Michigan Mixed Bag: Nominations due May 3 for Forest Legacy Program

Lansing — How are forest lands in Michigan protected for the future?

Michigan’s Forest Legacy Program offers several paths. This program provides funding to purchase or secure conservation easements on environmentally important forest lands to ensure they will be enjoyed by our next generations.

The Forest Legacy Program is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Nomination applications for the nationally competitive program are due May 3.

Find further details and download a nomination application on the Forest Legacy Program webpage.

Additional Forest Legacy Program opportunities through the Inflation Reduction Act will be announced later this year.

Contact program lead Kerry Heckman at (517) 643-1256 for more information.

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Ladies Adventure Day Slated for Oakland County Sportsman’s Club

Clarkston Mich. — A one-day ladies adventure day begins at 9 a.m,. on June 1 at the Oakland County Sportsmen’s Club in Clarkston.

This program is open to women ages 18 and older. You need not be a club member to participate. No experience necessary. All materials provided.

Participants will spend the day with qualified instructors honing their skills in .22 caliber rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, pistol and archery shooting, as well as fishing and self-defense.

The registration fee is $40 and lunch will be provided.

Registration deadline is May 6.

For more information download an application form at OCSCARCHERY.ORG and look under the “Event” tab or contact Monique Matson at (248) 431-5867 or mimatson@aol.com

Paid Forest Stewardship Program Available in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota

Washington, D.C. — Do you own 30 acres or more of woods? If so, you may be eligible for the Family Forest Carbon Program.

The Family Forest Carbon Program was developed by two nonprofits, the American Forest Foundation and The Nature Conservancy. It was created to provide guaranteed annual income and professional forestry assistance to private landowners interested in long-term, sustainable forest management resulting in healthier, higher-quality forests.

Healthier forests also mean more wildlife and a greater variety of species on your land.

Whether you’re an avid birder, a hunter (or lease your land for hunting), or simply want to create a better habitat for wildlife, the Family Forest Carbon Program can help.

Visit https://familyforestcarbon.org for more information.

Learn to Shoot a Shotgun or .22-Caliber Rifle at Upcoming Classes

Lasing — Pheasants Forever is offering a pair of classes to teach youth and beginners how to shoot a .22 caliber rifle and a shotgun.

Youth will learn to shoot a .22 caliber rifle on Saturday, May 11, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Frankenmuth Conservation Club, in Frankenmuth. This class is for youth ages 10 to 17. Students will learn to shoot a .22-caliber rifle in the prone, sitting and offhand positions.

Rifles and ammunition will be provided. Cost is $10; students will receive a free youth membership to Pheasants Forever for participating in the class.

A shotgun for beginners class begins at 5 p.m. Thursday May 25 at the Richville Conservation Club, in Vassar, in Tuscola County.

This class is for participants of all ages who are new to shotgun shooting. Participants may bring their own shotgun or shotguns will be available. This event will start with the very basics (stock, action, barrel), then participants will be able to handle and shoot a variety of shotguns with diverse actions and see different types of chokes. Cost is $10.

Visit https://pfqf.myeventscenter.com to register and for more info on both classes.

National Deer Association Hires Director of Policy

Washington — Catherine Appling-Pooler has been hired as the National Deer Association’s new Director of Policy.

Appling-Pooler will lead NDA’s Advocacy and Policy work and operate the organization’s Advocacy Center, which informs NDA members and deer hunters through action alerts and news on policy matters affecting deer and hunters.

Appling-Pooler joins NDA from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, where she was legislative liaison and engaged with the department’s Commission, the executive leadership team, and conservation partners.

Correction

Lake Orion, Mich. — The photo that ran with Steve Griffin’s column in the April 12 edition of Michigan Outdoor News was taken by Brady Wasek.

We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.