Time to check trees for Asian longhorned beetle

Time to check trees for Asian longhorned beetle

 
Aug. 9, 2022
Contact: Rob Miller (MDARD), 517-614-0454 or Joanne Foreman (DNR), 517-284-5814

Heads up! It’s time to check trees for invasive Asian longhorned beetle

August is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, and it’s also the best time to spot the invasive Asian longhorned beetle as adults emerge from trees. That’s why the U.S. Department of Agriculture is declaring August as “Tree Check Month.” Checking trees for the beetle and the damage it causes is one way you can protect trees and help the USDA’s efforts to eliminate this beetle from the United States.

Adult Asian longhorned beetles on a branchThe Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources are joining the USDA in asking people to take just 10 minutes this month to check trees around homes for the beetle or any signs of damage.

The Asian longhorned beetle, or ALB for short, is a non-native wood-boring beetle considered invasive in North America because it attacks 12 types of hardwood trees, including maples, elms, horse chestnuts, birches and willows. Here, there are no predators or diseases to keep ALB populations in check. In its larval stage, the insect feeds inside tree trunks and branches during the colder months. The beetle creates tunnels as it feeds, and then it chews its way out as an adult in the warmer months.

Infested trees do not recover and eventually die. They also can become safety hazards since branches can drop and trees can fall, especially during storms.

You can help

Asian longhorned beetle frass, resembling wood shavings, coming out of an exit hole in a tree trunk.Although this invasive beetle has not yet been discovered in Michigan, it is crucial we keep an eye out for it. Discovering early signs of infestation can prevent widespread damage to the state’s forest resources, urban landscapes and maple syrup production.

“We’re asking for the public’s help to find Asian longhorned beetle and any tree damage it causes, because the sooner we know where the insect is, the sooner we can stop its spread,” said Josie Ryan, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s national operations manager for the ALB Eradication Program. “Five of the 15 known infestation sites in the U.S. were detected and reported by alert residents, including the most recent discovery in Hollywood, South Carolina. This shows how critical public participation can be.”

The USDA recently reported the infestations at 10 of those locations have been eradicated.

Look for signs

Whenever you are outdoors, take time to look at the trees around you for signs of the Asian longhorned beetle, including:

  • Round exit holes – about the diameter of a pencil – found in tree trunks and branches.
  • Shallow oval or round scars in the bark, where the adult beetle chewed an egg site.
  • Material that looks like wood shavings lying on the ground around the tree or in the branches.
  • Dead branches or limbs falling from an otherwise healthy-looking tree.

Look for the beetle

Asian longhorned beetle with descriptive notes.Adult Asian longhorned beetles are distinctively large, ranging from 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches in length, not including their long antennae. The beetles are shiny black, with random white blotches or spots, and their antennae have alternating black and white segments. They have six legs that can be black or partly blue, with blue coloration sometimes extending to their feet.

Be aware of look-alikes

Several beetles and bugs native to Michigan often are mistaken for the Asian longhorned beetle, but there are differences to be aware of:

  • The white-spotted pine sawyer has a distinctive white spot below the base of its head – between its wings – and is brownish in color.
  • The cottonwood borer is about the same size as the Asian longhorned beetle and is also black and white, but it has a pattern of single, broad black stripes down each wing, and its antennae are all dark.
  • The northeastern pine sawyer reaches up to 2 inches in length, has very long antennae and is gray in color.
  • The eastern eyed click beetle has distinctive eye circles on the back of its head. It rolls over when threatened, then clicks and makes a flipping movement to get back on its feet.

Anyone observing an Asian longhorned beetle, or a tree appearing damaged by it, is asked to report it. If possible, capture the beetle in a jar, take photos, record the location and report it as soon as possible at AsianLonghornedBeetle.com or contact MDARD at 800-292-3939 or [email protected].

More information can be found at Michigan.gov/ALB.


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: The accompanying photos are available for download. Caption information follows.

