DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Firefighters and Michigan DNR are working to contain a 2,500-acre wildfire burning up Montmorency and Cheboygan county.

Firefighters and Michigan DNR are working to contain a 2,300-acre wildfire burning up Montmorency and Cheboygan county.

Avian influenza has been confirmed in three baby red foxes in separate southeastern Michigan counties.

Around 30 electric vehicle charging stations are going to be installed at some state parks in Michigan.

Avian influenza has been confirmed in three baby red foxes in Macomb, St. Clair and Lapeer counties.

If you want to fish in Michigan, but aren’t quite sure where to go, the Department of Natural Resources has your back.

Do you fish in Lake Superior? The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking anglers to report marked splake.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Officials are reminding residents that a fire weather watch has been issued for much of Michigan this weekend. “Increased fire danger will be in place across Northern Michigan today, resulting in the issuance of a Fire Weather Watch,” the NWS said. The combination of warm, dry weather and dry grasses and leaves left over from winter means people need to keep fire safety front and center, according to the DNR. If you are operating an ORV, power tools or other machinery, remember that a hot muffler or engine can ignite dry leaves or grass, so keep machines away from those and other potential fuel sources. Get more fire safety tips at Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires

Puerto Rico’s Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation into destruction in an ecological reserve that protects one of the island’s most extensive mangrove forests

Puerto Rico's Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation into destruction in an ecological reserve that protects one of the island’s most extensive mangrove forests.

You might have seen them in your backyard last year, the spongy moth (formerly gypsy moth), but will they be back again this year?

The DNR is letting anglers know to get their fishing gear ready as several season openers are approaching.

Avian influenza has been confirmed in at least five counties: Kalamazoo, Livingston, Macomb, Menominee and Washtenaw, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

Do you have an oak tree? You could save its life by putting your chainsaw down and not pruning it right away, according to the Michigan DNR.

South American tegus can grow up to 4 feet long, and eat turtle eggs, alligators and ground-nesting birds, among other things.

ONTONAGON COUNTY, MI – All roads to Lake of the Clouds remain closed. The Department of Natural Resources shared Tuesday that M-107, the main road to picturesque lake located within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in the Upper Peninsula, remained covered and snow and is still closed.

A hunting dog has been bitten by a wolf in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Michigan anglers who catch certain tagged walleye and report it to the Department of Natural Resources could earn some cash. Starting today, the DNR will jaw tag 3,000 walleye across multiple Saginaw Bay tributary rivers. Anyone catching a tagged fish is asked to report the following information using the tag return form at Michigan.gov/EyesInTheField :Species. Tagging occurs each spring on the Tittabawassee River and other Saginaw Bay tributaries during the walleye spawning run. After spawning, walleye migrate back into Saginaw Bay and a large number migrate out of the bay into Lake Huron.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will jaw tag 3,000 walleye across multiple Saginaw Bay tributary rivers.

A highly contagious bird flu (avian influenza) has been identified in Michigan’s wild bird population, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

A highly contagious bird flu (avian influenza) has been identified in Michigan’s wild bird population, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

Michigan has added more than 100 miles of snowmobiling trails to its Upper Peninsula system, which is a big contributor to the local economy, the Department of Natural Resources announced today. For $1.8 million, the DNR purchased nearly 103 miles of primarily snowmobiling trail easements in Baraga and Marquette counties from Lyme Great Lakes Timberlands. It was paid for with the DNR’s permanent snowmobile easement fund. “Trails are critical to the Upper Peninsula’s economy, and we are proud to partner with Lyme to secure these trails forever,” said Ron Yesney, the DNR’s U.P. “We’re pleased to once again work with the DNR to provide permanent public access to the trail networks in Marquette and Baraga counties, which pass through some of the most scenic parts of the area.”Michigan has roughly 6,500 miles of groomed snowmobile trails managed by the DNR and snowmobile clubs, with about half of those miles located in the U.P.

The fish can weigh up to 50 pounds.

A Platteville fish dealer was convicted of illegally selling bighead, grass and silver carp in Wisconsin.

The state Department of Natural Resources says a survey conducted in January estimates that Michigan’s elk population has increased 5% since 2019.

The state Department of Natural Resources says a survey conducted in January estimates that Michigan's elk population has increased 5% since 2019.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources released its weekly fishing report on Wednesday and it included some updates for people who fish in Southeast Michigan.

