DNR News: Muskie reporting, disease-resistant trees, outdoor fun & more

Bookmark and Share
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

News Digest - Week of May 29, 2018

fayette

Here's a look at some of this week's stories from the Department of Natural Resources:

See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories and photos and other resources at michigan.gov/dnrpressroom


Plenty to see, do, enjoy at Michigan state parks this season

Riding the trails with friends and family is just one of the many fun things you can do at Michigan state parks.

With a beautiful Memorial Day holiday weekend – the unofficial start to summer – in the books, it’s a great time to get outdoors! In Michigan, you’re never more than a half-hour from a state park, state forest campground or a state trail system, meaning you can hike, bike, walk, ride or paddle just about anywhere. 

To ensure a fun, relaxing time wherever you go, keep these tips in mind: 

  • State parks offer activities and events in day-use areas and campgrounds, including nature programs, trail races, yoga and crafts.
  • Pets are welcome on a 6-foot leash in state parks, state forests, non-designated bathing beach areas, harbors, the majority of trails and boat launches and many other outdoor locations.
  • Be cautious when purchasing or packing firewood. Invasive insects and diseases have killed millions of trees in Michigan – often after hitching a ride on firewood. The DNR recommends leaving firewood at home and/or purchasing certified heat-treated firewood sold in state parks.
  • Don’t forget to check out the extensive mountain biking trails and connections to the ORV trail system offered at many state parks.
  • Feel like fishing at a state park? It’s easy – just remember to purchase your 2018 Michigan fishing license beforehand and pack your fishing essentials.
  • Save fuel with the DNR’s free camper storage program, which allows people to temporarily store campers in designated park areas between visits.
  • Book your camping reservations early, up to six months in advance.

Learn more about planning your next state park, trail or forest campground adventure at michigan.gov/stateparks or contact Ami Van Antwerp at 517-284-6094. 


Anglers, remember to report all caught muskellunge and lake sturgeon

Anglers who reel in muskellunge or lake sturgeon this year are reminded to register their fish within 24 hours

With the statewide muskellunge possession season opening Saturday, June 2, anglers are reminded that a new registration system is now in place for any fish you reel in.  

The muskellunge harvest tag is no longer required or available. If you do catch a muskie, you must report it within 24 hours, either:

  • Online at michigan.gov/registerfish.
  • By calling toll-free 844-345-FISH (3474).
  • Or in person (with advance notice of your arrival) at any DNR customer service center during regular state business. Fish registrations won’t be accepted at any state fish hatcheries or DNR field offices, only at DNR customer service centers. 

The same process is now in place for lake sturgeon, too, although no fishing and/or possession seasons open for that species until July 16. The lake sturgeon fishing permit and harvest tags are no longer needed or available. 

Both of these changes went into effect at the start of the 2018 fishing season, April 1. 

For more information on Michigan fishing licenses and regulation, check out the 2018 Michigan Fishing Guide – available at license retailers or online at michigan.gov/dnrdigests, and the online version is always up to date and available to download – or contact Cory Kovacs, 906-293-5131, ext. 4071 or Elyse Walter, 517-284-5839. 


Beech trees that resist disease are among the year’s forest health highlights

Some of the volunteers who helped to plant 200-plus disease-resistant beech trees at Ludington State Park this past fall.

The battle against beech bark disease came full circle in fall 2017 at Ludington State Park, as volunteers planted more than 200 disease-resistant trees where the disease was discovered in 2000.

That planting effort is one of the success stories in Michigan’s Forest Health Highlights report, released annually by the DNR. The report summarizes the health of nearly 20 million acres of forest in the state, including about 4 million acres of state-managed forest land. 

“Invasive species like the beetle that spreads beech bark disease present challenges,” said Deb Begalle, chief of the DNR’s Forest Resources Division. “We also are coordinating efforts to cope with other invasive species such as the hemlock woolly adelgid.” That tiny insect attaches itself to hemlock trees and eventually kills them. So far, it is known to be in four west Michigan counties. 

On other fronts, the department is working to stem the spread of oak wilt, a fungal disease that can kill red oak trees within weeks, and taking steps to prevent the spread of fungi, including Heterobasidion root disease that affects pine trees. New reporting tools, such as the Heterobasidion root disease reporting viewer on the DNR forest health website, make it easier for the public to share their observations of suspected forest health issues.

Learn more at the DNR's forest health webpage or contacting James Wieferich, 517 242-6300. 


Year in the Life of a Bear contest winners announced

Students from Holy Ghost Lutheran School in Monroe won first-place honors in the 2017-18 “Year in the Life of a Michigan Black Bear” program.

Three metro-Detroit classrooms created the winning presentations in the DNR’s 2017-18 Year in the Life of a Michigan Black Bear program, open to all interested sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade educators in Michigan.

Brandy Dixon’s class at Holy Ghost Lutheran School in Monroe earned top honors. You can view their winning entry here. Dixon and her students were awarded a $1,000 gift certificate to purchase science supplies for their classroom.

The program curriculum provides lessons and activities focused on Michigan black bears, including their life cycle, biology and behavior, as well as how the DNR manages and maintains a healthy black bear population. 

Over the school year, students also get to “follow” a bear by using actual data points from radio-collared Michigan black bears. 

Marceen Gasperoni’s students of the Homeschool ACADEMY in Dearborn placed second with their presentation, A Campfire Visitor, winning a $500 gift certificate. 

Sierra Rodrigues, a sixth-grade student in Shawn Kassab’s Farmington STEAM Academy class, earned third-place honors. Kassab and his class in Farmington Hills were awarded a $250 gift certificate. View Sierra’s presentation.  

Registration for the 2018-19 school year’s program will open later this summer. Program prizes are provided by the Michigan Bear Hunters Association and the DNR. 

Educators can explore A Year in the Life of a Michigan Black Bear and other available DNR education opportunities at michigan.gov/dnreducation or contact Hannah Schauer, 517-388-9678.


PHOTOS AVAILABLE: High-resolution versions of the images in the stories above are available in this photo folder.


Events button

The fall hunting seasons may seem far away, but if you or someone you know wants to take a hunter education and safety class, summer classes are a great option! See what classes are near you and register today.

buy and apply

Still just $11 when purchased with your annual license plate renewal, the Recreation Passport is your key to exploring Michigan's great outdoors and protecting our natural resources for the next generation!

get involved

Michigan is home to many amazing plants, insects and animals, but not all of them belong here. Learn more about the invasive species that threaten our woods and water, and how you can report sightings.