To track seedlings year by year, Michigan State University researchers place markers around their base.
(Ed. Note: This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. Visit the newsroom online: bridgemi.com.)
By Isabella Figueroa Nogueira
Bridge Michigan
The future of Michigan’s forests may be taking root beneath the trees we see today.
Every summer for the past three decades, researchers have returned to the same 12 patches of land in Michigan’s Manistee National Forest to look for some of the smallest signs of change: seedlings. They track which seedlings appear, which survive and how environmental conditions may influence the next generation of trees.
The research suggests a changing climate could benefit some species while making conditions more difficult for others, but climate is only one factor shaping Michigan’s forests. Deer browsing, invasive pests, disease and changes in forest structure could also determine which seedlings survive long enough to become mature trees.
Richard Kobe, a forest ecologist at Michigan State University, started the long-term research project in the late 1990s. Bailey McNichol, a postdoctoral scholar who worked with Kobe on the project, helped lead recent research examining how climate conditions influence the emergence of young trees.
Bridge Michigan interviewed Kobe, a forest ecologist and core faculty member in MSU’s Ecology, Evolution and Behavior program, and McNichol about the seedling census and what their research reveals about the future of Michigan’s forests. Their responses have been edited for clarity and brevity.
—————
Why focus on seedlings?
Kobe: The seedlings that are appearing now are the future big trees.
Some tree species are able to take advantage of disturbances. If a windstorm blows down trees or there’s a harvest, you can get an open area in the forest. Certain species can disperse seeds into that opening and grow quickly.
But there are many species that depend on having seedlings already established in the understory. When a large tree eventually dies, those seedlings can take advantage of the space that becomes available.
Because it can take decades for a seedling to reach the canopy, studying seedlings offers a glimpse of what Michigan’s forests may look like in the future.
—————
What have you learned from returning to the same forests for so many years?
McNichol: One thing I’ve really come to appreciate is just how sensitive seedlings are.
Most seeds that fall to the forest floor never become seedlings. They might be eaten by insects or mammals, develop a fungus or simply encounter weather and climate conditions that aren’t right for them.
Depending on the species, often 90% or more of the seedlings that initially emerge don’t make it to their one-year birthday.
Kobe: I think one surprise for me was how stable these forests seemed to be, even though there was so much turnover happening underneath.
Seedlings are constantly coming in, and they’re constantly dying. You have this ongoing process of regeneration.
Another surprise was how variable tree reproduction is from year to year. Some years, trees produce a lot of seed, and other years they produce very little.
It also seems that just a few large trees in a local area can be responsible for producing a lot of the seeds and seedlings in that area.
—————
How is climate change affecting Michigan’s forests?
Kobe: We’ve definitely seen changes in weather patterns, with rising temperatures, longer dry periods and more intense rainfall. Different tree species respond differently to those changes, so understanding which seedlings survive is just as important as knowing which ones emerge.
McNichol: Using more than two decades of data, we found that warmer conditions are likely to favor species such as red maple, black cherry, red oak and white oak, while limiting recruitment of sugar maple, American beech, basswood, white ash and black oak. That could have important ecological and economic consequences, particularly for sugar maple, which supports Michigan’s maple syrup industry.
—————
Does that mean oaks will thrive in Michigan’s future forests?
McNichol: It’s more complicated than that. While warmer conditions may favor northern red oak and white oak, deer browsing and increasingly shady forests can prevent those seedlings from reaching maturity. Some oak seedlings in our study have remained knee-high for 15 or 20 years because they’re repeatedly browsed by deer, while denser forests favor shade-tolerant species like maples over oaks.
—————
How are deer changing the way Michigan forests regenerate?
McNichol: In places where deer are abundant, they can have a huge impact on forest regeneration. In some areas, 80% to 90% of oak seedlings are browsed, compared with 10% to 20% in others. Repeated browsing can keep seedlings from growing normally, while allowing ferns — which deer don’t eat — to spread across the forest floor. Those dense fern layers make it harder for tree seedlings and other understory plants to establish, meaning deer can reshape the entire forest understory, not just individual trees.
—————
What other threats are researchers watching?
Kobe: Invasive pests and pathogens are another major concern.
The emerald ash borer, for example, has eliminated tens of millions of ash trees in Michigan.
