We’ll continue to share news and information about the best ways to discover and enjoy Michigan’s natural and heritage resources! Here’s a look at some of this week’s stories:

• Photo ambassador snapshot: Welcoming woods
• Mud puddles, or something more?
• Thompson State Fish Hatchery honored for design, engineering improvements
• 50th anniversary DNR deer patch designs due April 29
• Don’t forget your recreational safety certificate

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: Welcoming woods

Want to see more pictures like this, taken by Michigan state parks photo ambassador Samantha Hageman Gaina at Mitchell State Park in Wexford 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.

Mud puddles, or something more?

What if we told you there were places in the forest where you can find fairies, sirens and underwater worlds? Sounds enchanting, right? Sometimes called “the coral reefs of the northern forest,” vernal pools are bodies of water that hold the key to sustaining a multitude of plant and animal life. They may at first appear as leaf-littered ponds, but a closer look reveals a magical array of species beneath the surface. What exactly is a vernal pool? “Vernal” is a word that means spring, reflecting the fleeting nature of these forested pools that appear after snowmelt and draw down in summer or fall. Some even disappear in dry weather. Vernal pools can be part of larger wetland systems but are not connected to permanent bodies of water and mostly are less than an acre in size. These pools also have no fish, making them ideal nursery habitat for eggs and young that would otherwise be gulped down by aquatic predators.

Creatures like tiny freshwater fairy shrimp, land salamanders and their aquatic cousins called sirens, and woodland turtles rely on these forest oases. A collection of evocatively named plants like jewelweed, mad-dog skullcap, raven’s-foot sedge, sensitive fern and harlequin blueflag grow around them. Many species that depend on vernal pools are rare or threatened. To find a vernal pool, listen for a chorus of spring peepers – small woodland frogs – as they sing slowly, then faster as spring temperatures rise. Get a glimpse of the life within vernal pools in a new short video, “Ephemeral,” from the Michigan Vernal Pools Partnership highlighting the importance of these fleeting marvels. There is a lot we can learn from vernal pools, and plenty of opportunities for community scientists to lend a hand. Join the Vernal Pool Patrol to help gather information on these special places. Records are used to map pools and compile a database of information that natural resource managers can use. Learn how to get involved and view the Michigan Vernal Pool Database. For more information, visit the Michigan Vernal Pools Partnership website.

Thompson State Fish Hatchery honored for design, engineering improvements

For nearly a century, the Thompson State Fish Hatchery, in Manistique, has been a fish-production workhorse, turning out the millions of fish needed to satisfy both management goals and anglers’ recreation needs. But the wear and tear of time takes a very real toll; key facility components were showing signs of aging, and replacement parts were getting increasingly difficult to find. In partnership with the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget and the design and engineering consultant HDR, the DNR completed renovations in late spring 2021. Fish production took off, and the engineering industry took notice – the American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan recently recognized the Thompson State Fish Hatchery project, along with the Little Manistee River Weir upgrades, with its prestigious Engineering and Surveying Excellence Merit Award. “Notable renovations include the new raceway feeding system and significant upgrades to the electrical distribution system, including a new backup generator and construction of a new coolwater fish production facility,” said Ed Eisch, DNR fish production manager. “The improvements to the existing facility will benefit chinook salmon and steelhead production for decades to come, while the new coolwater facility will provide a much needed boost to statewide production of walleye and muskellunge.”

The coolwater facility includes: A hatchery building that has a biosecure room for receiving and disinfecting eggs. An egg incubation and hatching room with several tanks for receiving hatched walleye fry. A lined pond complex. All rearing water is supplied by two new production wells. The incubation water can be heated or chilled to manage the timing of fry hatching, and the electrical infrastructure is backed up with a generator that starts automatically if primary power is lost. The pond complex, which includes two 1-acre, lined ponds and four half-acre, lined ponds, are designed to produce up to 250,000 spring fingerling walleyes and 18,000 fall fingerling muskellunge each year. The production ponds are covered by netting to keep out predators. A lined solar pond will allow introduction of passively preheated water to the rearing ponds, which will avoid causing thermal shock to the fish. Eisch said the ponds were put into muskellunge production in summer and fall 2021 and performed even better than expected – more than 20,000 fall fingerling muskellunge were harvested and stocked in November. “The fish were healthy and robust, and the harvest operation went very smoothly,” he said. “The staff is looking forward to using the ponds for walleye production this spring.” To learn more about the state’s fish production efforts and facilities, visit Michigan.gov/Hatcheries or contact Ed Eisch at 231-499-4118.

