leaves or grass, so keep machines and trailer chains away from potential fire fuel.

Read more about ORV safety at Michigan.gov/RideRight. For more on where to ride and ORV laws in Michigan, go to Michigan.gov/ORVInfo.

Questions? Contact Cpl. Mike Hearn at [email protected].


THINGS TO DO

The outdoors is for everyone! See what we’re doing to boost accessibility at parks, piers, playgrounds and your other favorite outdoor places.

BUY & APPLY

Before you head out to fish, hunt or ride, be sure you have the licenses, permits and other information you need for a safe, successful adventure.

GET INVOLVED

Want to do your part to help take care of Michigan’s natural resources? Start at our DNR Get Involved page for ideas near you and around the state.

Learn about proposed Michigamme Highlands conservation project

Learn about proposed Michigamme Highlands conservation project

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DNR News

June 26, 2023

Contact: Kerry Heckman (DNR), 517-643-1256 or Bill O’Brion (Lyme), 906-399-5019

A scene of green trees an a distant water view from the 73,000-acre Michigamme Highlands project, a proposed conservation easement.

Learn about proposed Michigamme Highlands conservation project; reserve your spot on property tour

Comprised of vast forests, remote lakes, trout streams, Michigan’s highest elevation, moose-inhabited swamps and some of the most climate-resilient landscape in Michigan, the Michigamme Highlands in the western Upper Peninsula is truly exceptional.

That’s why the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is working with the current landowner, Lyme Great Lakes Timberlands, to potentially protect this area through a working forest conservation easement.

Moose are among the many types of wildlife living on the proposed 73,00-acre Michigamme Highlands site. The 73,000-acre Michigamme Highlands project includes the summit of Mt. Arvon (Michigan’s highest point), 37 miles of rivers, 220 miles of perennial streams, 96 lakes and ponds, more than 13,600 acres of wetlands, over 4,800 acres of white-tailed deer winter habitat and habitat for federal and state-listed threatened or endangered species. The Highlands are home to moose, black bear, pine marten, fisher, grouse, eagles, coaster brook trout, brown and rainbow trout, Coho and pink salmon, bass and northern pike. The project spans portions of Baraga, Iron and Marquette counties.

The Michigamme Highlands conservation project as proposed would give the DNR conservation easement rights on behalf of Michigan’s residents while the land remains privately owned by Lyme. Those rights would ensure that the property is sustainably managed as a working forest, protect wildlife habitat, prevent development or subdivision of the property and ensure public recreational access forever.

The DNR and Lyme are inviting the public and interested stakeholders to visit and learn more about the Michigamme Highlands project during two upcoming property tours:

  • Monday, July 10 at 12:45 p.m. Eastern: Meet at Lyme Great Lakes Timberlands Office, 15800 Mead Road, L’Anse.
  • Tuesday, July 11 at 8:45 a.m. Eastern: Meet at Koski Corners Park and Ride, intersection of US-41/M-28 and M-95, Champion.

The informational sessions and property tours will last approximately three hours. Transportation for the property tours will be provided and seating is limited. To ensure that you have a seat on the tour, please RSVP to: MichigammeHighlands@lymegreatlakes.com by Thursday, July 6.

Learn more about the proposed project and keep updated on its progress by visiting the Michigamme Highlands project web page.


Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

  • Michigamme Highlands: A view from the top of Mount Arvon in the proposed 73,000-acre Michigamme Highlands project, looking towards Lake Superior. The project covers parts of Baraga, Iron and Marquette counties.
  • Moose: These moose are among the many types of wildlife who live within the proposed 73,000-acre Michigamme Highlands project area.
  • Aerial: A view of a winding stream within the 73,000-acre proposed Michigamme Highlands site.
Showcasing the DNR: ORV clubs drive cleanup efforts

Showcasing the DNR: ORV clubs drive cleanup efforts

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Showcasing the DNR

Earth Day cleanup volunteers bring trash to a dumpster.

ORV clubs drive cleanup efforts in partnership with Adopt-a-Forest

By IRIS PAUL
Student communications assistant
Forest Resources Division
Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Craig Pinkelman set out with fellow members of the Wicked Jeeps Southeast Michigan ORV Club to enjoy an autumn day riding off-road vehicles in 2017 – but was surprised by what he found hidden on the path less taken.

Club members expected to find the forest floor blanketed with colorful leaves as they explored state lands.

