DNR: Invasive box tree moth found in Lenawee County

by orionontv | Nov 8, 2022 | Recreation

The following news release was issued earlier today by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

For immediate release: November 7, 2022
Program contact: Andria McCubbin, 517-599-5748
Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724

Invasive box tree moth found in Lenawee County

LANSING, Mich -The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the detection of box tree moth (BTM) (Cydalima perspectalis) at two residences in Clinton located in Lenawee County. Although not a threat to Michigan’s natural resources, extensive feeding from box tree moth can lead to significant defoliation and death of ornamental boxwood.

A box tree moth, with open white wings edged in brown, rests on a boxwood twig.

In May 2021, potentially infested boxwood plants were shipped to retail locations in several states including six in Michigan. The pest was then identified in three of the six Michigan facilities. It is not known whether the box tree moth populations detected in Clinton are linked or if the pest entered the state through another pathway.

“Box tree moth poses a serious threat to our boxwood industry,” said Mike Philip, Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division Director with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. “We are in the assessment stage of this response, and we are asking Michiganders to look closely at their boxwood plants and report any signs of this pest so we can determine the scope of this infestation and work to reduce the spread.”

A healthy boxwood shrub shown next to a boxwood infested by box tree moth. The infested shrub is brown with skeletonized leaves.

Box tree moth caterpillars are green and yellow with white, yellow, and black stripes and black spots. The caterpillars feed only on boxwoods making them easy to spot. Adult box tree moth has two color forms. The most common form has white wings with dark brown borders, while the dark form has solid brown wings with a white streak or spot on each forewing. Both forms have a distinctive white dot or mark in the middle of each forewing.

Box tree moth may not be easily recognized at the beginning of an infestation because young larvae hide among twigs and leaves. Signs of infestation include chewed, cut, or missing leaves, yellowing or brown leaves, white webbing, and green-black excrement on or around the plant. Larvae skeletonize the leaves and feed on the back, causing defoliation and dryness, eventually leading to the plant’s death.

“MDARD is developing a survey plan to further determine the extent of the infestation,” added Philip. “But Michiganders can be a tremendous help by being on the lookout for box tree moth and reporting it.”

What you can do:

Check your boxwood plants for signs of box tree moth.
If you see signs of box tree moth, please take a photo and report suspects online.
Let state and federal agriculture officials inspect your boxwood for box tree moth.
If a new population is confirmed, you may be directed to remove infested branches or, for heavy infestations, cut the boxwood from its base (it should grow back from its roots). Discard all boxwood debris by double-bagging it in plastic and putting it with your household trash.

Visit Michigan.gov/Invasives or Michigan.gov/Invasives/ID-Report/Insects/Box-Tree-Moth to find photos and additional information about box tree moth and other invasive plant pests.

For more information about PPPM visit Michigan.gov/MDARD/Plant-Pest. You may also contact Michigan State University Extension for additional resources on box tree moth at CANR.MSU.edu/Tag/Box-Tree-Moth.

Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy: the Department of Natural Resources; and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

/Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Suggested captions follow.

BTM: Box tree moths are generally white with a brown border and a white “comma” on each forewing.

Boxwood comparison: A healthy boxwood (left) compared to a boxwood heavily damaged by box tree moth caterpillars.

Oakland County’s $20 Million Investment Will Transform Local Parks

by orionontv | Nov 7, 2022 | Recreation

Oakland County’s $20 Million Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Will Transform Local Parks

Oakland County and Parks and Recreation Commission investing more than $20 million in local parks in partnership with communities.
Portions of Beech Woods Park in Southfield and Shepherd Park in Oak Park, Hawthorne Park in Pontiac, and Ambassador Park in Madison Heights will become the newest additions to the Oakland County Parks system.
Grant funding will also provide several local governments with support for local park and recreation facility improvements.

Pontiac, Michigan – The Oakland County Executive Office, Board of Commissioners, Parks and Recreation Commission, and local communities are collaborating to transform local parks by investing more than $20 million in the Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan.

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners approved utilizing $15 million of the county’s $244 million share of American Rescue Plan Act dollars while the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission is providing $5.2 million in matching funds.