We also have problems such as oak wilt, hemlock woolly adelgid and beech bark disease.
Many of these diseases and pests aren’t native to Michigan. They’ve been introduced from other parts of the world, and, once they become established, they can have a major impact on particular tree species.
McNichol: Drought is another concern.
If drought conditions persist, mature trees can eventually run out of water reserves. Drought stress can also make trees more vulnerable to insects and other threats.
That’s why it’s important to look at the forest as a whole. Climate, pests, disease, deer and competition between species can all interact.
A seedling might be well-suited to the future climate but still fail to survive because of another pressure.
—————
Why should Michigan residents care about what happens to these seedlings?
Kobe: Forests are central to Michigan’s recreation, economy and environment. They support wildlife, protect water quality, store carbon and provide timber that supports jobs. Understanding how forests regenerate helps ensure they’ll remain healthy for future generations.
—————
What can people do to help forests regenerate?
McNichol: For people who own land, one thing they can do is promote oak regeneration.
If oak seedlings are emerging, people can use netting or enclosures to reduce deer browsing. It’s time-consuming, but if you have a smaller property, it can give seedlings a chance to establish themselves before deer have as much of an impact.
Another option is to work with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to explore prescribed fire.
A prescribed burn can reduce dense understory vegetation and create more open conditions that allow oaks to establish.
More broadly, people can support public lands and conservation programs.
When people visit state parks, purchase recreation passes or buy hunting and fishing licenses, those activities help support conservation.
—————
What comes next for the seedling census?
Kobe: The next step is to better understand how climate affects the survival of both seedlings and mature trees. With nearly three decades of data and a wide range of weather conditions, researchers can compare years of drought and other climate patterns to see how they influence which trees survive and shape the future of Michigan’s forests.
McNichol: We’re also looking at the role of mycorrhizal fungi, which live in the soil and form relationships with tree roots. We want to understand whether those relationships influence which seedlings are more likely to survive.
By Isabella Figueroa Nogueira
Bridge Michigan
The future of Michigan’s forests may be taking root beneath the trees we see today.
Every summer for the past three decades, researchers have returned to the same 12 patches of land in Michigan’s Manistee National Forest to look for some of the smallest signs of change: seedlings. They track which seedlings appear, which survive and how environmental conditions may influence the next generation of trees.
The research suggests a changing climate could benefit some species while making conditions more difficult for others, but climate is only one factor shaping Michigan’s forests. Deer browsing, invasive pests, disease and changes in forest structure could also determine which seedlings survive long enough to become mature trees.
Richard Kobe, a forest ecologist at Michigan State University, started the long-term research project in the late 1990s. Bailey McNichol, a postdoctoral scholar who worked with Kobe on the project, helped lead recent research examining how climate conditions influence the emergence of young trees.
Bridge Michigan interviewed Kobe, a forest ecologist and core faculty member in MSU’s Ecology, Evolution and Behavior program, and McNichol about the seedling census and what their research reveals about the future of Michigan’s forests. Their responses have been edited for clarity and brevity.
—————
Why focus on seedlings?
Kobe: The seedlings that are appearing now are the future big trees.
Some tree species are able to take advantage of disturbances. If a windstorm blows down trees or there’s a harvest, you can get an open area in the forest. Certain species can disperse seeds into that opening and grow quickly.
But there are many species that depend on having seedlings already established in the understory. When a large tree eventually dies, those seedlings can take advantage of the space that becomes available.
Because it can take decades for a seedling to reach the canopy, studying seedlings offers a glimpse of what Michigan’s forests may look like in the future.
—————
What have you learned from returning to the same forests for so many years?
McNichol: One thing I’ve really come to appreciate is just how sensitive seedlings are.
Most seeds that fall to the forest floor never become seedlings. They might be eaten by insects or mammals, develop a fungus or simply encounter weather and climate conditions that aren’t right for them.
Depending on the species, often 90% or more of the seedlings that initially emerge don’t make it to their one-year birthday.
Kobe: I think one surprise for me was how stable these forests seemed to be, even though there was so much turnover happening underneath.
Seedlings are constantly coming in, and they’re constantly dying. You have this ongoing process of regeneration.
Another surprise was how variable tree reproduction is from year to year. Some years, trees produce a lot of seed, and other years they produce very little.
