The team also has worked to identify and respond to detections of beech leaf disease in seven southeast Michigan counties.

But that’s just some of the work that the DNR’s forest health team did while striving to protect 20 million acres of forest land and urban trees from threats stemming from native and invasive plants, diseases and pests. The issues are compiled in the new “Forest Health Highlights” report, which looks at forest health trends in the state during 2023.

“The DNR’s forest health team works closely with local cooperative invasive species management area groups, or CISMAs, federal experts, researchers and many others to address issues that are new or ongoing,” said James Wieferich, forest health unit manager with the DNR’s Forest Resources Division. “Besides on-the-ground work, the Forest Health Program brings money into Michigan to help partners address forest health challenges and concerns across the state and in many cases, preventing rapid spread of new issues into the region.”

The goal: Keep Michigan’s forests healthy, productive and sustainable.

That threat means boots on the ground, first to find infestations, then to treat the trees. Over the past seven years, 12,468 acres and 231,429 trees have been treated as part of a strategy to keep the insect from spreading into northern forests. The good news: most of Michigan’s hemlock trees are many miles away from established HWA populations.

Over the past seven years, more than $6.5 million has been raised to respond to the insect, and efforts continue to be funded through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program, Great Lake Restoration Initiative, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Recreation Passport (state park user fees), fundraising efforts supported by Bob Ross Inc. and other state funds.

The DNR’s forest health team also works with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to respond to recent detections of a similar insect, the balsam woolly adelgid, in Kent, Missaukee and Oceana counties.

So starts a new video from the DNR, capturing the words, wisdom and charm of a longtime Michigan hunter who hasn’t missed a firearm deer season opener in 80 years.

Kusey got his first buck at age 14 while hunting with his dad on opening day, a heart-pounding experience that he said has never faded.

“Even at my age,” he laughed, “my heart beats when I see a buck!”

Kusey’s recollections are part of the DNR’s Experiencing Michigan’s Outdoors video series, quick yet revealing looks at hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities through inspiring, personal stories.

If not for his brothers’ mentoring, Kusey said hunting might not be a part of his story. It was their encouragement that sparked a tradition that has grown to include deer and bear hunts – Kesey got his first bear in 1995, west of Copper Harbor, and followed that up with bear No. 2 in 2000, on the other side of Copper Harbor.

“To me, deer hunting was putting food on the table. I’ve hunted all my life, and I’ve really enjoyed every day of it,” he said. “There’s no better place in the world than to hunt in Michigan.”

Veteran hunters like Kusey are an important part of our state’s hunting heritage. Visit Michigan.gov/Hunting to learn about season/species opportunities, as well as simple ways – through mentoring and safety instruction – to share your knowledge and expertise with those just starting out.

If you’ve got ideas about other stories we can tell through video, email Brad Parsons at [email protected]. For questions about hunting opportunities and mentoring, email [email protected].

Hike and ski

Several state parks will host guided hikes – many with snowshoes, some by lantern light – and cross-country skiing events. See the DNR events calendar for dates, locations and other details.

Find some relaxation in Michigan’s northern woods with the Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoe Getaway at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon, taking place Feb. 2-4 and Feb. 9-11. Perfect for couples, friends or families, the all-inclusive weekend includes cabin-style lodging, meals, hot cocoa, snowshoe rentals and easy access to outdoor adventure and miles of evergreen-lined trails.

Ride and fish

We recognize that snow conditions may determine your ability to pull out the sleds, but when winter weather truly returns, a full weekend of free snowmobiling Feb. 9-11 is a great way to ignite (or reignite) your love of winter trail riding! Grab your friends and ride 6,000-plus miles of DNR-designated snowmobile trails, public roads and public lands (where authorized). You legally can ride all weekend long without the regular requirement of a snowmobile registration or trail permit!

During the winter Free Fishing Weekend, Feb. 17-18, enjoy fishing on inland and Great Lakes waters for free, with all license fees waived both days. All fishing regulations will still apply. It’s also a good time to visit state parks and boating access sites, as a Recreation Passport isn’t required for entry during Free Fishing Weekend. As always, consult Michigan.gov/IceSafety before any on-ice activities.

Learn to ice fish from the pros with Hard Water School at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center in Cadillac, part of the DNR Outdoor Skills Academy. The Feb. 17-18 class will cover everything you need to know to get started, with a focus on techniques for panfish, walleye and pike. The advanced class Feb. 2-4 will dive deeper into specific ice-fishing topics. If the weather doesn’t cooperate to offer the on-ice portion of the class, things may move indoors for a fish fry (if there are enough students).

Birds and blooms

Celebrate winter Birds and Blooms Feb. 17 with activities for the whole family at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center in Mattawan. Participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count bird walk, make pinecone bird feeders, find out how native plants benefit birds, and enjoy hot cocoa, cookies and more.

For a full list of DNR events, see Michigan.gov/DNRCalendar or find ideas to plan your own cold-weather adventure at Michigan.gov/WinterFun.

• 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 3, at Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien County).
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson County).
• 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4, at Muskegon State Park (Muskegon County).
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4, at Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw County).
• 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 10, at Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County).
• 9 a.m. to noon Saturday Feb. 10, at Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo County).
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, at Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County).
• 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, at Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan County).
• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County).
• 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 24, at Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon County).
• 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry County).

