Mark Lentz tosses back a walleye that turned up in a Serafin Fishery net in Saginaw Bay. As whitefish numbers decline in the Great Lakes, some commercial fishers argue they should be able to keep the walleye that swim into their nets.
(Ed. Note: This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. Visit the newsroom online: bridgemi.com.)
By Kelly House
Bridge Michigan
With Great Lakes whitefish in steep decline, should Michigan cast a lifeline to commercial fishers and allow them to catch other species?
That was the subject of debate May 20, as the state House Natural Resources and Tourism Committee took up a pair of bills that would overhaul the state’s commercial fishing regulations.
The biggest change would open access lake trout and walleye that are currently off-limits to most state-licensed commercial fishers.
Lake whitefish are the livelihood of Michigan’s struggling commercial industry, and they’re vanishing because invasive mussels siphon their main food source. Catches have plunged 70% since 2009.
“If something’s not done, we’re all going to go away in the next five or 10 years,” said Dana Serafin, a commercial fisherman out of Pinconning.
The proposition faces opposition from recreational fishers who vastly outnumber commercial ones: There are 1.2 million recreational fishing licenses in Michigan, with a collective economic impact of about $4 billion, while the state’s commercial fleet has dwindled to just a handful of boats bringing in a few million-dollars’ worth of fish.
In a letter, the Michigan Anglers Consortium contended commercial fishing would “introduce industrial-scale harvest pressure on species whose populations remain fragile.”
The Department of Natural Resources also opposes the bills, predicting they would invite lawsuits and increase tensions.
“These attempts at (a) wholesale rewrite of the entire commercial fishing statute (are) accomplishing one thing,” said Randy Claramount, the state’s fisheries chief. “It’s deepening the divide between recreational and commercial fishers.”
Both sides agree regulations are outdated. Many were written decades ago, when overfishing and invasive lamprey were the top concerns and the mussel crisis had not yet begun.
“Temporary rules became permanent policy while the lakes changed, the science changed, the economy changed,” said Rep. Jason Morgan, D-Ann Arbor, a chief sponsor of the legislation.
Fishing access in the Great Lakes is controlled by a web of state law, policy and court settlements that divide access between recreational anglers, tribal anglers and state-regulated commercial fishers.
For the most part, commercial operations get the whitefish, recreational ones get the salmon and tribes and recreational anglers share the lake trout.
Lawmakers appeared divided on the legislation, with some criticizing the DNR’s current management tactics and others expressing concern about how the bills would affect the agency’s budget.
Rep. David Preston, R-Cedar River and a cosponsor of the legislation, described the hearing as the start of a prolonged conversation about the future of fisheries.
“We’re going to solve this,” Prestin said, adding that “I’ve got a room full of people that love fish, and we’re talking about fishing.”
By Kelly House
Bridge Michigan
With Great Lakes whitefish in steep decline, should Michigan cast a lifeline to commercial fishers and allow them to catch other species?
That was the subject of debate May 20, as the state House Natural Resources and Tourism Committee took up a pair of bills that would overhaul the state’s commercial fishing regulations.
The biggest change would open access lake trout and walleye that are currently off-limits to most state-licensed commercial fishers.
Lake whitefish are the livelihood of Michigan’s struggling commercial industry, and they’re vanishing because invasive mussels siphon their main food source. Catches have plunged 70% since 2009.
“If something’s not done, we’re all going to go away in the next five or 10 years,” said Dana Serafin, a commercial fisherman out of Pinconning.
The proposition faces opposition from recreational fishers who vastly outnumber commercial ones: There are 1.2 million recreational fishing licenses in Michigan, with a collective economic impact of about $4 billion, while the state’s commercial fleet has dwindled to just a handful of boats bringing in a few million-dollars’ worth of fish.
In a letter, the Michigan Anglers Consortium contended commercial fishing would “introduce industrial-scale harvest pressure on species whose populations remain fragile.”
The Department of Natural Resources also opposes the bills, predicting they would invite lawsuits and increase tensions.
“These attempts at (a) wholesale rewrite of the entire commercial fishing statute (are) accomplishing one thing,” said Randy Claramount, the state’s fisheries chief. “It’s deepening the divide between recreational and commercial fishers.”
