DNR News: Smokey's birthday, Tree Check Month, NRC meeting this week

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News Digest - Week of Aug. 5, 2019

Smokey Bear bridge banner

Join the DNR Friday in St. Ignace for a family-friendly party celebrating Smokey's 75th anniversary.

Here's a look at some 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 additional ones, are available in this folder.


Celebrate Smokey Bear's 75th birthday Friday at Straits State Park

Smokey Bear UP

For 75 years, Smokey Bear has encouraged the public to safely and responsibly enjoy America's forests. To celebrate that legacy, Straits State Park in St. Ignace will host a birthday party for Smokey Friday, Aug. 9.

The family-friendly party will run 1 to 3 p.m. and feature DNR fire prevention staff, a fire truck open house, wildland fire equipment on display, fire prevention games, refreshments and the chance to meet Smokey!

Remember, nine out of 10 wildfires are started by people. Learn more about Smokey’s fire safety message and how to stop the spread of unwanted fires in this short video, “Wildfires are a Scary Thing” – set to the tune of Johnny Cash’s song, “Ring of Fire.” It’s part of a friendly state agency challenge to find creative ways to celebrate Smokey Bear’s 75th anniversary year.

For more information about fire prevention and safety, visit Michigan.gov/FireManagement.


Natural Resources Commission meets Thursday in Lansing

Watkins Lake State Park

Hunting and trapping at Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve, antler point restrictions, communications about chronic wasting disease and several awards honoring employees' lifesaving efforts are just some of the agenda items for the next meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission Thursday, Aug. 8, at the MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 4125 Beaumont Road, in Lansing.

Scheduled committee meetings include:

  • 8 a.m., Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee.
  • 10 a.m., Policy Committee on Wildlife and Fisheries.
  • 11 a.m., Committee of the Whole.

See the meeting's full draft agenda at Michigan.gov/NRC. For more information or to request time to speak at the meeting, contact Cheryl Nelson at 517-284-6237.


ICYMI: August is Tree Check Month, a great time to look for Asian longhorned beetle

Asian Longhorned Beetle identification 300px

It's the height of summer in Michigan, with long, lazy days and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Did you also know that August is the best time to spot the signs of the Asian longhorned beetle, an invasive pest that can cause real tree damage? 

In case you missed it, August is Tree Check Month in Michigan and around the country. By taking just 10 minutes to examine your trees, you can prevent the kind of widespread tree loss that has occurred in parts of Ohio, New York and Massachusetts.

The DNR and its sister agencies recently shared news about August being the right time to watch for signs of the Asian longhorned beetle. It's important to know what to look for and what do to if you do spot signs of an infestation. Read the full story here. 


THINGS TO DO

Grab your hat and tackle box, check out the Trout Trails map for thousands of miles of cold, quality trout waters, and get ready for an unforgettable fishing experience.

BUY & APPLY

Antlerless deer license applications are available through Aug. 15, at just $5 per application. Make sure you're ready for the fall hunting seasons! Visit Michigan.gov/Deer for more information.

GET INVOLVED

Want to do your part to protect and maintain Michigan's natural places, rich history and wildlife habitat? Explore our Get Involved page to find the way to help that's right for you!

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