Adults: Adult Asian longhorned beetles emerge from within trees in late summer to mate. Females chew small depressions in tree trunks or branches, such as those seen here, to deposit eggs. Photo courtesy of Kenneth R. Law, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org.

Frass: Material resembling wood shavings at the base of a tree or tree branches is a sign of Asian longhorned beetle infestation. Photo courtesy of Kenneth R. Law, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org.

Identification: The Asian longhorned beetle is a large, shiny black beetle with irregular white spots and black and white banded antennae. Photo courtesy of USDA APHIS PPQ.

WSPS: The white-spotted pine sawyer is native to Michigan and often mistaken for the Asian longhorned beetle. Look for a white spot between the upper wings to identify this pine sawyer. Photo courtesy of William M. Ciesla, Forest Health Management International, Bugwood.org.

Cottonwood: The cottonwood borer’s antennae are all black. Photo courtesy of Gerald J. Lenhard, Louisana State University, Bugwood.org.

NEPS: The northeastern pine sawyer is a large beetle reaching 2 inches in length. Its body is primarily gray with white and black spots. Photo courtesy of Jim Brighton.

Eyed beetle: The eastern eyed click beetle is distinguished by large circles on the back of its head. Photo courtesy of iNaturalist./

DRN News Digest – Week of Aug. 8, 2022

DRN News Digest – Week of Aug. 8, 2022

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News Digest – Week of Aug. 8, 2022

A close-up of purple milkweed.

Make pollinators and monarchs a priority by planting milkweed and other native flowers.

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: Lovely light at Lake Hudson

A place lake reflects beautiful, gold and orange whispy clouds at sunset. Want to see more pictures like this, taken by Michigan state parks photo ambassador Carolly Maiyo at Lake Hudson Recreation Area in Lenawee County? Visit Instagram.com/MiStateParks to explore photos and learn more about the photo ambassadors! For more on the photo ambassador program, contact Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182.


Don’t miss Free ORV Weekend Aug. 20-21

Three ORVs travel down a dirt path in a sparse forest.Taking place twice a year, Free ORV Weekend is a great time to see, experience and test out Michigan’s off-road vehicle trails.

The final Free ORV Weekend of the year takes place Saturday, Aug. 20, and Sunday, Aug. 21. On these two days, Michigan residents and visitors can legally ride Michigan’s 4,000 miles of designated routes and trails, and the state’s six scramble areas, without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit. All other ORV rules and laws still apply.

“Our hope is that after experiencing a weekend of off-road fun, riders will consider purchasing an ORV license or trail permit for the remainder of the season,” said Jessica Holley-Roehrs, statewide motorized trails program analyst with the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “We always like to say that it’s the perfect time to introduce – or reintroduce – friends and family to the fun and beauty of a ride.”

The DNR directly reinvests ORV trail permit and license dollars back into the ORV trails system. The funds help pay for trail brushing, signage, maintenance, bridge and culvert construction, maintenance of trailhead amenities and other expenditures.

A Recreation Passport still is required where applicable, such as at trailheads and scramble areas. Typically, there’s an entrance fee at the Holly Oaks ORV Park (although no Recreation Passport requirement), but the fee is waived for this special weekend.

Visit Michigan.gov/ORVInfo for the latest ORV trail, safety and closure information.

Questions? Contact Jessica Holley-Roehrs at 517-331-3790.


Natural Resources Commission to meet Thursday in Detroit

small group of dark brown turkeys walks away from the camera, trotting off into a green field amid a few tall treesThe next meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission leads off with a Wildlife Committee agenda that includes an overview of turkey hunting regulations and a presentation about the antler point restrictions and chronic wasting disease study.

The meeting also will include DNR Law Enforcement Division lifesaving awards, the 2021 Hunter Instructor of the Year Award, an update on the DNR licensing mobile app, upcoming fisheries orders, a legislative update and several land transactions.

It will start at 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, in the Riverview Loft of the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, 1801 Atwater St., in downtown Detroit. See the draft meeting agenda at Michigan.gov/NRC.