Endangered Species List crushed their hopes for a public Michigan hunt of the wild canines as early as this autumn. Now they want state wildlife regulators to get rules ready for a wolf hunt across the Upper Peninsula, just in case federal protections are ever dropped again. The last wolf hunt in Michigan was in 2013. Marie, when wolf hunt opponents planned to attend and make public comments. He also underscored how Great Lakes Indigenous tribes do not support a wolf hunt.

VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI – A Decatur man was sent to prison and lost hunting privileges for life after poaching trophy bucks, the state Department of Natural Resources said. He was sentenced to lesser jail terms for three counts of illegal taking or possessing whitetail deer and obtaining a hunting license while ineligible. The DNR said Ernst last year poached nine trophy bucks. Two days later, investigators responded to a tip on DNR’s Report All Poaching hotline that Ernst had killed another deer. He had a 2018 conviction for illegally taking or possessing a whitetail deer.

Michigan has a long-running bovine TB zone in the northeast Lower Peninsula, where infected wild deer are common. The challenge for regulators and farmers has been to keep the sickened free-ranging deer from infecting livestock animals, whether cattle or deer. State authorities require regular bovine TB screening of cattle herds and other livestock animals. Officials also encourage deer hunters to voluntarily submit deer heads to test for both bovine TB and chronic wasting disease, another infectious disease that can harm wildlife. Alcona County is within the state’s core bovine TB zone for wild deer.

State wildlife regulators will consider whether to expand bobcat hunting and trapping in the Lower Peninsula after the population of wildcats reportedly stabilized across Michigan. Michigan wildlife regulators will decide whether to expand bobcat hunting and trapping in the Lower Peninsula. The state Natural Resources Commission will meet on Feb. 10 in Lansing to consider several changes to both bobcat hunting and trapping regulations. The DNR proposals call for a uniform Lower Michigan bobcat trapping season. Bobcat hunting also may be increased by nine days in the areas with the shortest current season, bumping up from 11 to 20 days.

State agriculture regulators said routine herd testing discovered cases of bovine tuberculosis at two private cervid farms. Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced early Friday that bovine TB was found at regulated cervid facilities in Alcona and Sanilac counties. Alcona County is within the state’s core bovine TB zone, where the disease is annually found in the wild, free-ranging white-tailed deer herd. These are the fifth and sixth farmed cervid facilities in Michigan where authorities found bovine TB cases. Meanwhile, the state Department of Natural Resources each year encourages deer hunters to participate in its bovine TB check program.

A snowmobile driven by state employees is a motor vehicle under Michigan law, the state Supreme Court said, a key decision that could make taxpayers liable in a crash that injured two people.

LANSING, MI – The Department of Natural Resources stocked nearly 13.5 tons of fish in Michigan waters during its fall 2021 season. “It was another outstanding fall fish stocking season that will provide enhanced opportunities throughout Michigan,” said Ed Eisch, DNR fish production manager. Thompson State Fish Hatchery (near Manistique) stocked 349,213 fall fingerling steelhead that weighed 3,810 pounds at four locations. Several fisheries management units (Northern Lake Michigan, Southern Lake Michigan, Central Lake Michigan, Lake Erie and Southern Lake Huron) also stocked fall fingerling walleyes in 2021. The Northern Lake Michigan management unit stocked 4,927 Bay De Noc strain fall fingerlings weighing 730 pounds, while the Lake Erie and Southern and Central Lake Michigan management units stocked 23,133 Muskegon strain fall fingerlings weighing 2,108 pounds.

The gray wolf was removed from the endangered list in Michigan and now officials want to know if the public thinks it should be placed back on that list.

Among Michigan’s most iconic wildlife species is the gray wolf, an apex predator and largest among wild canines that roam the fields and forests of the Upper Peninsula. Norton said DNR officials will take public comment, consult with tribal governments, and consider the forthcoming recommendations from the state’s Wolf Management Advisory Council before drafting an updated plan. Amy Trotter, executive director of Michigan United Conservation Clubs, occupies one of five seats on the state’s Wolf Management Advisory Council. Michigan’s gray wolf population was nearly extirpated by the mid-1970s because of species persecution and active state-sponsored bounty programs. Related articles:Michigan, Oregon AGs say feds improperly delisted gray wolvesEnd of federal gray wolf protections could lead to hunting in MichiganDNR calls first Michigan wolf hunt a ‘success;’ issue to continue to 2014 ballot

Michigan nature officials are encouraging residents to compost their organic holiday decorations to keep the biodegradable materials out of landfills. Experts at the state Department of Natural Resources said there are better alternatives to dumping live wreaths, garlands or Christmas trees into the trash can. Organic materials in landfills decompose and create methane, which is a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide and contributes to climate change.

