DNR News: Pure Michigan Trail program, COs on TV, elk season in northern L.P.

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News Digest - Week of Aug. 27, 2018

Not too early to start thing about fishing the fall salmon runs

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.


Hear the call? It's elk season in northern Michigan

A mature elk in a Michigan forest. The state's early elk season gets under way Aug. 28, 2018.

The first hunt period of the 2018 elk season starts tomorrow, Aug. 28, and 100 Michigan hunters will have 12 days to fill 30 any-elk and 70 antlerless-only licenses issued in the northern third of the Lower Peninsula. 

“In general, elk hunters have a remarkable success rate during this first hunt period,” said Brian Mastenbrook, DNR wildlife field operations manager working out of the Gaylord office. “With only 100 hunters, we can really work closely with hunters and landowners to find elk.”

The first hunt – also known as Michigan’s early elk hunt – allows hunters to harvest an elk in any location in the elk management unit except within the core elk range; this approach helps to target animals that have moved outside the core elk range. Regulated hunting is a management tool used to influence how many elk are present and where they are located. The goal is to keep the majority of elk within the core elk range.

Michigan’s elk population has been hunted annually since 1984 and at this time has an estimated population of more than 1,200 animals – above the state’s current population goal of 500-900 elk. That goal was set by the Elk Management Advisory Team and outlined in the 2012 Elk Management Plan. 

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the reintroduction of elk to Michigan. In 1918, seven elk from the western United States were brought to Michigan and released near Wolverine, in Cheboygan County, to help re-establish the state’s elk population. Check out this brief video, tracing Michigan's elk history.

Several activities and opportunities are available throughout this year to help mark the milestone:

  • The wildlife habitat license plate currently spotlights Michigan elk.
  • A contest was held to design a new elk poster.
  • The free “Elk University” education program for high school educators is offered.
  • The DNR has hosted outreach programs in several local communities. 

If you’re in the Gaylord area Saturday, Sept. 8, stop by the downtown pavilion at 5 p.m. to join in a special celebration. Enjoy snacks from Gourmet Gone Wild and hear conservation leaders talk about the importance of wildlife management. While in town, make a trip out to the Pigeon River Country State Forest to view elk, but make sure to download the viewing brochure before you go.

For more information, visit michigan.gov/elk or contact Katie Keen, 989-385-0336. 


This year's winning Deer Management Cooperator Patch revealed

The winning 2018 Deer Management Cooperator patch, submitted by Matt MacDonald of Toronto, Ontario.

More than 200 entries vied for the honor of being the DNR's winning design in the 2018 Deer Management Cooperator Patch contest. See all of the submissions in this short video.

In the end, Matt MacDonald of Toronto, Ontario, submitted a design that captured DNR staff's attention. Thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s contest.

Cooperator patches are used as an incentive for successful hunters to bring their deer to DNR check stations. A deer head (antlers must still be attached on bucks) or an entire carcass must be presented to receive a patch. Patches are not available by mail. Hunters are urged to call ahead whenever possible to confirm hours and days of operation. Deer check station locations and hours for 2018 should be posted by Sept. 1. 

For more information, contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-WILD (9453).


New Pure Michigan Trail and Trail Town program to elevate state's best trail resources

The DNR now is accepting applications for the Pure Michigan Trail and Trail Town designation program, due Oct. 1, 2018.

The DNR and Travel Michigan today announced the official launch of the Pure Michigan Trail and Trail Town designation program. It’s an effort aimed at acknowledging Michigan’s position as the Trails State, showcasing an array of quality trails (including water trails) and trail-centered communities, and recognizing extensive collaboration of state and local governments, nonprofits, foundations and volunteers that develop and maintain the trails.  

“The concept behind the Pure Michigan Trail and Trail Town designation is a welcome addition to the state’s trails program,” said Bob Wilson, executive director of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance. “Having first worked on enabling legislation in 2014 and now seeing the Pure Michigan designation come to fruition, it is an exciting time for all those who believe in trails in our state.”

Local units of government, trail authorities or nonprofits primarily responsible for the proposed nonmotorized or motorized trail or trail town may apply for the designation. Applicants must demonstrate that the trail or trail town:

  • Offers a high-quality trail or trail town experience.
  • Provides clear information for users.
  • Enjoys broad community support.
  • Has a sustainable business, maintenance and marketing plan.  
Pure Michigan Trail and Trail Town logo and graphic

“This Pure Michigan designation will help to shine a light on some of the best and most scenic trails across the state, as well as the communities enhanced by these trails,” said Paul Yauk, DNR state trails coordinator. “Recognizing these valuable outdoor assets as part of this program also will help us further anchor Michigan’s position as the nation’s Trails State.”