More details about each workday and how to register can be found on the DNR volunteer events calendar.

Campground and harbor hosts

If you love staying overnight in Michigan state parks and harbors, consider serving as a volunteer campground or harbor host – we’re currently accepting applications at many locations. Volunteer hosts help answer visitor questions, plan activities and help with light maintenance duties. In exchange, campsite and slip fees are waived. The total commitment is about 30 hours per week.

On the Ground habitat improvement

Help create habitat for small mammals and game birds 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Bellevue Conservation Club in Eaton County. Take part in efforts to clean out and maintain current wood duck nest boxes and install new nest boxes 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17 at Maple River State Game Area in Gratiot County. Build brush piles for woodcock 1:30 to 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at Port Huron State Game Area in St. Clair County.

Great Backyard Bird Count

You can help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world, while spending time birdwatching in your favorite places, by taking part in the global Great Backyard Bird Count, Feb. 16-19. Count birds in your backyard, a local park or wherever you spot them, and submit your observations online.

• Snowshoe Making: Learn the step-by-step process to lace your own Green Mountain snowshoes, and join a trail adventure at Hartwick Pines State Park.
• Geology Potpourri: Explore a billion-year timeline, learn how Native Americans used and traded rocks and minerals, and make your own jewelry.
• Finding Your Way: Learn about navigation with the use of maps, enjoy a navigational road trip and see how the Land Ordinance of 1785 shaped today’s world.

Wildlife Weekend is designed for anyone who wants to learn, so bring a friend or partner and enjoy the food, fires and ambience of a winter weekend at the RAM Center. For more information and to register, go to the Wildlife Weekend webpage.

Questions about either event? Contact Kevin Frailey at 517-974-7941.

An updated, interactive web map reflects those recommendations since the initial public comment period closed, making it easy to see what has changed throughout the department’s ongoing review process.

Implemented as part of the 2013 Managed Public Land Strategy (later updated for 2021-2027), the state land review looks at DNR-managed lands that are 200 acres or less in size or that, due to an irregular boundary, may be difficult to manage. This ninth and final round is different from the first eight, which focused on groups of 10 or 11 counties at a time. Group 9 is more of a catchall category that includes parcels – totaling nearly 4,000 acres – from 67 different counties that weren’t captured in the first eight rounds due to the parcels’ small size or the need for additional research to verify the accuracy of location or ownership.

Prune: Late winter is the best time to prune most types of trees. This is especially important for oaks to reduce the risk of spreading oak wilt disease. Pruning is used to improve a tree’s structure, remove weak or dead limbs and increase airflow, helping to ensure health during the growing season. This December 2022 Showcasing the DNR story has details on basic techniques. If you have fruit trees, which require specialized care, see a winter fruit tree pruning article from Michigan State University Extension.

Plan: Are you adding more trees in 2024? Think about whether you want a tree that will benefit pollinators, attract your favorite birds and wildlife or provide magnificent fall color. Take your growing zone, site conditions and nearby infrastructure (buildings, power lines and underground cables) into account to pick trees that are perfect for your location.

Once you’ve made your picks, it’s time to order them from your local conservation district or tree nursery. You can also purchase trees online from the Arbor Day Foundation or a reputable nursery. Don’t delay – many tree sales start in midwinter with spring pickup. If you’re planning to plant many trees on a large area of land, check out our resources for private forest land owners.

Plant: Plant one tree, or many! Download a copy of our tree planting and care guide or the U.S. Department of Agriculture Tree Owner’s Manual for tips to help your trees thrive. Once your tree is in the ground, add it to our Mi Trees planting map to help us reach a statewide pledge to plant 50 million trees by 2030.

Questions? Contact DNR urban forester Lawrence Sobson at 313-316-4137.

This year’s episodes take viewers to locations across the state, including a walleye patrol on the Detroit River, the Becoming an Outdoors Woman program in the Upper Peninsula and a charity event hosted by Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow at the Bald Mountain Shooting Range in Lake Orion. Check out a sneak peek of the season’s first episode, “Firearm Season Whitetails & BOW.”

The DNR initially partnered with the Outdoor Channel on production of the television show in 2016. “Wardens” viewership via the Outdoor Channel in 2023 was over 2 million households.

Since the show began featuring the Michigan DNR:

• Total viewership is more than 36.6 million households.
• 78 episodes have aired over 1,000 times.
• “Wardens” continues to be available Sunday mornings on WLUC FOX UP TV6.
• Previous episodes have been repackaged on basic cable as “Wardens of the North” and “Michigan Wardens” on Animal Planet.
• Outdoor Channel is accessible via cable and mobile platforms including MyOutdoorTV and Amazon Prime Video.

Episodes appearing on Animal Planet made an immediate public impact. The DNR doesn’t have ratings information but reports that public feedback was noticeable.

Commercial spots within the show feature recruiting opportunities for new officers and promote accessible recreation opportunities at Michigan state parks, hunting areas, beaches, fishing piers, historic sites and other destinations.

Questions? Contact Dave Haupt at 517-420-0819.