Instead, they found a sea of black tires, having stumbled upon multiple dumpsites in the St. Helen and Ogemaw area in the northern Lower Peninsula. The ORV enthusiasts took it upon themselves to get rid of those eyesores to keep the trails beautiful and safe for everyone to enjoy.

From that first cleanup, a tradition was born that now inspires hundreds of volunteers to come together for an annual Earth Day celebration. Volunteers removed over 12 tons of garbage at this year’s cleanup in April.

Running five years strong, every year has brought in larger groups of volunteers and forged new partnerships. Each removes more garbage than the last.

Collaborating with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Adopt-a-Forest program has helped the event grow. The program covers the costs of on-site dumpsters and tire recycling.

For this year’s event, hosted by Wicked Jeeps Southeast Michigan, partner groups included Iron Mustangs Motorcycle Club St. Helen Chapter and the St. Helen Snowpackers Snowmobile and ORV Club. Eight other off-road vehicle groups participated, and the event brought in the support of 11 sponsors.

Volunteers from across the many different ORV clubs said it doesn’t matter what logo is on their grill, what matters is showing they care about the trails and the towns they’re in.

Volunteers gathered on Earth Day for the annual cleanup.Attendees said the volunteer experience produced a mix of emotions.

While seeing such an overwhelming amount of garbage in the woods was shocking, they felt hopeful witnessing hundreds of people come together to offer their time and labor for the cause.

“Every year we seem to pull out more and more trash, but I have to believe that it’s because our efforts are growing,” said Mike Hotz, president of Wicked Jeeps Southeast Michigan. “Seeing all the trash out there is disheartening and frustrating because it never seems to end, but watching the dumpsters fill as we bring it all out and seeing more communities get involved every year is motivating and reassures us that we’re doing something right.”

The DNR is also seeing the event’s positive effects.

“It was great to be there and see the volunteers working together to make a big impact,” said Andrea Stay, Adopt-a-Forest program manager. “There was a lot of group camaraderie and problem-solving that took place to handle the more complicated dumpsites and heavy piles. Their efforts really improved the condition of our trails and forest lands.”

With over 700 known dumpsites throughout the state, it takes many helping hands to preserve Michigan’s forests. A week prior, Sundowners 4×4 Club held its annual spring cleanup in partnership with Adopt-a-Forest at Allegan State Game Area.

Doug Wine, vice president of the nonprofit organization, said, “Contrary to popular opinion, ‘Jeepers’ are primarily outdoor enthusiasts with an affinity for the out-of-the-way places many will never be able to see.”

All that time off the beaten path can mean stumbling upon isolated locations where illegal dumpsites have sprung up.

Off-road vehicle groups like Sundowners 4×4 Club and Wicked Jeeps Southeast Michigan have been important partners in identifying and repairing these sites, but anyone recreating in the woods can report dumpsites, or volunteer with Adopt-a-Forest to help keep the forest healthy.

About Adopt-a-Forest

Adopt-a-Forest is a volunteer clean-up program that works to keep forests beautiful and educate the public about responsible trash disposal.

Established in 1991, the program is a partnership between the Michigan DNR, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and the USDA Forest Service. The program has helped clean millions of acres of forest land.

Guided by the following program goals, Adopt-a-Forest aims to comprehensively address illegal dumping through preventative education and advocacy work, actively cleaning dumpsites, and identifying responsible parties.

  • Prevention education: Through advocacy, recycling or reuse strategies, and educating people about appropriate waste management, the program works to prevent illegal dumping.
  • Recycling and disposal: Recycling is the preferred disposal method whenever possible – nearly half of all Adopt-a-Forest-collected waste is recycled!
  • Law enforcement: Program staff and law enforcement work together to identify individuals who contribute to illegal dumpsites and hold them accountable. Trail users and volunteers are encouraged to report dumpsites or any personally identifying information they find on illegally dumped trash.
  • Cleanup safety: Adopt-a-Forest provides recommendations for appropriate safety gear, proper lifting techniques and event supply lists and can help connect sites with appropriate hazards specialists when needed.
Volunteers remove tires from Michigan state forest lands.Anyone interested in organizing a cleanup can start by checking out the dumpsite database.

“Maintaining the dumpsite database is pivotal to the work we do,” Stay said. “It helps us quantify the level of need throughout the state and empowers volunteers to connect to the best site for their group.”

