Michigan Mixed Bag: DNR seeks to fill upcoming vacancies on UP Citizens’ Advisory Councils

Marquette, Mich. — The Michigan DNR is soliciting applications for open volunteer positions on the Eastern and Western Upper Peninsula Citizens’ Advisory Councils.

The councils are designed to advise the DNR on regional programs and policies, identify areas in which the department can be more effective and responsive, and offer insight and guidance from members’ own experiences and from the public.

A Nov. 25 deadline has been set to apply for membership to the councils. Several vacancies are available.

Application forms and more information about the councils are available online at Michigan.gov/UPCAC or by calling the DNR’s Marquette Customer Service Center at (906) 226-1331.

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Protect Your Oak Trees; Prune Before Spring

Lansing — Trees across Michigan are just wrapping up an incredible show of fall color, with the reds, oranges, and yellows of oak trees often taking center stage. That annual autumn color fest may be at risk, though, because oak trees across areas of the Lower Peninsula, as well as in Dickinson, Iron, Marquette and Menominee counties in the Upper Peninsula, are dying from oak wilt.

One of the best ways to help prevent oak wilt from infecting trees on your property is to avoid wounding them during the high-risk infection period, April 15 to July 15. The safest time to prune oak trees is during the winter season.

To learn more about oak wilt, visit Michigan.gov/ForestHealth or MichiganOakWilt.org.

Birders Urged to use Caution During Hunting Season

Lansing — November is a great time for birding as species like the sandhill crane are migrating through Michigan, but birders are urged to be aware of another season that is underway: hunting.

The Michigan Department of natural Resources says you can still explore the outdoors safely this hunting season by following a few simple guidelines:

• Wear bright, visible clothing, including “hunter orange” items such as hats and vests.

• Check open hunting season dates.

• Stay on marked trails.

• Keep pets on leashes.

The bottom line is that hunting is a very safe sport. By following these steps, you can confidently enjoy birding during any hunting season.

Call Karen Cleveland at (517) 388-9795 for more information.

Share Thoughts on Annual State Forest Road Updates by Dec. 1

Lansing — A series of proposed updates to state forest road maps aimed at ensuring responsible management of the state’s extensive forest roads network are available now for public review and comment.

The changes stem from an ongoing mapping and inventory process, with reviews completed on the ground by Michigan Department of Natural Resources staff and an in-depth review of public feedback.

Proposed forest road map changes include:

• Mapping previously unmapped roads and removing roads that no longer exist.

• Opening or closing roads for conventional vehicle use.

• Opening or closing roads for off-road vehicle use.

• Changing the seasonal access of certain roads.

The DNR encourages the public to share their thoughts on these proposed changes. Feedback can be submitted in the following ways:

Online: Visit Michigan.gov/ForestRoads to view an interactive map or download printable PDF versions of the proposed updates.

Submit comments by Dec. 1 directly to DNR-RoadInventoryProject@Michigan.gov.

In addition, comments will be accepted at upcoming Michigan Natural Resources Commission meetings in January and February 2025, with a formal decision expected from the DNR director at the February meeting.

DNR Acquires Mineral Rights at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Marquette, Mich. — A recent land exchange between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Keweenaw Land Association, Ltd. has transferred more than 8,000 acres of mineral rights beneath Michigan’s largest state park to the DNR.

In addition to the acres of mineral rights underlying portions of Ontonagon and Gogebic counties at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the DNR also acquired mineral rights to a 40-acre property in Dickinson County where a mine operated previously and is today an active bat hibernaculum, where insectivorous bats spend the winter months.

In all, the DNR acquired 8,392 acres of mineral rights and Keweenaw received 9,551 acres of mineral rights from the DNR in parts of Baraga, Dickinson, Gogebic, Iron, Menominee and Ontonagon counties.

No money changed hands in the deal as the mineral-for-mineral exchange was considered a fair value trade.