DNR News – Crews continue working on wildfire

DNR News – Crews continue working on wildfire

 
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DNR News

June 5, 2023
Media contact: Laurie Abel, 517-599-6703

Crews continue working on wildfire southeast of Grayling, now more than 90% contained

Blackened trees and ash are visible at the site of a wildfire With slightly cooler weather aiding firefighting efforts, crews continued work Monday to suppress the Wilderness Trail Fire that has burned an estimated 2,400 acres southeast of Grayling. The fire is more than 90% contained.

Fire crews from multiple agencies are working to reinforce a containment line on the south side of the fire, move from suppression to mop-up status, reopen the rail line north of 4 Mile Road and reopen the fire area to the public.

Conditions remain dry and fire risk is very high or extreme across much of the state. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is not issuing burn permits.

“There’s not enough rain today to make a significant reduction in fire danger,” said Mike Janisse, commander of the DNR Incident Management Team that is assisting with the fire. “Even though it feels cooler, conditions are very dry and extreme fire conditions are expected to continue in the Grayling area and around the state.”

A tree, burned by the fire, is still standing despite having most of its base burned. Vegetation is burned in the background.People cause nine out of 10 wildfires and burning yard debris is the top wildfire cause in Michigan. The Wilderness Trail Fire started with a campfire.

The DNR urges people to use an abundance of caution if they are making a campfire or a cooking fire. Keep a water source nearby and never leave any fire unattended, even for a moment. Get more fire safety tips at Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires.

The DNR will continue to share updates via news releases and on the department Twitter account at Twitter.com/MichiganDNR.


Note to editors: Accompanying photos and resources are available below; caption information follows.

  • PDF map: PDF map of the Wilderness Trail Fire area southeast of Grayling in Crawford County, which has burned approximately 2,400 acres.
  • Burned trees: Blackened trees and ash are visible in the area where the Wilderness Trail Fire burned.
  • Burn area: A tree stands on a spindly burned base after encountering wildfire.
  • Fire danger map: Great Lakes Fire and Fuels map displaying current fire danger conditions. Much of Michigan is experiencing extreme fire danger.

 

DNR News – Your trees need a little love

DNR News – Your trees need a little love

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DNR News

June 5, 2023
Contact: Kevin Sayers, 517-582-3209 or Lawrence Sobson, 313-316-4137

Your trees need a little love (and water) during dry spells

A person uses an orange 5-gallon bucket to water a young tree

Image via Casey Trees

If you planted new trees this spring or last fall, bring out the garden hose. A little water will keep those trees healthy and happy as Michigan’s dry spring progresses into summer.

“Abnormally hot and dry conditions mean your newly planted trees are probably thirsty,” said Kevin Sayers, Urban and Community Forestry Program manager with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “Make sure any trees planted in the past year are getting at least 10 to 20 gallons of water a week until regular precipitation returns. Your trees will appreciate the drink.”

New trees, especially, are still setting their roots and need water, Sayers said. However, dry weather also can weaken healthy trees and make them more vulnerable to disease, insect damage or winter breakage.

Deciduous trees – those that lose their leaves in fall – show drought stress through curling or drooping leaves. Leaves may “scorch,” or turn brown at the margins, fall off early or exhibit early fall color. Evergreen needles may turn yellow, then red or brown.

A sprinkler sprays garden flowers with waterIt’s important to water trees correctly. When watering, prioritize newly planted or high-value trees. Water newly established trees weekly and established trees every two to three weeks. A long, slow soak under the tree’s dripline, the ground where branches extend over, is best, so soil is saturated at least 10 to 12 inches deep. Once a week is generally enough. Overwatering can create problems too, so if soil under the tree is moist, you don’t need to add more water.

Mulch also helps retain soil moisture and save water. Apply 3 to 4 inches of organic mulch under the tree canopy, around but not touching the base of the trunk. You want the finished mulch pile to look like a doughnut, not a volcano.

Watering tips

  • Sprinkler: Place an empty container or rain gauge nearby to measure about 1 inch of irrigation.
  • Hand watering via hose: Let water run slowly until the ground is saturated (10 to 12 inches deep) and moist near the base of small trees or at various points under the dripline of large trees.
  • 5-gallon bucket: Most newly planted trees need 5 to 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter (at knee height) each week.
  • Soaker or trickle hoses: Saturate the soil under the dripline to at least 10 to 12 inches deep.
  • Don’t water during the middle of the day. Much of the water applied at the hottest or windiest time of day is immediately lost to evaporation.
  • Mist sprinklers aren’t effective for trees. As much as 70 percent of water may be lost to evaporation into the air.
  • Lay off the fertilizer. Fertilizer salts can cause root injury when soil moisture is limited.