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, MI – Police are investigating after a man’s body was found in Grand Traverse County. UpNorthLive.com reports that foul play is not suspected, but the Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Office is having an autopsy completed in Kalamazoo. RELATED: Homeless man found dead near UAW building in MichiganThe man was found in the Hoosier Valley area and the Department of Natural Resources said the person may be the same man a DNR officer encountered when his truck became stuck on state forest land on Sunday. According to the DNR, one of its officers encountered a man and a woman who had gotten their car stuck in a water hole, the TV station reported. The man has not been publicly identified.

State police said conservation officers with the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) observed a vehicle going at high speed without headlights before hitting a statue at the intersection.

LANSING -- Ready or not, here comes winter. In an effort to help Michiganders embrace the season and find safe, fun ways to explore the great outdoors, the Department of Natural Resources announced this week the launch of its new “Winter Wednesday” text alerts.

“He’s my spirit animal!” one person wrote.

ONTONAGON COUNTY, MI – Officials have learned that some residents in a small, Upper Peninsula community have been using unregulated water from an 1800s steam locomotive filling station. According to the Department of Natural Resources, the filling station once serviced the community of Lake Mine, which was first settled in 1840 and had a population of roughly 150 residents by the early 1900s. It is located northeast of Mass City in Ontonagon County.

A night in a sleeping bag is costing more at Michigan campgrounds.

LANSING, MICH. -- Michigan campers can expect to pay more for campsites and lodging at state parks and recreation areas going forward. According to the Department of Natural Resources, fees for state park campsites will increase from between $2 and $8 per night, depending on the location and day of the week. Overnight lodging will increase by $10 per night. According to the DNR, 51 percent of Michigan’s state park revenue comes from camping and overnight lodging fees, which help pay for daily operational costs as well as facility maintenance, repairs, and other needs. RELATED:How to rent winter cabins, yurts and lodges at 37 Michigan state parksMore Michigan state parks to offer tiny houses as camping alternativeCottages, safari tents among new lodging options at Michigan state parks and rec areas

LANSING, MICH. -- Boat rentals, bike rentals, camp stores and food trucks are among the Michigan state park business opportunities currently available to ‘outdoorpreneurs’ through the Department of Natural Resources. The Michigan DNR this week announced nearly two dozen concessionaire opportunities at state parks spanning from Detroit to the western Upper Peninsula. These concessionaire businesses offer goods and services not provided by state park staff, and are instead contracted to outside partners. Belle Isle Park: Bicycle rental, watercraft rental, portable toilet and handwash station rentalsGrand Haven State Park: Park store, mobile food concessionsOrtonville Recreation Area: Farm activitiesPalms Book State Park: Store and food truck concessionPontiac Lake Recreation Area: Mobile foodProud Lake Recreation Area: Watercraft rental and vending machine concessionRiverwoods: Lodging, campground and day-use areaSilver Lake State Park ORV Area: ORV rentalsSleepy Hollow State Park: Food truck and vending machineSouth Higgins State Park: Store concessionTawas Point State Park: Mobile food concessionVan Riper State Park: Beach concessionWarren Dunes State Park: Mobile food concession, watercraft rentalsWilson State Park: Water park and/or mobile foodYoung State Park: Store concessionFind more information here. RELATED:How to find the most remote camping spots in MichiganHaunted lighthouse, Halloween trail among Michigan state park fall eventsWhy Michigan’s Brockway Mountain Drive should be on your fall travel bucket list

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Successful Michigan hunters can do their part to identify deer with bovine tuberculosis. Twelve drop boxes across the northeast Lower Peninsula are now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for hunters to submit deer heads for bovine TB testing. When heading to a drop box, hunters need bring along two things: a smartphone and the head of their deer. Once at the drop box, hunters can follow the posted instructions for using their smartphone to enter contact and harvest information through an online form. Detailed drop box location information is available at Michigan.gov/DeerCheck.