Before the meeting, the public also is invited to “Coffee with the Commissioners” from 8 to 9 a.m. in the OAC Forest Room.

For more information or to request time to speak at the meeting, contact Victoria Lischalk at 517-599-1067 or [email protected].


Forestry’s favorite bear turns 78 this week

A costumed Smokey Bear impersonator leans forward while talking to smiling, young girls and boys near a fenceWinnie the Pooh, Yogi, Baloo and the Berenstain family are among the most popular bears in books or on TV. But in the natural resources world, the crown goes to none other than Smokey Bear.

On his birthday, Aug. 9, the wildfire prevention icon is celebrating 78 years of protecting forests.

Our furry friend’s message, “Only you can prevent wildfires,” still rings true today; nine out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans.

“In 2021, escaped yard waste burns and campfires were the most common causes of wildfire in Michigan,” said DNR fire prevention specialist Paul Rogers.

DNR firefighters have responded to 172 fires burning 3,248 acres so far during this year’s fire season.

Do you know how to safely build a fire and fully put it out? Make Smokey proud by committing these safety tips to memory:

  • Always have a water source nearby.
  • Never leave a fire unattended, even for a minute.
  • Keep a metal shovel and bucket nearby.
  • Put out fires completely with water.
  • Don’t burn on windy days or during dry weather.

Find fun, Smokey-themed activities on his website SmokeyBear.com, or download the “Flat Smokey” coloring page inspired by Dale Hubert’s Flat Stanley Project.

Learn more about wildfire prevention at Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires.


Make a pollinator-friendly space and help monarchs

A monarch butterfly sits on a flowering milkweed.Eastern monarch butterflies are one of the most well-known butterflies in North America. These gorgeous orange, black and white butterflies are a staple of Michigan summers, and they need our help.

The eastern monarch butterfly population has been declining over the last 20 years, primarily due to habitat loss in its summer range – including Michigan – and Mexico, where these beauties spend the winter.

Due to the declining population, monarch butterflies are listed as a candidate species under the federal Endangered Species Act, and their population status is under review annually. Learn more at FWS.gov/SaveTheMonarch.

You can help monarchs as you work in your backyard, garden or community garden this year by following these tips to make these spaces beneficial for pollinators. You can even help create and maintain a certified monarch waystation.

Monarchs rely on habitat with milkweed plants. Milkweeds are the only species of plant on which monarchs lay their eggs, are the only plants that monarch caterpillars eat, and provide nectar-producing flowers as food for adult butterflies.

“The monarch and other pollinators need both early- and late-blooming plants as well as plants that flower mid-summer, a diverse mix which can be found in grasslands, agricultural fields and urban backyard habitats,” said Mike Parker, conservation partners program specialist with the DNR. “These habitats can also support milkweeds, which are essential for the monarch’s reproductive cycle.”

If you spot monarchs or their caterpillars this summer, be sure to report sightings to help inform conservation decisions here in Michigan! You can report monarch sightings and track their journey at Journey North.

Find out more about ways you can help monarchs by visiting Michigan.gov/Monarchs or contacting the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.


THINGS TO DO

Michigan has thousands of miles of water trails to choose from for your next paddling adventure. Whether you’re kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding, find the right trail for your trip.

BUY & APPLY

Looking to sharpen your skills or learn some new ones? Check out upcoming classes from the DNR’s Outdoor Skills Academy. Learn to identify wild mushrooms, garden for pollinators, start a trap line and more.

GET INVOLVED

No matter where you are in Michigan, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and give back to the natural resources you love. Check the DNR volunteer calendar for events near you.

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!

DRN News Digest – Week of Aug. 8, 2022

News Digest – Week of Aug. 1, 2022

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News Digest – Week of Aug. 1, 2022

A dirt road stretches into lush forest.

Your input matters! Comment on forest road maps by Aug. 31.