50th anniversary DNR deer patch designs due April 29

Sharpen your pencils and prepare your paints – we want to see your designs for the 50th anniversary deer management cooperator patch! Those interested in sharing their design ideas for the 2022 patch are encouraged to enter this year’s contest, which is open to everyone. The Michigan deer management cooperator patch has been a popular collector’s item for hunters since the early 1970s. Every year the patch design is different, but always portrays the designer’s interpretation of white-tailed deer or deer hunting in Michigan. Patch designs may be created in any medium and shape, with no more than five colors used. The work must be original and submitted by the artist. Design submissions for the 2022 deer management cooperator patch are due April 29. The DNR will contact the winner in early June. Full contest guidelines are available on the DNR website. Questions? Contact Emilie O’Grady at 517-284-9453.

Don’t forget your recreational safety certificate

With warmer weather working its way through the state, many residents will be making plans for fishing, ORV riding, turkey hunting and other outdoor adventures. Have fun, but remember to put safety first. For those who need them, now is a great time to earn any required recreational safety certificates. Hunter safety: Spring wild turkey season begins April 17. All first-time hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1960, are required to take and pass a hunter safety education course, with the exception of those who qualify for an apprentice or mentored youth hunting license. Hunter safety education is available as a traditional in-person classroom experience, a take-home study, or online. Both the take-home study and online options require participants to preregister for an in-person field day following the successful completion of the take-home study or online training. ORV safety: State trails and scramble areas are now open for ORV use. Operators under the age of 16 riding on public land in Michigan must take an approved ORV safety education course, carry an ORV safety certificate and have direct visual supervision of an adult (including when crossing roadways). Boater safety: Spring fishing can help chase away those winter blues. Boaters born after June 30, 1996, must earn and carry their boater safety certificate to operate a motorized vessel in Michigan. To register for upcoming courses, go to Michigan.gov/RecreationalSafety. Spring classes are filling fast! For more information, email [email protected].

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!

The following news release was issued earlier today by the Office of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer:

March 31, 2022
Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer celebrates Building Michigan Together Plan’s record investment in state parks, funding to build new state park in Flint

Bipartisan bill will continue progress on roads, water, high-speed internet, housing, and make single largest investment in state parks in Michigan history

FLINT, Mich. – After signing the Building Michigan Together Plan into law yesterday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and several state and local officials gathered in Flint to celebrate the bipartisan plan’s historic investments in state parks. Chevy Commons, the former site of the Chevrolet plant, is the planned location for Michigan’s 104th state park, funded by the Building Michigan Together Plan.

“Michiganders love our pristine parks and majestic outdoor spaces. Over the last couple of years, attendance at state parks reached historic highs as people sought space to unwind and safely connect with their friends and loved ones. Our parks support so many jobs and local economies too, empowering tourism and recreation small businesses across the state,” said Governor Whitmer. “The Building Michigan Together plan will invest $250 million to improve all 103 of our existing state parks and build a new state park in Flint. All of our state parks are important pillars of their communities. They support local small businesses, create jobs, and give people beautiful, welcoming places to make memories. The bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan proves that we can come together to deliver on the issues that matter most to families, and I look forward to seeing the impact it will have on our state parks.”

“The City of Flint is known for its beautiful parks throughout the community that offer activity spaces for our families. We appreciate the state of Michigan’s investment in turning Chevy Commons into the first and only state park in Genesee County,” said Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley. “This is a great opportunity to revitalize an area in our community that will remain free and open to all Flint residents. I’m happy to work with Gov. Whitmer to lift this effort into reality.”

“State parks around the nation are serving an increasing number of visitors, while facing ongoing operational challenges that stretch resources to the limit,” said Ron Olson, Chief of the Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division. “A record investment of this magnitude will help state parks reach new audiences, especially in great places like Flint, where a new park will energize the riverfront, create more diverse recreation opportunities and deliver high-quality programs and services. It’s also gratifying progress because one of the chief goals of Michigan’s Blue Ribbon Park Plan was to establish state parks in major urban areas.”