The state has its eyes on 800 acres in southwestern Michigan as a possible recreation area.

BENZIE COUNTY, MI – State officials have temporarily closed a Northern Michigan shooting range due to public safety concerns. The Department of Natural Resources says the North Pioneer Road shooting area located on state forest land in Benzie County will be closed to all target shooting for at least 90 days. Additional complaints about projectiles leaving the target shooting area and unsafe conditions, including multiple calls about “bullet strikes in a neighboring home,” have been received both by the DNR and the Benzie County Sheriff’s Department. During the closure, department staff will evaluate next steps that would eliminate the possibility of visitors target shooting from anywhere other than specified areas. 1 concern and responsibility when it comes to outdoor recreation, especially with shooting sports,” said DNR Director Dan Eichinger.

A virus is being blamed on the deaths of between 300 and 600 mostly adult common carp this summer in a Detroit-area lake.

Gretchen Whitmer, the Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan State Police. She oversees the Michigan State Police and the Department of (Natural) Resources that covers the island. “The DNR pro-actively worked with the Craig campaign to ensure they had the proper permit for their event. They crowded the area the Craig campaign had staged, making it difficult for Craig to access his podium. Craig campaign spokesperson Ted Goodman said in a statement, “It’s telling that Gov.

ANTRIM COUNTY, MI – Anglers are seeking gear restrictions instead of closing a Northern Michigan river to all fishing during spawning season for muskellunge. The Department of Natural Resources has been studying the mysterious fish for years, and this year closed part of Torch River for six weeks to protect a muskie spawning area. RELATED: Michigan DNR asks anglers to report muskellunge catchesTorch River was closed to fishing from May 1 to June 15 between Crystal Beach Road bridge downstream to Lake Skegemog, including Rapid River up to the Aarwood Road bridge. It would limit anglers to a single-pointed unweighted hook measuring 0.5-inch or less from point to shank. This would allow anglers to seek suckers and trout species common in the river during spring.

A coalition of animal rights groups has filed a lawsuit to stop Wisconsin's wolf hunt this fall.

South Carolina wildlife officials may have a double whodunit on their hands, after two dead alligators were found dead within months of each other at the same lake.

State officials are investigating the deaths of hundreds of adult common carp at an Oakland County lake.

Several young people are spending the summer cleaning Sterling State Park through a program designed to support independent living.

LANSING, MICH. -- Tiny houses are popping up at state parks and recreation areas across Michigan as part of the Department of Natural Resources’ ongoing effort to broaden lodging options for campers. Tiny houses are typically under 400 square feet and built on trailers. “Understanding the allure of Airbnb, many state parks and recreation areas have new and unique overnight lodging options, some boasting amenities of home,” said Chuck Allen, an analyst with the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. The exterior of Waterloo Recreation Area's new tiny house. Photo by Michigan DNRRELATED:New rustic backcountry cabin at Porcupine Mountains opens for summer reservationsSix Michigan state parks with remote cabins, cottages and yurtsCottages, safari tents among new lodging options at Michigan state parks and rec areas

Michigan State Police troopers and officers with the Department of Natural Resources rescued a man from the Lodge Freeway after his vehicle was trapped by floodwaters Friday afternoon.

MONTMORENCY COUNTY, MI – A fawn separated from its mother and swimming in circles in a lake was rescued by a family and then reunited with its mother through the ingenuity of a Michigan officer. A family was out fishing, saw the fawn and watched it swim in circles for several minutes, the Department of Natural Resources said in a Facebook post. They pulled it from the water when they realized there was no doe nearby. She and the fawn headed back to area where the family had found it. To draw out the doe, Collins repeatedly played fawn bleats on her truck loudspeaker.

If flies were buzzing around stinking fish piled up on the Plaza, would it have taken city crews two days to start the cleanup?

A state Department of Natural Resources release identified the victim as Donald Turner.

Any owners of the lizards in South Carolina must register their tegu with DNR by this date to legally keep their pet.

The collision happened about 10:30 p.m. Friday.

As the Memorial Day holiday weekend approaches and Michiganders prepare for boating fun, the Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone to put safety first.

For those traveling in Michigan this Memorial Day, especially those with plans to go camping, environmental experts are urging people to leave the firewood at home.