It also seems that just a few large trees in a local area can be responsible for producing a lot of the seeds and seedlings in that area.
—————
How is climate change affecting Michigan’s forests?
Kobe: We’ve definitely seen changes in weather patterns, with rising temperatures, longer dry periods and more intense rainfall. Different tree species respond differently to those changes, so understanding which seedlings survive is just as important as knowing which ones emerge.
McNichol: Using more than two decades of data, we found that warmer conditions are likely to favor species such as red maple, black cherry, red oak and white oak, while limiting recruitment of sugar maple, American beech, basswood, white ash and black oak. That could have important ecological and economic consequences, particularly for sugar maple, which supports Michigan’s maple syrup industry.
—————
Does that mean oaks will thrive in Michigan’s future forests?
McNichol: It’s more complicated than that. While warmer conditions may favor northern red oak and white oak, deer browsing and increasingly shady forests can prevent those seedlings from reaching maturity. Some oak seedlings in our study have remained knee-high for 15 or 20 years because they’re repeatedly browsed by deer, while denser forests favor shade-tolerant species like maples over oaks.
—————
How are deer changing the way Michigan forests regenerate?
McNichol: In places where deer are abundant, they can have a huge impact on forest regeneration. In some areas, 80% to 90% of oak seedlings are browsed, compared with 10% to 20% in others. Repeated browsing can keep seedlings from growing normally, while allowing ferns — which deer don’t eat — to spread across the forest floor. Those dense fern layers make it harder for tree seedlings and other understory plants to establish, meaning deer can reshape the entire forest understory, not just individual trees.
—————
What other threats are researchers watching?
Kobe: Invasive pests and pathogens are another major concern.
The emerald ash borer, for example, has eliminated tens of millions of ash trees in Michigan.
We also have problems such as oak wilt, hemlock woolly adelgid and beech bark disease.
Many of these diseases and pests aren’t native to Michigan. They’ve been introduced from other parts of the world, and, once they become established, they can have a major impact on particular tree species.
McNichol: Drought is another concern.
If drought conditions persist, mature trees can eventually run out of water reserves. Drought stress can also make trees more vulnerable to insects and other threats.
That’s why it’s important to look at the forest as a whole. Climate, pests, disease, deer and competition between species can all interact.
A seedling might be well-suited to the future climate but still fail to survive because of another pressure.
—————
Why should Michigan residents care about what happens to these seedlings?
Kobe: Forests are central to Michigan’s recreation, economy and environment. They support wildlife, protect water quality, store carbon and provide timber that supports jobs. Understanding how forests regenerate helps ensure they’ll remain healthy for future generations.
—————
What can people do to help forests regenerate?
McNichol: For people who own land, one thing they can do is promote oak regeneration.
If oak seedlings are emerging, people can use netting or enclosures to reduce deer browsing. It’s time-consuming, but if you have a smaller property, it can give seedlings a chance to establish themselves before deer have as much of an impact.
Another option is to work with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to explore prescribed fire.
A prescribed burn can reduce dense understory vegetation and create more open conditions that allow oaks to establish.
More broadly, people can support public lands and conservation programs.
When people visit state parks, purchase recreation passes or buy hunting and fishing licenses, those activities help support conservation.
—————
What comes next for the seedling census?
Kobe: The next step is to better understand how climate affects the survival of both seedlings and mature trees. With nearly three decades of data and a wide range of weather conditions, researchers can compare years of drought and other climate patterns to see how they influence which trees survive and shape the future of Michigan’s forests.
McNichol: We’re also looking at the role of mycorrhizal fungi, which live in the soil and form relationships with tree roots. We want to understand whether those relationships influence which seedlings are more likely to survive.
New Adventures in Fishing in Michigan: Searching For Musky
By Jack Payne
The temperatures were pushing 80, a few scattered clouds in the sky, and hardly a breeze on the water. Two hours passed, and so far, all we had to show for our efforts were a bunch of clean lures.
Finally, one rod started bucking up and down and the first fish of the day was on. We were trolling at a 3.5-mile-per-hour clip. Add in a fairly stiff rod, and I was surprised at just how hard the fish still battled.
It was really hard to say how long the fight lasted; all I knew was that once the musky saw the boat, off it ran. This happened three times and reminded me of my many battles with trophy pike. They get real nasty once they see the boat.
