DNR to Great Lakes beachgoers: Double red flags mean don’t go in the water

To help boost awareness of changing conditions at Great Lakes beaches and save lives, double red warning flags are now in place at state-designated swim beaches along the Great Lakes in Michigan state parks. It’s a change to the Great Lakes flag warning system that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources began integrating last year at several state parks, and for good reason. “We actively reevaluate our safety measures and public education efforts, especially when it comes to Great Lakes safety,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation chief. “Many people underestimate the power of the Great Lakes and don’t always understand how quickly even the most experienced swimmer can get into a life-threatening situation and swept away. That’s why the DNR is committed to making beach safety and public education a top priority.” Olson said the increase in accidents and drownings on the Great Lakes in recent years is more than concerning. According to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, which tracks drownings across Michigan, there have been 1,170 Great Lakes drownings since 2010, with 108 of those drownings in 2022 alone.

What do the flags mean?

If you see double red flags, you are not allowed to enter the water from the beach. Unless otherwise directed, visitors can still enjoy spending time on the beach when double red flags are up. Such closures/limits can also be identified by park signage and/or by verbal communication from DNR parks or law enforcement staff.

Specifically, DNR Land Use Order 5.1.6 makes it illegal to enter the water from a state-designated swim beach when there is risk to human health and safety. Risks can include severe weather events identified by the National Weather Service, hazardous waves and/or dangerous water conditions, active rescue or recovery efforts, and environmental hazards.

“We began introducing double red flags at some state-designated swim beaches in 2022,” said Pat Whalen, district supervisor for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “This year, all equipment is in place, and the new flag warning system has been rolled out to all state-designated swim beaches along the Great Lakes in nearly 30 state parks. We urge all Great Lakes beach visitors – whether you’re new to these beaches or have been coming for years – to learn what the flags mean and follow this guidance at all times.”

The Great Lakes flag warning system is in place at state-designated swim beaches to advise visitors of current water conditions and any applicable environmental warnings. The updated system now includes:

• Double red flag = water access closed**. Do not enter the water; dangerous conditions.
• Red flag = high hazard. High surf and/or strong currents. It’s recommended that you stay on the beach.
• Yellow flag = medium hazard. Moderate surf and/or currents. Watch for dangerous currents and high waves.
• Green flag = low hazard. Calm conditions. Enter the water, but exercise caution.

State-designated swim beaches are identified by marked swim buoys, water depth of less than 5 feet at the time of buoy installation, available lifesaving flotation device and equipment, and (only at Great Lakes beaches, not inland beaches) Great Lakes flag warning system.

Water depth at state-designated swim beaches is inspected approximately every 14 days, and underwater obstacles will be posted or marked. It’s important to note that not all state parks have designated swim beaches, and many are located inland.

**The double red flag restriction does not include those participating in board sports, such as surfing, kite surfing and skim boarding, with appropriate safety gear.

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, so never swim alone, 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.
• 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.

For more information, contact the DNR’s Pat Whalen at 269-838-1196 or [email protected].

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

• Double red flags: Visitors at state-designated swim beaches along the Great Lakes in Michigan state parks should be aware of double red flag warnings, which mean do not enter the water.

The great escape: Helping out urban mallards

In the next few weeks, mallard ducklings across Michigan will be hatching and following their mothers to marshes, ponds and streams to be raised into big, strong ducks. For most mallard families, this process goes off without a hitch. But every year, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources gets calls asking for help to relocate broods of ducklings from buildings and roofs to nearby wetlands.

According to Karen Cleveland, a DNR game biologist, it’s illegal to capture ducks and transport them to a new location, but when a bird is trapped in – or on – a building, it is legal to help move them outside so they can leave on their own. Fortunately, this is usually easy to do when a duck nests in an enclosed courtyard or on a flat roof, because mallard hens won’t easily abandon their ducklings, and ducklings will follow their mothers closely.