Volunteer groups come in all shapes and sizes, from scout troops to individuals all the way up to multi-group events that draw hundreds of helping hands.

The interactive map lists information about the site, helping volunteers identify approachable “family-friendly” sites or prepare to tackle one of the ambitious “horrendous hundred” dumpsites in their area.

After the site is cleaned, the volunteer group should use the database’s reporting feature to let others know a site cleanup has been completed.

Equipment and resource needs can vary depending on the site. Disposing of removed trash can be as simple as gathering a few bags and tossing it with your home garbage; other sites may require partnership to access a DNR or local government dumpster.

Large sites may be eligible for an on-site Adopt-a-Forest-sponsored dumpster. The dumpsite database will indicate when a site has special requirements, such as needing heavy equipment. Twice-annual cleanups are recommended to keep adopted sites in tip-top shape.

Where possible, Adopt-a-Forest encourages volunteers to steer found items out of the waste stream – reducing pressure on landfills offers extra support toward keeping our environment healthy.

Stacked tires removed from state forest lands.If something is still usable, such as clothing, it can be donated to a charitable organization. Organic matter, such as live Christmas trees, can be sent to community composting sites.

This spring alone, over 1,000 tires have already been picked up for recycling, which can be transformed into playground equipment, pathways and even roads.

The Wicked Jeeps Southeast Michigan’s Earth Day cleanup has used recycling to offer further community support. Scrap steel helped fund the purchase of trail grading equipment, while returnable bottle and can deposits supported the St. Helen annual fireworks show.

Pinkelman also sees the need for a holistic plan addressing illegal dumping.

“While the growth of the event is truly amazing, and the expansion of this to other locations across the state led by other groups is a dream come true, it is truly heartbreaking to see the continued dumping and abuse of our state and national lands,” Pinkelman said. “As we go forward, several of us are putting our thinking caps on and trying to find ways to eliminate such behavior. It will surely take the efforts of more than just the offroad community to make a dent in that.”

Volunteers see firsthand how dumping trash hurts Michigan’s forests, but those who can’t make it out to a cleanup can still play an important, preventative role.

They can communicate with their community and local officials about the importance of safe, legal trash disposal options. They can also advocate for local, accessible options, and use reliable trash removal services in their own lives.

Learn more about how you can get involved at Michigan.gov/AdoptAForest.

Check out previous Showcasing the DNR stories in our archive at Michigan.gov/DNRStories. To subscribe to upcoming Showcasing articles, sign up for free email delivery at Michigan.gov/DNREmail.

DNR: Applications open for community tree planting grants 

DNR: Applications open for community tree planting grants 

 
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DNR News

June 13, 2023

Media contacts: Kevin Sayers (DNR), 517-582-3209; Amanda Passage (DTE Energy), 313-235-9207; or Melinda Jones (ReLeaf Michigan), 734-718-2702

Applications open for community tree planting grants

A person prepares to plant a ball and burlap tree in the soilGrant proposals for community tree planting projects are being accepted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for the 2023 DTE Energy Foundation partnership grant program.

This program supports tree planting projects in DTE Energy’s service area that reduce the effects of climate change, increase natural beauty and bring the benefits of trees to communities.

A legacy of tree planting is continued by a partnership of the DTE Energy FoundationDNR Urban and Community Forestry Program and nonprofit ReLeaf Michigan with an annual grant program started in 1996.

This year, a total of $100,000 is available in 1-to-1 matching grants of up to $4,000. Apply by Friday, Aug. 11.

Grant info, application ►

 

In its lifetime, the program has helped plant 20 million trees and invest $3.6 million in Michigan forests and communities.

“Michigan’s natural beauty and wildlife depend on its trees and forests, and the commitment we make as a community to protect them is vital to our environment’s future,” said Rodney Cole, president of the DTE Foundation. “That’s why the DTE Foundation proudly supports the Michigan DNR in its mission to preserve and expand trees for future generations.”

Grant funds are provided through the DTE Foundation, the philanthropic arm of DTE. The DNR administers the grant program and ReLeaf Michigan provides tree planting, project coordination and technical assistance for planting projects.

Grant awards will be announced in October. Projects must be completed by Sept. 1, 2024.

Find tree care and urban forestry information at Michigan.gov/UCF.