We were fishing Lake St. Clair, perhaps the most famous musky lake in the country. While we were trolling, numerous anglers were casting. We ended up with three muskie, maybe an average day on Lake St. Clair. Our best fish was a respectable 42.5-inch fish, not a real trophy in the eyes of a seasoned musky angler but still a fine fish.
The lures we used on St. Clair can be used on any of our lakes. You will need to adjust the sinker weights to match the speed and depth, and take into consideration whether you are fishing open-water fish or contour trolling.
A disclaimer: while we were trolling, my favorite way to fish is casting. This also applies to northern pike. Back to the trolling aspects first. Big ski planner boards were run out on each side of the boat.
A 4-ounce snap-on weight was added to each of the rods being run on the planer board system. We mainly ran plugs such as the Ziggy, Loke, or Boss Shads. The Boss Shads look like a Rapala Shad Rap on steroids.
On the down rods, which included two rods smack dab in the center of the prop wash, we added one pound of weight. On the four down rods we ran some type of bucktail or bucktail spinners. Think of this as a giant Mepps Bucktail Spinner. Some of these spinners were nearly a foot long.
Lures were checked about every 15 or 20 minutes for weeds. Sooner if we knowingly ran into a patch of weeds. Every 30 to 40 minutes lures were changed out. As you can see, the work never stopped.
If you want to test your endurance, try a day of casting these big baits. First off, you need a long, fairly stout rod. Then add a fast-gear-ratio reel so you can burn these baits back in. Folks, casting a big musky bait all day will wear you out quickly.
We have decent musky fishing on the west side of the state. While the numbers will not rival Lake St. Clair, the size is impressive. Without a doubt, Muskegon Lake is the best, with Lake Macatawa and White Lake not far behind.
Walleye charter captains complain about the muskies when the target fish are walleye. In the fall and lasting right up to the time the lakes freeze over, many anglers troll planner boards for suspended walleye. And musky, on occasion, get in the way.
We love targeting big pike and musky in December. We generally start fishing seriously for trophy pike and bonus musky around Thanksgiving weekend. Some anglers troll, perhaps 90% do. We cast; we love casting and picking apart a piece of structure.
We spend most of our time fishing two locations. Any place where we can find green weeds, especially bordering a sharp drop-off. And we like the steepest, fastest drop-offs that we can find.
Mepps bucktail spinners, starting with the size 5 and going larger, are one option. Our second lure is some type of jigging spoons. A one-ounce-or-heavier spoon might be my favorite.
A third lure to include would be a very large Husky Jerk. Husky Jerks flat out catch fish, and the bigger the lure, the higher the success you will find. The last lure to consider is the Jigging Rap.
Give musky fishing a try and stop in at Bob's Gun and Tackle Shop.
The temperatures were pushing 80, a few scattered clouds in the sky, and hardly a breeze on the water. Two hours passed, and so far, all we had to show for our efforts were a bunch of clean lures.
Finally, one rod started bucking up and down and the first fish of the day was on. We were trolling at a 3.5-mile-per-hour clip. Add in a fairly stiff rod, and I was surprised at just how hard the fish still battled.
It was really hard to say how long the fight lasted; all I knew was that once the musky saw the boat, off it ran. This happened three times and reminded me of my many battles with trophy pike. They get real nasty once they see the boat.
We were fishing Lake St. Clair, perhaps the most famous musky lake in the country. While we were trolling, numerous anglers were casting. We ended up with three muskie, maybe an average day on Lake St. Clair. Our best fish was a respectable 42.5-inch fish, not a real trophy in the eyes of a seasoned musky angler but still a fine fish.
The lures we used on St. Clair can be used on any of our lakes. You will need to adjust the sinker weights to match the speed and depth, and take into consideration whether you are fishing open-water fish or contour trolling.
A disclaimer: while we were trolling, my favorite way to fish is casting. This also applies to northern pike. Back to the trolling aspects first. Big ski planner boards were run out on each side of the boat.
A 4-ounce snap-on weight was added to each of the rods being run on the planer board system. We mainly ran plugs such as the Ziggy, Loke, or Boss Shads. The Boss Shads look like a Rapala Shad Rap on steroids.