Michigan offers a network of more than 12,500 miles of state designated trails, with new connections in process every year. It’s an interconnected trails system that provides plentiful recreation opportunities for bicyclists, hikers, ORV riders, snowmobilers, equestrians, cross-country skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts.

“Highlighting the vast network of trails throughout our great state will continue to draw attention to one of Michigan’s greatest assets, our abundant natural resources,” said David Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan. “Residents and visitors alike will have additional access to resources, maps and information to highlight both motorized and nonmotorized trails as well as natural resources around the state.”

Information on the Pure Michigan designation program – including an overview, the application process, designation criteria, frequently asked questions, a handbook and other related resources – can be found at michigan.gov/dnrtrails.

“We all know the benefit of being associated with the Pure Michigan brand and its direct tie to our nation’s leading trails system,” said Wilson. “It reinforces both the value of the trails and the value of the brand.” 

All Pure Michigan Trail and Trail Town applications must be received by Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. During the following review and evaluation period, the DNR may ask applicants for supplemental information or documentation.

Questions and completed applications can be submitted via email to Mike Morrison at morrisonm4@michigan.gov or via traditional mail to: Pure Michigan Trails Designation c/o State Trails Coordinator, Parks and Recreation Division, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 30257, Lansing, MI 48909.

Questions? Contact Paul Yauk at 517-284-6141 or Kriss Bennett at 248-431-1265.


Set your DVR for new episode of 'Wardens' on Outdoor Channel

"Wardens" on the Outdoor Channel tells the story of how Michigan DNR conservation officers and staff work to protect the state's natural resources

Get a look at the work of DNR conservation officers, as new episodes of "Wardens" continue on the Outdoor Channel. 

Coming up on this week’s episode – No party fishing! An angler finds out you can’t catch another angler's limit; where to find Michigan’s GEMS sites for grouse and woodcock hunting; and close isn’t good enough when it comes to walleye size limits. This and more from the Michigan DNR on the next "Wardens."

Air times (all Eastern) include: 

  • Monday, Aug. 27, 4 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Aug. 29, 6 a.m.
  • Saturday, Sept. 1, 6:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, Sept. 2, 1 a.m.

To get the Outdoor Channel go to outdoorchannel.com or call 1-855-44OUTDOOR.

The DNR has partnered with the Outdoor Channel to tell the story of Michigan's dedicated officers and staff and the work they do to conserve our natural resources, weaving important conservation messages into every story line.

"We do this program to showcase the many outdoor activities and natural resources that Michigan offers, and to highlight and give credit to the people across our department who protect and ensure their existence and abundance for future generations," said DNR Law Enforcement Division Chief Gary Hagler.

For more information, contact David Haupt at 989-426-9205, ext. 226-7614.


Last-minute Labor Day getaway ideas and travel info

Many of our state forest campgrounds, like the Black Lake campground in Cheboygan County, may have openings for the Labor Day holiday weekend.

The traditional end to summer, the Labor Day holiday weekend, is just around the corner. If you want to squeeze in a little more outdoor fun, there are plenty of options at Michigan state parks and campgrounds. 

For a more rustic experience, there are 138 state forest campgrounds – all located on a river or lake – throughout the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula. The majority operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with fees and registration procedures posted at each location’s information kiosk. If you’d like to stay closer to home, Michigan’s 103 state parks, thousands of miles of state trails and hundreds of public boat launches make it easy to plan a great day trip. 

Though many state park campgrounds are filling up for the holiday weekend, there still are opportunities to find the right spot. Visit midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-44PARKS throughout the week, and check often because cancellations do occur and sites open up across the state.

If your travel plans include crossing the Mackinac Bridge or participating in the 2018 Annual Bridge Walk Monday, Sept. 3, please remember that, for the safety of participants, the Mackinac Bridge Authority will close the bridge to vehicle traffic in both directions from 6:30 a.m. to noon. The walk begins at 7 a.m. in both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City. 

For more state park or campground travel information visit michigan.gov/stateparks or contact Ami Van Antwerp at 517-927-5059. 


PHOTOS AVAILABLE: High-res versions of some of the photos used above, and others, are available in this photo folder.


Events button

Interested in kayaking? Head to Warren Dunes State Park Sept. 1 for a free Rec 101 class, Intro to Paddling. Learn about water safety and enjoy a half-hour of paddle boarding and kayaking with the gear and instruction provided.

buy and apply

The application period for the reserved waterfowl hunt closes Aug. 28; results will be posted online Sept. 17. If you'd like to receive hunting application reminders via text message, text "MIDNR HUNTAPP" to 64468.  

get involved

Join DNR and Huron Pines volunteers at an Adopt-A-Forest cleanup in Frost Township (Clare County) Sept. 1, an effort to rid the township of illegal dump sites on state-managed land.