More than 200 men and women serve as Michigan conservation officers – a demanding career that continues to evolve since first being established here in 1887. Recognizing these officers' many contributions, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed Tuesday, March 15, as Conservation Officer Appreciation Day in our state.

“Michigan’s conservation officers are in the field every day, doing their utmost to protect our state’s unrivaled woods, waterways and wildlife and the Michiganders and visitors who enjoy them,” said Gov. Whitmer. “On Conservation Officer Appreciation Day and every day, we commend these officers for their service, bravery and unyielding commitment to public safety, positive outdoor recreation experiences and sustainable natural resources. Together, we will strive to be good stewards of our phenomenal parks and public lands so we can pass them on to our children and children’s children.”

As sworn law enforcement officers who live in the counties they patrol, conservation officers are embedded members of their communities, equipped with the tools they need to respond to life-threatening, general criminal, and search and rescue events where time is of the essence.

Last year, Michigan COs contacted more than 387,000 people, delivering natural resource protection, education, safety tips and general law enforcement services to ensure people responsibly enjoyed the outdoors.

“The men and women who make up our ranks of conservation officers are the first line of defense in protecting Michigan’s world-class natural resources today, just as generations of officers have done every day for the past 135 years,” said Chief Dave Shaw, DNR Law Enforcement Division.

“In addition to our traditional fish and game role, our officers serve as an integral part of the community policing and public safety response networks in the counties where they are assigned.”

In this short video, meet a Grand Rapids man and his family who were helped by a DNR officer after a life-threatening chainsaw accident in Oceana County.

March 31 academy application deadline

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Michigan conservation officer, the DNR is hiring recruits for the upcoming 2022 academy. Get all the information you need about this unique law enforcement career and connect with a recruiter at Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers.

Questions? Email DNR-LawEnforcement@Michigan.gov.

For anglers eager to hit the water, a reminder that Michigan’s new license season – the 2022 fishing license season – starts Friday, April 1. Licenses for the 2022 season are valid through March 31, 2023, and can be purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses. Anyone buying a fishing license online will have the opportunity to sign up for auto-renewal through the DNR eLicense system.

Last month, the DNR announced upcoming regulation changes adopted by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission. One notable change is the expansion of underwater spearfishing opportunities that will now include the chance to harvest additional species.

Starting April 1, underwater spearfishing for walleye, northern pike and lake trout has been added for Lake Michigan (waters south of the southernmost pier at Grand Haven) and Lake Huron (waters south of the southernmost pier of the Thunder Bay River, extending south to the mouth of the St. Clair River [Fort Gratiot Light]).

This opportunity requires a new underwater spearfishing license along with monthly effort and harvest reporting requirements. The underwater spearfishing license is complimentary, unless a DNR Sportcard is needed, and will be available only online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses. See page 16 of the 2022 fishing guide (available on the DNR guides and digests page) for more on this spearfishing opportunity.

Everyone planning to fish is encouraged to periodically review the digital version of the fishing guide for regulation updates throughout the 2022 fishing season. For tips on getting started, choosing locations, targeting different species and other “how to” information, visit Michigan.gov/Fishing.

Questions? Contact the DNR Fisheries Division main line at 517-284-5830 and select option 4.

Taking an out-of-state hunting trip? Planning to rent a personal watercraft (such as a Jet Ski) on spring break? Don’t forget to take a copy of your Michigan safety certificate, demonstrating your completion of an appropriate safety program.

Many states require this documentation before you can rent a boat, personal watercraft or other equipment to participate in a season. If you've misplaced your certificate, don't worry. Anyone who has already completed a Michigan hunter, bow, marine, ORV, snowmobile or trapper education course can request a duplicate safety certificate.

Recreational safety education courses are available to complete online from the comfort of your home and at your own pace at Michigan.gov/RecreationalSafety.

Questions? Send an email to DNR-LED-RecSafety@Michigan.gov. 

If you are (or know) a third through 12th grade classroom teacher who’s looking for a creative, hands-on way to bring science and conservation into the curriculum, consider applying for the DNR’s Salmon in the Classroom program – but make sure applications are in by April 15!

Every year, the program helps almost 300 schools around the state raise chinook salmon in their classrooms, in preparation for spring release during field trips to local, approved rivers, lakes and streams.

Participating teachers get free professional development, a teacher’s guide and a curriculum guide with more than 30 classroom activities to help students explore Great Lakes ecology, water quality, life stages, anatomy, invasive species and much more. Teachers also earn State Continuing Education Clock Hours, as approved by the Michigan Department of Education.

“Salmon in the Classroom isn’t just another routine activity; it’s a front-row seat to science,” said DNR aquatic education coordinator Tracy Page.

“Teachers and students commit to learning everything they need to know in order to raise these fish from egg stage to smolt stage, and it’s like the kids go through a transformation, too,” she said. “There’s just something special about seeing the pride in these kids’ eyes when they’re placing their young fish into the river for the first time.”

Questions? Watch this Salmon in the Classroom video and get more program details – including timeline and application process – at Michigan.gov/SIC or contact Tracy Page at 989-277-0630.