“As a former Oakland County Commissioner and mayor of Ferndale, I have been passionate over the years about the need to beef up our parks system in the south end of the county,” County Executive Dave Coulter said. “These projects will add or improve 10 parks in the county’s south end, providing more equitable access to parks in our more densely populated areas, many of which are within walking distance of public transportation.”

The goals of the plan include revitalizing and enhancing parks located in or servicing residents of communities most impacted by the pandemic; improving physical and mental health, social connectivity, and quality of life of residents; and addressing barriers to equitable access and use of quality park and recreation opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities.

“Increasing access in our more populated areas to our county parks and recreation opportunities has long been a priority,” said Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chairman David T. Woodward, who represents Royal Oak. “I’m proud this new parks plan applies an equity lens for the future of parks around the county, so everyone can better enjoy and experience the outdoors while achieving healthier outcomes for all.”

Oakland County Parks and Recreation will make major improvements at select local parks and transition management responsibilities to Oakland County Parks and Recreation. Portions of Beech Woods Park in Southfield and Shepherd Park in Oak Park, Hawthorne Park in Pontiac, and Ambassador Park in Madison Heights will become the newest additions to the county parks system. Oakland County Parks will also partner with the Hazel Park Community Center to develop joint recreation programming facilities.

“The public turned to parks and trailways in record numbers during the pandemic to enjoy the positive impacts spending time outdoors can have on our physical and mental wellbeing,” Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman Gary McGillivray said. “Oakland County Parks appreciates the support of Executive Coulter and the Commission for this major financial commitment towards improving recreation facilities in our communities. It will pay dividends for generations to come.”

Grant funding will also provide several local governments with support for local park and recreation facility improvements. Among the beneficiaries of these investments are Green Acres Park in Hazel Park, Pontiac municipal parks, Mack-Rowe Park in Royal Oak Township, Shepherd Park in Oak Park, and Beech Woods Park in Southfield, where officials unveiled the plan today during a news conference.

“Those outside and even inside the City of Southfield may not realize it, but we are home to several wonderful parks and nature preserves,” said Oakland County Commissioner Yolanda Smith Charles, who represents Southfield and Oak Park. “Through the use of these funds from the county, we demonstrate both a strong partnership between local governments and a commitment to maintaining and improving green spaces in our region, even in city settings.”

“I’m glad that the county is partnering with Pontiac to provide funding for our parks,” said Oakland County Commissioner Angela Powell, who represents Pontiac. “Residents around our city will now rely more on our outdoor spaces for fresh air and exercise, and it’s important that we keep improving these areas for everyone.”

Communities whose parks will benefit from these major investments are Hazel Park, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Pontiac, Royal Oak Township, and Southfield. Examples of improvements include walking and hiking trails, universally accessible playgrounds, outdoor exercise and fitness equipment, athletic fields and courts, water and winter recreation facilities, natural resource restoration and preservation, and family and group gathering spaces. See the attached Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan documents for a complete list of conceptual park investments. Click here for more information.

Below are quotes from other local leaders about the $20 million Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan:

“Oakland County’s investment in Hazel Park’s parks and recreation facilities is truly an amazing game-changer for our community! Our city will be now able to update badly outdated facilities and equipment to provide vastly improved recreation services for Hazel Park and our neighboring communities.” -Edward Klobucher, Hazel Park city manager

“We are very excited to partner with Oakland County to improve the Ambassador Park in Madison Heights to bring park investment that will benefit residents of all ages. Having spaces for residents of all ages to play and participate in recreational activities is imperative for community building.” -Roslyn Grafstein, Madison Heights mayor

“To create a partnership that focuses on improving parks and recreation opportunities for our residents is something we have been moving toward for a long time. This investment from Oakland County comes at a time when we are working to elevate our public spaces in Oak Park. This partnership will allow us to take our recreation opportunities to new heights while still maintaining the history of David Shepherd Park.” -Erik Tungate, Oak Park city manager

“The City of Pontiac is grateful for the opportunity to enter into partnership with the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission and for the commission’s commitment to redevelop Hawthorne Park. Economic development goes hand-in-hand with environmental sustainability and investments in quality of life. That’s why this budding partnership is so important to Pontiac’s transformation.” -Tim Greimel, Pontiac mayor