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: Wildflowers at Wilderness

Bright yellow flowers emerge from a sandy shoreline as a calm lake expands into the horizon.Want to see more pictures like this, taken by Michigan state parks photo ambassador Diane Dawson Wilks at Wilderness State Park in Emmet 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.


Fall is coming, and with it, Wildlife Division job openings

A DNR Wildlife worker notes data at a deer check station.Fall is one of the best times to get involved in the DNR Wildlife Division – and one of the busiest.

In the lead-up to popular hunting seasons, the department hires seasonal employees to work at various locations throughout the state, including DNR field offices, customer service centers and state game areas. If you’ve ever wanted to know more about the DNR Wildlife Division, help answer questions from the public or spend some time outdoors, this could be the job for you!

These positions involve duties such as conducting drawings for waterfowl hunting areas, entering database information, assisting the public with questions, as well as chronic wasting disease surveillance.

These jobs are perfect for college students, those looking to reenter the workforce and seniors or retirees interested in getting more involved in the outdoors.

Get more details on these seasonal wildlife job opportunities by visiting Michigan.gov/DNRJobs and looking for the seasonal wildlife positions section.

The application period is open through Aug. 14.

Questions? Contact Jen Schafer at 517-648-8290.


Register now for 2022 virtual Michigan Inland Lakes Convention

A lakefront property on Paw Paw lake.Every two years, the Michigan Inland Lakes Convention brings together passionate lakefront property owners, lake scientists, policy makers and conservationists to spark new ideas and inspire stewardship of inland lakes. This year’s convention, centered on the theme “Protecting Lakes Today for Tomorrow,” will take place via Zoom Sept. 14-16.

The three-day virtual event will include more than 45 presentations and workshops designed to engage, educate and empower. Participants can choose from a variety of concurrent sessions focused on specific issues such as fisheries management, landscaping near shorelines, lake protection and governance, algal blooms, native freshwater mussels, communications, policy, invasive species, lake restoration and much more. Wednesday and Thursday will also include keynote speakers regionally recognized for their contributions to the field of lake science and conservation.

Registration is $60 and includes three days of virtual workshops, presentations and networking opportunities. Student registration is $15. A complete agenda is available on the convention website. Sign up today to save your spot!

Registration closes Sept. 11.

Questions? Contact Joe Nohner at 517-599-6825 or Christina Baugher at 517-582-3245.


Comment on state forest road maps by Aug. 31

An ORV travels down a dirt road in a forest.If you enjoy riding off-road vehicles on Michigan’s forest roads, you can help the DNR shape the 2023 forest road maps. Submit comments by Aug. 31.

To make sure people know which forest roads are open or closed to public use, the DNR annually updates online maps on April 1 as part of its review process. This annual update helps the DNR keep its forest road inventory accurate and meet requirements outlined in Public Act 288 of 2016.

Comments on forest road maps may be submitted at any time. Feedback received by Aug. 31 will be considered when developing the 2023 maps.

Updates may include decisions to open or close a road to ORV or conventional vehicle traffic, or to update a road’s status. These decisions are typically made to protect damaged natural resources, ensure public safety due to road conditions or fix data errors in maps.

About 11,700 miles of forest roads currently are open to the public. View the status of forest roads and submit comments on an interactive map at Michigan.gov/ForestRoads, or email comments to DNR-RoadInventoryProject@Michigan.gov.

Questions? Contact Jason Caron at 906-235-4361.


THINGS TO DO

Are the Great Lakes State’s 11,000 inland lakes calling you? Enjoy this time-honored Michigan tradition, but stop by our boating page first for info on safety, destinations, laws and rules, and other helpful resources.

BUY & APPLY

No matter where or how you enjoy the outdoors, put safety first. Whether you’re new to the outdoors or a veteran adventurer, recreational and hunting safety classes can help make your next adventure your best.

GET INVOLVED

Michigan has over 13,000 state-designated trails; a variety of opportunities to enjoy Michigan’s natural spaces. Whether you hike, bike, kayak or horseback ride, you can support the trails you love.

