One important avenue for this input is at meetings of the public bodies that advise the DNR and, in some cases, also set policies for natural and cultural resource management. Frequently check the DNR boards, commissions, committees and councils webpage for updates.

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January Meetings

• Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee – Thursday, Jan. 16, 9 a.m. (Contact: Barbara Graves, 517-284-6135).
• Board of Foresters – Monday, Jan. 27, 3 p.m. (Contact: Brenda Haskill, 989-370-9557).
• Citizens Waterfowl Advisory Committee – Saturday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Contact: Don Avers, 517-927-8059).
• Forest Management Advisory Committee – Wednesday, Jan. 15, 1 p.m. (Contact: Kimberley Korbecki, 517-582-3204).
• Michigan Historical Commission – Thursday, Jan. 23, 10 a.m. (Contact: Michelle Davis, 517-331-7374).
• Michigan Natural Resources Commission – Thursday, Jan. 9, 8:30 a.m. (Contact: NRC@Michigan.gov).
• Nonmotorized Advisory Workgroup – Thursday, Jan. 23, 10 a.m. (Contact: Annalisa Centofanti, 517-331-6219).
• Pigeon River Country Advisory Council – Thursday, Jan. 16, 5 p.m. (Contact: Mark Monroe, 989-370-9827).
• Underwater Salvage and Preserve Committee – Wednesday, Jan. 29, 1 p.m. (Contact: Sheri Giffin, 517-231-1299).
• Western Upper Peninsula Citizens Advisory Council – Wednesday, Jan. 15, 6 p.m. ET (Contact: Stacy Welling Haughey, 906-226-1331).

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“The Land and Water Conservation Fund is a great asset that brings federal funding through the state to local projects – from splashpads and observation decks to park rest room improvements and boating access site upgrades,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen. “This year alone, the program is allocating a significant investment of $8 million for projects important to communities across Michigan.”

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The 2024 Land and Water Conservation Fund recommendations are:

• Saginaw Charter Township (Saginaw County) Saginaw Township Playscape Park Renovations $500,000.
• City of Eastpointe (Macomb County) Kennedy Park splash pad $500,000.
• DNR Parks and Recreation Division (Ottawa County) Idema Explorers Trail Phase I $750,000.
• Huron Clinton Metropolitan Authority (Macomb County) North Marina Bathhouse at Lake St. Clair Metropark $500,000.
• City of Ferndale (Oakland County) Harding Park inline skating rink replacement $100,000.
• City of Grand Ledge (Eaton County) Americans with Disabilities Act observation platform development for Grand River viewing $321,100.
• Victor Township (Clinton County) Victor Township Park improvements $278,700
• Ottawa County Upper Macatawa Greenway trailhead $347,500.
• Grand Blanc Township (Genesee County) Creasey Bicentennial Park reonovation $500,000.
• City of Ann Arbor (Washtenaw County) Buhr Park outdoor ice arena improvements $500,000.
• City of Northville (Wayne County) restrooms and accessible walkways at Ford Field Park West $500,000.
• City of Ironwood (Gogebic County) Pat O’Connell Civic Center Ice Arena ice making plant 375,000.
• Chikaming Township (Berrien County) Kohn Park development project $327,700.
• Park Township (Ottawa County) Park Township Community Park restroom and parking project $500,000.
• DNR Parks and Recreation Division (Monroe County) Bartnik Boating Access Site redevelopment $2 million.

The post Michigan DNR announces support for park upgrades in 12 counties appeared first on Fishing Information Network.

Dec. 10, 2024 | Contact: Christie Bayus

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced that 14 communities will share $1,896,700 in Recreation Passport grants for local public recreation projects.

The grants awarded will fund a range of projects, including improvements at the Big Traverse Bay boating access site in Houghton County’s Schoolcraft Township, the Tate Park River Raisin Pathway Loop in the village of Clinton in Lenawee County and the Springfield Schools Memorial Park playground in the city of Springfield in Calhoun County.

