DNR News Digest – Week of Oct. 11, 2021
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News Digest – Week of Oct. 11, 2021
Enjoy fabulous fall colors everywhere you find them! |
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Want to see more pictures like this, taken by Michigan state parks photo ambassador 
Tips on how to safely and confidently view birds and other wildlife at or near a hunting area
Peak fall color is in the Upper Peninsula right now and heading to Lower Michigan – check out our 
For decades, the remnants of an old mill dam within the community of Parkville have degraded fish habitat and created safety concerns for anglers and kayakers on the Portage River. This stretch of river now has a new look, thanks to a collaborative effort led by the St. Joseph Conservation District and the Michigan DNR.
The DNR’s fiscal year 2022 (Oct. 1, 2021, through Sept. 30, 2022) operating budget, several fisheries orders, preliminary elk hunting season results and several land transactions are just some of the agenda items for the next meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 14.
In honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we’re highlighting a partnership focused on improving natural resources in the Great Lakes region – the Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative.
Protect the campsites and wildlife habitats important to you by preventing the spread of forest pests on firewood.
Weatherization program helps low-income reduce heating bills
Weatherization program helps low-income Michiganders reduce heating bills Gov. Whitmer proclaims October as Weatherization Month FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 12, 2021 CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@ LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer are raising awareness during Weatherization Month of a program that reduces household energy costs by an average of $283 per year – benefitting approximately 1,300 low-income families in Michigan. The governor has proclaimed October as Weatherization Month in Michigan. “Together, we can help low-income families reduce their energy costs and meet their basic needs,” Gov. Whitmer said. “Weatherization programs help families save money, protect the environment, and offer opportunities to local businesses that do weatherization work. My administration will ensure Michigan families can keep their homes warm as we head into the colder months.” The U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program is administered at the state level by the MDHHS Bureau of Community Action and Economic Opportunity. MDHHS utilizes Community Action Agencies and non-profit organizations to provide weatherization services at the local level.
Trained weatherization professionals known as energy auditors use computerized energy audit software and advanced diagnostic equipment such as blower doors and infrared cameras to create a comprehensive energy analysis of the home. This analysis is used to determine the most cost-effective measures to install in each home. The energy auditor creates a customized work order. Then trained contractors and crew members install the identified energy-efficient and health and safety measures. “Weatherization reduces heating costs, which can be a lifeline for low-income families who might otherwise struggle to pay their utility bills,” said Lewis Roubal, MDHHS chief deputy director for opportunity. “Families benefiting from reduced heating bills can spend their money on food, clothing and other critical household needs.” Energy efficiency measures installed in client homes include items such as insulation, blower-door-guided air sealing of key leakage junctures, and installations such as lighting and water saving measures.
Health and safety issues such as elevated levels of carbon monoxide, moisture problems, mold, ventilation needs, and heating systems safety and efficiency are also addressed. There is growing evidence that the program provides benefits beyond energy savings. Improved indoor air quality and appropriate ventilation strategies lead to healthier living conditions in weatherized homes. These healthier living conditions often lead to improved health outcomes such as reduced asthma triggers and fewer doctor visits.
Eligibility is based on household income and if the home’s current condition is weatherization ready.
Anyone interested in applying for the Weatherization Assistance Program can contact their local provider.
More information about home energy savings can be found by visiting the websites below that cover:
Training for those working in the Weatherization Assistance Program is provided by the Michigan Training and Education Center. For more information about the training, visit www.MichiganTEC.org. |
Whitmer Secures Disaster Declaration to Provide Assistance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 25, 2021 Contact: [email protected]
Governor Whitmer Secures Disas
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has granted the governor’s request to expand the Major Disaster Declaration to include households in Macomb and Oakland counties following heavy rainfall and flooding across southeast Michigan in late June. FEMA’s agreement to expand the disaster declaration follows a letter Governor Whitmer sent to FEMA appealing a previous denial of assistance to the area.
“I want to thank the Biden Administration for their continued partnership in securing additional assistance for Michigan families. FEMA’s decision to grant our request for individual assistance is welcome news for Michiganders in Oakland and Macomb counties who have been impacted by unprecedented flooding this summer,” said Governor Whitmer. “We are going to do everything in our power to ensure that Michiganders get the assistance they need to recover from these storms. And we have an opportunity under the bipartisan infrastructure bill to make long-term upgrades to our infrastructure to ensure that local systems can handle historic rainfall going forward.”
