DNR begins fall walleye surveys in September

Beginning in late September through early October, anglers throughout the state are asked to be on the lookout for Michigan Department of Natural Resources personnel conducting walleye recruitment surveys – a tool that helps fisheries managers determine how many walleye either were produced naturally or survived stocking in 2022 (commonly referred to as a given year’s “young-of-year” fish). Using electrofishing boats, crews will survey the shallow areas near the shoreline of lakes at night with the goal of capturing young-of-year walleye. On larger lakes, two or more electrofishing crews using separate boats may operate at the same time to cover more area. The crews will work both on lakes that have been stocked with walleye and lakes that have not. “Conducting surveys on both stocked and unstocked lakes can affect decisions about future walleye research and stocking efforts and give valuable insight into the status of the younger walleye in the system,” said Emily Martin, DNR Fisheries Division biologist. Biologists also will collect and keep a sample of young-of-year walleye from stocked lakes to determine whether the primary source of reproduction is natural or stocked. Many walleye that are stocked are marked with oxytetracycline, a chemical marker that can be observed within captured fish by using a microscope with an ultraviolet light source in a laboratory setting. Some surveys will be conducted collaboratively with tribal agencies, and tribal natural resources departments also will be conducting surveys independently of the DNR. Everyone is urged to use caution when fishing near the electrofishing boats, and those wading will be asked to exit the water when a boat approaches and during electrofishing work. Crews will be using bright lights to illuminate the water around the boats and running a generator on board, which may make it difficult to hear and talk with anyone on shore. Learn more about how the DNR manages Michigan’s fisheries at Michigan.gov/Fishing.

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

• Electrofishing: As DNR walleye surveys get underway later this fall, everyone is asked to use caution when fishing near the electrofishing boats; those wading will be asked to exit the water when a boat approaches and during electrofishing work.

Contact: Joanne Foreman, 517-284-5814 or Erin Campbell, 269-300-9698

$3.6 million in grants available to target invasive species in Michigan

Proposals accepted through Nov. 1

Michigan’s Invasive Species Grant Program is now accepting proposals for the 2022 funding cycle, with an anticipated $3.6 million available to applicants.

The program – a joint effort of the Michigan departments of Natural Resources; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Agriculture and Rural Development – is part of a statewide initiative launched in 2014 to help prevent, detect and control invasive species in Michigan. An invasive species is one that is not native and whose introduction causes harm, or is likely to cause harm, to Michigan’s environment, economy or human health. “Michigan is home to some truly world-class outdoor recreation opportunities,” said DNR Director Dan Eichinger. “Unchecked, invasive species pose serious threats to those resources and the outdoor economy. Michigan’s Invasive Species Grant Program is a valuable tool that allows us to work with community partners around the state to better fight and contain these land and water pests.”

Program handbook, webinar

The 2022 grant program handbook outlines program priorities and application guidelines. Applicants also can take advantage of a webinar Wednesday, Sept. 7, at 9 a.m., to learn more about general grant information, the application process and 2022 priorities.

Both the handbook and webinar registration information are available at Michigan.gov/MISGP. A recorded version of the webinar will be available on this webpage after Sept. 7.

2022 priorities

The program supports projects that will prevent the introduction or spread of invasive species by engaging the public in prevention practices and reducing the risk of moving invasive species into high-risk areas.

Proposals aiding early detection and response efforts for species on Michigan’s Watch List and proposals increasing regional or statewide response preparedness for new or emerging invasive species are also requested. To manage invasive species already established in Michigan, the program targets proposals for novel and efficient control techniques and projects that improve detection and control methods through increased understanding of species biology and ecology. Proposals to develop or improve tools, such as risk assessments and prioritization models, to inform management and control decisions also are encouraged. Support is offered to cooperative invasive species management areas, or CISMAs, across the state to implement strategic plans for outreach, detection and control of regional priority species.

Program progress

The Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program supports projects throughout the state that prevent, detect, manage and eradicate invasive species on the ground and in the water. Total program funding is set by the Legislature and the governor during the annual budget cycle.