On the down rods, which included two rods smack dab in the center of the prop wash, we added one pound of weight. On the four down rods we ran some type of bucktail or bucktail spinners. Think of this as a giant Mepps Bucktail Spinner. Some of these spinners were nearly a foot long.
Lures were checked about every 15 or 20 minutes for weeds. Sooner if we knowingly ran into a patch of weeds. Every 30 to 40 minutes lures were changed out. As you can see, the work never stopped.
If you want to test your endurance, try a day of casting these big baits. First off, you need a long, fairly stout rod. Then add a fast-gear-ratio reel so you can burn these baits back in. Folks, casting a big musky bait all day will wear you out quickly.
We have decent musky fishing on the west side of the state. While the numbers will not rival Lake St. Clair, the size is impressive. Without a doubt, Muskegon Lake is the best, with Lake Macatawa and White Lake not far behind.
Walleye charter captains complain about the muskies when the target fish are walleye. In the fall and lasting right up to the time the lakes freeze over, many anglers troll planner boards for suspended walleye. And musky, on occasion, get in the way.
We love targeting big pike and musky in December. We generally start fishing seriously for trophy pike and bonus musky around Thanksgiving weekend. Some anglers troll, perhaps 90% do. We cast; we love casting and picking apart a piece of structure.
We spend most of our time fishing two locations. Any place where we can find green weeds, especially bordering a sharp drop-off. And we like the steepest, fastest drop-offs that we can find.
Mepps bucktail spinners, starting with the size 5 and going larger, are one option. Our second lure is some type of jigging spoons. A one-ounce-or-heavier spoon might be my favorite.
A third lure to include would be a very large Husky Jerk. Husky Jerks flat out catch fish, and the bigger the lure, the higher the success you will find. The last lure to consider is the Jigging Rap.
Give musky fishing a try and stop in at Bob's Gun and Tackle Shop.
Caring for Established Trees in Hot Dry Weather
The Kentucky Coffee tree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is a large, deciduous tree native to North America.
Photo courtesy MelindaMyers.com
By Melinda Myers
Trees form the framework in our landscapes, providing shade, cleaning our air of dust and pollutants, absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, protecting our soil and helping to manage storm water. Once established, they are often overlooked when hot dry weather has us dragging hoses to water flower and vegetable gardens to keep them alive.
Make ongoing care of trees part of your gardening routine, especially during extremely hot dry weather. Proper care will help keep your trees healthy and reduce the risk of insect pests and diseases that often attack drought-stressed trees for the following years.
Let the weather, soil type, and type of tree determine the watering schedule. High temperatures and fast draining soils dry out quickly and trees will need more frequent watering. Cooler temperatures and slow or poorly drained soils stay moist longer. Established trees with larger root systems and drought tolerant trees need less frequent watering than moisture lovers and new plantings.
Check the soil moisture and water established trees when the top few inches of soil are dry. Always water thoroughly, moistening the top 12 inches of soil under the canopy of deciduous trees. Do the same for evergreens, extending the area three to five feet beyond the dripline.
To do this, apply 10 gallons of water for every inch diameter of trunk measured at 4.5 feet above the soil surface. For example, a 4-inch diameter tree should receive about 40 gallons of water.
Apply the water directly to the soil surface using a soaker hose. Set the soaker hose in wide circles under the tree, starting several feet away from the trunk with the loops several feet apart. Or make your own drip irrigation system with 5-gallon buckets. Drill several holes in the bottom of the buckets, set around the tree, fill with water and let gravity do the rest.
Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of wood chips or other organic mulch over the soil surface. Pull the mulch away from the trunk of the tree to prevent rotting and disease. You’ll help keep the soil and roots cool and moist, suppress weeds and improve the soil as the mulch decomposes.
Create as large a mulch or planting bed around your trees as you can tolerate. You’ll help eliminate competition from the grass and damage caused by weed whips and mowers that get a little too close. You’ll also save time by eliminating the need to hand trim around individual plants.
If large beds of mulch do not fit your landscape design, create a beautiful garden in the shade of your trees. Shade tolerant groundcovers, perennials and shrubs can dress up the space with additional texture and color.