The federal declaration makes households affected by the flooding in Macomb and Oakland counties eligible to apply for individual assistance, such as grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help people and businesses recover.
“We are very thankful the governor pursued the reconsideration on behalf of Macomb County and appreciate that the federal government granted this much-needed support,” said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel.
“I’m grateful for Governor Whitmer’s advocacy in fighting for our residents still struggling with the damage of this summer’s devastating storms,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “As these events continue to increase, it’s helpful to have an ally in Lansing and someone who also understands the importance of infrastructure investments that will help reduce the severity of future storms.”
On June 25 and 26, heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding in southeast Michigan, damaging infrastructure and private property. On June 26, Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Wayne County, later adding Huron, Ionia and Washtenaw counties. By declaring a state of emergency, the governor made available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the designated area.
On July 13, Governor Whitmer sent a letter to President Biden requesting that he declare an emergency disaster for the state of Michigan. On July 15, President Biden issued a disaster declaration allowing individual assistance for Wayne and Washtenaw counties.
On August 27, Governor Whitmer requested Oakland and Macomb counties be included in that disaster declaration. On September 2, FEMA denied that request. Following the denial, the state conducted an additional joint preliminary damage assessment with federal and local officials to validate the extent of damage to homes across Macomb and Oakland counties.
On September 24, Governor Whitmer sent a letter to FEMA appealing the denial to expand the Major Disaster Declaration in southeast Michigan to include households in Macomb and Oakland counties. Later that same day, FEMA granted the governor’s appeal to provide individual assistance to affected residents in Oakland and Macomb Counties.
To read the letter granting individual assistance for Oakland and Macomb counties, click here.
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Whitmer Proposes $2.1 Billion Investment to Grow the Middle Class
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Governor Whitmer Proposes $2.1 Billion Investment to Grow the Middle Class, Support Small Businesses, and Invest in Communities Governor lays out proposals to continue Michigan’s ongoing economic jumpstart by utilizing historic influx of federal resources to make critical, long-term investments in families, communities, small businesses.
LANSING, Mich. — Today, joined by business leaders and public officials in Lansing, Governor Gretchen Whitmer laid out a $2.1 billion proposal to grow Michigan’s middle class, support small businesses, and invest in communities by tackling several underlying issues. As Michigan’s economic jumpstart continues, Governor Whitmer’s proposals will tackle underlying issues faced by families, communities, and small businesses and take advantage of the historic influx in federal resources to deliver meaningful change that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
“Since day one, I have been laser-focused on putting Michiganders first and tackling kitchen-table issues with real, tangible solutions.” said Governor Whitmer. “As we emerge from the once-in-a-century pandemic, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to use billions in federal resources to grow Michigan’s middle class, support small businesses, and invest in our communities. With the $2.1 billion in proposals I have laid out, we can raise wages, give people paths to high-skill jobs, grow start-ups, build clean energy infrastructure, and do so much more. I’m utilizing every resource and ensuring that we continue to take bold action to help families, communities and small businesses thrive. Together, we can usher in new era of prosperity for Michigan.”
Michigan’s economic jumpstart is underway. The state had the fastest growing economy in the Midwest over the first three months of this year, a lower unemployment rate than the national average, a $3.5 billion surplus up from a projected $3 billion deficit, and two boosted credit rating outlooks. Michigan’s manufacturing industry continues to soar, leading the country in automotive manufacturing and appearing near the tops of several lists on job creation, business climate, and foreign direct investment.
But the state faces several economic challenges too. There are too many jobs that do not pay enough, not enough workers to fill open jobs, not enough workers with the skills necessary to fill high-skill jobs, a lagging entrepreneurial sector, and a lack of affordable, attainable housing.
The proposals Governor Whitmer is laying out today address these challenges under three key pillars: $722 million to grow the middle class and educate more workers, $651 million to support small businesses and create better jobs, and $800 million to build housing and invest in communities. There are several proposals under each of these three pillars.
To grow the middle class and educate workers, the Governor is calling for a $215 million expansion of Michigan Reconnect and Future for Frontliners, $70 million investment to growing To support small businesses and create better jobs, the Governor is building on her $300 million Michigan Mainstreet Initiative, which offers grants to restaurants, place-based businesses, and microenterprises with further dollars to attract more start-ups. She outlined a $200 million investment to create a more conducive business environment for high-tech, high-growth start-ups and create jobs of the future in Michigan. The Governor put forward $40 million to speed up electric vehicle charging infrastructure and $100 million to prepare manufacturers and the workforce for opportunities of the future. Finally, she proposed an $11 million investment into the STEM Forward program, which places STEM students in internships in Michigan and improves talent attraction and retention.