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!

DNR Events – August 2022

DNR Events – August 2022

 
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DNR Events – August 2022

boardwalk through the forest at RAM Center

Here are a few ways to get out and enjoy Michigan’s natural and cultural resources in August. For a full list of events, see the Department of Natural Resources calendar at Michigan.gov/DNRCalendar.


‘Lodge and Learn’ on Higgins Lake for a summer camp-like experience

three people sitting in wooden chairs on shore of Higgins LakeFind your favorite people and come explore the great outdoors, learn new skills and make memories that will last a lifetime with Lodge and Learn at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, on the northern shore of Higgins Lake in Roscommon.

Designed for multiple generations to enjoy, this all-inclusive package for up to 12 people – offered Aug. 12-14Aug. 19-21 and Aug. 29-31 – is like a private summer camp for your friends and family. Your group can lodge at the RAM Center and learn about local wildlife, Michigan ecosystems and outdoor skills.

The package includes three days filled with your choice of summer-camp style programs provided by your own nature educator, two nights of lodging for your group, an evening bonfire with s’mores, use of kayaks for those over 16, and all your meals for one rate of $2,200 for the stay!

Select your favorite Lodge and Learn programs when you register.

Offerings for adults are Birdwatching 101, RAM Center Escape Room, Tour Historic Higgins Lake Tree Nursery and CCC Museum, Compassing and Navigation 101, and Fishing Knot Jewelry.

Programs for families are Leaf Impressions: Looking at Shapes, Water Bug Investigation, Mini Biodiversity Investigation, Parent-Guided Scavenger Hunt, Invasive Species “Among Us”: A Naturalist’s Version, Signs Animals Leave Behind and Sensing like a Wild Animal – Sight, Sound, Touch, Smell.

Registration is available through the Lodge and Learn event registration form. Call the RAM Center at 989-821-6200 for more details.


Have fun with Michigan history at museum sites across the state

Men playing baseball in vintage uniformsAs you travel around the state this summer, don’t miss out on experiencing our state’s past at the Michigan History Center’s 12 museums and historic sites. The Michigan History Museum System will host a variety of fun and educational events around the state in August.

Cambridge Junction Historic State Park in Brooklyn

  • Walker Wheels Historic Base Ball Invitational, Aug. 27
    Cheer on the home-team Walker Wheels as they compete against other historic base ball clubs in this annual invitational tournament. They all play the game by 1860s rules – no gloves, no swearing! – when the sport was so new, it was spelled as two words.

Fort Wilkins in Copper Harbor

Higgins Lake Nursery and CCC Museum in Roscommon

  • A Tree Party!, Aug. 6
    Celebrate forests and the hard work the Civilian Conservation Corps did in Michigan! You can cool off with an ice-cold, local root beer and meet Smokey Bear, tour Michigan’s first tree nursery, watch as a shortwave radio operator shows how CCC members communicated between camps and learn about the life of a CCC boy from reenactors. Make your weekend even more fun – stay overnight with event cohost, the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, where you’ll enjoy a special CCC dinner and the enchanting songs and stories of Bill Jamerson’s CCC Boy program – register using MobileCause.com.

Michigan History Museum in Lansing

  • Mathias J. Alten: An American Artist at the Turn of the Century, through Nov. 6
    This special exhibition highlights the life and work of noted Michigan artist Mathias J. Alten, who was born in what is now Germany in 1871, came to the United States at age 17 and settled in Grand Rapids. The exhibition features more than 45 works and artifacts, from Alten’s naturalization papers as a U.S. citizen to his impressionist oil paintings – some that celebrate Michigan’s compelling natural landscapes.

Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee

For more details about everything going on at the Michigan History Center, see the MHC events calendar.


Find family fun at Outdoor Adventure Center

two people riding bicycles on paved, tree-lined pathLooking for something fun for the family to do – or a chance to learn more about Michigan’s outdoors – in Detroit? Check out some of these upcoming events at the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center.

