DNR News Digest – Week of Sept. 26, 2022

DNR News Digest – Week of Sept. 26, 2022

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News Digest – Week of Sept. 26, 2022

two little blond girls lead a leashed black and white dog across a downed tree log, with two little blond boys following behind them in the forest

Outdoor adventures make the best memories! What are some of your favorites?

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: Fall in focus

a tidy row of pale white-yellow grasses blows to the left, against a grainy backdrop of dark green forestWant to see more pictures like this, taken by Michigan state parks photo ambassador Tim Largent at Van Buren State Park in Van Buren 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.


Gather ’Round the campfire for stories from people like you

A woman with dark hair holds her face close to a smiling, blue-eyed little boy in her lap, in front of an orange campfire in a metal ringHopscotch on the sidewalk. A backyard treehouse. Fishing with grandpa. Sandcastles at the lake. Pick-up basketball at the local park. Long walks in the woods. Even just a well-placed window with a view that ignited your outdoor dreams …

No matter where you’re from or where you call home, everyone has a story about the outdoors. Each perspective is unique and every story is different, and we want to help share them with our new quarterly Gather ‘Round blog: an online space to hear signature stories written by people like you, along with looks at little-known critters, places, Michigan history and more.

This first issue covers topics like the rusty patched bumblebee and a recipe for foraged nettles, as well as a feature on the critical connection between mental health and the natural world. If you like what you see, feel free to share Gather ‘Round with your friends and family.

Questions? Contact Emma Kukuk at 517-284-5815.


Conservation officer recruits near halfway point in academy

two small groups of men with shaved heads, dark green T-shirts and black shorts take turns lifting and moving large black tractor tires outdoorsIntense physical training, emergency vehicle operations, underwater rescues, firearm safety, loads of fish and game laws and regulations, all governed by a commitment to self-discipline and teamwork – this is just some of what the conservation officer hopefuls in the DNR’s Recruit School #11 are tackling in this year’s academy, which started in early July at the Michigan State Police Training Academy in Lansing.

The recruits recently completed their 11th week, with 12 more to go. For a glimpse of academy life, follow their journey with this year’s recruit school blog. From week 3 on, the recruits themselves have been writing the entries, sharing their perspectives on goals, fears, expectations and much more.

Sign up for the conservation officer academy blog and other DNR email topics.


NotMiSpecies webinars: Easy learning about invasives

A wet glob of didymo on the palm of an outstretched hand above the water. A corner of a zippered bag is held between the index and forefinger.If you’re looking for a fun, informative way to learn about the invasive species that pose a threat to Michigan’s land, water, fish and wildlife (and what you can do to help), give the NotMiSpecies webinar series a try. It explores how agencies, universities and local organizations are working together to protect our state’s natural resources through the Michigan Invasive Species Program.

Two upcoming webinars include:

There’s a lamprey in my classroom! Infusing invasive species education into statewide programs (Thursday, Oct. 26, 9-10 a.m.)

Whether you’re an educator, a parent or someone who just enjoys learning, Tracy Page, DNR aquatic education coordinator, will explain how to take advantage of the department’s educational programs as you travel the state, or even in your own home or classroom.

Treat me right! Rules, regulations and best practices for controlling aquatic invasive species in Michigan’s inland lakes (Thursday, Nov. 10, 9-10 a.m.)

Join Eric Calabro, environmental quality analyst with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to learn about state regulations and options – When is a permit needed? What are safe, effective treatments? – for control of aquatic invasives.

Nearly two dozen past webinars on a variety of topics (rock snot, boating hygiene, environmental DNA, to name a few) are available to watch anytime, too. Visit the NotMiSpecies webinar page for registration information, past programs and more.

Questions? Contact Joanne Foreman at [email protected].


THINGS TO DO

Several deer and waterfowl seasons are underway, with more hunting opportunities following close behind. Check the hunting season calendar for all start dates, digest information and more.

BUY & APPLY

Are you or someone you know interested in setting up a mobile food, park store, beach or riding stable concession in one of our state parks? Check out available opportunities and submit your bid or proposal soon!

GET INVOLVED

Show your love for Michigan’s endangered, threatened and nongame wildlife and buy a wildlife habitat license plate; $25 of the $35 plate purchase goes to the Nongame Wildlife Fund.

We recently launched a new website, and we’d love to hear what you think via this brief survey. Thanks for helping us improve our site for all users!