Both sides agree regulations are outdated. Many were written decades ago, when overfishing and invasive lamprey were the top concerns and the mussel crisis had not yet begun.
“Temporary rules became permanent policy while the lakes changed, the science changed, the economy changed,” said Rep. Jason Morgan, D-Ann Arbor, a chief sponsor of the legislation.
Fishing access in the Great Lakes is controlled by a web of state law, policy and court settlements that divide access between recreational anglers, tribal anglers and state-regulated commercial fishers.
For the most part, commercial operations get the whitefish, recreational ones get the salmon and tribes and recreational anglers share the lake trout.
Lawmakers appeared divided on the legislation, with some criticizing the DNR’s current management tactics and others expressing concern about how the bills would affect the agency’s budget.
Rep. David Preston, R-Cedar River and a cosponsor of the legislation, described the hearing as the start of a prolonged conversation about the future of fisheries.
“We’re going to solve this,” Prestin said, adding that “I’ve got a room full of people that love fish, and we’re talking about fishing.”
Bluegills on the Beds
Caleb shows off a bluegill he just caught.
By Jack Payne
Birds were chirping, and the voices of kids in play were heard. One moment, my bobber was there; the next time I looked, it was gone. Luckily for me, the bluegill did not spit out the bait.
Countless bluegills have fallen to a properly set-up bobber rig. Many youngsters had their first fishing experience with a bobber, and most likely it was a bluegill.
Locating spawning bluegill is perhaps 90 percent of the game. We cruise the shoreline, staying maybe 80 feet out. We use the side-scan transducer to search for areas that look like overlapping moon craters.
Bluegill beds will overlap, looking like a dinner plate. These beds can also be spotted while cruising the shoreline using your polarized sunglasses.
Lily pads hold plenty of bluegills, and on some lakes, they are the best spot. Lily pads are not my first choice, but on lakes with mud or muck and no sand, give the pads a chance.
Bluegills are not overly picky eaters. Worms, wax worms, or spikes will suffice. A properly balanced bobber will be at least 60 percent submerged. Use just enough split shots to balance the float.
Some anglers use a plain hook, others a teardrop. We opt for a teardrop with a size ten hook, our favorite. Tipping it with a wax worm reduces the number of bait-stealing fish. A small, dainty presentation is often inhaled.
A few dedicated anglers I know enjoy using a split-shot rig. With a split shot rig, a small hook or teardrop is used along with one split shot. Anglers cast this rig out, let it sink to the bottom, and then reel it in, maybe four inches at a time. An enjoyable way to fish.
Bluegills and fly rods go hand in hand. No fish offers a new fly angler a better opportunity at success than the bluegill. There was one trip where the fly line wrapped around me as if I was trying to become a mummy.
My favorite fly is either the old plain foam spider or the Bully Spider. The Bully Spider slowly sinks while the foam spider floats. Both re inexpensive to buy or super easy to tie yourself.
Pop, pop, pop, or maybe it's a gurgle, gurgle, gurgle sound. Regardless of the exact noise, a popper does just that. It makes a noise and a disturbance on the surface. And bluegills love it.
As good as the aforementioned fly baits are, a friend of mine makes a living, or at least way more than his share of bluegills using nothing more than a Black Gnat fly. He also uses a 2-weight fly rod.
These baits are so good that I use them year-round, with or without a fly rod. On the beds or in deep water, these fly baits really shine. You can use them under a float when the fish are on the beds.
The real Bully Spider is wrapped with a few strands of wire. It will slowly sink. The Black Gnat and the regular foam spider work great when a small split shot is added. So, you can fish these baits with a fly rod or without.
The mini two-hook spinner rig might be my favorite bluegill bait. I love casting, and with this mini worm harness spinner rig, you can fish it from a foot of water to over 30 feet for suspended fish.
When the bluegill are in the shallows, we cast this eight-harness spinner rig with no additional weight. Cast it out, close your reel, and let it slowly sink down.
Then start a slow retrieve and be prepared for a hard tap. The gills will slam this bait. One suggestion: do not use the skinny red worms; instead, look for a fat garden worm. My first choice is the Belgium worm.
Fishing the beds or shallow water is fun. Lots of action, easy to master, perfect for a family outing or for taking a first-timer out. If you like the thought of a fly rod for trout, try bluegills on a light-weight fly rod. And remember to stop by Bob's Gun and Tackle Shop.
