Salmon are moving upstream to spawn and the upcoming weeks and months can provide world-class fishing in Michigan’s rivers and streams, particularly for salmon and steelhead. If you’re on the water, remember to take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of New Zealand mudsnails, an invasive species in Michigan since 2015. 

At about only one-eighth of an inch long, a New Zealand mudsnail can be difficult to see. However, these snails can radically change the aquatic habitats they live in by reaching very high densities. When that happens, they can out-compete native species that are important food sources for trout. They also have no nutritional value for fish that do feed on them, and that can negatively affect overall fish health.

“New Zealand mudsnails spread easily because they can hitch a ride on almost anything, including anglers themselves, fishing equipment, wading gear and other hard surfaces,” said Seth Herbst, the DNR’s Aquatic Species and Regulatory Affairs manager. “Once attached, they can ride to a new river or lake and begin the invasion process again. These mudsnails have been known to survive in damp environments for days or even weeks.” 

Since the initial report in 2015, New Zealand mudsnails have spread in Michigan and now are found in the Pere Marquette, Boardman, Au Sable and Upper Manistee rivers, as well as Tippy Dam Pond near the Pine River. Herbst said it’s critically important to properly decontaminate gear and equipment to protect other streams from this invader.

After fishing, clean, drain and dry equipment to help prevent the spread of these invasive snails and all types of aquatic invasive species. Soaking gear and equipment with a Virkon Aquatic or Formula 409 solution – Oakland University research showed that Formula 409 is effective at killing New Zealand mudsnails – is recommended, but simply allowing equipment to dry or freeze for at least five days before reusing is effective for decontamination. 

Want to learn more about aquatic invasive species? Visit michigan.gov/invasives or contact Seth Herbst, 517-284-5841 or Elyse Walter, 517-284-5839. 

October is Firewood Awareness Month, and Michigan is joining the U.S. Department of Agriculture and The Nature Conservancy to encourage smart firewood choices that protect forests and landscape trees. 

Most invasive species don’t move very far on their own. John Bedford, Pest Response Program specialist with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said, “Tree pests and diseases most often are spread when humans unintentionally transport them on infested firewood.” 

Heading out for a fishing or hunting weekend or to enjoy fall colors? Leave firewood at home! Instead, the DNR and MDARD recommend:

• Buying firewood where you’ll burn it.
• Buying certified, heat-treated firewood when available.
• Gathering firewood on-site when permitted.

Major concerns in Michigan include oak wilt and beech bark disease. Pests that could reach Michigan from nearby states include Asian longhorned beetle and spotted lanternfly.  

“Infestations on or in firewood may not be visible, so it isn’t as easy as checking wood before it is moved,” Bedford said. The best way to protect forests and landscape trees is to use locally sourced firewood or wood that is certified by the USDA as heat-treated to kill pests and diseases.

Visit firewoodscout.org to find a firewood vendor near your destination. Learn more about invasive species at michigan.gov/invasivespecies or contact Joanne Foreman at 517-284-5814. 

Visitors to Lime Island State Recreation Area already know it’s a gem. The park encompasses the 932-acre island in the St. Marys River about 2 miles from the eastern tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula – plus about 6.5 acres on the mainland in the community of Raber. 

Its location in the St. Marys shipping lane has helped shape the island’s rich history as an industrial complex and refueling depot. Original structures that once supported the island’s industrial use have been partially restored and repurposed as rental cabins or historical interpretive buildings. 

"The park’s remote setting makes it a perfect spot for hiking, fishing, swimming, wildlife watching, hunting, watching the freighters and other activities," said Corey Butcher, park manager. "The quiet retreat offers a boat dock, cabins powered by solar panels, and tent camping on wooden platforms."

The DNR is developing a new general management plan for the recreation area and is encouraging those interested to share their opinions through an online survey (available through Oct. 31) at michigan.gov/limeisland. The final plan will provide a strategic guide for long-range planning and management strategies that will protect the site’s resources, while addressing current and future recreation and educational needs and opportunities.

This survey is one of several opportunities for the public to be involved. An open house (date and location will be announced for spring/summer 2019) will give people another chance to review and comment on the draft plan. 

Learn more about the DNR’s general management plan process at michigan.gov/parkmanagementplans. For more on the Lime Island State Recreation Area survey or the proposed plan, contact DNR park management plan administrator Debbie Jensen at 517-284-6105. 

A number of fishing regulations, preliminary elk season results, the latest on state parks and trails, and an update on deer-check stations around the state are just some of the items on the agenda for the Oct. 11 meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission.

The commission meeting is set to start at 1 p.m. at the MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 4125 Beaumont Road, in Lansing. See the full agenda on the NRC webpage.

For more information or to request time for public comment at the meeting, contact Cheryl Nelson at 517-284-6237.

In this episode (season 1, episode 5) of the DNR Wildlife Division's "Wildtalk" podcast, you'll find out what's happening around the state, learn about Michigan's Wetland Wonders with DNR waterfowl and wetlands specialist Barbara Avers, and hear listener questions answered in the mailbag segment. 

The episode wraps up with a discussion on Michigan bats, perfect for the month of October.

Questions? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.