“Your first choice, if at all possible, should be to avoid trying to catch the ducks,” Cleveland said. “Mallard families can be gently herded by one or two people following them and can be led into buildings, down hallways and outside. This often takes only a couple of minutes, and then they’ll be on their way.”

When the nest is on a roof or other place that can’t safely be walked out of, collect the ducklings into a box or bag, take it outside and place it on the ground as close to the nest location as possible. Wait 40 to 50 feet away until you see the hen return to investigate the container the ducklings are in. Quietly approach and tip it over so the ducklings can get out, and then back off so the hen can come back and collect her brood.

More wildlife tips ►

Questions? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.

Dry weather boosts fire risk around state, especially in northern Lower Peninsula

Warm, sunny spring days across most of Michigan this week have sparked people’s interest in outdoor fun, but warmer weather also stokes wildfire danger. Make fire safety a top priority when working in the yard, riding all-terrain vehicles or building an evening bonfire. Fire danger is highest across the northern Lower Peninsula and in parts of the Upper Peninsula, said Jeff Vasher, fire specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “Humidity is low, so the environment is drying out fast,” Vasher said. “A fire can take off with very little warning in these kinds of conditions, especially if it’s windy at all.” Some parts of the Upper Peninsula still have melting snow, but those that don’t also are drying fast. Fire danger is expected to remain elevated throughout the weekend. Before burning yard debris or lighting any fire, check Michigan.gov/BurnPermit to make sure weather conditions allow for safe burning. In southern Lower Peninsula communities, consult local fire authorities.

People cause most wildfires

Nine out of 10 wildland fires are caused by people, and yard waste burning is the top cause of wildfires in Michigan.

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.
• Use a burn barrel with a screen on top to burn paper, leaves and natural materials.

Fire safety information, including a map of the daily fire danger rating, is available at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.

Since the beginning of fire season in March, DNR wildland firefighters have fought more than 82 fires covering a total of more than 600 acres. The DNR has a goal of keeping as many wildfires fires as possible under 10 acres.

Note to editors: Photos are available below for download. Credit Michigan Department of Natural Resources, unless otherwise noted.

Smokey sign: An electronic sign in Grayling adorned with an image of Smokey Bear shows the fire danger as “high.”

Fire map: A map shows potential fire danger across Michigan this week, with many places marked as “high” or “very high” risk.

• Photo ambassador snapshot: Day’s end at Dodge #4
• Gear up for adventure with DNR’s new statewide merchandise partner
• Wildlife moms don’t need our help
• DNR’s state parks and recreation system five-year strategic plan updated

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 below, and others, are available in this folder.

Photo ambassador snapshot: Day’s end at Dodge #4

Want to see more pictures like this, taken by Michigan state parks photo ambassador Diane Wilks at Dodge #4 State Park in Oakland County? Visit Instagram.com/MiStateParks to explore photos and learn more about the photo ambassadors! For more on the photo ambassador program, email Stephanie Yancer.

Gear up for adventure with DNR’s new statewide merchandise partner

Looking for a cool new T-shirt, hoodie, sticker or other keepsake? Check out Great Lakes Proud, the DNR’s new official merchandise and apparel provider for Michigan state parks, trails and waterways. Great Lakes Proud, a Traverse City-based company, will create and curate lifestyle merchandise and sustainably sourced apparel highlighting Michigan state parks, trails and boating. A portion of proceeds will be donated back to DNR programs and amenities that benefit natural resources and outdoor recreation in Michigan. The partnership is part of “These Goods are Good for Michigan,” a program that recognizes partners who help support state parks through a revenue-sharing agreement from merchandise sales. “For more than a decade, we have sought creative ways to fulfill our mission,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation Division chief. “Every point of contact is an opportunity to educate and inspire people to love and respect their public lands. Merchandise is as much of a point of contact as an interpretive panel or trail map, and by partnering with this Michigan-based business we are able to tap into their expertise to maximize this touch point with our visitors both on-site and online.” Great Lakes Proud will roll out new merchandise all year, with initial offerings promoting Tahquamenon Falls to celebrate the launch of the park’s new gift shop, morel mushrooms, tree rings and the simple message of “Peace, Love, Parks” among other unique designs. “Great Lakes Proud sources sustainable options whenever possible and utilizes environmentally friendly manufacturing practices to provide an eco-conscious choice for consumers,” said Cory Wright, project manager and director of operations at Great Lakes Proud. “Whether that’s using natural, water-based inks and dyes to avoid harsh chemical solvents, to finding organic or recycled fabrics to mitigate our carbon footprint, we are always striving to put our earth first and providing the highest quality options for our goods so they’ll outlast traditionally manufactured products.” Visit Goods4Mi.com to see the DNR’s full collection of “These Goods are Good for Michigan” partners, including Great Lakes Proud. Questions? Contact Maia Turek (DNR) at 989-225-8573 or Cory Wright (Great Lakes Proud) at 248-462-2152.