Birds were chirping, and the voices of kids in play were heard. One moment, my bobber was there; the next time I looked, it was gone. Luckily for me, the bluegill did not spit out the bait.
Countless bluegills have fallen to a properly set-up bobber rig. Many youngsters had their first fishing experience with a bobber, and most likely it was a bluegill.
Locating spawning bluegill is perhaps 90 percent of the game. We cruise the shoreline, staying maybe 80 feet out. We use the side-scan transducer to search for areas that look like overlapping moon craters.
Bluegill beds will overlap, looking like a dinner plate. These beds can also be spotted while cruising the shoreline using your polarized sunglasses.
Lily pads hold plenty of bluegills, and on some lakes, they are the best spot. Lily pads are not my first choice, but on lakes with mud or muck and no sand, give the pads a chance.
Bluegills are not overly picky eaters. Worms, wax worms, or spikes will suffice. A properly balanced bobber will be at least 60 percent submerged. Use just enough split shots to balance the float.
Some anglers use a plain hook, others a teardrop. We opt for a teardrop with a size ten hook, our favorite. Tipping it with a wax worm reduces the number of bait-stealing fish. A small, dainty presentation is often inhaled.
A few dedicated anglers I know enjoy using a split-shot rig. With a split shot rig, a small hook or teardrop is used along with one split shot. Anglers cast this rig out, let it sink to the bottom, and then reel it in, maybe four inches at a time. An enjoyable way to fish.
Bluegills and fly rods go hand in hand. No fish offers a new fly angler a better opportunity at success than the bluegill. There was one trip where the fly line wrapped around me as if I was trying to become a mummy.
My favorite fly is either the old plain foam spider or the Bully Spider. The Bully Spider slowly sinks while the foam spider floats. Both re inexpensive to buy or super easy to tie yourself.
Pop, pop, pop, or maybe it's a gurgle, gurgle, gurgle sound. Regardless of the exact noise, a popper does just that. It makes a noise and a disturbance on the surface. And bluegills love it.
As good as the aforementioned fly baits are, a friend of mine makes a living, or at least way more than his share of bluegills using nothing more than a Black Gnat fly. He also uses a 2-weight fly rod.
These baits are so good that I use them year-round, with or without a fly rod. On the beds or in deep water, these fly baits really shine. You can use them under a float when the fish are on the beds.
The real Bully Spider is wrapped with a few strands of wire. It will slowly sink. The Black Gnat and the regular foam spider work great when a small split shot is added. So, you can fish these baits with a fly rod or without.
The mini two-hook spinner rig might be my favorite bluegill bait. I love casting, and with this mini worm harness spinner rig, you can fish it from a foot of water to over 30 feet for suspended fish.
When the bluegill are in the shallows, we cast this eight-harness spinner rig with no additional weight. Cast it out, close your reel, and let it slowly sink down.
Then start a slow retrieve and be prepared for a hard tap. The gills will slam this bait. One suggestion: do not use the skinny red worms; instead, look for a fat garden worm. My first choice is the Belgium worm.
Fishing the beds or shallow water is fun. Lots of action, easy to master, perfect for a family outing or for taking a first-timer out. If you like the thought of a fly rod for trout, try bluegills on a light-weight fly rod. And remember to stop by Bob's Gun and Tackle Shop.
Motor Vehicle Permits Now Required at Ottawa County Lakeshore Parks
With the passage of the Memorial Day weekend, motor vehicle permits are now required at Ottawa County lakeshore parks, as well as the Riverside Park boat launch, through Labor Day.
Permits are required at the following locations:
• North Beach Park
• Olive Shores
• Kirk Park
• Rosy Mound Natural Area
• Kouw Park
• Windsnest Park
• Riverside Park boat launch
Annual permits are $25 and daily permits are $8. Discounted annual permits are available to Ottawa County residents, including additional discounts for resident seniors (60+), resident U.S. military members (including active duty and veterans), and Port Sheldon Township residents (subsidized by the Township).
To receive a discounted permit, purchases must be made online or at an Ottawa County Parks office. Discounts are not available at park pay stations.