“Securing a state park in our community is critical for placemaking and economic development,” said Dominique Clemons, Chair for the Genesee County Board of Commissioners. “I am excited for this investment into our community that will have a transformational impact and will pave the way toward building a brighter future for Genesee County.”

“Over the past decade, hundreds of Flint teens have been exposed to career paths in outdoor recreation and natural resources conservation and management through our partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Summer Youth Employment Program,” said Dr. Kimberly Leverette, Executive Director of Flint & Genesee Education & Talent, a division of the Flint & Genesee Group. “A new state park at Chevy Commons will bring more opportunities to pursue, such as jobs and a wide breadth of recreational activities to experience. This is a huge win for not only our employment program, but also our community and economy.”

Building Michigan Together Plan

The bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan includes some of the largest infrastructure investments in Michigan history. The plan will protect clean drinking water, begin dozens of new road and bridge projects, build more affordable housing, expand high-speed internet, improve state and local parks, and support tens of thousands of jobs. More details can be found on Michigan.gov.

Parks Funding

The Building Michigan Together Plan will invest approximately $30.2 million to develop the new state park in Flint, while the remaining $220 million will help the Michigan Department of Natural Resources address a significant backlog of infrastructure, repair, and maintenance needs at 103 existing state parks.

Combined with the Building Michigan Together Plan’s $200 million investment in local parks and recreation facilities, Michigan is investing a once-in-a-lifetime total of $450 million to make parks and recreation resources safer, more attractive, and welcoming for residents and visitors.

Learn more about current state parks and trail resources through the DNR website at Michigan.gov/StateParks and Michigan.gov/DNRTrails.

Economic Benefits of Parks

Parks and recreation facilities are a big part of Michigan’s economy, generating value for surrounding communities, creating jobs and helping sustain small businesses. Michigan’s outdoor recreation industry supports billions in state Gross Domestic Product and sustains 126,000 jobs and over $4.7 billion in wages and salaries in the state.

On average, every $1 invested in land conservation leads to $4 in economic benefit, meaning the Building Michigan Together Plan’s $250 million investment in state parks will yield $1 billion in economic benefits for families, small businesses, and local communities.

March 30, 2022
Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Signs Building Michigan Together Plan, Includes Largest Infrastructure Investments in State History

Historic, bipartisan plan invests in roads, water, high-speed internet, and makes single largest investment in state and local parks

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed the Building Michigan Together Plan, a bipartisan plan to invest nearly $5 billion in Michigan’s infrastructure, grow the economy, create jobs, and benefit families in every region of the state. The historic plan will improve transportation, water, and high-speed internet infrastructure in every region of the state, building on progress achieved since Governor Whitmer took office by initiating dozens projects and supporting tens of thousands of jobs across Michigan.

“The bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan includes some of the largest investments in our infrastructure in Michigan history. With this plan, we’re building on our work to improve our roads, water, and high-speed internet. I’m particularly proud of the fact that this plan makes the single largest investment in Michigan history in our state and local parks, empowering hundreds of local economies,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “I am grateful to our congressional delegation for sending us these resources and proud that the Michigan Legislature and I were able to come together to get this done and ensure our infrastructure is reliable for generations to come.

In Grand Rapids, Governor Whitmer gathered with local and state officials, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, and community members in downtown Grand Rapids to celebrate the plan’s record investment in Michigan’s local parks and recreation facilities.

More details about the Building Michigan Together Plan can be found on Michigan.gov.

“The plan’s investment in parks will benefit thousands of local parks and drive progress on ambitious and creative projects in three uniquely Michigan settings, including the Grand River Greenway in Grand Rapids,” Whitmer continued. “Together, we can take advantage of this once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in the outdoor places at the heart of many Michigan cities and towns that encourage play, connect neighbors, and anchor communities.”

“Over the past year, the Michigan Democratic delegation has delivered for our state—passing bills that protect people from COVID-19 and rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure. Now, we are partnering with Governor Whitmer to use this funding and make meaningful investments for Michigan residents,” said Senator Debbie Stabenow. “This means fixing our roads, replacing lead pipes, and finally tackling our spotty internet service. The best part is we can do all of this all while creating good paying jobs. Bottom line: it’s a win for Michigan.”