Summer is a stressful time to plant trees, largely due to hot temperatures and the need for water. So, if you haven’t already planted, it may be best to wait until fall.

When conditions are right for planting, the DNR encourages Michigan residents to join the challenge of planting 50 million trees by 2030 and pin their new trees on an interactive map as part of the MI Trees challenge. Help ensure the future of conservation in our state – plant it forward!

DNR News – What’s with those trees?

DNR News – What’s with those trees?

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DNR News

June 1, 2023

Contact: Jason Hartman, 989-275-5151

What’s with those trees? They’re making seeds for the future

Trimmed red pine trees will be used to creae seeds for future plantings. Folks rolling along Michigan roads may notice some strange-looking forestry: Stands where some red pines have been cut and others remain, but have their tops sheared off.

The scenes – near Roscommon, along U.S. 2 near Manistique and near the Cheboygan County town of Wolverine – look forlorn. But despite their disheveled look, these trees will create seeds to make sure red pines grow in Michigan well into the future.

“Red pine is a difficult species to regenerate naturally because they don’t generate cones on a regular basis,” said Jason Hartman, silviculturist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “But it’s an important tree in Michigan for forest restoration, timber and carbon sequestration. We plant seedlings as the most common method to regenerate red pine, but we need large volumes of seed to grow that many seedlings.”

When tops are cut out of the trees, the bottom branches become bushy and generate cones that can easily be harvested to provide more seeds for future plantings.

“We know it looks strange right now, but it will look better as the trees respond and as we continue to manage those seed collection areas” Hartman said.

Red pine trees typically grow 50 to 80 feet tall, but can reach 100 feet in height. That makes them perfect for one of their key uses: as utility poles. Red pine also is used for lumber and paper, making them a valuable part of Michigan’s nearly $22 billion forest economy.

Michigan’s landscape supports about 220 million red pines, according to the USDA Forest Service. Red pine trees also provide food and shelter for a variety of wildlife including birds and small animals.

The DNR plants approximately 4 million red pine seedlings per year in the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula. Cones are collected in September, dried and then frozen for future use.


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

  • What’s up with those trees? Red pine trees in several locations around the state look like they’ve been ravaged, but the work was actually done with purpose. The strange-looking trims allow for the easy harvest of cones to provide seed for planting.
DNR News – Crews continue working on wildfire

DNR News: Crews cleaning up after 136-acre fire

 
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DNR News

May 30, 2023
Contact: Don Klingler, 989-370-0440

Crews cleaning up after 136-acre fire near Manton; fire danger remains extreme in much of the state

Columns of smoke and flames cross the landscape during the Fife Lake Outlet Fire on May 28, 2023. Fire crews are still mopping up today after an escaped campfire caused an approximately 136-acre wildfire Sunday near Manton in Wexford County.

The Fife Lake Outlet Fire began after a campfire at a private residence escaped its ring and burned through dry grass, said Bret Baker, fire supervisor in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Cadillac office.

It was fueled by dry grass and dry leaves and needles on the ground, Baker said. The fire burned through jack pine, red pine and oak trees.

“It hasn’t been this dry before this early in the season,” Baker said.

The homeowner had put water on the fire before going inside.

Michigan State Police assisted the DNR by evacuating a nearby campground. A total of 18 DNR firefighters and crews from five local fire departments battled the blaze. It was contained at about 10 p.m. Sunday. Evacuees were allowed to return to the campground around 11 p.m.

DNR firefighters were assisted by the City of Manton Fire Department and the Fife Lake Area, Cedar Creek, South Boardman and Haring Township fire departments. Equipment used included four bulldozers, one skidder and four engines. The USDA Forest Service provided two Fire Boss tanker airplanes, which strategically dropped water on the fire in a coordinated effort with the DNR’s spotter airplane.

With very little rain statewide during May, conditions remain very dry across the state. As a result, the DNR is not issuing any burn permits at this time. Yard waste burning is the top cause of wildfires in Michigan. If a backyard fire gets away from you, call 911 immediately.

Check Michigan.gov/BurnPermit before you start a fire to make sure weather conditions allow for safe burning. In southern Lower Peninsula communities, consult local fire authorities.