“Motor vehicle permits help support the operation, maintenance, and care of Ottawa County parks and beaches during our busiest season of the year,” said Jason Boerger, coordinator of park operations and maintenance with Ottawa County Parks & Recreation. “We encourage Ottawa County residents to purchase their permits online or at our office to take advantage of available discounts.”
Active Bridge Card holders in Michigan are eligible to receive one free Ottawa County Parks annual motor vehicle permit per household. To receive a coupon code, inquire inside the DHHS office or call (616) 394-7200 and press "0" to speak with an operator.
—————
How to Purchase
• Online: Purchase from your phone or computer.
• On-Site: Pay stations are available at all lakeshore beach parks and the Riverside Park Boat Launch.
• At Parks Offices: Permits are available for purchase during business hours at the Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing or the administrative office at the Fillmore Complex. You will need to provide the
license plate number for each vehicle being registered, as well as your address and date of birth.
Find pricing, FAQs, and purchase permits at miottawa.org/parks/fees.
Permits are required at the following locations:
• North Beach Park
• Olive Shores
• Kirk Park
• Rosy Mound Natural Area
• Kouw Park
• Windsnest Park
• Riverside Park boat launch
Annual permits are $25 and daily permits are $8. Discounted annual permits are available to Ottawa County residents, including additional discounts for resident seniors (60+), resident U.S. military members (including active duty and veterans), and Port Sheldon Township residents (subsidized by the Township).
To receive a discounted permit, purchases must be made online or at an Ottawa County Parks office. Discounts are not available at park pay stations.
“Motor vehicle permits help support the operation, maintenance, and care of Ottawa County parks and beaches during our busiest season of the year,” said Jason Boerger, coordinator of park operations and maintenance with Ottawa County Parks & Recreation. “We encourage Ottawa County residents to purchase their permits online or at our office to take advantage of available discounts.”
Active Bridge Card holders in Michigan are eligible to receive one free Ottawa County Parks annual motor vehicle permit per household. To receive a coupon code, inquire inside the DHHS office or call (616) 394-7200 and press "0" to speak with an operator.
—————
How to Purchase
• Online: Purchase from your phone or computer.
• On-Site: Pay stations are available at all lakeshore beach parks and the Riverside Park Boat Launch.
• At Parks Offices: Permits are available for purchase during business hours at the Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing or the administrative office at the Fillmore Complex. You will need to provide the
license plate number for each vehicle being registered, as well as your address and date of birth.
Find pricing, FAQs, and purchase permits at miottawa.org/parks/fees.
Outdoor Truths: Plan B
By Gary Miller
It was the last few days of the season, and this gobbler had outwitted me for days.
He roosted in the same place nearly every night. Almost every morning he would let me know he was there. And in turn I would let him know I was there too, even though I would hide my true identity with a soft cluck, purr, or yelp.
Because he was older, he never got out of character. After all, it was the hen’s obligation to come to where he was. Therefore, he never moved from his area. He would gobble on the roost, fly down, then gobble and strut until the hen joined him.
This particular morning, I decided to push the envelope and get as close as possible, knowing that I might get too close and be seen either by him or a hen. I was hoping the new spring foliage would block my movement. It did.
And there I sat, as close as I had ever set up to him before. He gobbled. I purred. Then another hen decided that she was not going to let me have any chance at her man. So, for the next several minutes, she made every sound a turkey can make. And every time she did, my tom would respond.
I tried to compete, but I knew she would eventually fly down and go straight to him. Sure enough, down she came only about 50 yards in front of me and went directly to where he was waiting. My plan was thwarted again.
As I sat there, analyzing what just happened, I remembered that I knew where they were going. I knew where he was leading her. I switched to Plan B. I knew the small farm road behind me would lead around a steep corner to where they would be.
And sure enough, as I made the turn, I could see them just over a small rise. As the hen made her way up the hill to my right, the tom began to follow in full strut and pursuit. I raised my gun and dropped him about 40 yards away.
Those are actually the kinds of hunts that are not only the most enjoyable, but also the most memorable.
When I think about it, most of my plans are of the B sort. Rarely do things happen as I originally plan. Rarely do situations and circumstances go as I predict. And people’s responses are not always what I expect.