Get hooked on fishing

Aug. 6, learn more about the fish found in the Detroit River, how to fish, the parts of a fish and how to identify fish with Get Hooked on Fishing, a catch-and-release fishing program. Equipment, bait and instruction will be provided; beginners are welcome! Included with the price of admission, but preregistration required to ensure the availability of supplies.

Adults interested in fishing for the first time and seasoned anglers alike, grab your fishing license for Fishing With Friends Aug. 12. We’ll fish near the harbor at Milliken State Park and offer prizes for the most fish, biggest fish and smallest fish caught. Don’t let this one get away! Beer, wine and snacks provided. For age 21 and over only. Cost is $20 per person.

Relax and see what you can reel in during an evening of fishing on the Detroit River Aug. 25, with a Thrilling Thursday that’s all about fishing. For these monthly, family-friendly, free evenings of fun, we offer free admission from 6 to 8 p.m. for all our visitors. Equipment, bait and instruction will be provided, and beginners are welcome.

Get to know nocturnal animals

Join us for Nighttime Animals on Belle Isle, a series of outdoor nighttime animal explorations, Aug. 11. We’ll take a hike to look for resident bats, listen to the calls of summer insects, attract moths to observe up close and more. Taking place at the Belle Isle Nature Center, the hike is recommended for ages 8 and up. An adult must accompany children under the age of 18. The event is free, but registration is required.

Aug. 27, find out what happens after the sun goes down with Nature’s Night Life, an exciting exploration into the world of nocturnal animals presented by Leslie Science and Nature Center. Meet live animals such as bats, owls and arachnids to learn why they choose to work in the dark and how they are adapted for life at night. Included with the price of OAC admission.

Get on your bike and ride

Bring your bikes and join us for our Dequindre Cut Bike Ride Aug. 13. During this leisurely, 4-mile-roundtrip ride along the Dequindre Cut to Eastern Market, we’ll learn about the history of the area and explore the market. Upon our return to the Outdoor Adventure Center, we’ll cool down with lemonade and a snack. Suggested for ages 7 and up. This is a free outdoor event. Regular admission fees apply for building access.

Get the lowdown on all the August fun

Learn more about everything that’s coming up – including opportunities to try archery, nature education programs for kids and more – on the Outdoor Adventure Center events calendar.


Don’t miss out on floating fitness at state parks

If you’re looking for a fun outdoor fitness experience, there’s still plenty of opportunity to check out stand-up paddleboard yoga or PaddleFit – combining intervals of paddling and various types of exercises for a great nonimpact core muscle workout – at Pinckney Recreation Area in Pinckney or Island Lake Recreation Area in Brighton.

Learn how to get started with turkey hunting

Join us as we team up with the National Wild Turkey Federation for an Intro to Turkey Hunting clinic – an “A to Z” class covering everything you need to know to get started, including how to find a location, scouting, calling and gear – at Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon Aug. 9. The clinic also includes an intro to BB gun shooting.

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!

Michiganders to be on lookout for spotted lanternfly

Michiganders to be on lookout for spotted lanternfly

 

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

July 26, 2022
Program contact: Robert Miller, (517) 614-0454
Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724

MDARD asks Michiganders to be on the lookout for spotted lanternfly, an invasive species threatening agriculture, natural resources

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is asking for the public’s help by being on the lookout for spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect with the potential to seriously affect Michigan’s agriculture and natural resources. This insect feeds on more than 70 different plants including grapes, apples, hops and hardwood trees.

“Our agricultural and natural resources are part of Michigan’s identity, and spotted lanternfly has the potential to forever change that landscape,” said Robert Miller, MDARD’s invasive species prevention and response specialist within the Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division. “With its ability to wreak havoc on grapes, apples, hops, stone fruits and more, this could be devastating to Michigan’s farmers and the state’s food and agriculture industry.”