Showcasing the DNR

Showcasing the DNR

 
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Showcasing the DNR

two men pound a post with an orange snowmobile trail marker into the ground

It’s always the right time – especially during Michigan Trails Week – to show state’s trails some TLC

By JESSICA HOLLEY-ROEHRS
State motorized trails specialist, Parks and Recreation Division
Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan Trails Week – the annual celebration that helps shine a light on the state’s vast trails network and elevates Michigan’s reputation as the Trails State – is set for Sept. 18-25. These eight days are a great time to pay tribute to Michigan’s extraordinary trails system, maybe by finding a new trail adventure, revisiting your favorite route, sharing a photo or memory with a friend or making it social. Follow MiStateParks on Facebook and Instagram to find ideas on how to celebrate all week long.

You can also show your love for Michigan trails by helping keep them in the best shape for everyone to enjoy safely.

Cleaning up

red truck hauling trailer full of tires and other trashEvery season brings new adventures on Michigan’s trails – with almost 10,000 miles between off-road vehicle and snowmobile trails alone, plus thousands more miles of nonmotorized trails. So, it follows that every season, our trails need some TLC from those who care most about not only the upcoming season, but about the long-term sustainability of the state’s trails system and scramble areas.

Last spring, a large group of volunteers got together in the St. Helen Motorsport Area in Roscommon County to give a great example of just that – showing they care through action. Paul and Melanie Mulder, partnering with ORV and snowmobile trail maintenance groups, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Adopt-a-Forest program and dedicated Jeep club volunteers, pulled off one of the most successful trail and forest cleanup events I’ve seen in my career with the DNR.

The Mulders, both Ferris State University employees, organized the cleanup event that brought together more than 100 Jeeps and other vehicles from at least seven different groups – all volunteers. In total, they cleaned up 31,000 pounds of trash, 208 tires and even a couple of old boats from the St. Helen trails and surrounding forest areas. The trash filled three 30-yard dumpsters donated by the DNR’s Adopt-a-Forest program.

large dumpster full of trashFollow-up efforts included identifying locations of more abandoned boats and getting them into a test program for recycling fiberglass boats. From trail cleanup to a future partnership with the Michigan boating industry … who knew?

These projects and many years of dedicated work on the ORV trails of the northeast and north-central Lower Peninsula earned the Mulders a Partners in Conservation Award. The Michigan Natural Resources Commission presents these DNR employee-nominated awards to individuals or organizations in recognition of their commitment to conservation, natural resource management and assisting the DNR in carrying out its mission.

I have had the pleasure of working out in the field with these two, and I learned firsthand about the hard work it takes to keep the trails in shape and cleaned up for the thousands of riders that who enjoy those trails each season. Nice job, Paul and Melanie – we can’t thank you enough!

Where to next?

Beginning this month, many of Michigan’s 68 snowmobile trail maintenance organizations will hit the ground to clean up the trails and routes that we hope will be covered with snow in December. Why start so early, you ask? There’s a lot to do!

ORV and snowmobile trail signage on the edge of a trail bridgeMany miles of trail are shared with ORV users and will need to be graded one or more times before the ground freezes to ensure a smooth base for the groomers to pack the snow onto solidly. This time of year, the majority of snowmobile trails are overgrown and strewn with downed limbs, and oftentimes whole trees, that need to be cleared away. And yes, there are tires, trash and other waste. I’ve heard stories of mattresses, tents, refrigerators and even an old bathtub that needed to be removed from the trails, staging areas, parking lots and trailheads over the years.

But that’s not all. The next step is to check each and every sign along the trail, making sure that it is still in place from last season, that it’s not too faded or broken, that the pole is in good shape, and then replacing those that need it. Do you know that, in some parts of the state, every sign is put up at the beginning of the snowmobile season and then taken down at the end of the season?

In addition, when Dec. 1 rolls around, gates on private property will need to be opened, and “no trespassing” reminders will need to be posted to ensure that the property owners will allow us to use those sections of trail again in the years to come.

Call to action

man driving heavy equipment to repair trail through forestHow can you help? What skills and talents can you bring to the trails?

No matter which season or form of motorized recreation is your favorite, any time is the right time for you to volunteer a weekend of your time to the local ORV or snowmobile club where you live or where you ride.

Here are just a couple of examples of opportunities to get involved coming up soon:

  • The Seney Snowmobile Association’s annual trail maintenance days, Sept. 16 and 17. Friday, participants will meet at the groomer barn in Seney at 9 a.m. to do sign maintenance and light trail work. Saturday, they will meet at the groomer barn at 8 a.m. for the big trail cleanup day, with breakfast, lunch and dinner provided. Get more details and RSVP for Seney Snowmobile Association Annual Trail Maintenance Weekend.
  • Curtis Area Trails, which grooms and maintains 94 miles of snowmobile trails, will host its first annual trail cleanup day Saturday, Sept. 24. Participants will meet at the Curtis groomer barn at 8 a.m. for breakfast, then head out to start brushing and cleaning up the trails for the upcoming snowmobile season. Lunch and dinner will be provided. Get more details and RSVP for Curtis Area Trail Maintenance Day.