The truth is, life rarely follows Plan A. Solomon put it this way: “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
What he is saying is this: it is good to make plans, but success is not in the plans. It’s in the direction that comes from God, which might come from Plan B. And Plan B with God will always be the most memorable – and the most successful.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 23 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoor truths.org.
It was the last few days of the season, and this gobbler had outwitted me for days.
He roosted in the same place nearly every night. Almost every morning he would let me know he was there. And in turn I would let him know I was there too, even though I would hide my true identity with a soft cluck, purr, or yelp.
Because he was older, he never got out of character. After all, it was the hen’s obligation to come to where he was. Therefore, he never moved from his area. He would gobble on the roost, fly down, then gobble and strut until the hen joined him.
This particular morning, I decided to push the envelope and get as close as possible, knowing that I might get too close and be seen either by him or a hen. I was hoping the new spring foliage would block my movement. It did.
And there I sat, as close as I had ever set up to him before. He gobbled. I purred. Then another hen decided that she was not going to let me have any chance at her man. So, for the next several minutes, she made every sound a turkey can make. And every time she did, my tom would respond.
I tried to compete, but I knew she would eventually fly down and go straight to him. Sure enough, down she came only about 50 yards in front of me and went directly to where he was waiting. My plan was thwarted again.
As I sat there, analyzing what just happened, I remembered that I knew where they were going. I knew where he was leading her. I switched to Plan B. I knew the small farm road behind me would lead around a steep corner to where they would be.
And sure enough, as I made the turn, I could see them just over a small rise. As the hen made her way up the hill to my right, the tom began to follow in full strut and pursuit. I raised my gun and dropped him about 40 yards away.
Those are actually the kinds of hunts that are not only the most enjoyable, but also the most memorable.
When I think about it, most of my plans are of the B sort. Rarely do things happen as I originally plan. Rarely do situations and circumstances go as I predict. And people’s responses are not always what I expect.
The truth is, life rarely follows Plan A. Solomon put it this way: “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
What he is saying is this: it is good to make plans, but success is not in the plans. It’s in the direction that comes from God, which might come from Plan B. And Plan B with God will always be the most memorable – and the most successful.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 23 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoor truths.org.
Eco-Friendly Ways to Manage Squash Bugs
Squash bugs feeding on a plant, resulting in leaf spotting.
Photo credit MelindaMyers.com
Photo credit MelindaMyers.com
By Melinda Myers
When growing pumpkins, squash, gourds and melons watch for the squash bug. Their feeding damage can cause leaf spotting, damage to the fruit and in severe cases wilting of the plant.
This insect overwinters as an adult in sheltered locations under plant debris, rocks and around buildings. The ½ to ¾-inch gray or dark brown adults emerge in spring and begin feeding, mating and laying eggs on plant members of the squash family.
Both adults and immature nymphs move quickly and shelter under the leaves during the day. Female squash bugs lay up to 200 eggs in clusters on the underside of leaves. Look for the eggs, often where the veins meet forming a V, and crush them to help manage this pest. There may be eggs, nymphs and adults on the plants at the same time so watch for and be prepared to manage all stages as needed.
Keep plants healthy as older, sturdier plants are more tolerant of their feeding. Consider growing these plants on trellises where the plant tends to be less susceptible to this pest.
Manage weeds, remove plant debris and avoid straw mulch that can provide hiding spots for squash bugs.
Trap these insects by placing boards on the ground near the plants. These insects will congregate under the boards overnight. In the morning lift the boards, collect the insects and drop them into a can of soapy water.
Grow blue Hubbard squash as a trap plant for both squash bugs and squash vine borers. Plant this squash three to four weeks prior to other members of the squash family and at the perimeter of the garden at least several feet away. Both insects prefer the blue Hubbard squash, focusing their feeding on this plant instead of desirable plants. Do continue to monitor the other squash plants as well.
Placing floating row covers over seeds and transplants at planting can help reduce the risk of both squash bugs and squash vine borer. Loosely cover the planting area and secure the row cover edges to keep these pests out. Use this method where these insects were not previously a problem. Remove the cover as soon as female flowers appear for pollination and fruit formation to occur.
Rotating plantings, if space allows, is an excellent way to reduce the risk of these and other insect pests and diseases. Crop rotation involves growing a series of unrelated crops in the same area over several years. Clean up the garden in fall by removing weeds and plant debris that can provide winter homes for this pest.