DNR Get Involved – June 2023

DNR Get Involved – June 2023

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DNR Get Involved – June 2023

group of stewardship volunteers in field

Here are a few ways to get involved in taking care of Michigan’s natural resources in June. For more opportunities to volunteer, contribute and provide input, visit Michigan.gov/DNRVolunteers.


Help restore natural areas at state parks

stewardship volunteers in fieldSeveral state parks in southern Michigan will host volunteer stewardship workdays in June. Volunteers are needed to help with removing invasive plants that threaten high-quality ecosystems or collecting native seeds for prairie restoration.

Please note that registration is required for all volunteer workdays.

Workdays will take place:

  • Friday June 9, 10 a.m. to noon and Sunday June 18, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry County).
  • Saturday, June 10, 9 a.m. to noon and Wednesday, June 21, 4-6 p.m. at Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County).
  • Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m. to noon at Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien County).
  • Saturday, June 24, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County).
  • Saturday, June 24, 10 a.m. to noon at Muskegon State Park (Muskegon County).
  • Sunday, June 25, 9 a.m. to noon at Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo County).
  • Sunday, June 25, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw County).

Get more details about each workday on the DNR volunteer events calendar.


Join in wildlife habitat improvement projects

two people planting tree with DNR truck in backgroundHelp improve wildlife habitat and hunting access with On the Ground, Michigan United Conservation Clubs’ volunteer habitat improvement program in partnership with the DNR. All registered volunteers will receive free lunch and a thank-you gift.

On the Ground volunteer opportunities coming up in June:

Tree planting in the Newberry Forest Management Unit

Saturday, June 10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Meet at the DNR Newberry Customer Service Center, 5100 M-123 in Newberry

Join us in planting 100 oak and apple trees in an opening in the Newberry Forest Management Unit in Luce County, part of an effort to establish soft and hard mast that will benefit various species of wildlife, including white-tailed deer. All ages are welcome to attend.

Register for Newberry event.

Native wildflower and shrub planting in Barry County

Saturday, June 24, 9 a.m. to noon
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, 1025 West Cloverdale Road in Hastings

Volunteers will help plant native wildflowers and shrubs on Pierce Cedar Creek Institute’s grounds to improve upland bird habitat. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, an 850-acre nature center and biological field station, is home to several unique natural communities and supports conservation and stewardship efforts on the property through a variety of grant and volunteer efforts.

Register for Barry County event.

If you have any questions about these events, please reach out to MUCC habitat volunteer coordinator Kristina Kennedy.


Give your opinion on latest state land review recommendations

sun shining through trees on forest pathThe DNR is hosting virtual public meetings to provide information on the state land review process and opportunities for feedback on recommendations on whether to keep, exchange or sell DNR-managed public land in 11 counties: Baraga, Benzie, Clare, Clinton, Genesee, Ionia, Manistee, Mecosta, Newaygo, Shiawassee and Wayne.

The state land review stems from the 2013 DNR-managed public land strategy and involves review of certain parcels of state land to determine whether they are contributing strongly to the department’s mission. The review process involves DNR-managed lands that are 200 acres or less in size or that, due to an irregular boundary, may be difficult to manage.

The meetings will be held:

  • Tuesday, June 20, at 6 p.m.
    Join Microsoft Teams meeting or call (for audio only) +1 248-509-0316, 360467187#, Conference ID: 360 467 187#
  • Wednesday, June 21, at 2 p.m.
    Join Microsoft Teams meeting or call (for audio only) +1 248-509-0316, 521378890#, Conference ID: 521 378 890#

You don’t have to have Microsoft Teams on your computer or smart device to join, but please note that each link is specific to its meeting date and time, and the links will not be live or accessible until each meeting is “opened” by the moderator. Anyone without access to a computer may call in using the phone number provided.

Visit the DNR’s land review webpage for more information, or contact Kerry Heckman at 517-643-1256.


PlayCleanGo Awareness Week graphic

Headed outdoors? Take steps to help protect places you love

The third annual PlayCleanGo Awareness Week (June 3-10) is a great time for some reminders about quick and easy ways to responsibly enjoy the outdoors without spreading invasive species or pests.

Invasive insects and plant diseases cost the U.S. an estimated $40 billion annually in damages to trees, plants, crops and related management efforts. They can threaten the economy, food supply, environment and in some cases, even public health.

