Michigan Mixed Bag: Public input sought on Sucker River Sea Lamprey Project

Lansing — The Michigan DNR is working on a possible sea lamprey barrier project in Alger County, WLUC reported. A public meeting earlier this month allowed residents to learn about the project and ask questions.

The project would seek a seasonal sea lamprey control barrier installed on the Sucker River. It’s a joint plan between the DNR, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other groups. Phase one of the project included a new bridge over the river on Alger County Highway 58. That phase cost $2.3 million. Phase two sees the installation of the barrier, which is currently being engineered.

“What this does is meets both the fisheries division mission as well as the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission to protect and preserve our aquatic resources for Lake Superior but also the Sucker River here specifically for the local community,” Michigan DNR Fisheries Division Unit Manager Cory Kovacs said.

Future public meetings are being scheduled, with the barrier possibly being installed in October. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy will also hold public input sessions before issuing any permits for the project.

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State awards $2.4 Million in Grants for Invasive Species Protection and Control

Lansing — The state of Michigan announced that 27 projects will share $2.4 million in funding through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program for efforts that address the prevention, detection, eradication and control of aquatic (water-based) and terrestrial (land-based) invasive species.

To date, over $42 million has been awarded to support 328 projects undertaken by units of government, nonprofit organizations and institutions. The program – cooperatively implemented by the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources – has four key objectives: Preventing the introduction of new invasive species, strengthening the statewide invasive species early detection and response network, limiting the spread of recently confirmed invasive species and managing and controlling widespread, established invasive species.

The program began accepting grant applications for this funding cycle in September 2025. A total of 55 applications were received, requesting approximately $8.3 million in support.

The full list of grant recipients, project descriptions and award amounts is available at Michigan.gov/MISGP.

DNR Seeks Public Comment on Natural Resource Improvement Plan for Hartwick Pines State Park

Grayling, Mich. — The Michigan DNR is seeking feedback on its stewardship plan for Hartwick Pines State Park in Crawford County.

Virtual meetings about the plan to manage the natural resources found within this state park have shared some detail and an online public survey is available through Wednesday, April 15.

Links to the draft plan, public survey, meeting information and other resources are available on the project website, which may be accessed at Michigan.gov/HartwickPines. A final plan is expected to be in place by this summer.

“This plan supports the park’s general management plan, which was completed last year and serves as a long-term roadmap for the protection, restoration and sustainable management of the park’s natural resources,” said Steven Woods, northern Lower Peninsula ecologist for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division.

Michigan Fishing Regulator to Draft Resolution Against Consumers Dam Sale

Lansing — Michigan fish and game regulators appear poised to wade into the controversy over Consumers Energy’s proposal to sell its 13 aging hydropower dams to an out-of-state private equity company, according to a report by Bridge Michigan.

Following a presentation from critics of the sale plan, members of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission discussed introducing a resolution to formally oppose it, with one member saying he fears selling the dams could leave Michiganders on the hook if they fall into disrepair.

“We don’t have a vote, but we have a voice,” said Commissioner Brandon Fewins, who told Bridge Michigan he intends to introduce the resolution at the next commission meeting on April 8.

To take effect, the resolution would need support from a majority of the commission’s seven members. None of them clearly indicated how they would vote. The commission’s interest in the dams comes as regulators at the Michigan Public Service Commission and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ponder whether to authorize the proposed sale. DNR, which typically favors dam removal, has taken the unusual step of getting involved in deliberations over the proposed sale, with its director warning he fears the arrangement would ultimately lead to taxpayers inheriting the structures.

New Michigan Fishing Licenses Required April 1

Lansing — Michigan’s new fishing license and regulation season begins April 1, and fishing licenses for 2026 are available for purchase.

The new licenses are valid through March 31, 2027.

All anglers ages 17 and older are required to purchase a fishing license to fish public waters in Michigan; these licenses are good for all species, though additional reporting requirements apply to some species and fishing methods.

Fishing licenses can be purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or by downloading the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app and purchasing through the app.