Be careful when planting under mature trees. Do not cover the roots with soil as this can result in the decline and even death of your tree in coming years. Avoid deep tilling that can damage the surface roots and fine feeder roots used to absorb water and nutrients. Instead, dig relatively small holes to accommodate the plant, mulch and spot water new plantings. It may take a bit longer for them to fill in, but your tree will be healthier and longer lived.
Your investment of time and care with be rewarded with years of beauty and the many benefits mature trees provide.
—————
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.
Trees form the framework in our landscapes, providing shade, cleaning our air of dust and pollutants, absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, protecting our soil and helping to manage storm water. Once established, they are often overlooked when hot dry weather has us dragging hoses to water flower and vegetable gardens to keep them alive.
Make ongoing care of trees part of your gardening routine, especially during extremely hot dry weather. Proper care will help keep your trees healthy and reduce the risk of insect pests and diseases that often attack drought-stressed trees for the following years.
Let the weather, soil type, and type of tree determine the watering schedule. High temperatures and fast draining soils dry out quickly and trees will need more frequent watering. Cooler temperatures and slow or poorly drained soils stay moist longer. Established trees with larger root systems and drought tolerant trees need less frequent watering than moisture lovers and new plantings.
Check the soil moisture and water established trees when the top few inches of soil are dry. Always water thoroughly, moistening the top 12 inches of soil under the canopy of deciduous trees. Do the same for evergreens, extending the area three to five feet beyond the dripline.
To do this, apply 10 gallons of water for every inch diameter of trunk measured at 4.5 feet above the soil surface. For example, a 4-inch diameter tree should receive about 40 gallons of water.
Apply the water directly to the soil surface using a soaker hose. Set the soaker hose in wide circles under the tree, starting several feet away from the trunk with the loops several feet apart. Or make your own drip irrigation system with 5-gallon buckets. Drill several holes in the bottom of the buckets, set around the tree, fill with water and let gravity do the rest.
Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of wood chips or other organic mulch over the soil surface. Pull the mulch away from the trunk of the tree to prevent rotting and disease. You’ll help keep the soil and roots cool and moist, suppress weeds and improve the soil as the mulch decomposes.
Create as large a mulch or planting bed around your trees as you can tolerate. You’ll help eliminate competition from the grass and damage caused by weed whips and mowers that get a little too close. You’ll also save time by eliminating the need to hand trim around individual plants.
If large beds of mulch do not fit your landscape design, create a beautiful garden in the shade of your trees. Shade tolerant groundcovers, perennials and shrubs can dress up the space with additional texture and color.
Be careful when planting under mature trees. Do not cover the roots with soil as this can result in the decline and even death of your tree in coming years. Avoid deep tilling that can damage the surface roots and fine feeder roots used to absorb water and nutrients. Instead, dig relatively small holes to accommodate the plant, mulch and spot water new plantings. It may take a bit longer for them to fill in, but your tree will be healthier and longer lived.
Your investment of time and care with be rewarded with years of beauty and the many benefits mature trees provide.
—————
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.
Explore Michigan During Free ORV Weekend
Mark your calendars: Residents and out-of-state visitors can legally ride Michigan's 4,000 miles of off-road vehicle trails, routes and six scramble areas on two back-to-back days, Aug. 15-16, without an ORV license or trail permit.
Free ORV Weekend is a great opportunity to explore the state's designated ORV trails and routes, but remember that all other ORV rules and laws still apply, and the Recreation Passport is required where applicable. You also must provide your own ORV.
Typically, there’s an entrance fee at Holly Oaks ORV Park in Oakland County (although no Recreation Passport requirement), but the fee will be waived for the weekend.
As always, when you enjoy Michigan's outdoors, do your part to help prevent the spread of invasive species by cleaning mud and plant material from your ORV, trailer and gear.
Find places to ride, rules and regulations, ORV events and more at Michigan.gov/ORVinfo. Before you go, review safety and trail etiquette information at Michigan.gov/RideRight and ride home safe to your family and friends.
Free ORV Weekend is a great opportunity to explore the state's designated ORV trails and routes, but remember that all other ORV rules and laws still apply, and the Recreation Passport is required where applicable. You also must provide your own ORV.
Typically, there’s an entrance fee at Holly Oaks ORV Park in Oakland County (although no Recreation Passport requirement), but the fee will be waived for the weekend.
As always, when you enjoy Michigan's outdoors, do your part to help prevent the spread of invasive species by cleaning mud and plant material from your ORV, trailer and gear.