While Whitmer would likely veto the language from the Senate, the move could imperil jobs at the DNR if Michigan loses lawsuits around Line 5.

The Detroit Grand Prix is returning to Detroit and Belle Isle — and fans will be allowed to attend.

Michigan's Department of Natural Resources will have experts answering questions live Thursday night.

Campfire cooking and bonfire season is upon us and a clean fire means the best-tasting food – and the healthiest air for you and your family. Safe and clean campfires that produce the yummiest meals and the least smoke – sans toxins – start with the right materials, according to the Department of Natural Resources. To start, build your campfire out of the driest, most well-seasoned, natural materials – like logs, brush and branches - you can find. Trash, plastic food wrappers, foam cups or hazardous materials should also be kept out of the campfire – it’s illegal, stinky and unhealthy. A clean burning campfire that uses all-natural, well-seasoned materials will keep the air clean and bad tastes out of your s’mores and other fire-cooked foods.

CHEBOYGAN COUNTY, MI – Michigan’s lake sturgeon need your help. The Department of Natural Resources and its partners in Cheboygan County are seeking volunteers to stand guard as mature lake sturgeon head upstream to their spawning sites along the Black River from now until early June. The Black Lake Chapter of Sturgeon for Tomorrow and local tribes are working with the DNR to protect the fish from being illegally harvested during the six-week spawning season. The lake sturgeon, which can weigh up to 200 pounds and live to be 100 years old, is listed as a threatened species in Michigan. Lake sturgeon rehabilitation has seen ongoing efforts at federal, state, tribal and local levels since the late 1900s, when the species dramatically declined due to overharvesting and habitat loss.

And the Department of Natural Resources needs your help to keep track of them all. The DNR is reminding residents that if they see any frogs, toads, salamanders, snakes, lizards, or turtles while out exploring natural areas, that they should report those observations to the DNR. That includes rare species like the Blanding’s turtle, eastern box turtle, spotted turtle and wood turtle and the threatened eastern massasauga rattlesnake. “Your observations help provide that data. In addition to reporting observations, you can support conservation efforts for rare reptiles and amphibians through the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Fund.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently announced two new cities, Madison Heights and Orion Charter Township, designated with the Tree City USA honor. They are now among 124 Michigan communities, nine campuses, one healthcare...

PETOSKEY, MI – A Northern Michigan woman has been charged for keeping wild animals on her property without a permit, 9&10 News reports. Kei Ju Farm and Rescue in Petoskey cares for dogs, goats, emus, alpacas, chickens and more. The Department of Natural Resources warned Hall about the violation about a year ago, but Hall denies that happened, the report said. The DNR did seize the raccoon, squirrel and fawn a few months ago and later euthanized them because they were unhealthy, wouldn’t survive in the wild and no licensed care facilities would take them. Last week, Hall pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charge, the report said.

SUMPTER TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities are urging residents of Sumpter Township to avoid “outside burning of any kind” as the region is considered at high risk for wildfires Thursday. According to the Sumpter Township Police Department, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has identified the township area as being at very high risk of wildfires due to dry ground conditions. Residents are being asked to avoid any outdoor burning activities to prevent a wildland fire. Authorities say they have responded to several wildland and/or field fires in the surrounding area over the past week, and five within Sumpter Township over the last two days. Sumpter Township police say that residents whose “negligent activity leads to wildland fire and subsequent property destruction can be held liable, both criminally and civilly.”To learn more about fire safety, visit the DNR’s website right here.

LANSING, MI — The Department of Natural Resources says invasive zebra mussels have been found in ornamental aquarium moss balls at some pet stores in Michigan. They came under scrutiny last month when a Petco employee in Washington found the invasive mussels hiding among them in a Seattle store. Contaminated moss balls have since been found in more than 20 states, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). In Michigan, the DNR says all discoveries of zebra mussels in moss balls must be reported to the state. Reports should go to Lucas Nathan, DNR aquatic invasive species coordinator.

LANSING, MI -- The Department of Natural Resources and its partners has been monitoring Michigan peregrine falcon nests since the 1980s. Now Michigan residents can watch them too thanks to live webcams stationed near nests across the state, from the northern Upper Peninsula to the Detroit suburbs. In previous years, webcams have helped the DNR and its partners answer several questions including:Do all of Michigan’s peregrines start breeding at the same time? How long does it take a peregrine to lay all of her eggs? How much time does a peregrine spend incubating eggs?