Everyone who enjoys the outdoors can do their part to prevent the spread of invasive species – a little bit of prevention contributes to a larger effort of preserving biodiversity and important habitats.

Here are some simple steps you can take to help protect the places you love.

  • Clean your shoes, clothes, packs and pets before and after exploring, and stay on designated trails.
  • Clean, Drain and Dry your watercraft and fishing equipment to stop aquatic hitchhikers!
  • Don’t Move Firewood! Buy it where you burn it, buy certified heat-treated firewood or gather it on-site when permitted.
  • Before traveling to new areas, inspect and clean your trailers, off-road vehicles and recreational vehicles with water or compressed air to remove mud, plant parts and hidden pests.

More information on invasive species and prevention is available at Michigan.gov/Invasives.


Give us your input on your state forests

Plans for prescribed burns, timber harvests and other activities that keep Michigan’s nearly 4 million acres of state forest thriving are currently being made for 2025, but public input is welcome now. Find out which activities are planned where and how to offer feedback at Michigan.gov/ForestInput. You can submit comments online during designated periods or attend a compartment review meeting, where plans are finalized.

Learn about new beech disease in June webinar

The next in the NotMISpecies series of webinars exploring efforts to combat invasive species in Michigan is “Life’s a beech! Another disease is threatening Michigan’s majestic giants,” June 14 at 9 a.m. Learn about beech leaf disease, first detected in Michigan in 2022, and the potential effects this new disease might have on Michigan’s forests, what’s being done to address it and how to spot the symptoms of beech leaf disease on your trees.

DNR News – Fish kills may be more common during summer

DNR News – Fish kills may be more common during summer

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DNR News

June 6, 2023

Contact: Jay Wesley, 269-204-7057 or Jeremiah Blaauw, 906-235-7679

Fish kills may be more common during summer heat

An accumulation of dead bluegills and black crappies during a fish kill on a southwest Michigan lakeWith increasing temperatures across Michigan, anglers, boaters and lakefront property owners may discover dead fish or other aquatic animals. While such sights can be startling, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone that it is common — summer heat conditions can cause fish and other creatures such as turtles, frogs, toads and crayfish to die.

“The majority of summer fish kills are due to low oxygen in the water, a natural phenomenon associated with weather,” said Jeremiah Blaauw, DNR fisheries biologist. “However, some other factors such as chemical treatments of aquatic plants and algae can increase the risk of a fish kill.”

Environmental conditions strongly affect the stress level of fish; temperature and dissolved oxygen concentrations are key variables. Fish need oxygen just as humans do, but fish absorb dissolved oxygen (oxygen gas that is dissolved in water) directly through their gills into the bloodstream.

During periods of hot, calm weather, dissolved levels of oxygen in nutrient-rich lakes often decline, while the metabolic rate in most fish — the number of calories needed to accomplish basic life-sustaining functions like respiration — increases. That means fish in these systems often are being pinched by both temperature and oxygen at the same time.

“‘Nutrient-rich’ sounds like a good thing, but that isn’t necessarily true when it comes to water quality,” Blaauw said. “Our lakes often have artificially high concentrations of nutrients due to human-connected sources like wastewater or fertilizer runoff. The nutrients support dense growth of plants and algae. While plants and algae produce oxygen during the day through photosynthesis, they consume oxygen at night via their own respiration. This situation can lead to oxygen crashes during warm summer nights.”

Spawning stress is another factor that plays a critical role in many fish mortality events. Due to the wide variations in climate from north to south in Michigan, sunfish can spawn from May through early July. During the last five years, these three months had the highest numbers of fish kill reports through the DNR’s Eyes in the Field system.

Most fish kill events are the culmination of a series of causes. For example, the following scenario occurs every year in southern Michigan. Bluegills are stressed from spawning activity. At the same time, a period of hot weather causes water temperatures to rise rapidly. Herbicide is applied to control algae and invasive plant species. This combination of stressors depresses the immune system, and bacteria already present in the lake infect bluegills and result in an outbreak of columnaris disease.

Learn more about fish kills at Michigan.gov/FishHealth.

The public is welcome to report fish kills using the Eyes in the Field website; such reports are valuable to the DNR’s ability to manage the state’s aquatic resources. If you suspect a fish kill is due to nonnatural causes, call the nearest DNR office or Michigan’s Pollution Emergency Alert System at 800-292-4706.


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