Tips to stay fire safe

A map showing an outline of Michigan's Upper and Lower peninsulas with letters signifying fire danger, which is extreme in many areas. Here are tips to keep your outdoor activities fire safe:

  • Keep a hose or other water source nearby when burning.
  • Prevent sparks. Keep trailer chains from dragging when you’re on the road; don’t park hot equipment on dry grass.
  • Contain your campfire or bonfire in a pit or ring and make sure you put it out thoroughly before leaving for the night. Douse the fire with water, stir the ashes and douse again.
  • Never leave any fire — including hot coals — unattended.
  • Never shoot fireworks into the woods, dry grass or shrubs.
  • It’s illegal to burn plastic, hazardous materials, foam or other household trash. This can release dangerous chemicals into the air.
  • You can use a burn barrel with a screen on top to burn paper, leaves and natural materials.

Fire safety information is available at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.

DNR News: Keep fire danger in mind this weekend

DNR News: Keep fire danger in mind this weekend

 
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DNR News

May 25, 2023
Contact: Paul Rogers, 616-260-8406 (Lower Peninsula) or John Pepin, 906-226-1352 (Upper Peninsula)

Going up north? Staying home? Keep fire danger in mind either way this weekend

Fire danger is elevated across the state, so keep fire safety in mind whether your weekend plans including heading up north, doing yard work or hitting the trails.

“Whether you’re traveling north or not, conditions are dry in much of the state. Be careful with fire, ORVs and outdoor equipment and take precautions to keep yourself and others safe,” said Don Klingler, resource protection manager for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Fire danger is high or very high statewide today, with pockets of extreme risk across the northern Lower Peninsula.

Even if the landscape looks green, vegetation still can be dry, said Keith Murphy, a DNR fire management specialist based in the Upper Peninsula.

“Due to the low relative humidity, needle moisture in pines and lack of good rainfall, certain areas of the Upper Peninsula can definitely burn,” he said. Several of Michigan’s largest wildfires in the past have started during the last two weeks in May.

Yard waste burning is top cause of fire in Michigan

Most wildfires are caused by people, and in Michigan, yard waste burning is the top offender. If a backyard fire gets away from you, call 911 immediately.

“People get out there and don’t realize how fast a fire can take off, especially if there is any breeze that can carry an ember,” Klingler said.

Check Michigan.gov/BurnPermit before you start your fire to make sure weather conditions allow for safe burning. In southern Lower Peninsula communities, consult local fire authorities.

Always keep fire safety in mind

Use these tips to keep your outdoor activities fire safe:

  • Keep a hose or other water source nearby when burning.
  • Prevent sparks. Keep trailer chains from dragging when you’re on the road; don’t park hot equipment on dry grass.
  • Contain your campfire or bonfire in a pit or ring and make sure you put it out thoroughly before leaving for the night. Douse the fire with water, stir the ashes and douse again.
  • Never leave any fire, including hot coals, unattended.
  • Never shoot fireworks into the woods, dry grass or shrubs.
  • It’s illegal to burn plastic, hazardous materials, foam or other household trash. This can release dangerous chemicals into the air, causing harm to you or others. Dispose of these materials properly.
  • You can use a burn barrel with a screen on top to burn paper, leaves and natural materials.

More fire safety information is available at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.

Since the beginning of fire season in March, DNR wildland firefighters have fought more than 124 fires covering nearly 700 acres.

DNR News Digest – Holiday Edition

DNR News Digest – Holiday Edition

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News Digest – Holiday Edition

a yellow-bodied, bright blue-headed mourning warbler perches on a thin, brown twig, with bright green ferns in background

With spring birding in full swing, be on the lookout (and listen!) for warblers and other songbirds.

If you’ve been dreaming about the long Memorial Day weekend, we get it! We don’t just take care of Michigan’s natural and cultural resources, we love getting out there and unplugging from everything, too. Ahead of the holiday, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has some tips to keep everyone safe and maybe discover something new:

Need additional inspiration? Visit our website for more things to do and places to go. Be safe, have fun, and go make some memories!


S’more smarts: Tips for safe campfires

A gooey marshmallow is toasted in the orange light of a flickering campfire Stack up the graham crackers, chocolate and toasted (or burned – whoops!) marshmallows to make the classic s’more, a treat best enjoyed around a crackling campfire.

But as you stack up wood to prepare your campfire, how do you make sure you toast only the marshmallows, and not the whole backyard or campground? Just as with s’mores, there’s a classic recipe for ensuring a safe fire:

  • Build your fire in a campfire ring or space surrounded by bare earth. (In state parks and campgrounds, we provide the fire rings for you! Please don’t build your own.)
  • Always keep a water source and a metal shovel nearby.
  • Never leave a fire unattended, even for a minute.
  • When it’s time to turn in for the night, drench your fire with water, stir the ashes and drench again to make sure it’s completely out.