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The DNR’s Recreation Passport grant program began in 2010 with the goal of boosting visitation and funding for Michigan state parks. The Recreation Passport is a $14 annual pass required for access to 103 state parks and recreation areas, more than 140 state forest campgrounds, Michigan historic sites, hundreds of boating access sites and thousands of miles of trails.

Ten percent of the proceeds from Recreation Passport sales are granted to communities across the state for development and improvement of local public recreation facilities.

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View projects recommended for funding for this year’s Recreation Passport grant awards. Counties where funded grant projects have been approved include Allegan, Benzie, Berrien, Calhoun, Gogebic, Houghton, Jackson, Lapeer, Lenawee, Oceana, Oscoda, St. Clair and Van Buren.

Selected projects were scored and selected from a field of 52 grant applications seeking a total of $6.7 million in funding.

With the announcement of this year’s recipients, the Recreation Passport grant program has awarded a total of $20.5 million statewide.

The application period for the next round of Recreation Passport grant funding opens in early 2025, with applications due April 1. Learn more about the program and application materials at Michigan.gov/DNRGrants.

Thanks to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, awarded the first construction contract for the Brandon Road Interbasin Project on November 27. The $15.5 million contract was awarded to Miami Marine Services for site preparation and riverbed rock removal for the engineered channel. Miami Marine will partner with Michels Construction, Inc. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for completion of this contract.

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Protecting the Great Lakes from the threat of invasive carp has bipartisan support in Michigan, with Gov. Whitmer pledging $64 million to match a $50 million commitment from Illinois, unlocking $274 million in federal funds for the project.

Michigan has participated in discussions and feasibility studies on how to best protect the Great Lakes for more than 10 years and previously contributed $8 million in support of the nonfederal funding for the planning, engineering and design phase of this project.

Brandon Road Lock and Dam near Joliet, Illinois, was identified as the critical pinch point where layered technologies could be used to stop invasive carp populations from moving into the Great Lakes.

Invasive carp can grow up to 60 pounds, eating 40% of their body weight each day. Each female can produce 1 million eggs. Given their high reproduction and consumption rates, it would take as few as ten female and ten male carp crossing into the Great Lakes to establish a population.

If established, invasive carp could outcompete native species and greatly harm the ecology and economy of the entire Great Lakes region, including rivers and inland lakes, and its $20 billion fishing and boating industries.

Thanks to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources

The post Michigan applauds award of first construction contract for Brandon Road Interbasin Project appeared first on Fishing Information Network.

One important avenue for this input is at meetings of the public bodies that advise the DNR and, in some cases, also set policies for natural and cultural resource management. Frequently check the DNR boards, commissions, committees and councils webpage for updates.

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March Meetings

• Accessibility Advisory Council – Tuesday, March 7, 9 a.m. (Contact: Mike Holsinger, 517-284-5946).
• Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee – Thursday, March 16, 9 a.m. (Contact: Barbara Graves, 517-284-6135).
• Board of Foresters – Thursday, March 16, 9 a.m. (Contact: Brenda Haskill, 989-370-9557).
• Lake Erie/St. Clair Citizens Fishery Advisory Committee – Thursday March 23, 10 a.m. (Contact: Jim Francis, 517-242-3593).
• Michigan Freedom Trail Commission – Friday, March 31, 11 a.m. (Contact: Sheri Giffin, 517-231-1299).
• Michigan Iron Industry Museum Advisory Board – Tuesday, March 14, 3 p.m. (Contact: Barry James, 906-475-7857).
• Michigan Natural Resources Commission – Thursday, March. 9, 8 a.m. coffee with commissioners; 9 a.m. meeting (Contact: Jennifer Callen, 517-331-7792).
• Michigan Wildlife Council – Monday, March 6, 9 a.m. and Wednesday, March 22, 9 a.m. (Contact: Pam Vance, 517-284-6056).
• Off-road Vehicle Advisory Workgroup – Thursday, March 16, 2 p.m. (Contact: Jessica Holley-Roehrs, 517-331-3790).
• Snowmobile Advisory Workgroup – Thursday, March 2, 10 a.m. (Contact: Anna Centofanti, 517-331-6219).
• State Historical Records Advisory Board – Wednesday, March 8, 1 p.m. (Contact: Sheri Giffin, 517-231-1299).
• Timber and Forest Products Advisory Council – Friday, March 24, 10 a.m. (Contact: Kimberley Korbecki, 517-582-3220 or 517-284-5876).
• Trails Advisory Council – Thursday, March 23, 1 p.m. (Contact: Anna Centofanti, 517-331-6219).
• Western Upper Peninsula Citizens Advisory Council – Tuesday, March 21, 6 p.m. EDT (Contact: Stacy Welling Haughey, 906-226-1331).

