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Here's a look at some of this week's stories from the Department of Natural Resources:
See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at michigan.gov/dnrpressroom.
 Landowners who need help with their forests should soon find that Michigan’s Registered Forester program has an up-to-date online database and a new complaint review process.
Those changes are part of a restructuring process as oversight of the registered forester program moves to the DNR from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
“The new program is the ideal source for landowners to find highly qualified foresters to help them manage their forestland,” said Deb Begalle, chief of the DNR’s Forest Resources Division. Begalle will be responsible for appointing a seven-member board to oversee the program.
The voluntary program has undergone a four-year restructuring process that includes required continuing education for registered foresters, appointment of the board and a moderate fee increase to help pay for maintaining and promoting the program.
A bill introduced in 2014 in the state Legislature would have abolished the registered forester program, but Gov. Rick Snyder vetoed it after protest from foresters across the state. Snyder signed a law in April of this year to move oversight of the revamped program to the DNR.
“This is a voluntary program that encourages higher standards for Michigan’s foresters,” Begalle said. Nearly two-thirds of Michigan’s 20 million acres of forest are privately owned; the state manages an estimated 4 million acres of public forest.
Learn more about the Registered Forester program at michigan.gov/forestry under Private Landowners. Questions on the current or future program? Email Brenda Haskill at haskillb@michigan.gov.
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 The way people enjoy and manage natural resources is always evolving, but maybe at no faster a pace than in recent years, thanks to dynamic GIS technology.
The DNR’s efforts in this arena recently were honored at the annual Esri User Conference, when the department earned a Special Achievement in GIS Award for its innovative application of mapping, data analytics and thought leadership.
The SAG Awards recognize organizations using GIS to solve some of the world's toughest challenges. Through the “science of where” – the technology of GIS combined with the science of geography – this year’s honorees demonstrated groundbreaking, transformative possibilities of GIS software.
“Within the past 20 years, the DNR has implemented an enterprise GIS system to support the growing needs and challenges of caring for Michigan’s natural resources and connecting the public to those resources,” said Dave Forstat, DNR GIS manager and chief data steward.
“As web GIS has become more prevalent, we’ve leveraged the benefits of increased communication and data accuracy to provide customers with the best possible data on trails, water, minerals, trees, wildlife, fish and other areas.”
This includes online tools – like the Open Data Portal, interactive maps, story maps and customized apps – aimed at connecting outdoor enthusiasts and natural resources professionals with the information they need.
“Through these tools, visitors can explore interactive maps and get information in a user-friendly, visually pleasing format,” said Brian Maki, GIS Support Unit supervisor, who accepted the award at the conference. “GIS has made it easier for people to enjoy outdoor recreation experiences and learn about the DNR and how we manage the state’s natural resources on their behalf.”
These applications and tools also have a positive economic influence on the state. GIS analysis assisted decision-makers at Arauco – a global producer of wood products – in choosing to bring a state-of-the-art chipboard plant to Grayling, Michigan. The $400 million plant is under construction and set to begin production in September, creating up to 210 new jobs.
Learn more by visiting michigan.gov/dnrmaps or contacting Dave Forstat at 517-420-8426.
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 The DNR currently is accepting pre-proposals for the next round of Aquatic Habitat Grant Program funding. This program is focused on supporting projects that either protect intact aquatic habitat (the places where aquatic species live) or rehabilitate aquatic habitat that has become degraded.
The program this year is offering $1.25 million. Selected projects will emphasize:
- Rehabilitation of degraded aquatic resources.
- Development of self-sustaining aquatic communities that provide for continuing outdoor recreation opportunities and natural resource-based economies.
- Development of strong relationships, partnerships and new expertise with respect to aquatic habitat protection and recovery.
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Projects can address issues on rivers, inland lakes or the Great Lakes.
Funding is available to local, state, federal and tribal governments and nonprofit groups for single- and multiple-year projects and will be awarded through an open, competitive process.
Minimum grant amounts will be set at $25,000 with the maximum amount being the amount of funds available for the grant cycle. Smaller projects within the same region addressing similar issues and system processes can be bundled into a single grant proposal package in order to reach minimum grant amount requirements, if necessary.
All applicants must complete and submit a three-page pre-proposal for review by the DNR’s Fisheries Division. Pre-proposals must be submitted by email to Chip Kosloski at kosloskic3@michigan.gov no later than Tuesday, Aug. 28. Applicants will be notified by Saturday, Sept. 29, and, if successful, will be invited to submit a full application. An invitation to submit a full application does not guarantee project funding.
This program is funded by revenues from fishing and hunting license fees. The detailed program handbook (including timeline) and pre-proposal guidelines and forms are available at michigan.gov/dnr-grants. For more information, contact Joe Nohner at 517-284-6236 or Chip Kosloski at 517-284-5965.
PHOTO INFORMATION: High-resolution versions of the images used above are available in this photo folder.
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