By minding your campfire, you’ll help keep family and guests safe, as well as the nature around you. Get more fire safety tips at Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires.

Questions? Contact DNR fire prevention specialist Paul Rogers at [email protected].


Three words for three-day weekend: Play, Clean, Go

Looking up at the dirty black, pebbled sole of a man's hiking shoe, in focus, as the hiker is blurred against a lush, green forest canopyWhether it’s organizing a group kayak trip, packing for a weekend in the woods or just planning a picnic at the beach, getting ready for a long weekend can be complicated.

On the other hand, protecting the amazing places you’ll visit is easy! Just remember three simple words: Play, Clean, Go. The words don’t take up much space – and here’s the great thing: You can use them over and over again, no matter where you go.

Adopting the Play, Clean, Go mindset can help prevent the spread of invasive species on land and in the water. Here’s how it works:

  • Play: Swim, hike, fish, run, dance under the stars – however you have fun in the outdoors.
  • Clean: Before you leave the trail, campground or shore – shake it out, brush it off, wipe it down or whatever it takes to remove dirt and debris from your shoes, gear and vehicle. If you have a watercraft, remember to drain tanks and bilges, too.
  • Go: Head out on your next adventure, invasive species-free!

Whether your plans include off-road vehicle riding, hiking, boating or climbing, get helpful tips tailored to your favorite outdoor pursuits at  PlayCleanGo.org/Take-Action.

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

As you head outdoors, remember that a little bit of prevention can go a long way. Take the time to share these easy steps with friends and family so everyone can do their part to protect our natural spaces.

Questions? Contact Joanne Foreman at [email protected].


Summer exploring? Add a state fish hatchery to your travels

A group of children is shown on a tour of the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery.Want a firsthand look at where millions of fish are raised each year to stock lakes and streams across Michigan? Add a stop at a state fish hatchery to your summer travel plans!

It’s a great time to go: This year the DNR is celebrating 150 years of state fish hatcheries – a system rich with history, and one that helps stock 20 million to 25 million fish in an average year at up to a thousand sites in streams, inland lakes and the Great Lakes.

From southwest Michigan to the Upper Peninsula, there are six state fish hatcheries supporting fish populations throughout the state:

  • Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery’s (Van Buren County) rearing program includes muskellunge, walleye, steelhead and Chinook salmon.
  • Harrietta State Fish Hatchery (Wexford County) was put into service in 1901. It is the longest continuously operating hatchery in Michigan, rearing brown and rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon.
  • Platte River State Fish Hatchery (Benzie County) rears Chinook and Atlantic salmon and 100% of the coho salmon produced by the DNR. The site also incubates and hatches walleye eggs each spring.
  • Oden State Fish Hatchery (Emmet County) was fully rebuilt in 2002, making it the most recently modernized Michigan hatchery. Oden’s current rearing program includes both brood and production fish for the brown and rainbow trout stocking programs.
  • Thompson State Fish Hatchery’s (Schoolcraft County) rearing program has included Chinook and Atlantic salmon, steelhead, and brown and rainbow trout in the years since the facility’s 1976 rebuild. Thompson also served as a walleye incubation and hatching station. In 2021, a new coolwater production facility was constructed at Thompson, adding muskellunge and spring fingerling walleye production to the program. Coldwater species currently reared there include Chinook salmon and steelhead.
  • Marquette State Fish Hatchery (Marquette County) serves as the brood and sole production facility for all char species stocked by Michigan’s fishery managers. The Arctic grayling brood fish are also held at Marquette. The rearing program includes brook and lake trout and the hybrid splake, a cross between female lake trout and male brook trout.

To plan a visit, refer to individual hatcheries’ hours of operation and call ahead to schedule group tours: Wolf Lake (269-668-2876), Harrietta (231-389-2211), Platte River (231-325-4611), Oden (231-347-4689, ext. 12), Thompson (906-341-5587) or Marquette (906-249-1611).

Learn more at Michigan.gov/Hatcheries.


‘Ride Right’ for safe, responsible, off-road riding fun

three black, orange and green off-road vehicles going single file down a dirt forest road next to a body of water, forest in backgroundOff-road vehicles are fun year-round, but ORV activity ramps up in spring and summer as many people head to Michigan trails and ORV scramble areas.

Responsible, informed riding practices should be top priority for everyone, but it’s important to keep in mind that speed and rider inexperience are the primary contributing factors in ORV accidents, serious injuries and death.