The post March DNR Meetings: Land Review, Fisheries, Wildlife, Parks and more appeared first on Fishing Information Network.

In an effort to complete critical work ahead of the spring boating season, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will have dredging work done, starting Monday, March 15, at the West Houghton Lake and South Houghton Lake boating access sites in Roscommon County.

The west site (located in Lake Township) and the south site (located in Denton Township) will have their lagoons dredged to allow for the safe passage of boat traffic into and out of Houghton Lake. Because the dredging will create unsafe/unstable ice conditions around the boating access sites, the public is warned to stay away from the sites until work is completed. DNR project managers expect the dredging to be finished in about two weeks.

Anyone wanting to access Houghton Lake for ice fishing is encouraged to use the East Houghton Lake boating access site on the east side of the lake in Markey Township (with a mappable address of 3455 East Houghton Lake Drive, Houghton Lake, 48629).

“The dredges at the lagoons at the West Houghton Lake and South Houghton Lake boating access site are much needed at this time,” said Josh Pellow, manager at North Higgins Lake State Park. “The current sand buildup, especially at the west site, made it very difficult this past fall for people to get watercraft in or out of the lagoons. Our No. 1 goal is to provide safe access for boaters on Houghton Lake.”

People planning to visit either of these affected boating access sites is encouraged to regularly visit Michigan.gov/DNRClosures to view any possible changes to the reopening date. Additional information on other closures and trail detours in DNR facilities, including state trails, boat launches, parks and campgrounds, also are listed on this page.

This dredging project is funded through the Michigan State Waterways Fund. The restricted fund, which is derived from boat registration fees and the Michigan marine fuel tax, helps fund the construction, operation and maintenance of public recreational boating facilities.

For more information on the project, contact Josh Pellow at 989-273-7021 or PellowJ@Michigan.gov. Additional information on boating resources and opportunities is available at Michigan.gov/Boating.

The post West Houghton Lake & South Houghton Lake appeared first on Fishing Information Network.

“We set out to carefully evaluate the more than 15,500 acres that are prescribed for review in these 10 counties, and then either retain them as important to the DNR mission, protect them through conservation partners, use them to trade to consolidate state ownership, or make them available for sale to the public through auction,” said Scott Whitcomb, DNR senior adviser for wildlife and public lands.

“It’s a long-term, detailed process that helps ensure the DNR is focused on the lands with the greatest conservation, recreation and resource management potential on behalf of the residents of Michigan,” Whitcomb said. “Now that the review is complete for this first group of counties, the next important step is to hear from the public – the people who know these local areas and use them in a variety of ways – about their ideas on the initial recommendations.”

The classification label for each parcel may be based, in part, on the natural or cultural resources present on the land; how the land is used, accessed or managed; and whether the land contributes to the DNR’s mission. The DNR’s initial recommended classifications break down as follows: retain (73.7%), offer to alternate conservation partner (6.8%), exchange (1.1%) or dispose (18.4%).

Use the interactive map to see DNR recommendations and submit your comments.

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While anglers prepare their gear and equipment for spring fishing, there’s another key thing to remember: a 2021 fishing license! The new license sales begin today for the season kicking off April 1. Michigan’s annual fishing license is valid from March 1 of a given year through March 31 the following year. Purchase licenses online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses.

