DNR dedicates Ronald A. Olson Island Bridge, a tribute to longtime parks and recreation chief

A 142-foot-long bridge installed last fall over the Tahquamenon River just got an important addition: a name. Friends, family, Michigan Department of Natural Resources officials and other colleagues gathered this morning at the Lower Tahquamenon Falls to dedicate the Ronald A. Olson Island Bridge, honoring the man at the helm of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division as chief for 17 years.

The fabricated, all-aluminum pedestrian bridge at Tahquamenon Falls State Park, located in Paradise in the eastern Upper Peninsula, officially opened for use over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. The bridge itself is an apt symbol for Olson, who has built a career around bringing people together and encouraging them to aim for destinations they can’t yet see.

“When it comes to possibilities in parks and recreation, nobody is better at building bridges and getting people to the table than Ron Olson,” said DNR Director Dan Eichinger.

“Ron lives and breathes Michigan state parks, trails and waterways, and he will talk – and listen – to anyone, anywhere about ways to protect and improve these treasured resources so that every resident and visitor can enjoy them and be inspired to love them as much as he does,” Eichinger said. “I am proud to be here today and share in this much-deserved celebration of Ron’s remarkable contributions.”

The bridge’s installed naming plaque reads: “Ronald A. Olson Island Bridge. In honor of his dedication, hard work and accomplishments with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division.”

His accomplishments are many. Olson, who oversees a parks and recreation system that includes 103 state parks, nearly 1,300 boating access sites, 13,400 miles of state-designated trails and 82 state-sponsored harbors, has: Championed (through the MI Big Green Gym partnership, with mParks and Blue Cross Blue Shield) the belief that state, county and local parks are the least expensive “gyms” around, and they drive tourism to even the most remote places in the state. Helped guide the implementation of the Recreation Passport to replace the old window sticker for vehicle entry to Michigan state parks – a move creating cost savings for individual parkgoers while establishing a more consistent source of operating revenue. Advocated for prioritizing a more diverse workforce through programs such as the Summer Youth Employment Initiative and efforts to infuse the department with new voices and perspectives. Introduced the Chief’s Challenges to inspire solution-focused ideas built around three goals: Green Initiatives to find energy savings, Marketing and Innovations to find new revenue-generating ventures, and the Million Dollar Challenge that tasked everyone with finding ways to save money, with the goal of saving $1 million in total. Pioneered a matching grant program for accessible recreation amenities, promising to match any community or Friends Group that could raise 50% of project funding for a playground, beach chair, Mobi-mat or fishing pier – a challenge that led to greater staff/community collaboration that continues today. Overseen some of Michigan’s biggest state park and campground visitation numbers – 35 million visitors a year – fueled in part by residents’ reliance on the outdoors during the COVID pandemic.

Signature vision, many honors

The department’s natural resources deputy, Shannon Lott, said that since Olson joined the DNR in 2005, he has approached challenges and opportunities within the recreation world in his own way. “Many of Ron’s staff talk about how Ron sees things differently: not as they are or how they’ve been, but what could be – in fact, what should be – to solidify state parks, trails and waterways as relevant, even revered, to every Michigan resident and visitor,” Lott said. “All of Ron’s decisions are guided by the goal of creating the best visitor experiences, but in ways that protect natural and historical resources and give employees the room to grow and succeed.” One such example stemmed from Olson’s observation of aging park infrastructure, evolving camp lodging trends and staff seeking more work hours. That simple intersection of needs resulted in opportunities for seasonal rangers to extend their employment season in order to help build tiny houses and reimagine the mini-cabins that now are among campers’ most popular lodging choices. Olson brought a wealth of experience to the DNR, having served as parks and recreation director in Ann Arbor, Michigan – he left his mark there, too; Olson Park is named in his honor – and other jurisdictions in Maryland, Indiana and Minnesota. He is active in the National Recreation and Park Association, the National Association of State Park Directors and the American Academy of Park and Recreation Professionals. He also is past president and current board member of the Michigan Recreation and Park Association Foundation.

His passion and contributions have not gone unnoticed. Other honors include:

• Recognition (twice) as Public Official of the Year by the Huron Valley Sierra Club.
• Recipient of the W.W. Patty Alumni Award from Indiana University.
• Recognized as one of the College of Education’s top 100 alumni of the University of Minnesota.
• The Michigan state parks system earning the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in State Park and Recreation Management (2011).
• The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) Distinguished Service Award (2014).
• The Richard Lawson Award for Professional Excellence (2022), in recognition of significant contributions over many years to the parks profession.

Not content to rest on his laurels, Olson also makes many efforts to bridge his knowledge and experience to the next generation of parks and recreation managers.

He has served on the Board of Regents and as an instructor for the National Parks and Recreation Supervisor Management School, served as a regent and instructor at the NASPD State Park Leadership School, and has presented numerous educational sessions at the NRPA national and Michigan conferences and at other states’ park and recreation conferences and training institutes.