“On behalf of Royal Oak Township residents, we would like to thank Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter and his staff, Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chairman David Woodward, and Oakland County Parks and Recreation Chairman Gary McGillivray and his staff for this generous and much appreciated grant award for the improvement of Mack-Rowe Park. This funding will allow Royal Oak Township to replace an outdated playscape, improve the baseball diamond, and add a beautifully designed sports court. All of this will help to create a much needed healthy, robust, and attractive park for our thriving community.” – Donna Squalls, Royal Oak Township supervisor and Donovan Jackson, parks and recreation director

“We are very pleased to be partnering with Oakland County Parks & Recreation for improvements to Beech Woods Park. Oakland County has many great facilities but not all of them at convenient distances for south Oakland residents. We truly appreciate the county’s desire to develop recreational facilities in Southfield.” -Kenson Siver, Southfield Mayor

Healthy Communities info sheet map10_31.pdf

ARPA poster boards 10_31.pdf

DNR News Digest – Week of Oct. 31, 2022

by orionontv | Nov 2, 2022 | Recreation

News Digest – Week of Oct. 31, 2022

A dull orange sun sets on a shadowed landscape as the gnarled trunks of a tree curls toward the sun.

Have a safe and fun Halloween!

Here are just a few of this week’s stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:

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

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

Photo ambassador snapshot: Grand Haven glow

A lighthouse and pier are backlit by the gradient red and oranges of a brilliant sunset as the shadows of three gulls fly overhead. Want to see more pictures like this, taken by Michigan state parks photo ambassador Carolly Maiyo at Grand Haven State Park in Ottawa County? Visit Instagram.com/MiStateParks to explore photos and learn more about the photo ambassadors! For more on the photo ambassador program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182.

Comment on state forest road maps by Dec. 1

A paved road winds through a dense forest.

Tall trees swishing by, the crackle-crunch of gravel roads under your tires, birdsong filtering through the canopy – these are the sounds of Michigan’s forest roads.

What noise could help improve forest roads? Your voice! Michigan’s state forest roads offer thousands of miles of adventure – and these roads are yours to use and explore. As part of a yearly review process, public comments will be accepted through Dec. 1 on proposed changes to vehicle use on state forest roads.

“Your eyes in the field help inform our road review to protect natural resources and ensure safe recreational access,” said DNR Forest Resources Division Chief Jeff Stampfly.

Proposed changes to road maps include:

Adding roads that previously were unmapped.
Removing roads that no longer exist.
Closing or opening roads to conventional vehicle use.
Closing or opening roads to off-road vehicle use.

Public input will be accepted online and via email. Comment on or view the locations of proposed changes on an interactive web map or printable PDF maps at Michigan.gov/ForestRoads or send emails to DNR-RoadInventoryProject@Michigan.gov.

Comments also will be accepted at upcoming Michigan Natural Resources Commission meetings in early 2023. State forest road proposals will be brought before the DNR director for information at the January meeting. At the February meeting, the DNR director is expected to make a formal decision on the proposed changes.

New maps will go into effect and be published online April 1, 2023.

Questions about state forest roads? Contact Jason Caron at 906-235-4361.

Pitch in to restore natural areas; help feed hungry families

Two adults and a child collect seeds from a field of tall grasses.

If you care about protecting, preserving and promoting Michigan’s natural and cultural resources, there are many ways to get involved in tending to them. Here are some opportunities coming up in November.

Fight invasives, collect natives

Several state parks in southern Michigan are hosting volunteer stewardship workdays. Volunteers are needed to help restore natural areas by removing invasive plants that threaten high-quality ecosystems or collecting native wildflower and grass seeds. Workdays will take place:

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County).
10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, and noon to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, at Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo County).
10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Nov. 6, at Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon County).
9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 12, at Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County).
10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 12, at Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien County).
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, at Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry County).
9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 19, at Belle Isle Park (Wayne County).
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at Ludington State Park (Mason County).
10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 26, at Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien County).

More details about each workday and how to register can be found on the DNR volunteer events calendar.