Monitor this insect and employ the appropriate eco-friendly management strategies to help ensure an abundant harvest. These efforts will be rewarded with plenty of produce to enjoy and share with others.
—————
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” streaming courses and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Her website is MelindaMyers.com.
When growing pumpkins, squash, gourds and melons watch for the squash bug. Their feeding damage can cause leaf spotting, damage to the fruit and in severe cases wilting of the plant.
This insect overwinters as an adult in sheltered locations under plant debris, rocks and around buildings. The ½ to ¾-inch gray or dark brown adults emerge in spring and begin feeding, mating and laying eggs on plant members of the squash family.
Both adults and immature nymphs move quickly and shelter under the leaves during the day. Female squash bugs lay up to 200 eggs in clusters on the underside of leaves. Look for the eggs, often where the veins meet forming a V, and crush them to help manage this pest. There may be eggs, nymphs and adults on the plants at the same time so watch for and be prepared to manage all stages as needed.
Keep plants healthy as older, sturdier plants are more tolerant of their feeding. Consider growing these plants on trellises where the plant tends to be less susceptible to this pest.
Manage weeds, remove plant debris and avoid straw mulch that can provide hiding spots for squash bugs.
Trap these insects by placing boards on the ground near the plants. These insects will congregate under the boards overnight. In the morning lift the boards, collect the insects and drop them into a can of soapy water.
Grow blue Hubbard squash as a trap plant for both squash bugs and squash vine borers. Plant this squash three to four weeks prior to other members of the squash family and at the perimeter of the garden at least several feet away. Both insects prefer the blue Hubbard squash, focusing their feeding on this plant instead of desirable plants. Do continue to monitor the other squash plants as well.
Placing floating row covers over seeds and transplants at planting can help reduce the risk of both squash bugs and squash vine borer. Loosely cover the planting area and secure the row cover edges to keep these pests out. Use this method where these insects were not previously a problem. Remove the cover as soon as female flowers appear for pollination and fruit formation to occur.
Rotating plantings, if space allows, is an excellent way to reduce the risk of these and other insect pests and diseases. Crop rotation involves growing a series of unrelated crops in the same area over several years. Clean up the garden in fall by removing weeds and plant debris that can provide winter homes for this pest.
Monitor this insect and employ the appropriate eco-friendly management strategies to help ensure an abundant harvest. These efforts will be rewarded with plenty of produce to enjoy and share with others.
—————
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” streaming courses and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Her website is MelindaMyers.com.
State: Use Safe Firewood Practices While Camping
With camping season underway, the Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural Resources are reminding residents and visitors that invasive pests and diseases can hitchhike in untreated firewood, spreading from one location to another.
More than 140 pests and plant diseases can hitch a ride in untreated firewood, traveling hundreds of miles before emerging to wreak havoc on local ecosystems. Many of these harmful pests, including hemlock woolly adelgid, Asian longhorned beetle and oak wilt are difficult to see with the naked eye, making them easy to transport unintentionally.
Once established, these pests are extremely difficult – and often impossible – to eliminate, leading to costly, long-term impacts on our environment, economy and agricultural industries.
Invasive species can:
• Threaten Michigan’s nearly $126 billion food and agriculture industry and $26 billion forest products industry.
• Kill native trees and plants and reduce biodiversity.
• Damage habitats critical for wildlife and recreational activities.
• Lead to quarantines or restrictions that affect local communities and businesses.
MDARD and DNR recommend the following solutions to avoid transporting hidden pests and help keep Michigan’s forests safe:
• Buy certified, heat-treated firewood, which is safe to transport long distances because it has been treated to eliminate invasive pests.
• Collect or purchase firewood at your destination. Firewood should never be moved more than 10 miles from where it was originally cut.
• Leave unused firewood behind. Do not take it home or to another campsite.
In addition to protecting Michigan’s natural resources from invasive pests, campers also should be mindful of general fire safety to reduce the risk of wildfires.
Simple safety tips include:
• Keep fires small and manageable.
• Build fires away from trees and low-hanging branches.
• Never leave a fire unattended, even for a minute.
• Always douse fires thoroughly with water, stir the ashes and douse again when finished.