To invest in our communities, Governor Whitmer expanded on her previous proposal to put $100 million towards building 2,000 units, create 1,600 jobs, and house 6,000 Michiganders. She’s proposing a further $50 million to create a healthier, cleaner, and more energy efficient homes, $100 million to rehabilitate vacant buildings, and $200 million to redevelop brownfield sites. She also proposed $100 million to build development-ready sites conducive to business investment.
Today’s economic announcement will build on Governor Whitmer’s Michigan’s Economic Jumpstart Plan she unveiled in June. The plan would invest in working people and small businesses in Michigan by increasing incenti
“Local businesses and economic development contribute to the growth of a city. It’s vital that we continue to support and invest directly into communities like Lansing. I am proud to stand by Governor Whitmer’s side to support her proposal to use federal funds to help small businesses and families – the lifeblood of thriving communities,” said Lansing Mayor Andy Schor.
“We’re thankful for the Governor’s willingness to address the biggest challenge facing our Michigan manufacturers, that being a large and talented workforce,” said John Walsh, President and CEO of the Michigan Manufacturers Association. “The proposed investments in training and education will create opportunities for our citizens and growth in manufacturing. We look forward to working with the Whitmer Administration and the legislature as they finalize their recommendations.”
“Michigan has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in talent development, entrepreneurship, and job creation to help us emerge from the pandemic as a stronger, more competitive state,” said Jeff Donofrio, Business Leaders for Michigan CEO. “The Governor’s proposed investment would help to close the skills gap, remove barriers to work, keep and attract talent, increase entrepreneurship, and create jobs in Michigan. We look forward to working with the Governor and legislative leadership on these and other transformational investments.”
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PAINT CREEK TRAIL 14TH ANNUAL LABOR DAY BRIDGE WALK & RUN
PAINT CREEK TRAIL HOSTS 14TH ANNUAL LABOR DAY BRIDGE WALK & RUN
Family-Friendly Event to be Held Monday, September 6, 2021
Rochester, Michigan: Looking for a fun local event on Labor Day this year? The Paint Creek Trailways Commission is offering all community members a chance to participate in a Labor Day Walk and Run right in their own backyard.
The Paint Creek Trailways Commission is organizing the 14th Annual Paint Creek Trail Labor Day Virtual Bridge Walk and Run on Monday, September 6th, 2021, at the Rochester Municipal Park Kiwanis Pavilion. This event is part of the Labor Day Community Walks that are held throughout the state in conjunction with the Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Walk.
Two options are being offered to participants – a 1 mile family-friendly walk or a 5k roundtrip walk or run on the Paint Creek Trail. Onsite registration begins at 8:00am, and the event starts at 9:00am. It is a free community event, with a suggested donation of $5.00 to support the maintenance of the Moutrie Pollinator Garden on the trail. For more information, including online registration, visit http://paintcreektrail.org/wordpress/events/labor-day-bridge-walk/.
“Each year, the Trailways Commission hosts this annual event to encourage the community to enjoy some physical activity on the trail during Labor Day weekend. If you’re unable to travel up north to participate in the annual Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Walk, this is a great way to take part in our state’s Labor Day walking tradition much closer to home,” said Trail Manager Melissa Ford. “We are especially excited to hold this year’s event after hosting a virtual event last year due to COVID and cancelling 2019’s walk and run due to construction projects on the trail,” continued Ford. “We look forward to again seeing the many community members who have made this event an annual tradition for their families.”
The event is free and open to all ages and abilities. This year’s walk and run will have a special focus on pollinators in honor of the new pollinator garden on the trail. The Rochester Pollinators will be on hand to share information on the important role that pollinators play in our ecosystem and the Trailways Commission will be giving away native seed packets so that participants can plant their own pollinator garden at home. A butterfly craft will also be available for children to create and take home. Donuts, coffee, water, and other snacks will be provided and the Friends of the Paint Creek Trail will have trail merchandise for sale. A drawing for the chance to win several different gift cards is also planned.
“We found our trail users have been happy and grateful to participate and reunite with friends and the community this summer, especially when the activity is outdoors,” said Donni Steele, Chairperson of the Paint Creek Trailways Commission. “We are thankful to be able to offer this event again this year – we hope you can join us!”