Donate a deer

Hunters can help hungry families in their community by donating a deer to Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger, an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that partners with the DNR to help connect donors, wild game processors and charities like food banks, pantries and shelters that help feed those in need. Hunters also can make a monetary donation to support venison processing when they buy a hunting license.

For more opportunities to volunteer, contribute and provide input, visit Michigan.gov/DNRVolunteers.

Pure Michigan Trail, Water Trail or Trail Town applications due Jan. 15

Two young children, dressed in fall clothing and jackets and bike helmets, ride bikes away down a paved path, line by lush green trees

Each year, Pure Michigan and the DNR spotlight some of Michigan’s best trail experiences through the Pure Michigan Trail, Water Trail and Trail Town program – and it’s time to submit your recommendations on deserving destinations.

“In 2014, the Michigan Trailways Act was revised to give the DNR the ability to designate trails and towns with the Pure Michigan registered mark,” said Tim Novak, state trails coordinator for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “We really want to elevate the state’s incredible array of trails, especially those that were developed and maintained by local governments, nonprofits, foundations and volunteers.”

Successful recipients will demonstrate quality trail or trail town experiences and access to clear information for users. Broad community support and a sustainable business, maintenance and marketing plan also must be established. Designations are reviewed against a set of standards and criteria, not by comparison to one another.

Several marketing advantages and Pure Michigan-branded signage come with the recognition.

“Michigan is known for having thousands of miles of hiking, biking, equestrian and kayaking trails, but the trails and communities that receive this designation are truly outstanding and embody what Pure Michigan is all about,” said David Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan. “We are pleased to partner with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to honor Michigan’s exemplary trails and trail towns.”

Applications and required documentation are due Jan. 15. Get Pure Michigan Trail and Trail Town details at Michigan.gov/DNRTrails.

Questions? Contact Tim Novak at 517-388-8347.

THINGS TO DO

There’s still time before firearm deer season to sight your scope and practice your accuracy. Check the DNR’s shooting ranges webpage for important updates, rules, range locations and more.

BUY & APPLY

It’s bonfire season! Break out the flannel and cider, but be sure you know how to safely tend a fire, and have a burn permit if you need one. Need wood? Get a fuelwood permit while you’re at it.

GET INVOLVED

Whether you’re out enjoying a Michigan trail, helping at a stewardship workday or just out and about, please report any invasive species you see – you are the first line of defense.

DNR News: 31 Michigan communities to receive new trees

by orionontv | Oct 27, 2022 | Recreation

DNR News

Oct. 27, 2022
Contact: Kevin Sayers (DNR), 517-582-3209

31 Michigan communities to receive new trees with help from DTE Foundation, DNR and ReLeaf Michigan

A newly planted tree is anchored in its place on a city treet.

Be on the lookout this fall and next spring for some new trees along streets and parks in 31 Michigan communities. They will share $105,000 in grants awarded this year to complete 33 tree-planting projects around the state.

The trees, to be planted along streets and in parks and other public spaces, come courtesy of a program sponsored by the DTE Foundation and administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and nonprofit tree organization ReLeaf Michigan.

Individual grants range in size from $600 for a tree-planting project in St. Clair County’s Lynn Township, to $4,000 awards in multiple communities from the Detroit area and in Grand Traverse and Marquette counties. See the complete list of grant winners.

“The DTE Foundation looks forward to seeing how our grants and support come to fruition in our communities through these newly planted trees,” said Lynette Dowler, president of the DTE Energy Foundation. “We’re dedicated to protecting, preserving and expanding our state’s natural resources, and our partners like the DNR and ReLeaf Michigan are integral in this mission.”

Project proposals are solicited annually from eligible partners around the state. The next opportunity to apply is summer 2023.

The DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry program helps municipalities and other organizations promote and manage trees and forests by providing education, financial and technical assistance. To learn about the UCF program, contact Kevin Sayers at 517-582-3209 or visit Michigan.gov/UCF.

ReLeaf Michigan is a statewide tree organization that works to educate the public on the value of trees and how to properly select, plant and maintain them. Communities and organizations interested in volunteer tree plantings or educational events should visit ReleafMichigan.org, email ReLeaf Michigan or call 800-642-7353.