License options include:

• Annual all-species resident: $26.
• Annual all-species nonresident: $76.
• Annual all-species senior: $11 (65 and older or legally blind, Michigan residents only).
• Annual all-species youth: $2 (voluntary license for residents or nonresidents under the age of 17).
• Daily all-species resident or nonresident: $10/day (you set the date/time for license to start).

Michigan law requires people 17 or older to purchase a fishing license before fishing in public waters. Those under 17 may fish without a license but must observe all fishing rules and regulations.

New this year: Anglers 16 or younger can purchase a voluntary youth all-species license. Any adult actively assisting a youth angler must have a fishing license.

New to fishing? Check out our how-to videos for safety and fishing tips at Michigan.gov/HowToFish.

For more information on licenses and regulation changes, check out the Michigan Fishing Guide – available at license retailers or online at Michigan.gov/DNRDigests. The 2021 guide will be available online April 1 and will be valid through March 31, 2022. The online version of the current guide is always up to date and available to download.

The post Michigan DNR News – 2021 Fishing Season appeared first on Fishing Information Network.

If you’re headed out fishing, please do your part to keep yourself and others safe by following COVID-19 public health and safety guidelines. Go fishing only if you’re feeling well. Practice proper social distancing (at least 6 feet away from people who don’t live in your household) and keep a face covering handy for when social distancing cannot be maintained. Frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water, or use hand sanitizer.

Ice fishing has taken off in the northern sections of the state. Those getting out on inland lakes to the north are getting bluegills and pike. The southern half of the Lower Peninsula had no safe ice yet.

All anglers 17 years of age and older are required to have a fishing license.

Southeast Lower Peninsula

There is no safe ice in this area, as most of the inland lakes are partially open or have skim ice only.

Lake Erie: Boat anglers continue to catch walleye, including some limits. The action was good for those using color bandits in and around Brest Bay.

Lake St. Clair: Skim ice has formed in the marinas, canals and back waters, but there is no fishable ice. There are no docks at the state launches. Boat anglers are still using Harley Ensign, which has open water, and Blossom Heath when breaking through skim ice. The Selfridge launch is iced in with thin ice. The few boat anglers out are targeting walleye, musky and yellow perch. Those fishing off the docks did well for panfish.

St. Clair River: Some of the best action was walleye fishing in the upper river. Many were vertical jigging.

Saginaw Bay: Had almost no fishing activity, as ice conditions are not good. Whites Beach and Pinconning had only a couple inches, which was spotty at best. Off Linwood, the only activity was in the marina, but no fish were caught. Anglers were fishing in shallow water between Sebewaing and Port Austin; however, ice conditions vary so anglers need to use extreme caution. Catch rates were poor.

Saginaw River: Had almost no anglers, as areas had either thin ice or open water.  The boat launches are iced in, and areas on the lower river were 75% ice-covered. Upstream toward Saginaw had shore ice with open water in the middle. In Saginaw, it was open water; however, the launches were iced in and not usable at this point.

Tittabawassee River: There is a lot of ice jammed up in several places from the Tittabawassee Road Bridge downstream, making fishing difficult to impossible. From the Caldwell launch upstream is relatively open and ice-free. Conditions change all the time, and the ice could bust loose and open the river up at any time.

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Southwest Lower Peninsula

Inland lakes in the area have snow on top of thin ice and will need more time before anglers can get out. Boats are fishing the bigger rivers for steelhead, but launches are starting to ice up, making it more difficult.

St. Joseph: A couple pier anglers were out targeting steelhead. When they can get out, boat anglers were fishing close to shore.

Grand River near Grand Rapids: Anglers are still getting some steelhead on spawn or when floating a jig tipped with a wax worm.

Rogue River: Is also producing some steelhead in the lower river. Most are using a jig with a wax worm.

Muskegon River: Continues to produce some steelhead and pike.

White River: Those fishing down near the mouth caught a couple steelhead.

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Northeast Lower Peninsula

Montmorency County: McCormick Lake had open water over half of the lake and just a couple inches of ice at the boat launch. Those using tip-ups and slammer rods with minnows in shallow water caught a couple small brown trout and rainbow trout. East Twin Lake was producing small perch.