Wildlife moms don’t need our help

Springtime in Michigan marks the arrival of babies! It’s an exciting time of new beginnings, particularly for wildlife. As baby birds, rabbits and deer start to make their grand entrance, it’s important to be respectful and mindful of their space. All wild mothers have strategies for how to best raise and protect their babies. If you come across young wildlife, do your part by simply leaving them alone. They may look abandoned, but mom is just away avoiding scary predators – like you! – until it’s time to feed them again. An egg-citing surprise Bird nests are found in all kinds of places, so don’t be surprised to find one in a flowerpot, downspout or elsewhere in your backyard. Mallard ducks often build nests in unexpected places near people in cities and suburban neighborhoods. The mother duck will lead her ducklings to water soon after they hatch. If you spot a nest, be a good neighbor: Leave it alone and keep pets and children away. Remember, too, that bird nests and eggs are protected under federal law. It is illegal to touch, move or possess any part of the nest or eggs without the proper permit. Watch your step A mother deer’s best survival strategy for her fawn is to leave it unattended for several hours a day. She might leave the fawn near your home, or you may stumble upon it in your backyard, garden or patio. These babies are not forgotten; the mother carefully selects a location and will return periodically to feed her baby. By staying away, she avoids drawing attention to its hiding place. Young fawns have exceptional camouflage, almost no scent and remain still, making it difficult for predators to spot them. If you find a fawn – don’t touch it. Admire it quietly from a distance to increase its chance of survival. Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators may possess abandoned or injured wildlife. Unless someone is licensed, it is illegal to possess a live wild animal, including deer, in Michigan. Find more tips about springtime wildlife at Michigan.gov/Wildlife or contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.

DNR’s state parks and recreation system five-year strategic plan updated

After an 18-month collaborative effort with the public, advisory groups, stakeholders, other state agencies and DNR staff, Michigan’s state parks and recreation system now has an updated five-year strategic plan. The 2023-2027 Parks and Recreation Division Strategic Plan ultimately identifies goals and objectives that will help prioritize actions that address resource protection, recreation, education, funding, efficient business practices and environmental sustainability over the five-year period. “The plan will serve as a roadmap to best manage Michigan’s diverse natural, cultural and recreational resources and help us provide long-lasting memories for visitors seeking outdoor recreation experiences,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation Division chief. “With park, trail and boating destinations located in urban and rural settings, we are proud to help contribute toward the state’s $26.3 billion tourism industry.” The DNR Parks and Recreation Division manages 103 state parks and recreation areas, totaling 360,000 acres. It also oversees the state’s boating program, 13,400 miles of state-designated motorized and nonmotorized trails, 630 miles of state-designated water trails and 140 state forest campgrounds. In 2021 alone, the state parks system attracted more than 30 million state park day-use visits and more than 1.4 million state park camp nights. As more people get outdoors, the new strategic plan will help enhance the state parks and recreation experience. The plan is available at Michigan.gov/PRDStrategicPlans. Questions? Contact Debbie Jensen at 517-230-6837.