What should I do if I see a coyote? According to the DNR, coyotes are rarely dangerous and are likely just looking for small animals to eat or feed their young. Here is what to do if a coyote comes close to you:Make loud noises (Yell at it, bang pots and pans, use an air horn)Make yourself look large (Put your arms up and out to look bigger)Be assertive with your toneMake eye contact (Let the coyote know that this is your space and it is not welcome)Surprise the coyote (Open an umbrella, or throw objects at it)If you’re seeing the same coyote repeatedly, you should use different methods each time you see the coyote. If you have a small dog, you should pick it up. If coyotes are doing damage on private property, a property owner or designee can take coyotes year-round and a license or written permit is not needed.

Nontribal hunters and trappers registered 216 wolves as of Thursday afternoon, blowing past the state's kill target of 119. The wolf season began Monday and was supposed to run through Sunday, but the DNR shut it down Wednesday afternoon as it became clear hunters would exceed the target. Hunters and trappers also exceeded their kill targets in the three previous wolf seasons but never by more than 10 animals. The state sold 1,547 permits, which equates to 13 hunters or trappers per wolf in the target number, the highest ratio of any wolf season so far. Animal advocates have been urging the state to move quickly on reintroduction, but state officials say they want to move slowly.

Hunters and trappers exceeded their target in all six of the state's management zones. Wisconsin law hands wolf hunters and trappers significant advantages during the season. Unlike with deer hunting, wolf hunters and trappers can operate at night and use dogs to corner wolves. Wayne Pacelle, president of animal rights group Animal Wellness Action, said in a statement Wednesday that killed Wisconsin wolves didn't stand a chance. Lawmakers in neighboring Minnesota have introduced dueling bills that would ban wolf hunting and establish a season.

LENAEWEE COUNTY, Mich. – A 28-year-old man has died after a snowmobile operator crashed into his ice shanty on Devils Lake in Lenawee County, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. DNR officials said upon arrival, they discovered a snowmobile tangled in debris from the ice shanty, and the 28-year-old from Jerome was found lying in the debris. The 33-year-old snowmobile operator from Hudson was treated for minor injuries and voluntarily submitted to a toxicology blood draw. AdAccording to DNR, speed is the No. READ: Metro Detroit road crews out in full force ahead of winter stormREAD: ‘No ice is safe ice’ -- Police issue warning after snowmobile rider killed breaking through ice on Wolverine lake

OSTEGO COUNTY, Mich. – Three Northern Michigan men have been arraigned in a 2019 Pigeon River Country elk poaching case. Officials said the three men are responsible for what Department of Natural Resources conservation officers call a “historic elk poaching case.”They were arraigned in the Otsego County 87A District Court. All three men pleaded not guilty to a total of eight wildlife crimes after admitting to poaching three cow elk in Pigeon River Country in December of 2019. Harry White, 70, of West Branch was arraigned on three charges: taking an over-limit of elk, failing to make a reasonable effort to retrieve elk and taking elk in the wrong hunting unit. “Without our officers’ professional commitment to pursuit of the facts, these suspects would have gotten away with one of the worst elk poaching incidents I have ever seen.

LANSING, Mich. – Beech leaf disease has been added to Michigan’s invasive species watch list and state officials are asking residents to be on the lookout for trees infested with the damaging disease. Beech leaf disease is associated with a microscopic worm that enters and spends the winter in leaf buds. It causes damage to leaf tissue on American beech and European and Asian beech species resulting in darkened, thick tissue bands between leaf veins, creating a striped effect on the leaves, leaf distortion and bud mortality. Michigan is home to about 32 million American beech trees. “Many questions about beech leaf disease remain unanswered,” said Simeon Wright, a DNR forest health specialist.

GARDEN, Mich. – A 64-year-old man drowned in a Lake Michigan bay when his off-road vehicle hit open water, authorities said. Edward Lester of Garden was at Big Bay De Noc, off Delta County, for ice fishing Thursday. Ice in the area was 4 to 5 inches thick but "recent high winds caused the crack to open,” said Lt. Eugene “Skip” Hagy of the Department of Natural Resources. Pressure cracks are very hazardous and can occur very fast, particularly on large bodies of water,” Hagy said. Authorities were contacted when Lester’s wife said he had not returned from a routine fishing trip.