Fletchers Pond: Has ice near the public access site; however, avoid the pressure cracks and use extreme caution as ice thickness is variable. Anglers were targeting pike with tip-ups and panfish with small jigs tipped with wax worms or spikes, though the panfish bite was slow. Largemouth bass were caught and released on tip-ups.

Higgins Lake: The south end had thin ice only, no safe ice yet. The north end had open water. No anglers have been out.

Houghton Lake: Ice fishing is going strong; however, anglers should stay clear of any inlets and outlets and the western part of the East Bay and avoid crossing any pressure cracks. Anglers are getting lots of small perch along with a few keepers. Bluegills were caught when fishing multiple holes to find schools of fish around the weed beds. Most are using tear drops with mousies, wax worms and spikes. The best walleye bite was in the early morning. Pike were more active early morning and at night.

Lake St. Helen: Anglers are ice fishing, though caution needs to be used near any inlets or outlets where snowmobiles have gone through. Those fishing have caught a few walleye, crappie and pike.

Tawas: A few boats going out of the Tawas River were trolling and jigging for walleye in 20 to 30 feet. Those trolling body baits were getting a few fish down towards Alabaster.  Ice conditions off Access Road near Jerry’s Marina are very sketchy at best, and extreme caution needs to be used. A few walleye anglers using jigs tipped with minnows in 7 to 10 feet caught a couple keepers, but most were too small.

Au Gres: Those fishing Northport Marina reported good pike fishing when using tip-ups.  Pike were also caught inside Eagle Bay Marina. A few perch anglers were reported off Palmer Road, but no reports of any fish caught.

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Northwest Lower Peninsula

While some lakes had enough ice for anglers to start getting out, apparently the ice is not safe on all the lakes in the area.

Manistee Lake: In Kalkaska County had a few anglers out fishing.

Lake Missaukee: Had ice anglers targeting panfish and pike.

Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell: Ice fishing is going full bore on both lakes. Anglers have caught panfish, pike and a couple walleye.

Manistee River: Not many anglers were out, but those braving the cold were rewarded with the occasional steelhead.

Hamlin Lake: Had a few anglers; however, extreme caution needs to be used as ice thickness is very inconsistent.

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Upper Peninsula

Dickinson County: Inland lakes in the area have ice and had some slush after a warm, sunny day. Anglers are targeting pike and panfish.

Manistique River: Had a fair number of steelhead.

Munuscong Bay: Had ice suitable for walking on near the shoreline, allowing anglers to get out and catch decent numbers of perch.

Cedarville and Hessel: Had the occasional angler fishing around the Les Cheneaux Islands; however, ice thickness is not uniform or stable. A few perch were caught off the bottom in Hessel Bay when jigging wax worms. The south side of Musky Bay is open water.

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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources continues its partnership with the Outdoor Channel on production of the 2021 season of its television series “Wardens.”

New episodes air on the Outdoor Channel every Monday at 8:30 p.m., Tuesday at 2:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. The show also continues to be available on Negaunee-based station WLUC Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

Focusing on ice fishing, bear hunting, opening day of firearm deer hunting season and more, the episodes will showcase the law enforcement work of DNR conservation officers, as well as the science behind the DNR’s natural resources management efforts.

“Since the show began filming in Michigan in 2017, 39 episodes have aired and viewership is over 28 million!” said David Haupt, analyst in the DNR’s Gladwin Field Office who helps coordinate production. “We’re excited to continue offering people a closer look at what the DNR does to take care of Michigan’s natural and cultural resources.”
Michigan-based Wolf Creek Productions is filming episodes at locations around the state with conservation officers and staff members from other DNR divisions who will be featured throughout the season.

On the air since 2011, “Wardens” chronicles the lives of conservation officers in America. To learn more about the show, visit OutdoorChannel.com/Wardens.

Michigan conservation officers are fully commissioned state peace officers who provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety and protect citizens by providing general law enforcement duties and lifesaving operations in the communities they serve. To learn more about their work, visit Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficer.

Contact: David Haupt, 989-426-9205, ext. 226-7614

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