In the last eight years, the program has awarded over $29 million to 203 projects, resulting in management of invasive species including hemlock woolly adelgid insects and European frog-bit and invasive swallowwort plants. Because of this program, more than 548,000 acres of land and water have been surveyed and more than 44,000 acres have been treated for invasive species. Highlights of the 2021 invasive species program are available in the Michigan Invasive Species Program Annual Report, which includes program-funded projects. Regional CISMAs operate in all of Michigan’s 83 counties, assisting the public in identifying and managing invasive species. Contact information for individual CISMAs can be found at Michigan.gov/Invasives in the Take Action section.

Important program dates and information

Local, state, federal and tribal units of government, nonprofit organizations and universities may apply for funding to support invasive species projects in Michigan. Full project proposals are due Nov.1. Award announcement is anticipated in March 2023.

Grant requests for general projects can range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $400,000. CISMAs can request up to $60,000 for annual implementation of prevention, detection and control activities and up to $40,000 for specific survey and treatment projects. Applicants must commit to providing a minimum of 10 percent (in the form of a local match) of the total project cost.

Competitive applications will outline clear objectives, propose significant ecological benefits, demonstrate diverse collaboration and show strong community support.

All applications must be submitted through the MiGrants online system. Applicants can access the system at MiGrants.Intelligrants.com or follow the link at Michigan.gov/MISGP.

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 and photo credit information follow:

Handbook cover: The Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program is accepting applications from Sept. 1 to Nov. 1, 2022.

HWA inspect: A cooperative invasive species management area technician tags a hemlock tree during a winter hemlock woolly adelgid survey.

CISMA training: Cooperative invasive species management area staff learn how to identify and map aquatic invasive species./

Weigh in on proposed changes to Michigan endangered and threatened species list

Public hearing Aug. 30; written comments taken through Sept. 30

Interested in efforts to protect Michigan’s rare animals and plants – including species like the eastern box turtle, long-eared owl, American bumblebee and floating marsh marigold? The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is looking for input on proposed changes to the state’s endangered and threatened species list, which documents the imperiled wildlife species that are protected by law. Periodic review of this list is required under Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. As in previous reviews, the DNR convened seven technical advisory committees to evaluate the list and recommend changes. The committees consisted of university researchers, Michigan Natural Features Inventory biologists, DNR staff members and other species experts. Each committee offered recommendations on a particular species group, including mollusks, insects, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals and plants. A public hearing to introduce the proposed changes to Michigan’s endangered and threatened species list will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, in the Forum of the Michigan Library and Historical Center, located at 702 W. Kalamazoo St. in downtown Lansing. All who are interested are invited to attend and present their views. It is requested that all statements be submitted in writing for the hearing record. Copies of the proposed changes to the list are available on the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules’ Administrative Rules Division’s webpage in the Pending Rules Activity section, rule set number 2022-11 NR. In the Draft Rule Language document, bold text indicates proposed additions to the language of the endangered and threatened species rules, and strikethrough text indicates proposed deletions from the language of the rules. Printed copies are also available by writing to: Regulatory Affairs Officer, Legal and Legislative Affairs Office, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 30028, Lansing, MI 48909, or [email protected]. Anyone needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact Victoria Lischalk at 517-599-1067 or [email protected] to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance. Written comments on the proposed changes may be submitted to DNR-EndangeredSpeciesList@Michigan.gov or by mail to: Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Division, ATTN: Endangered Species Specialist,  P.O. Box 30444, Lansing, MI 48909. To be considered during the list revision process, written comments must be received by 5 p.m. Sept. 30.

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

• Eastern box turtle: The eastern box turtle is a species proposed for listing as threatened under the current review of the Michigan endangered and threatened species list. Public comment on the proposed changes to the list will be accepted through Sept. 30.

For immediate release: August 25, 2022
Media contacts: Jennifer Holton, MDARD, 517-284-5724
Joanne Foreman, MDNR, 517-284-5814

MDARD, Oakland County responding to invasive spotted lanternfly

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is working with Oakland County to limit the spread of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). On August 10, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed a small population of spotted lanternfly in Pontiac in Oakland County. This is the first confirmed case of live spotted lanternfly in Michigan.

MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division (PPPM) has surveyed the initial area to determine the extent of the infestation in Pontiac and Oakland County. Surveying revealed the spotted lanternfly population is mostly contained to a small, wooded lot owned by Oakland County. “We appreciate the partnership and quick action by our partners in Oakland County to help contain the spotted lanternfly infestation. They have already completed pesticide applications of the impacted area,” said Michael Philip, PPPM Division Director within MDARD. “Early detection gives us more tools in the toolbox for response and containment.”

Spotted lanternfly moves easily on firewood, tires, campers, vehicles and more. Prevention and early detection are vital to limiting the spread of spotted lanternfly. If you find a spotted lanternfly egg mass, nymph or adult, take one or more photos, make note of the date, time and location of the sighting, and report it online to Eyes in the Field. Photos are necessary to verify a report and to aid in identification.

“We hope to limit the spread of this invasive population of spotted lanternfly by using targeted pesticide applications and tree removal,” said Jim Nash, Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner. “Our priority is working alongside the Michigan Department of Agriculture to protect our agriculture, natural resources and environment both in Oakland County and across the state.”

“While surveying, MDARD’s PPPM inspectors discovered a significant, but isolated grouping of invasive tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), the much preferred host of spotted lanternfly. Given the strong preference of spotted lanternfly to feed on the tree of heaven and the solitary nature of the stand, MDARD is hopeful the population can be contained,” Philip added.

Although spotted lanternfly prefers to feed on tree of heaven, it also feeds on a wide range of plants including grapes and trees such as black walnut, river birch, willow, sumac, and red maple. When feeding, spotted lanternfly produces a sticky liquid, honeydew, that can collect on the ground or surrounding vegetation. This results in the growth of sooty mold, which can discolor and kill plants.

What can you do?

• Check your vehicle: Before leaving a parking lot or work site, inspect vehicles for spotted lanternfly eggs or insects. Check doors, sides, bumpers, wheel wells, grills, and roofs. If found, destroy any eggs or insects you find.
• Park with windows closed: The spotted lanternfly and its nymphs can enter vehicles unsuspectedly. When parked, make sure to keep windows closed.
• Remove and destroy pests: Crush nymphs and adult insects. Scrape egg masses into a plastic bag containing hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol to kill them.
• Report sightings: Use the Eyes in the Field online system to submit reports. Photos are necessary to verify a report and to aid in identification.

For additional information on identifying or reporting spotted lanternfly, visit Michigan.gov/SpottedLanternfly. You can also learn more at USDA’s Spotted Lanternfly website found at USDA APHIS | Spotted Lanternfly.

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.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Below are video links media can use for b-roll as well as a link to the USDA flikr account for photos:

VIDEOS:

• B-Roll
• CLIP Style
• MDARD Spotted Lanternfly Informational Video 

PHOTOS: https://www.flickr.com/photos/usdagov/albums/72157697839962692/

Media contact: Kirby Shedlowski (U.S. Bureau of Land Management), 303-842-4458

Michigan adds tribute to fallen wildland firefighter

Wildland firefighter Collin Hagan will be honored at a memorial service for close friends and family Thursday, Aug. 18, at Michigan Technological University in Houghton.

Members of the public who wish to honor Hagan may view the livestreamed service on Facebook hosted by the National Interagency Fire Center.

Hagan, 27, was originally from Twin Lakes, southwest of Houghton in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He was a firefighter with the federal Craig Interagency Hotshot Crew, based in Colorado, and was working on the Big Swamp Wildfire near Oakridge, Oregon, on Aug. 10 when he was struck by a falling tree.

Dan Laux, fire section chief in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Forest Resources Division, knew Hagan well.

“Watching Collin grow up to become a young man with such a passion for the outdoors, adventure and wildland fire was an honor and privilege,” Laux said. “His life was an inspiration to so many and he will be dearly missed.”

Hagan graduated from Jeffers High School (Painesdale, Michigan) in 2013, going on to earn an associate degree in forest technology from Gogebic Community College and a bachelor’s degree in forest management from Michigan Technological University.

Before joining the Craig hotshot crew – specialized firefighting teams that mobilize in the most rugged conditions – Hagan worked as a field forester and for other firefighting teams in Oregon and Montana.

He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, hockey and skateboarding. Family and friends remember his easygoing demeanor and sense of humor, and as a person who thought of others first.

Visitation is Thursday and Friday; a private funeral also is scheduled Friday.