Approximately 350 participants are expected to attend this year’s event. Supporting sponsors include Back to the Beach Runners, Friends of the Paint Creek Trail, Spalding DeDecker, and Trent Creative. Contributing sponsors for the event include Emily and Sarah Blust, Eva and Louis Carrio, Cookies & Cream (Sprout Bake), David Walker for City Council, Friends of Donni Steele, KLM Bikes, Theresa Mungioli, Oat Soda, Premier Pet Supply in Rochester Hills, Tim Horton’s on Rochester Road, and Trader Joe’s. Many thanks to our sponsors whose generous support allows the Trailways Commission to host the Labor Day Bridge Walk and Run as a free event for the community!
About the Paint Creek Trail: The Paint Creek Trail was the first non-motorized rail-to-trail in the State of Michigan, and traverses through the communities of Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township, Orion Township, and the Village of Lake Orion. The Trail annually serves approximately 100,000 pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians, anglers, nature enthusiasts, and users of all ages and abilities. For more information about the Paint Creek Trail, visit www.paintcreektrail.org, or call (248) 651-9260.
Oakland County Offers COVID-19 Vaccine Incentive
Oakland County Offers COVID-19 Vaccine Incentive Until County Reaches 70 Percent Vaccine Coverage Goal
Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County Health Division, with the support of the Board of Commissioners, will extend its COVID-19 vaccine incentive for Oakland County residents launched last week past the 4th of July. Oakland County residents who receive their first dose between June 24 and the day the county reaches 70 percent vaccine coverage for residents 16 years and older are eligible for a $50 gift card*.
Oakland County residents may visit any Health Division vaccine clinic or enrolled COVID-19 vaccine provider in Michigan to qualify for the incentive while supplies last. The Health Division is holding daily vaccine clinics from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at both its North Oakland Health Center in Pontiac and South Oakland Health Center in Southfield. Click on OaklandCountyVaccine.com to locate the nearest Health Division vaccine clinic. Those who do not have access to the Internet may call the Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. for more information
Persons under 18 are eligible to receive a vaccine and a gift card with the consent of their parent or legal guardian.
The Health Division also urges those who have not yet received their COVID-19 vaccine to get their first dose because data show those who are not vaccinated are more susceptible to the virus. About 69 percent of the 254 confirmed and probable cases in Oakland County from June 9 – 22 were below the age of 50. Only 58.4 percent of county residents 12-49 years old have received at least their first dose while almost 78% of residents 50 and older have initiated vaccination. Also, those who are not yet vaccinated are at higher risk of becoming infected with the Delta variant of COVID-19 virus which is associated with a higher risk of hospitalization.
Oakland County residents who receive their first dose at a provider other than Oakland County Health Division may claim the incentive by:
- Visiting OaklandCountyVaccine.com to complete a survey. The gift card will be mailed after the Health Division has verified vaccination status.
- Individuals who do not have access to the Internet, may call the Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 to claim their gift card.
Use the State of Michigan’s COVID-19 vaccine finder to locate a convenient provider.
The following is an update on progress vaccinating Oakland County residents, according to the State of Michigan COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard as of June 29, 2021:
Total eligible residents 16 and older: 1,029,737
- Number of residents 16 and older who have received first dose: 706,658
- Number of residents 16 and older who have completed vaccination: 654,782
- Vaccine coverage for residents 16 and older: 68.6%
Total eligible residents 12 and older: 1,091,389
- Number of residents 12 and older who have received first dose: 731,759
- Number of residents 12 years and older who have completed vaccination: 675,225
- Vaccine coverage for residents 12 and older: 67.0%
Total eligible senior residents 65 and older: 217,676
- Number of senior residents who have received first dose: 182,599
- Number of senior residents who have completed vaccination: 174,411
- Vaccine coverage for senior residents: 83.8%
Total doses distributed within Oakland County: 1,328,085
- Total doses administered within Oakland County: 1,362,405
- Percentage of doses administered within Oakland County: N/A
*Legal notice: This incentive will be offered until Oakland County reaches 70% vaccination rate or until all gift cards have been distributed, whichever comes first. Persons under 18 are eligible to receive a vaccine and a gift card with the consent of their parent or legal guardian. This is not a lottery, and the COVID-19 vaccine is provided free of charge. No person will be asked to pay any money in exchange for the COVID-19 vaccine or the $50 gift card. There is no element of chance involved in this incentive.