All ORV operators are urged to “Ride Right” and keep this important guidance in mind:

  • Ride at a safe speed.
  • Ride on the right side of the trail.
  • Keep lights on when riding.
  • Always wear a helmet.
  • Ride sober and safe.
  • Operate within the limits of your ORV and your own capabilities.

Do your part to ensure everyone returns home safely to family and friends; 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].


Explore Michigan’s state parks with your very own guide

On the beach, a young girl in a bright green shirt holds up a fish she caught as a young woman in a DNR ballcap looks onLooking to learn a little something about Michigan’s natural resources this summer? The State Park Explorer Program is a great place to start. Take a hike, catch a fish, look and listen for birds, and get up close and personal with mammal furs and skulls!

Explorer guides are stationed at 35 state parks and recreation areas around Michigan from Memorial Day through the end of August, and they host a variety of programs featuring each location’s rich and varied natural resources. Park visitors can participate in fun and engaging hikes, games, activities and crafts, all while learning about what makes each park special.

If you have a passion for birds, join us in celebrating them during Michigan’s Feathered Friends Weekend June 16-18, with several state parks featuring bird hikes, bird identification programs and much more.

Explorer guide programs are fun, educational and great for the whole family. Find information about all explorer guide programs throughout the summer at Michigan.gov/NaturePrograms.

Now hiring explorer guides

Looking for a fun summer job? We’re searching for explorer guides for Algonac, Brighton, Brimley, Burt Lake, Fort Custer, Mears, North and South Higgins, Rifle River and Sleeper/Port Crescent state parks. Share your love of the outdoors all summer long! Positions start at $15 per hour. Apply today at Michigan.gov/DNRJobs.

Questions? Contact Holly Vaughn at 248-459-7917.


Be a better boater; commit to safety on the water

a small group of very young, smiling girls and boys in bathing suits and life jackets stand on a pier, a conservation officer is behind themFor many in Michigan, the Memorial Day holiday weekend marks the unofficial start to summer, and that means dropping the boat in your favorite lake, river or stream. Before you hit the water, be sure you’ve taken steps to guarantee a safe time for all aboard.

To elevate that message during National Safe Boating Week (May 20-26) and all season long, the DNR is again teaming up with McDonald’s of Michigan to increase awareness of boater safety and the importance of wearing life jackets.

From Memorial Day weekend through the Labor Day holiday, conservation officers will hand out vouchers to youth and teens who are seen wearing life jackets while boating. Each voucher is valid for a free ice cream cone or apple slice package at participating McDonald’s of Michigan locations.

“We’re in our third year of this partnership, and it’s always nice to see kids and parents get excited when we reward them for being safe on the water, and have that positive law enforcement interaction,” said Lt. Tom Wanless, the DNR’s state boating law administrator and recreational safety, education and enforcement supervisor. “A fun day of boating begins with safety. A tasty treat on the way home is a wonderful way to end the day and, hopefully, launch a family talk about boating safety.”

A man and a boy enjoy an autumn afternoon boating on a lake in Luce County.

Real risk, sensible solutions

The most recent U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the cause of death in 81% of national boating-related fatalities in 2021. Of those drownings, 83% of victims were not wearing life jackets, and two of every three victims were considered good swimmers.

“Taking time now to check your gear, brush up on boating laws and plan for safety can prevent problems later,” Wanless said. “Incidents can happen at any time, and weather can quickly affect conditions on inland waters and the Great Lakes. Familiarizing yourself and fellow boaters with safety tips and equipment can mean the difference between a perfect day on the water and a needlessly tragic outcome.”

Those born after June 30, 1996, need a boating safety certificate to operate a boat on the water. If you were born after Dec. 31, 1978, and want to operate a personal watercraft, such as a Jet Ski, you also need a valid boater education safety certificate.

The DNR offers boating safety education as an online and traditional classroom course to teach new and experienced boaters about current laws and safe operation.

Learn more about boating opportunities, safety information and other resources at Michigan.gov/Boating.

Questions? Contact Lt. Tom Wanless at [email protected].


Beach safety

If your plans include Great Lakes beach time, get the latest on double red flag warnings and helpful water safety tips and info to ensure everyone enjoys the weekend.

Accessibility

We believe the outdoors is for people of all abilities. See what we’re doing to boost accessibility at parks, piers, playgrounds and your other favorite outdoor places!

Look local

State park? State forest campground? Hiking trail, boat launch, fishing spot or other outdoor inspiration? No matter what you’re looking for, find it in Your Local Outdoors.