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.

…

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).

The post History, trails, forestry and more on the agenda for DNR’s January meetings appeared first on Fishing Information Network.

“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.”

…

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.

…

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.

…

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

The post Michigan DNR approves nearly $1.9 million in recreation grants appeared first on Fishing Information Network.

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.

…

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.

The Professional Tactics & How-To Techniques of Walleye Fishing & Fishing Incredible Lake Erie

Walleye Wisdom XI is set!  LOTS of raffles & fantastic prizes donated by our awesome sponsors. Several vendors on site with great deals on fishing and boating gear. Get ready for an action packed day of expert walleye fishing info, good food, and supporting a great charity. ONLY 150 TICKETS AVAILABLE. Reserve your tickets today!

Hosted by professional walleye anglers & Vic’s Sports Center Pro Staff Captains Gary Zart,  Nicholas Zart, Ryan Buddie, Scott Geitgey & Mike Knippenberg.

The post 2024 Walleye Wisdom XI appeared first on Fishing Information Network.

Brandon Risner leads the league with a 11.52# shore giant and Ryan Buddie and the girls take the Off Shore Tackle Company #BrawlBoardMeeting photo contest.

The post 2023 Fall Brawl – Week 5 Winner appeared first on Fishing Information Network.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that the 11^th annual Great Hudson River Estuary Fish Count will take place at multiple sites along the banks and piers of the Hudson River on Saturday, August 6, 2022.

“The annual fish count event provides a great opportunity for New Yorkers and visitors to get outdoors or go online and learn about the many fish species that live and thrive in the Hudson River,” Commissioner Seggos said. “With sites from New York Harbor to Waterford, there are many places for young and old alike to participate in this year’s event.”

New Yorkers from the Capital Region to New York City are invited to explore the variety of creatures usually hidden below the river’s surface. Fresh upriver, and salty at New York City, the Hudson River Estuary and watershed are home to more than 200 fish species, including several that migrate into the river from the Atlantic Ocean each spring to spawn.

Eleven sites will offer in-person opportunities for the public and two will live stream the fish count on DEC’s Facebook Live at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Read the entire newsletter here.

The post DEC to Host 11th Annual Great Hudson River Fish Count on August 6 appeared first on Fishing Information Network.

Fifty-one years and counting, and this year – as Michigan residents still seek out safe, socially distant relief from the COVID-19 pandemic – it may be more important than ever to recognize Earth Day and the value of healthy, abundant, public outdoor spaces.

While people around the world will recognize Earth Day on Thursday, April 22, in ways big and small, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is taking the opportunity to highlight yet another reason to celebrate: the department’s centennial anniversary. The DNR’s forerunner, the Department of Conservation, was established in 1921 (March 30, 1921, to be exact).

“We are blessed in Michigan with fresh water, thriving forests, and diverse fish and wildlife populations,” said DNR Director Dan Eichinger. “These unmatched resources not only provide the backdrop for year-round outdoor recreation adventures, they also contribute in a big way to local, regional and state economies.

“During this, our centennial year, and on Earth Day, in particular, it makes sense to shine a light on the many ways residents can lend their energy, action and voice to conservation and volunteer efforts that serve and protect our natural resources. We also want to offer ideas and opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors, explore new recreation pursuits and learn a little more about the history of our department and many partners.”

Here are a few ways to get started:

Enjoy a conversation on the shared history of the DNR and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. How is the modern environmental movement in Michigan rooted in the concerns of early hunters and fishers? What are the big environmental and conservation issues that will face us in the next 100 years? Hear Eichinger, EGLE Director Liesl Clark and author Dave Dempsey talk about conservation, environmentalism and why it all matters to you. Look for it on the DNR Facebook page on Earth Day.

Explore the DNR centennial webpage, where you’ll find an interactive timeline and story map capturing conservation milestones and accomplishments, 100 ways to explore and enjoy Michigan’s natural and cultural resources, and a variety of Showcasing the DNR stories (including an Earth Day-themed one coming out Thursday) that capture interesting chapters of department history.

Make a difference. There are many ways to take action to protect the outdoor places you love. Clean up a forest dump site. Help clear out invasive plant species at your favorite state park. Practice the “leave no trace” ethic every time you visit the outdoors. Be a campground, harbor or lighthouse host. Participate in meetings where important resource decisions are made. Visit Michigan.gov/DNRVolunteers and get inspired to get involved!

The post Reasons to celebrate Earth Day every day appeared first on Fishing Information Network.

The switch is designed to stop the engine of an inboard, I/O or outboard powered boat instantly in the event an operator is accidentally removed from the controls. Some are built into the throttle controls, and some are mounted separately. Most include a lanyard fork which holds a plunger of the switch in position to allow engine operation. A lanyard extends from the fork and is connected to the operator. Should the operator fall overboard or move away from the controls, the fork is pulled free, releasing the plunger and stopping the engine.

“On April 1, 2021 a new federal law goes into effect that requires the operator of a boat with an installed Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS) to use the ECOS link. The link is usually a coiled bungee cord lanyard clipped onto the operator’s person, Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or clothing and the other end attached to the cut-off switch, but there are plenty of variations on the market, including electronic wireless devices. The law applies on all “Navigable Waters of the US”.”

For the FAQ on this new 2021 law, click here.

The post USCG to Enforce Engine Kill-Switch Law – Effective 4/1/21 appeared first on Fishing Information Network.