About the bridge

Installed in September 2021 in Tahquamenon Falls State Park, the 142-foot-long span was constructed in Florida, and its four sections were set in place with the aid of a helicopter. The bridge now provides improved access for anyone who wants to view the river or visit an island situated in the middle of the Lower Falls rapids. Other components of the bridge project include 350 feet of boardwalk connecting the mainland to the bridge abutment location and a half-mile, barrier-free pathway around the perimeter of the island, dotted with additional boardwalk sections and benches. DNR Parks and Recreation Division capital outlay funding paid for the entire $1.28 million project, including the bridge and accessibility improvements.

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows. All photos courtesy Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

• Ron Olson: DNR Parks and Recreation Chief Ron Olson, shown here atop the Mackinac Bridge.
• Ron Olson biking: DNR Parks and Recreation Chief Ron Olson is an avid outdoorsman outside of work, too; he enjoys competing in triathlons, fishing and spending time with his granddaughters
• Plaque: The plaque honoring DNR Parks and Recreation Chief Ron Olson; the plaque now is affixed to the bridge bearing his name at Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
• Bridge1 and Bridge2: The new pedestrian bridge over the Tahquamenon River connects the mainland to an island in the rapids; it officially opened to visitors over the 2022 Memorial Day holiday weekend.
• Bridge installation: A helicopter lifts a segment of the new pedestrian bridge at the Lower Tahquamenon Falls into place during the September 2021 installation.

For immediate release: August 11, 2022
Media contacts: Jennifer Holton, MDARD, 517-284-5724
Joanne Foreman, MDNR, 517-284-5814

Spotted Lanternfly Found in Oakland County

This is Michigan’s first detection of this invasive bug

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Gary McDowell confirmed the state’s first detection of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in Michigan. A small population of spotted lanternfly was detected in Pontiac in Oakland County last week with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirming the finding on August 10.

“Although not unexpected, this is certainly tough news to share due to its potential to for it to negatively impact Michigan’s grape industry,” said McDowell. “Spotted lanternfly has been moving closer to the state over the last few years. MDARD, along with our state, local and federal partners, has been working tirelessly to inform and educate growers and the public about this highly invasive insect.”

Spotted lanternfly is an invasive plant hopper native to eastern Asia. First found in the United States in 2014 in southeastern Pennsylvania, spotted lanternfly has spread rapidly through the eastern states. Confirmed observations of spotted lanternfly have since been recorded in Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

“MDARD and MDNR are working with the United States Department of Agriculture to define the extent of the infestation,” said Mike Philip, MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division Director. “Although we can’t pinpoint exactly how it got here, it likely hitchhiked on nursery stock brought in from an infested state and has possibly been here for several months. We are in the assessment stage of response, but it is important to note that typical pest management techniques have not proven effective for eliminating the pest in other states.”

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. Spotted lanternfly prefers to feed on the invasive tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but 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.

“The research community is still learning about the spotted lanternfly and its potential for impacting our natural resources as well as treatments to eliminate this pest,” said Joanne Foreman, invasive species communications coordinator for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “It also could have an effect on important timber species statewide. What the long-term impact might be is unknown.”

What can you do?

• Check Your Vehicle: Before leaving a parking lot or work site, inspect vehicles for spotted lanternfly egg 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.
•  Remove Host Trees: Spotted lanternflies prefer the ailanthus tree, also known as “tree of heaven.” Try to remove trees from properties to avoid attracting spotted lanternfly.
• Report Sightings: Send in required photos to Eyes in the Field. 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.

/Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Credits and suggested captions follow.

SLF folded wings: Spotted lanternflies are more likely to be seen with wings folded. Look for grey to brown wings with black spots, and black-striped wing tips. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org.

SLF wings: Adult spotted lanterfly’s bright wing coloration is hidden when wings are closed. Photo courtesy of Robert Gardner, Bugwood.org.

SLF egg mass: Spotted lanternflies may lay egg masses on vehicles, outdoor furniture or other items that can be transported to new areas, leading to new infestations. Photo courtesy of Emilie Swackhammer, Penn State University, Bugwood.org.

Spotted lanternfly.jpg: Earlier spotted lanternfly life stages include a black, spotted beetle which later morphs to red, as indicated in the top right and left corners of the collage./

Support urban trees with a Community Forestry grant

Looking for resources to improve urban forest management and better connect people to trees and forests? The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for Community Forestry grants.

Eligible organizations including local and tribal governments, educational institutions and nonprofits can apply for grants of $1,000-$25,000 with a 1-1 match for projects that increase urban forest cover or improve community forest care and management.

Projects may include tree inventories and assessments, tree planting and maintenance, Arbor Day celebrations, training and outreach, urban forestry technology and others.

Projects should align with state goals outlined in the Michigan Forest Action Plan and a pledge to plant 50 million trees by 2030 as part of the DNR’s MI Trees initiative.

Submit applications by Sept. 23. Projects must be completed by Sept. 1, 2023.

Questions? Contact Urban and Community Forestry program coordinator Kevin Sayers, 517-582-3209, or urban forester Lawrence Sobson, 313-316-4137.

Learn more about community forests at Michigan.gov/UCF.