Spotted lanternfly with wings folded showing grey wings with black spotsFirst detected in the United States in 2014 in southeastern Pennsylvania, spotted lanternfly has been spreading rapidly across the northeastern states. To date, infestations have been confirmed in Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

Although live spotted lanternfly has not been detected in Michigan, MDARD and the United States Department of Agriculture have confirmed five cases of dead spotted lanternfly found in separate locations across the state. In these cases, the dead insects were found in packaging materials or objects shipped from states with known infestations.

Spotted lanternflies cannot fly long distances, but they lay eggs on nearly any surface like cars, trailers, firewood, outdoor furniture and more. Before leaving an infested area, MDARD is asking people to check vehicles, firewood and outdoor equipment for unwanted hitchhikers. Individuals and businesses receiving shipments from states known to have spotted lanternfly also should be on the lookout for adults or egg masses on goods and packing materials.

“With the current rate of spread, it is possible spotted lanternfly could reach Michigan at any time,” Miller added. “Public awareness and reporting are essential to early detection, which provides the opportunity to contain an infestation before it becomes a widespread problem.”

Two spotted lanternflies on a tree trunkSpotted lanternfly causes direct damage by sucking sap from host plants while secreting large amounts of a sugar-rich, sticky liquid called honeydew. This honeydew and the resulting black sooty mold can kill plants and foul surfaces. The honeydew often attracts other pests like yellow jackets, flies and ants, affecting outdoor recreation and complicating crop harvests.

From late summer to the first hard frost, spotted lanternflies are in their adult stage and easiest to identify. Adults are roughly one inch long. Their folded wings are gray to brown with black spots. Open wings reveal a yellow and black abdomen and bright red hind wings with black spots transitioning to black and white bands at the edge.

Spotted lanternfly egg massesFemale spotted lanternfly lay egg masses in the fall, which resemble old chewing gum, with a gray, waxy, putty-like coating. Egg masses can survive winter temperatures to hatch in the spring. Hatched eggs appear as brownish, seed-like deposits. Spotted lanternfly juveniles are wingless and are black with white spots, developing red patches in their final juvenile stage.

If you find a spotted lanternfly egg mass, juvenile or adult, take one or more photos, make note of the date, time and location of the sighting, and report it to MDARD via email at [email protected] or by calling 800-292-3939. If possible, collect a specimen in a container for verification.

Before traveling, check out the map of confirmed spotted lanternfly locations. For additional information on identifying or reporting, visit Michigan.gov/SpottedLanternfly.


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


/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./

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DNR News Digest – Week of July 18, 2022

DNR News Digest – Week of July 18, 2022

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News Digest – Week of July 18, 2022

A young child with glasses and long blonde hair rides a bike through a campground, flashing a huge smile to the camera.

No matter where you go outdoors, make sure to always #RecreateResponsibly.

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: Port Crescent perusing

Two young, blonde children frolic atop a sandy dune framed by leafless trees. A vast lake extends into the horizon in the background.Want to see more pictures like this, taken by Michigan state parks photo ambassador Joey and Jessica Sancrant at Port Crescent State Park in Huron 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.


DNR’s summer nature programs a fun fit for kids

A group of three children stand with a DNR guide, who points across a wetland on a sunny day.State parks, recreation areas, fish hatcheries and visitor centers aren’t just cool places to visit, they also are amazing destinations for learning about Michigan’s natural world and history. And the park naturalists, interpreters and explorer guides are so good at what they do, all your kids will know is that they’re having fun! Here are just a few examples coming up this week:

  • 11 a.m. Friday, July 22 – Field Investigation: Monarchs! (Eddy Discovery Center at Waterloo Recreation Area, Washtenaw County). Be part of a field investigation of monarch butterflies and help naturalists collect eggs and caterpillars for the visitor center display. Visit the center’s webpage for more details, including the weekly events calendar and other helpful info.
  • 1 p.m. Friday, July 22 – Chalk Art Contest (Interlochen State Park, Grand Traverse County). Kids can create designs that promote ways to preserve area lakes and waterways. The winner in each age group gets a gift bag. Check out the weekly events calendar to see what else is happening.
  • 10:30 a.m. Sunday, July 24 – Cast Away (Tawas Point State Park, Iosco County). Practice casting a fishing line with Explorer Guide Nicole, and see who can cast the farthest and who has the best aim! The weekly events calendar offers more suggestions (Outstanding Owls or Super Snakes, anyone?).