Besides these two opportunities, there are 110 ORV and snowmobile trail organizations across the state, from the Keweenaw Peninsula to Allegan and everywhere in between, that could use a hand over the next several months or years.

For more information about how to contact any of the motorized trail maintenance organizations around the state, email me at [email protected] or find a listing of local clubs on the Michigan Snowmobile and ORV Association website.

If you’re interested in nonmotorized trails volunteering, contact DNR state trails coordinator Tim Novak at [email protected] or get in touch with a local nonmotorized trail organization.

I hope to meet you some day – with boots, gloves, chain saws and trash bags – on the trail.

Find more information about Michigan trails, including maps and ways to support them, at Michigan.gov/DNRTrails.

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


Note to editors: Contact: John Pepin, Showcasing the DNR series editor, 906-226-1352. Accompanying photos and a text-only version of this story are available below for download. Caption information follows. Credit Michigan Department of Natural Resources, unless otherwise noted.

Text-only version of this story.

Dumpsters: Volunteers picked up enough trash to fill three 30-yard dumpsters, donated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Adopt-a-Forest program, during a cleanup effort in the St. Helen Motorsport Area in Roscommon County last spring.

Post: Volunteers put up a snowmobile trail marker sign. In some areas of Michigan, every sign is put up at the beginning of the snowmobile season and then taken down at the end of the season.

Repair: Volunteers work to repair a trail in Allegan County in preparation for the upcoming snowmobile season.

Signs: Trail signs, like these along off-road vehicle CL Route/snowmobile Trail No. 8 in Marquette County, are among the things ORV and snowmobile trail maintenance organizations work to make sure are in good condition for riders.

Tires and Trash: Volunteers cleaned up 31,000 pounds of trash, 208 tires and even a couple of old boats from the St. Helen Motorsport Area trails and surrounding forest areas during an event last spring.

Trailer: More than 100 Jeeps and other vehicles from at least seven different groups, all volunteers, got together to clean up the St. Helen Motorsport Area ORV trails and woods last spring.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/DNR.
DNR begins fall walleye surveys in September

DNR begins fall walleye surveys in September

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DNR News

Sept. 15, 2022
Media contact: Your local fisheries management unit

DNR begins fall walleye surveys in September

Electrofishing on Lake GogebicBeginning 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.

 

We recently launched a new website, and we’d love to hear what you think via this brief survey. Thanks for helping us improve our site for all users!
News Digest – Week of Sept. 12

News Digest – Week of Sept. 12

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News Digest – Week of Sept. 12, 2022

A calm, autumnal lake framed by a forest of orange, red, yellow, and green trees.

Fall is on the way! Check out autumnal birding and hunting opportunities.

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. Canvasback duck photo courtesy Chandler Wiegand/Audubon.


Photo ambassador snapshot: Watchful warbler

A black throated blue warbler, a small blue, black, and white songbird, perches on a pine tree.Want to see more pictures like this, taken by Michigan state parks photo ambassador Sheen Watkins at Tawas State Park in Iosco 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.


Small game season kicks off Thursday

A woodcock, a small bird with white, brown, and black markings and a long beak, stands on a forest floor.Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to the sport, you can enjoy Michigan’s abundant small game hunting opportunities this fall – all you need is a base license.

Several seasons start in September, and it’s the perfect time to spend some time outdoors searching for small game – and maybe scout a spot for deer hunting later this fall. Fox and gray squirrel, rabbit, hare, ruffed grouse and woodcock hunting all open Thursday, Sept. 15.

If you’re targeting woodcock, you’ll need a free woodcock stamp – which includes your Harvest Information Program registration – in addition to your small game license.

Not sure where to go? Michigan’s grouse enhanced management sites are great for grouse and other small game hunting. Learn about these premier bird hunting locations at Michigan.gov/GEMS. For more places to hunt, check out Michigan.gov/MIHunt. Mi-HUNT is an interactive map that shows lands open to public hunting throughout the state, as well as cover types, nearby recreation amenities and other features.

Fall turkey hunting also starts Sept. 15, and even if you didn’t enter the drawing for a limited-quota license, you still could snag a turkey tag. Leftover fall turkey licenses will be sold until quotas are met, and hunters may purchase up to one license a day. Hunters may harvest one turkey per license. Check leftover turkey license availability and find additional fall turkey hunting information at Michigan.gov/Turkey.