MANISTEE, Mich. – A pavilion at a state park in northern Michigan has been relocated from an eroding shoreline. The shelter at Orchard Beach State Park now is 230 feet from Lake Michigan in Manistee, the Department of Natural Resources said. The shelter stood for more than 70 years on a bluff, which has become unstable due to waves and rising water levels. Orchard Beach State Park is 60 miles southwest of Traverse City. Along with the park, the pavilion was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.

LANSING, Mich. – Nearly $2 million in recreation grants will go to local park and trail improvements and developments. The DNR’s recreation passport program has awarded about $12.7 million in grants since being introduced in 2010. The program is tied to license plate registration renewals and more than a third of Michigan registered vehicles now have the recreation passport on their license plate tabs. Ten percent of every recreation passport sale goes to the grant program. “Those visitors represent a direct investment in state parks and local parks, because about $1 from every Recreation Passport purchased funds those local park and recreation grants.”

DETROIT – Sunday is an unofficial holiday in Michigan -- it’s the opening day of firearm deer hunting season. The DNR reported technical issues Saturday that prevented many hunters from buying a base license and deer kill tags. The temporary tag should include the same information normally found on a kill tag:Identification of the hunter. Customers who have purchased a license on the DNR website are asked to use this temporary kill tag until their legal tag arrives in the mail. Officials say evidence suggests that Clark’s Marsh is highly contaminated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).

OSCODA TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Natural Resources are reminding hunters not to eat venison from deer taken within five miles of Clark’s Marsh in Oscoda Township. Officials say evidence suggests that Clark’s Marsh is highly contaminated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). MDHHS recommends a Do Not Eat advisory for all fish and wildlife taken for consumption from the marsh. The area is under multiple do not eat advisories. If you have health questions about eating deer or other wildlife, or about the health risks associated with PFAS, contact MDHHS at 800-648-6942.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan wildlife officials won’t be able to check as many deer for chronic wasting disease during the upcoming hunting season. Deer heads from Clinton, Dickinson, Eaton, Gratiot, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Kent and Montcalm counties will be accepted for state testing only from Nov. 15-18. The archery season starts Thursday. The traditional firearm deer season starts Nov. 15. Related: Michigan hunters should expect changes to deer check stations this fall due to COVID-19

HOLLY, Mich. – It took years of planning and collaboration, but the first 113 acres of the Holly Oaks ORV Park has opened. The park is in Groveland and Holly townships, near Groveland Oaks County Park and Campground on Dixie Highway. It’s considered part of the Holly Recreation Area. READ: More community news coverageIt is operated by Oakland County Parks and Recreation in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Click here to learn more or purchase tickets.

CHESTONIA TOWNSHIP, Mich. Two snowmobilers have won a key decision in a lawsuit over injuries in an incident with officers from the Department of Natural Resources. Audrey West said she was thrown into a river in Antrim County while her father, Randy West, was pinned under the snowmobile. They said two Michigan DNR officers were on snowmobiles on the same road but in the wrong direction. But negligent operation of a motor vehicle typically is an exception to governmental immunity. The snowmobiles fit that exception because they could be expected to be operated on or along a road, the appeals court said in a 2-1 decision, affirming the opinion of the Court of Claims.

Im proud of the DNR and the way theyve conducted themselves, Holcomb said, Theyve done everything right, by the book. Much of the assault that followed was captured on cellphone video by people Booker had met up with that day. The governor has complete control over DNR," Liell told The Associated Press. State environmental groups, including the Hoosier Environmental Council, Friends of Lake Monroe and Sierra Clubs Hoosier Chapter, are also calling on the Indiana DNR to review its policies and publicly condemn racism. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

DETROIT Michigan could soon have a new addition to its invasive species list: spotted lanternfly. To date, spotted lanternfly has not been detected in Michigan, but it has been detected spreading across the nation, including in Delaware, Virginia, New Jersey, Maryland and West Virginia. Related: Michigan adds invasive marbled crayfish to prohibited species listAdult spotted lanternflies are identifiable by their bright body and wing colors. Spotted lanternfly could negatively impact our grape industry, said Robert Miller, invasive species prevention and response specialist for MDARD. Related: 11 invasive species to watch out for in Michigan

With the state cleared to begin reopening, many businesses and institutions are still trying to determine what reopening looks like -- especially schools. This list will be updated as new information is shared:The Detroit Zoo is set to reopen Monday, June 8 after being closed since mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Camping in Michigan state parks and recreation areas will resume June 22, according to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Although ticks can spread multiple illnesses, Lyme disease is the most commonly reported tick-borne disease in Michigan. The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 58,035 as of Wednesday, including 5,570 deaths, state officials report.