The DTE Foundation is the philanthropic arm of DTE Energy and is dedicated to cultivating diverse, inclusive and equitable communities by supporting initiatives focused on arts and culture, community transformation, economic progress, education and employment, environment and human needs. For more information visit DTE Energy Foundation online.

DNR News Digest – Week of Oct. 24, 2022

by orionontv | Oct 25, 2022 | Recreation

News Digest – Week of Oct. 24, 2022

A person wearing a blaze orange hat and backpack is framed by a curling, dead treebranch as they walk through a grassy field.

Firearm deer season is almost here! Head to a DNR shooting range to sight your firearm and practice your shot.

Here are just a few of this week’s stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:

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

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

Photo ambassador snapshot: Big Sable starshine

The Big Sable lighthouse glows beneath the starshine of the Milky Way Galaxy. Want to see more pictures like this, taken by Michigan state parks photo ambassador Ashish Phansalkar at Ludington State Park in Mason County? Visit Instagram.com/MiStateParks to explore photos and learn more about the photo ambassadors! For more on the photo ambassador program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182.

It’s Bat Week!

A small, fuzzy brown bat emerges from a darkened overhang.

Just in time for Halloween, it’s Bat Week! Whether it’s building bat habitat, learning more about different bat species, bat-watching in the late hours of dusk or other ways to brush up on bats, this international celebration (Oct. 24-31 each year) is the perfect time to spotlight this important species.

Michigan is home to nine species of bats, all of which are insectivores – meaning they eat exclusively insects. During the evening hours, these flying mammals consume many insect pests including mosquitoes, beetles, moths and flies.

Unfortunately, many bat species are facing challenges. The DNR, along with numerous partners, works to conserve bats and bat habitat because many species are in decline due to habitat loss, diminished food supply and disease.

White-nose syndrome is a deadly disease that affects North American bats primarily during their winter hibernation and has devastated many bat species. Infected bats prematurely awaken from hibernation, rapidly deplete their fat reserves and do not survive the winter. Bats with this disease often exhibit unusual behavior, like flying during daylight hours or gathering outside of hibernacula (mines and caves) in cold weather.

Here are a few things you can do to help bats:

Plant a bat-friendly garden and minimize the use of insecticides.
Remove invasive species.
Install a bat house in a location not frequented by people.
Do not enter closed mines.
Follow decontamination guidelines to help reduce the spread of white-nose syndrome.

Learn more about bats and ways you can take action during Bat Week – and all year long – at BatWeek.org.

Find more information on Michigan’s bat species and ways to help at Michigan.gov/Bats.

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

Ready for deer season? Head to a DNR shooting range

A person bundled in warm hunting camo clothing and sitting in a mobility chair operates an air-puff gun at a DNR shooting range.

With the Nov. 15 start of firearm deer season right around the corner, now is the time for hunters to ensure safe and successful hunts by sighting in their firearms and practicing their shot.

A great place to do that? DNR shooting ranges around the state.

“Our eight staffed shooting ranges in southern Michigan offer a fun, safe shooting environment with customer-friendly and highly trained employees,” said Dennis Fox, DNR Recruitment and Retention Section manager. “They feature amenities like handgun, rifle, shotgun and archery ranges and restroom facilities.”

The staffed ranges are located in Clinton, Ingham, Jackson, Lapeer and Oakland counties. The DNR also operates several unstaffed shooting ranges in Allegan, Grand Traverse, Hillsdale, Montmorency and St. Clair counties.

Both the staffed and unstaffed ranges have accessible features for visitors with disabilities.

The DNR Ortonville, Pontiac Lake, Rose Lake and Sharonville shooting ranges are open six days per week through the end of October (closed Tuesdays) and seven days per week Nov. 1-15 (including Election Day and Veterans Day). To help hunters prepare for firearm deer season, these ranges are also offering extended weekend shooting hours Oct. 29-30, Nov. 5-6 and Nov. 12-13.

Find hours, locations and more information about DNR shooting ranges – and for those who aren’t near a DNR range, a listing of all shooting ranges around the state – at Michigan.gov/ShootingRanges.