If those sound inviting, definitely see what else is offered at Michigan.gov/NaturePrograms; there is a map linking to individual locations. Throughout the summer, program schedules also will be posted in participating parks; check with campground hosts or other park staff to see what’s happening.

Though the programs are free of charge, you do need a Recreation Passport for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas.

Questions? Contact Holly Vaughn at 248-459-7917.


#RecreateResponsibly with just a few simple steps

A conservation officer stands in front of a sand dune with arms splayed wide. A red, transparent YouTube play button is overlayed atop the image.During the pandemic, people across the country ventured outdoors in record numbers, to destinations including Michigan state parks, trails and waterways. In fact, visitation to state parks went up 30% over the past two years, with annual visitation jumping from approximately 28 million to 35 million people.

While the outdoors is an important component of many people’s leisure activities and healthy lifestyles, it’s just as critical that we each do our part to take care of these outdoor spaces so they are protected and here for future generations to enjoy and use.

“We’ve seen record numbers of both established and new visitors over the last couple years,” said Jason Fleming, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division’s Resources Section. “Many visitors have grown up coming to state parks and others are new to outdoor recreation. We’re always excited to provide these opportunities to create new memories, but we also need everyone’s help to work together to maintain these natural and historical spaces.”

A new “Recreate Responsibly” video series highlights guidelines and steps people can follow to protect Michigan’s woods, water and wildlife, while also keeping themselves and other visitors safe. Those tips include:

  • Plan ahead.
  • Build an inclusive outdoors.
  • Leave no trace.
  • Be a kind visitor.
  • Play it safe.

Visit Michigan.gov/RecreateResponsibly to check out the videos and learn more about getting involved. If you’d like to help promote the “Recreate Responsibly” principle and video series, consider sharing them on social media. You can also share your stewardship ideas by using the #RecreateResponsibly, #MiOutdoorIdea and #MiDNR hashtags. We’ll see you outside!

Questions? Contact Stephanie Yancer, social media coordinator, at [email protected].


ICYMI: Volunteer your outdoor know-how at UP State Fair

A young child pulls the drawstring of a knocked arrow.

If you have fond memories and a love of Michigan’s outdoors, consider sharing your knowledge to inspire a new generation of outdoor adventurers and conservationists!

In case you missed it, last week we announced we are recruiting volunteers to help at the DNR’s Pocket Park during the Upper Peninsula State Fair, Aug. 15-21 in Escanaba. The 1-acre park, located off U.S. 2 within the fairgrounds, caters especially to youngsters seeking an outdoor adventure or wanting to learn an outdoor skill.

You can help kids catch and release bluegills in the U.P.-shaped pond or shoot a pellet gun or bow and arrow, staff the fire tower or greet visitors. A variety of shifts are available. Businesses, organizations, clubs and groups also can sponsor shifts and have their employees or members volunteer as a group.

Want to help? Contact Jo Ann Alexander at 906-786-2351, ext. 0 or Kristi Dahlstrom at 906-226-1331.


THINGS TO DO

Horseback riding, hiking, biking and more – there’s so much fun to be had on Michigan’s trails. Check out the state trails page to find everything from maps to trail etiquette. Happy exploring!

BUY & APPLY

Heading out to drop a line and enjoy fishing Michigan waters? Find your next favorite fishing hole, check the weekly fishing report and make sure you have your 2022 fishing license.

GET INVOLVED

The natural world is full of wonders – sometimes in ways that need further understanding. Check out community science opportunities to contribute to this growing base of knowledge.

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!