The Detroit Zoo is set to reopen Monday, June 8 after being closed since mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic. The zoo will start accepting reservation requests from members this Friday, June 5 on its website. Camping in Michigan state parks and recreation areas will resume June 22, according to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The DNR had been saying state park campgrounds would be closed through at least June 21. Here is a list of all 109 executive orders Michigan Gov.

Camping in Michigan state parks and recreation areas will resume June 22, according to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Michigan state park camping scheduleCamping in Michigan state parks and recreation areas will resume June 22. Shelters in state parks and recreation areas will open June 22. Related: Michigan stay-at-home order timeline: 70 days, 4 extensions, ever-changing restrictionsThe Michigan stay-at-home order was lifted earlier this week. Parks staff will need to implement social distancing regulations, find ways to limit contact, build sneeze guards, etc.

MARIE, Mich. (AP) – An Upper Peninsula man is accused of illegally killing wolves, eagles and other animals after a monthslong investigation. Kurt Duncan of Pickford is facing 125 wildlife misdemeanor charges in Chippewa County, the Department of Natural Resources said. Duncan, 56, is accused of killing 18 wolves over an 18-month period and killing three bald eagles. He faces up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine for each wolf killed, along with other possible penalties, the state said. Charges against other people are expected, the DNR said.

Well, you can test your knowledge or host a virtual trivia night with the state’s new online game. Many people are staying connection with family members and friends through video chats, so the Michigan Department of Natural Resources put together “MichiGame,” a videoconferencing trivia game to test your knowledge about the state. The game includes questions about Michigan’s wildlife, history, trees and more. You can download the rules, questions and answer key before rallying your fellow Michiganders to host the virtual trivia night. Then, you’ll compete to be crowned “the ultimate Michigander.”Click here to access the rules, questions and answer key.

DETROIT – Enjoy three days of fishing this weekend even if you don’t have a fishing license. Michigan hosts two Free Fishing Weekends each year. This winter’s includes Saturday, Sunday and Monday because the Department of Natural Resources is moving to a new system, so fishing licenses can’t be purchased during that time. Additionally, Recreation Passports are not needed to enter state parks during the weekend and Monday. Normally, a yearly fishing license is required to catch fish in Michigan waters.

LANSING, Mich. – This year’s sturgeon season was cut short when it ended about six hours after it started on Saturday. The season began 8 a.m. Saturday and ended at 1:40 p.m the same day. The fishing season was scheduled to run Feb. 1 until Feb. 5, or until the harvest quota had been reached. The Department of Natural Resources set a harvest quota of six to prevent over fishing, but seven fish were caught. The three females ranged from 47 to 75 inches long, and 19 to 100 pounds in weight.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will launch a new license sales system Feb. 18. It will move to a “more technologically advanced system” for fishing and hunting licenses, snowmobile permits, hunting applications and off-road vehicles. The transition to the new system will begin Feb. 15 until noon Feb. 18. “We spent more than two years planning and developing a modern license sales system that offers up-to-date, convenient and cost-effective services for our customers and retail partners.”Customers are advised to purchase licenses and permits before Feb. 15. Features of the new license sales system include:A barcode scanner wand at retailer locations, which will allow license agents to speed up the sales process by quickly scanning customer driver’s licenses – including nonresidents – rather than typing in customer information.

DETROIT – Crews are still working to clear and clean up snowmobile and ski trails in northern Michigan and urging those who use the trails to be extra caution. “The number of downed trees and limbs is astonishing,” said Rob Katona, central Upper Peninsula trails specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Parks and Recreation Division. In some places smaller trees have been bent over and arched across trails to the ground and then buried in snow. “Trail crews have been working to clear the trails, but many trails remain cluttered and not passable.”The DNR’s contracted snowmobile clubs have been working to clear downed trees and grooming trails. If you plan on using a recreational trail you should refer to local snowmobile and ski clubs for information on the latest trail conditions.