“The United States currently ranks 13th in the world in terms of our infrastructure – which is simply unacceptable. We can and must do more to strengthen and prepare our infrastructure for the 21st century,” said Senator Gary Peters. “I was proud to help pass the historic bipartisan infrastructure law that will repair our roads and bridges, expand high-speed internet, and replace aging water infrastructure to ensure access to clean drinking water. I applaud Governor Whitmer for her leadership in helping ensure the federal resources from the bipartisan infrastructure law will bolster Michigan’s economy and create good-paying jobs.”

“Fixing the damn roads isn’t just a catch phrase for Governor Whitmer, and she’s proved that today by signing the ‘Building Michigan Together Plan’ into law,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. “This bipartisan plan will take once-in-a-generation federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and invest it in rebuilding our infrastructure, growing our economy, and creating good-paying jobs in Michigan’s 12th district and across our great state. Michigan is setting an example to the nation that when we work together we can solve real problems hardworking Americans face, and I look forward to seeing the results of this transformative investment.”

“I am working hard to lower costs for Michiganders. I am proud to have delivered funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bring billions of dollars to the state of Michigan to repair our roads and bridges, invest in the Great Lakes and expand broadband internet access,” said Congressman Dan Kildee. “This will improve our supply chains and lower costs for Michiganders. I also applaud Governor Whitmer for creating the first state park in Genesee County in Flint with this funding to help increase access to public spaces for people in urban area,” said Congressman Dan Kildee. “I will continue to work with the Governor to ensure that federal funds are used to improve the lives of Michiganders.”

“For too long, Michigan workers have been left behind and our families have suffered the disastrous consequences of a shrinking middle class, unsafe drinking water and the climate crisis. The Building Michigan Together Plan signed today by Governor Whitmer will improve our Michigan economy drastically, modernize our infrastructure and create good-paying, union jobs that cannot be outsourced,” said Congressman Andy Levin. “I am proud to have voted for President Biden’s American Rescue Plan and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that are making these investments for Michiganders possible. Let’s go!”

“Michiganders in the 13th Congressional District and across the state will benefit greatly from the Building Michigan Together Plan,” said Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. “I am proud that Governor Whitmer and our state leaders came together to pass a plan to deliver billions in federal stimulus dollars, including those from the American Rescue Plan Act to our residents and communities. I look forward to continuing to ensure that both our federal and state governments work together to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

“Governor Whitmer’s Building Michigan Together Plan will be transformational for Michiganders and all our communities. For far too long, we’ve heard a lot of talk about fixing our infrastructure. It’s exactly why I was fighting so hard in Congress to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence. “Now, federal funding and resources are coming to Michigan so that we can replace lead pipes, fix our roads and bridges, and invest in our state’s future. Today, we are delivering the package for Michiganders.”

“This is an exciting day for our community. For years we have envisioned the expansion of our riverfront park system and linking all of our riverfront green spaces together with a recreational trail that also connects regionally. This substantial investment from the state will allow us to do just that,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “It will transform public spaces throughout our community, which will have far reaching social, recreational and economic benefits for generations to come. I am extremely grateful for Gov. Whitmer, Rep. Albert, Sen. Huizenga, Sen. Brinks and all of our state partners for their investment in this transformative project.”

“People’s need for nearby, welcoming outdoor places where they could safely spread out and stretch out during the COVID pandemic shined a very bright light on the tremendous value of parks, trails and green spaces everywhere in Michigan,” said Ron Olson, Chief of the Department Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division. “Unfortunately, the ability to invest in these recreation resources hasn’t always kept up with the demand and essential infrastructure needs and today’s record investment will help close that gap.”

Building Michigan Together Plan

The bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan includes some of the largest infrastructure investments in Michigan history. The plan will protect clean drinking water, begin dozens of new road and bridge projects, build more affordable housing, expand high-speed internet, improve state and local parks, and support tens of thousands of jobs. More details can be found on Michigan.gov.

Grand River Greenway

The Grand River Greenway is a great illustration of the types of projects to be supported by the Building Michigan Together Plan’s record investment. Once complete, it will connect tens of thousands of residents to the Grand River and the area’s regional recreation system, which is built around the principle that a connected city and region – with more access to parks, housing, businesses and each other – is a thriving place.

Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. will work with local partners to guide investment of the funds and help achieve two critical community goals:

• Rehabilitating and expanding the public park system along the riverfront in the urban core.
• Building nonmotorized public trail segments that better connect people to riverfront parks and the regional trail system.

Biggest Local Parks Investment Ever

The Building Michigan Together Plan’s will invest in several notable local parks project across Michigan, including:

• Grand Rapids: $55 million to expand the Grand River Greenway into Kent County and Grand Rapids, a project that will revitalize the downtown area with 26 acres of new and rehabbed urban park space, increased public access to the Grand River and development of 28 miles of interconnected community trails.
• Detroit: $60 million to develop the Joe Louis Greenway, a nearly 30-mile, interconnected biking and walking trail system – extending from the Detroit Riverfront to Highland Park, Dearborn and Hamtramck – that will help revitalize and green Michigan’s largest urban center.
• Upper Peninsula: $20 million to fund development of a variety of rural outdoor recreation projects, including a new ski jump at Copper Peak, in the U.P.

In addition to these banner projects, the plan will invest $65 million, administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, in grants to local community parks for infrastructure needs. The program will help support the 4,000+ local parks and trails across Michigan. The grant program for local park facilities will be especially meaningful to the more than 3,000 members of mPARKS, the statewide recreation and park advocacy association that strongly supported passage of the funding bill.

Economic Benefits of Parks

Parks and recreation facilities are a big part of Michigan’s economy, generating value for surrounding communities, creating jobs and helping sustain small businesses. Michigan’s outdoor recreation industry supports billions in state Gross Domestic Product and sustains 126,000 jobs and over $4.7 billion in wages and salaries in the state.

On average, every $1 invested in land conservation leads to $4 in economic benefit, meaning the Building Michigan Together Plan’s $200 million will yield $800 million in economic benefits for families, small businesses, and local communities.

Stepping up to the plate

By ADA TAKACS
DNR Forest Resources Division Volunteer Coordinator

Many Michiganders believe spring officially arrives once the robins or red-winged blackbirds return, or the sap flows and buckets show up on maple trees.

Few folks ever think about the other creatures who come out of their winter slumber long before the trilliums begin to bloom, and morels make an appearance.

The creatures I’m talking about are volunteers. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has close to 1,400 employees year-round and hires an additional 1,600 seasonally. These employees work hard to conserve and protect Michigan’s natural and cultural resources for not only today’s enjoyment, but for future generations. Most recreationists are unaware of the 5,000-plus volunteers who work in tandem every year with these DNR employees protecting our resources. Volunteers are unpaid and driven by their connection to the natural environment. They are some of Michigan’s most dedicated members of the “work force.” Shining stars For example, who brings snowshoes to a river cleanup? Now nearing retirement, I have worked for a long time as the volunteer coordinator for DNR’s Forest Resources Division. Twenty years ago, I was flipping through project photos when I saw something that surprised me. A volunteer named Jim Heffner from Grand Traverse County had donned snowshoes to walk across a mucky portion of the river to clean up cans and scattered debris. That was the day I realized the power and perseverance of our volunteers.

DNR volunteers are innovative. Jim had the foresight to bring snowshoes on a kayak trip because he had to pass up beer cans that were in deep muck during the prior year’s cleanup. He and many others were volunteering with the award-winning Boardman River Clean Sweep group led by Norm Fred. Almost anyone in the Grand Traverse Region is familiar with Norm’s work, including his thousands of hours floating and cleaning the rivers, as well as running a program that pays homeless people to help remove trash illegally dumped on public lands. Fred has volunteered for DNR programs for more than two decades. When asked why he started to volunteer his response was not surprising. “When fishing on the Boardman one day, I thought I reached the end, but I found my beginning,” he said. Individuals and groups from every walk of life – from Cub Scouts to motorsport and hunt clubs – have heartfelt connections to the land and show their dedication by giving back. They build, install and maintain bird nesting platforms, clear brush from trails and plant trees. They collect native seeds for planting and work hard to help eradicate invasive species.

