Michigan Mixed Bag: Report spring turkey hunting activity online

Lansing — Now that spring turkey hunters have finished their hunting, the DNR reminds hunters of the online harvest reporting option.

Game managers encourage you to report your hunting activity.

Remember, it’s important for all turkey hunters to participate, even if you didn’t harvest a turkey.

When the results of the survey are available, they will be posted on the DNR Wildlife publications page, where you can also find results of the turkey harvest surveys from previous years.

Visit Michigan.gov/Hunting for more information.

MORE COVERAGE FROM MICHIGAN OUTDOOR NEWS:

Commentary: Why is the Michigan DNR silent on proposed baiting bill?

Outdoor Observations: Hunting-related legislation on the move in Michigan

Ongoing GPS moose study from Michigan showing encouraging signs of calf production

DNR Sucker River Project Set to Start in Alger County

Marquette, Mich. — Work on a new bridge and sea lamprey control barrier on the Sucker River in northern Alger County is set to begin.

“This two-stage project along Alger County Highway 58 that will improve stream health and connectivity consists of installing a new bridge and an upstream seasonal sea lamprey barrier, which will have myriad benefits for the fishery,” Cory Kovacs, Michigan DNR Lake Superior Unit Manager, said.

Several organizations have come together to implement this project, including the DNR, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Alger County Road Commission, Burt Township, Superior Watershed Partnership, Green Watershed Restoration, Beaver River Consulting and Sanchez Engineering.

This $2.35 million project received funding from the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Sustain Our Great Lakes program, Great Lakes Fisheries Trust and the DNR’s Fisheries Habitat Grant program.

Help Create a Roadmap for Future Planning at Seven Lakes State Park

Lansing — The Michigan DNR is seeking public input on a new general management plan for Seven Lakes State Park, located near Fenton in southeast Michigan. The plan will serve as a long-term roadmap for the park’s continued use and enjoyment.

Visitors, community members, stakeholders and others interested in sharing their opinions, ideas and experiences are encouraged to participate in an online survey, available through June 30.

Links to both the online survey and the project website are available at www.Michigan.gov/SevenLakes.

The DNR also will host a public meeting this fall (date and time to be announced), providing opportunities for people to review and provide comment on the new draft plan for the park.

NRA Now Accepting Applications for Public Range Grants

Fairfax, Va. — The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) has announced the reopening of the NRA’s Public Range Fund. Established in 2009, the NRA Public Range Fund is a grant-matching program that encourages city and county governments, along with state or federal agencies, to work with the NRA to build and improve public ranges across the United States.

“Public ranges allow hundreds of thousands of hunters, competitive shooters, and target shooters to work on their marksmanship under safe and responsible conditions,” said Peter Churchbourne, Managing Director of NRA Hunting, Conservation, and Ranges.

In addition to physical improvements, the NRA’s Public Range Fund allows qualifying agencies or local governments to improve community relations and address any range-related environmental issues. With grants awarded on a 50/50 matching basis, 50% of project costs are provided by the applicant, and the remaining 50% are provided by the fund. In-kind services such as labor, materials, and equipment may be considered to meet the applicant’s 50 percent contribution. Projects including Pittman-Robertson Funds can cover 90 percent of the applicant’s share, with the remaining 10 percent coming from the NRA Public Range Fund or other sources.

For more details about the NRA Public Range Fund and to apply for a grant, visit https://rangeservices.nra.org/funding-grants/nra-public-range-fund/. Information about other available range grants can be found at https://rangeservices.nra.org/funding-grants/.

U.P. Trapper’s Convention and Expo on Tap

Escanaba, Mich. — The 63rd annual U.P. Trappers Convention/Outdoor Expo will be held July 11-12 at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days (all times EDT). Admission is $10 for both days and kids under 12 are free.

Camping on the grounds is available, and food and refreshments will be for sale on the grounds.

Visit www.uptrappers.com for more info.