For more information on how to prevent the spread of invasive species through firewood, visit Michigan’s Don’t Move Firewood web page at michigan.gov/dnr.
More than 140 pests and plant diseases can hitch a ride in untreated firewood, traveling hundreds of miles before emerging to wreak havoc on local ecosystems. Many of these harmful pests, including hemlock woolly adelgid, Asian longhorned beetle and oak wilt are difficult to see with the naked eye, making them easy to transport unintentionally.
Once established, these pests are extremely difficult – and often impossible – to eliminate, leading to costly, long-term impacts on our environment, economy and agricultural industries.
Invasive species can:
• Threaten Michigan’s nearly $126 billion food and agriculture industry and $26 billion forest products industry.
• Kill native trees and plants and reduce biodiversity.
• Damage habitats critical for wildlife and recreational activities.
• Lead to quarantines or restrictions that affect local communities and businesses.
MDARD and DNR recommend the following solutions to avoid transporting hidden pests and help keep Michigan’s forests safe:
• Buy certified, heat-treated firewood, which is safe to transport long distances because it has been treated to eliminate invasive pests.
• Collect or purchase firewood at your destination. Firewood should never be moved more than 10 miles from where it was originally cut.
• Leave unused firewood behind. Do not take it home or to another campsite.
In addition to protecting Michigan’s natural resources from invasive pests, campers also should be mindful of general fire safety to reduce the risk of wildfires.
Simple safety tips include:
• Keep fires small and manageable.
• Build fires away from trees and low-hanging branches.
• Never leave a fire unattended, even for a minute.
• Always douse fires thoroughly with water, stir the ashes and douse again when finished.
For more information on how to prevent the spread of invasive species through firewood, visit Michigan’s Don’t Move Firewood web page at michigan.gov/dnr.
Kellogg Station Offers Aquatic Plant Course
Learn more about Michigan's underwater forests by joining a two-day course on aquatic plant identification at the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, slated for Wednesday and Thursday, June 17-18.
Within our lakes – mostly below the surface – exists a diverse and beautiful underwater forest. There are so many shapes and sizes, from the tiny duckweed to the lush growth of large-leaf pondweed.
Some plants grow massive root systems, some float freely in the water column, and others that rest on the surface. Some are even carnivorous.
The two-day class Aquatic Plant ID course will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, and will cover identification of aquatic plant species (both native and invasive), focusing on littoral zone, or shallow water, submersed, and emergent plants.
Participants will have the opportunity to obtain a hands-on look at lake and pond species and receive professional instruction for identification and determination at the species level. The class will visit field sites in the greater Kalamazoo and Barry County area, and participants will have the opportunity to examine specimens in a laboratory setting.
The course will be led by Erick Elgin, Jo Latimore, Ph.D., and Jeremy Hartsock, Ph.D., with Michigan State University Extension and the MSU Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.
The cost to participate is $300 ($250 for Kellogg Bird Sanctuary members) and includes a copy of the field guide “Aquatic Plants of the Upper Midwest.” The registration deadline is Sunday, June 14, and is capped at 20 participants.
For more information, contact communityrelations@kbs.msu.edu.
Within our lakes – mostly below the surface – exists a diverse and beautiful underwater forest. There are so many shapes and sizes, from the tiny duckweed to the lush growth of large-leaf pondweed.
Some plants grow massive root systems, some float freely in the water column, and others that rest on the surface. Some are even carnivorous.
The two-day class Aquatic Plant ID course will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, and will cover identification of aquatic plant species (both native and invasive), focusing on littoral zone, or shallow water, submersed, and emergent plants.
Participants will have the opportunity to obtain a hands-on look at lake and pond species and receive professional instruction for identification and determination at the species level. The class will visit field sites in the greater Kalamazoo and Barry County area, and participants will have the opportunity to examine specimens in a laboratory setting.
The course will be led by Erick Elgin, Jo Latimore, Ph.D., and Jeremy Hartsock, Ph.D., with Michigan State University Extension and the MSU Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.
The cost to participate is $300 ($250 for Kellogg Bird Sanctuary members) and includes a copy of the field guide “Aquatic Plants of the Upper Midwest.” The registration deadline is Sunday, June 14, and is capped at 20 participants.
For more information, contact communityrelations@kbs.msu.edu.