These volunteers not only obligate themselves, but drag along their entire boot-wearing, glove-donning sets of friends and family members with pickup trucks and trailers. The Lansing Motorcycle Club is just one example. Even though most members live in Ingham County with club grounds in Missaukee County, they work on multiple projects across the state every year. The club’s Hunt family and their friends have planted flowers and trees, torn down buildings, pulled invasive plant species, maintained trails, stabilized streambanks and literally removed tons of trash from public land. Educators and watchdogs DNR volunteers are not just boots-on-the-ground, but also an army of educators and eyes in the field. Volunteer recreational safety instructors teach our children how to operate boats and snowmobiles, as well as how to hunt safely. Year after year these volunteers play an integral role in passing down land and conservation ethics to future generations. Volunteers are committed for every season. While some work during the winter months to keep the trails groomed for skiing and snowmobiling, the activity really picks up once the snow clears.

Volunteer activities continue in the spring with volunteers who move through the woods listening for the songs of male Kirtland’s warblers defending their nesting territories. These bird counts, done every five years, help monitor the successful recovery of one of Michigan’s most iconic wildlife species. Other volunteers sit near ponds to track frog and toad populations as they emerge after winter’s snows retreat. Come summer, volunteers are out protecting piping plover nests and educating visitors about these once near-extinct birds. Autumn brings the popular harvest festivals at state parks, which would not happen without our high-energy volunteers. State park and rustic state forest campground volunteer hosts dedicate a minimum of four weeks a year to live on-site at DNR campgrounds. In exchange for a spot at the campsite, they greet customers, conduct light maintenance, host coffee hours and children’s activities and help direct traffic during busy weekends. When filling out park surveys, it is not uncommon for park visitors to write about wanting to return and spend time with these annual volunteers. Harbors and lighthouses also have host programs. Not surprisingly, these dedicated DNR volunteers become friends with land managers and work side by side to care for the land and water.

Volunteers are most effective at enlisting others and correcting misconceptions about why laws are in place. DNR volunteer coordinators often wake up to an email or voicemail about trees that have blown over a trail or a new trash site that has popped up in the forest. It seems that volunteers never sleep. Even further Often volunteer groups take the extra step to fund and initiate improvements to public lands. Michigan’s off-road vehicle, snowmobile and nonmotorized trails programs are comprised of over 100 grant sponsor, nonprofit organizations and Friends groups that volunteer their time clearing, grading, grooming, mowing, writing grants and managing construction projects approved by the DNR. Many friends groups raise and commit funds for construction projects. Friends of the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail have raised hundreds of thousands over the years for trail surfacing projects and to fund maintenance operations on the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail. The Friends of the Betsie Valley Trails also have raised thousands of dollars to fund conceptual design of trail paving and extensions into the Village of Elberta. Club members also maintain the Betsie Valley Trail.

The Friends of Porkies at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park raised $40,000 to finance the purchase of equipment for important emergency rescue operations at Michigan’s largest state park, located in Ontonagon and Gogebic counties. The next time you are recreating in the forest, visiting a state park, boating or fishing, take the time to look around and consider the impact volunteers have had on your experience. Michelle O’Kelly, volunteer coordinator for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, said she realizes that increased gas prices this year will put an additional burden on our volunteers. History shows that most are so committed that they will find a way to continue the work. “If all of us would take the time to do something within a 5-mile radius of where we live and work, we can accomplish great things,” she said. Want to become part of the team? Check out volunteer opportunities at Michigan.gov/DNRVolunteers Check out previous Showcasing the DNR stories in our archive 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 – Showcasing – Volunteer spotlight

Argo: Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park was able to purchase this all-terrain vehicle and other needed rescue equipment thanks to fundraising efforts of the Friends of the Porkies group.

Camp: A volunteer shows one of the items found during cleanup of a homeless encampment along the Boardman River. (Norm Fred photo)

Cares: Volunteers from across Michigan help out on a Michigan Cares for Tourism event to complete maintenance tasks at Fort Wilkins Historic State Park in Keweenaw County.

Host: A volunteer Michigan state park campground host entertains a couple of young visitors.

Planting: Young volunteers help the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan United Conservation Corps plant trees to improve habitat in Marquette County.

River: A group of girls transporting flood debris gathered from the Boardman River during one of the volunteer garbage cleanups. (Norm Fred photo)

Volunteers: Some of the thousands of volunteers who help the Michigan Department of Natural Resources complete a wide variety of projects across department divisions each year.