Find places to ride, rules and regulations, ORV events and more at Michigan.gov/ORVinfo. Before you go, review safety and trail etiquette information at Michigan.gov/RideRight and ride home safe to your family and friends.
St. Johns Man Faces 50 Counts of Firearms, Wildlife Violations
A 26-year-old St. Johns man is scheduled for a preliminary examination today in 65A District Court in Clinton County on 50 counts of combined firearm and wildlife violations, stemming from multiple incidents of killing deer out of season.
Thomas House has been charged with:
• Felony weapons offenses (five counts).
• Reckless use of a firearm (one count).
• Possessing an uncased firearm in a vehicle (three counts).
• Taking game from a vehicle (six counts).
• Shining with a weapon in possession (six counts).
• Wildlife Conservation Order violations, including taking game without a license, improper method of take and taking game out of season (29 counts).
Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers received a tip through the DNR’s Report All Poaching Hotline Oct. 13, 2025, regarding a person shooting deer from a vehicle at night using a suppressed semiautomatic rifle.
The tip stated that the illegal hunting activity occurred multiple times in northern Clinton County and southern Gratiot County.
Conservation officers conducted a lengthy investigation, which included interviews and search warrants issued by the Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office.
The investigation confirmed that from April 25-Nov. 25, 2025, House would drive around at night, shining and shooting deer from his vehicle and then leaving the deer to rot, unharvested.
Additionally, House used his cellphone to record several videos and photographs of himself shooting and killing the deer, along with the deer lying on the ground.
The case was forwarded to both the Clinton County and Gratiot County prosecutor’s offices for review. Most of the incidents occurred in Clinton County.
“This case demonstrates the importance of the public’s partnership with conservation officers,” said Capt. David Malloch, DNR Law Enforcement Division supervisor. “A tip to the Report All Poaching hotline, combined with the officers' thorough and lengthy investigation, helped hold an individual accountable for their actions that showed a blatant disregard for wildlife and hunting laws. We encourage anyone who witnesses suspicious natural resources activity to report it immediately."
Investigations like these are part of the daily work of Michigan conservation officers. These fully licensed law enforcement officers provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety and protect residents through general law enforcement and lifesaving operations in the communities they serve.
Learn more at Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers.
To report a natural resource crime, call/text the Report All Poaching Hotline at 1-800-292-7800. Tipsters may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.
Thomas House has been charged with:
• Felony weapons offenses (five counts).
• Reckless use of a firearm (one count).
• Possessing an uncased firearm in a vehicle (three counts).
• Taking game from a vehicle (six counts).
• Shining with a weapon in possession (six counts).
• Wildlife Conservation Order violations, including taking game without a license, improper method of take and taking game out of season (29 counts).
Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers received a tip through the DNR’s Report All Poaching Hotline Oct. 13, 2025, regarding a person shooting deer from a vehicle at night using a suppressed semiautomatic rifle.
The tip stated that the illegal hunting activity occurred multiple times in northern Clinton County and southern Gratiot County.
Conservation officers conducted a lengthy investigation, which included interviews and search warrants issued by the Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office.
The investigation confirmed that from April 25-Nov. 25, 2025, House would drive around at night, shining and shooting deer from his vehicle and then leaving the deer to rot, unharvested.
Additionally, House used his cellphone to record several videos and photographs of himself shooting and killing the deer, along with the deer lying on the ground.
The case was forwarded to both the Clinton County and Gratiot County prosecutor’s offices for review. Most of the incidents occurred in Clinton County.
“This case demonstrates the importance of the public’s partnership with conservation officers,” said Capt. David Malloch, DNR Law Enforcement Division supervisor. “A tip to the Report All Poaching hotline, combined with the officers' thorough and lengthy investigation, helped hold an individual accountable for their actions that showed a blatant disregard for wildlife and hunting laws. We encourage anyone who witnesses suspicious natural resources activity to report it immediately."
Investigations like these are part of the daily work of Michigan conservation officers. These fully licensed law enforcement officers provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety and protect residents through general law enforcement and lifesaving operations in the communities they serve.
Learn more at Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers.
To report a natural resource crime, call/text the Report All Poaching Hotline at 1-800-292-7800. Tipsters may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.