More information on small game hunting opportunities in Michigan can be found at Michigan.gov/SmallGame. Check the 2022 Hunting Digest, available at Michigan.gov/DNRDigests, for season dates, bag limits and other regulations.

Still need to get your 2022 base license? Buy online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses, through the new Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app or anywhere DNR licenses are sold.

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


Make the most of fall birding in Michigan

Two canvasback ducks, one male and one female, huddle together while floating on the water.Fall is a magical time, as the rainbow of color emerges across the landscape – and brings birds just as colorful! Waterfowl, waterbirds, shorebirds, songbirds and raptors will begin to pass through Michigan on their way south to their wintering grounds. Michigan lies at the intersection of the Mississippi and Atlantic flyways, two migration “superhighways” that bring more than 380 bird species through the state each fall.

Michigan’s coastal and inland wetlands act as important resting and refueling zones for migratory birds; if you want to get in some quality fall birding, these areas are among the best habitats to visit. Wetlands provide birds with water, food and shelter during their long migration journeys, and many birds follow the coastline on their way south.

Whether you’re a birding newbie or a seasoned birder, keeping an eye on the weather can help you prepare for your next fall trip. Wind and other weather events can help you predict bird movements. Storms and cold fronts can often result in an awe-inspiring migratory event known as a “fall-out,” when a dense concentration of migratory birds hunkers down in a particular area until poor weather passes. Cold fronts also tend to have northerly winds, which blow north to south, that aid our feathered friends in their southward migration. Regularly check your weather radar or use BirdCast, a special forecast tool that predicts when birds will be moving near you.

Here’s what bird species to expect over the next couple of months:

Learn about what birds to expect in November by visiting Audubon’s website.

Want to see the wonders of bird migration in action, but not sure where to start? Explore the Michigan.gov/Birding page for information about Michigan’s birding trails and migration hot spots.

MI Birds is a public outreach and engagement program created by Audubon Great Lakes and the DNR, which aims to increase all Michiganders’ engagement in the understanding, care and stewardship of public lands that are important for birds and local communities.


ICYMI: DNR takes big step toward 2024 Binational Trail plans

Several men and women in business casual stand around podium, next to a map of Michigan and Ontario, river skyline behind themSeveral partner agencies and organizations in Canada and Michigan on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding to develop binational Great Lakes trail tourism destination opportunities by 2024. It’s a move that coincides with the anticipated 2024 opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario – the border cities on the Detroit River considered the heart of the Great Lakes and serving as gateways to each country.

In case you missed it, DNR Director Dan Eichinger was in Windsor for the signing, along with representatives of the Trans Canada Trail, the Waterfront Regeneration Trust and the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. The memorandum builds on the strength and appeal of the Trans Canada Trail and Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail, and the new bridge will provide space for people to cross safely by foot or on bike, encouraging residents and visitors to explore and enjoy the ample greenways, waterways and outdoor recreation opportunities available on both sides of the bridge.

Read the event news release and view a recording of the streamed video originally carried by the city of Windsor’s Facebook page.


THINGS TO DO

Summer is near its end, but the outdoor fun never stops! Fall is a great time to hike one of Michigan’s beautiful trails; and just in time for MI Trails Week, Sept. 18-25.

BUY & APPLY

Small game season is the perfect prelude to fall deer season. Make sure you’re prepared for both with hunter safety courses, classes and mentored hunts.

GET INVOLVED

Forests are the backdrop of fall, and we can all chip in to make sure they stay healthy year-round. Grab your work gloves, call some friends and Adopt-a-Forest today.

We recently launched a new website, and we’d love to hear what you think via this brief survey. Thanks for helping us improve our site for all users!

$3.6 million in grants to target invasive species in Michigan

$3.6 million in grants to target invasive species in Michigan

Sept. 1, 2022

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.

2022 MISGP handbook cover featuring a cattail marsh at sunset, with insert photos of a spotted lanternfly, mile-a-minute weed and parrot feather.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.

A woman dressed in outdoor winter gear is placing a small tag on the trunk of a hemlock tree on a snowy cliff above Lake Michigan.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.

A group of people in waders in a semi-circle in a small water body. A phragmites-covered shoreline is in the foreground.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./

DNR News: Changes to Michigan endangered species list

DNR News: Changes to Michigan endangered species list

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DNR News

Aug. 24, 2022
Contact: Jennifer Kleitch, 989-370-2158

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

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

close-up photo of eastern box turtleInterested 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.
We recently launched a new website, and we’d love to hear what you think via this brief survey. Thanks for helping us improve our site for all users!