The Upper Peninsula Chronic Wasting Disease Task Force has taken several positive actions – working in concert with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources – since the Oct. 18 confirmation that a 4-year-old doe tested positive for chronic wasting disease in Dickinson County.

The task force includes representatives of U.P. hunting groups, the DNR and Michigan Natural Resources Commissioner J.R. Richardson.

“We convened this task force about three years ago to begin a dialogue with hunters, realizing the possibility and eventual likelihood CWD would find its way to the U.P.,” Richardson said. “Our efforts to discuss potential outcomes and to inform hunters and the public about this fatal deer disease have put us ahead of the game today.”

Since the lone deer tested positive for the disease – the region’s first confirmation – the DNR has set up two surveillance areas around Waucedah Township, where the doe was shot in September on a deer damage control permit.

Hunters are being asked to voluntarily submit deer heads for testing to help define the extent of the disease. No hunting regulation changes are in place.

“We at the DNR have followed up on multiple recommendations of task force members,” said Stacy Welling Haughey, DNR U.P. regional coordinator. “They have also assisted us in funding hunter CWD educational materials, helping to ensure they get distributed across the region, while continuing radio ad coverage begun during bow hunting season.”

The task force has met with representatives or members of the Natural Resources Commission, DNR, Michigan Farm Bureau, U.S. Forest Service and commercial forest landowners.

“We’re all going to have to work together as we go forward in the fight against CWD spreading across the U.P.,” Richardson said.

For more information, visit michigan.gov/cwd.

Vicki Pontz, chairwoman of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, will travel to the U.P. from Novi to answer viewer questions live on “Ask the DNR.”

The hourlong program will be broadcast at 8 p.m. EST Thursday, Dec. 6, on WNMU-TV13, the Public Broadcasting System station in Marquette.

Also appearing on the panel will be DNR conservation officer Chris Lynch, DNR fisheries biologist John Bauman and DNR wildlife biologist David Jentoft.

Questions can be called in to the show at 1-800-227-9668.

Negaunee city manager Nate Heffron has announced the city and Michigan conservation officers will be stepping up efforts to help prevent littering on Teal Lake during the winter months.

“For the past few years, the city has been getting complaints about litter and other debris being left on Teal Lake,” Heffron said. “This usually consists of items left after ice fishing.”

Lt. Ryan Aho, DNR District 1 law supervisor, said conservation officers will increase patrols given the increased number of littering complaints.

“All users of the lake have the responsibility to clean up after themselves,” Aho said. “Littering is a civil infraction, with violators subject to fines.”

Heffron said one of the biggest concerns is wood pallets being left on the lake.

“After the spring thaw, these pallets wash up on the shoreline, creating potential threats to watercraft and swimmers on the beach,” Heffron said. “Other trash items that can cause potential harm to humans and wildlife are glass bottles, wooden boards and plastics.”

Heffron said the city will monitor the situation to determine whether additional action is required.

“We hope that everyone who enjoys beautiful Teal Lake will be responsible stewards,” Heffron said.

For more information, contact Nate Heffron, Negaunee city manager, at 906-475-7700, ext. 11 or DNR Lt. Ryan Aho in Marquette at 906-228-6561.

Applications are now being accepted for the Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residence Program for 2019 spring, summer and fall and 2020 winter residencies. The program is open to artists and artisans whose work can be influenced by the unique northern wilderness setting of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

The program offers writers, composers and all visual and performing artists an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Michigan’s largest state park, and to express it through their art form. Each year, artists are selected for residencies lasting a minimum of two weeks. They are given the use of a rustic cabin located on the Little Union River and, if requested, a three-night backcountry permit so that each may live in and explore the park’s 60,000 acres of natural beauty, ranging from stunning vistas to 90 miles of rugged backcountry trails.

The program is open to all art forms except those that may be inconsistent with the mission of the park. Selection is based on artistic integrity, ability to reside in a wilderness environment, ability to relate to and interpret the park through the artists’ medium, and willingness to donate an original, finished piece of art inspired by their stay. Artists also will be asked to share their experiences with the public through a demonstration or talk during their residencies. 

Application materials for the Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residence Program can be found at the Friends of the Porkies webpage at porkies.org/artist-in-residence.

Applications for the 2019-2020 season must be received by Feb. 15, 2019.  Selected artists will be notified by phone in mid-April, and by April 22, selections will be posted on the webpage and on the Friends of the Porkies Facebook page.