Tiny tree killers, squirrel mayhem, ugly-nest caterpillars – and what in the world is a tortrix? The 2021 Forest Health Highlights report has answers to your tree health questions.

The annual publication produced by the DNR’s forest health team reports on weather conditions, commonly seen forest pests and diseases, invasive species like kudzu vine, and university research related to detection and management of forest threats.

Top issues in 2021 included oak wilt disease treatments, public outreach on an outbreak of spongy moth caterpillars (formerly called gypsy moth) and treatments for the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid in the western Lower Peninsula. Efforts to survey and treat red pine stands affected by the spread of Heterobasidion root disease continue from previous years; see and report locations on our interactive HRD map.

An invasive species new to Michigan, the balsam woolly adelgid, was discovered by an arborist in Kent County in July. The pocket of infested trees was destroyed, and monitoring continues to make sure that other areas are not infected.

“The balsam woolly adelgid and other invasives have the potential to harm Michigan’s trees and forests,” said DNR Forest Health Program manager Sue Tangora. “You can help protect the places you love from the spread of invasive pests and diseases by reporting potential sightings to the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network – visit online or download the app to your phone.”

The DNR’s forest health staff, federal partners and local community scientists work together to protect Michigan’s trees. In addition to surveying for and treating existing threats, they’re keeping a sharp eye on the horizon for encroaching pests like the spotted lanternfly, a colorful, winged insect that voraciously feeds on maple trees, hops and grapes.

Want to learn more? Visit Michigan.gov/ForestHealth. Contact the forest health team at DNR-FRD-Forest-Health@Michigan.gov with questions. (And if you can’t wait to read more about that tortrix, check out page 9 of the report!)

After nearly two years of pandemic uncertainty, the DNR’s popular teacher education events return to a full schedule in 2022. The Academy of Natural Resources looks forward to hosting up to 80 Michigan educators at its two program locations this summer.

The DNR’s Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, on the north shore of Higgins Lake in Roscommon, has hosted the academy (ANR Classic) since 2008. Three courses are offered this July:

• Forests, Fields and Fins is the academy’s core class about managing and caring for Michigan’s natural resources.
• NatureQuest is an introduction to flora and fauna of the Great Lakes region.
• WEE Ones looks at incorporating nature-based best practices into early-elementary daily lesson plans.

Although each course has a distinct focus and target, nearly all Michigan educators can benefit from these weeklong learning opportunities.

“The Academy of Natural Resources attracts formal classroom and university educators as well as nonformal education staff at nature centers, zoos and conservation districts,” said program director Kevin Frailey, who oversees the DNR’s Education Services. “The program mixes academic excellence, field work, useful hands-on activities and lots of fun.”

The demand for these programs has been so consistently high that in 2016 the DNR partnered with Michigan Technological University to launch an Upper Peninsula-based option. Frailey said ANR North has been a great success, and this year’s course – exploring the historical and cultural impacts on natural resources of the U.P. – is one of the most popular ever.

While the Academy of Natural Resources has received numerous accolades and testimonials from participants over the years – a 2021 NatureQuest educator said, “The presenters were dynamic and enthusiastic, the presentations engaging and relevant, the facilitator was organized, inspiring and collegial.” – a recent doctoral study supports what attendees have said all along: Past participants are still positively influenced by the knowledge, activities and inspiration gained from the program more than five years after attending.

If you or someone you know is an education professional looking for natural resources-themed inspiration, sign up soon! ANR Classic (in Roscommon) is July 10-15. ANR North (at Michigan Technological University's Ford Center, Alberta) is July 31-Aug. 5. For information about this summer’s courses, scholarships and credit options, go to Michigan.gov/ANR.

Questions? Contact Kevin Frailey at 517-974-7941.

Did you know that DNR Law Enforcement Division emergency dispatchers are equipped with technology comparable to that of 911 call centers? It allows them to receive and manage information from the public about poaching and other violations, dispatch conservation officers accordingly and investigate tips.

In honor of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, the second week of April, the DNR recognizes the dedicated staff who operate the Report All Poaching hotline – a leader among North American conservation law enforcement agencies.

In addition to supporting conservation officers and other department personnel, dispatchers also help the public by supplying general DNR information, locating wildlife rehabilitators and answering questions about rules and regulations. The dispatchers work in concert with other federal, state and local agencies, making the RAP hotline an essential communications resource.

Last year, the RAP hotline received more than 37,000 calls and 12,000 text messages. These resulted in over 8,100 actionable complaints for conservation officers to investigate in the service of natural resources protection and public safety.

“Our knowledgeable dispatchers are often the first line of communication with the public and deliver professional customer service and essential support to conservation officers,” said Asst. Chief David Malloch, DNR Law Enforcement Division. “We are grateful for their tireless effort, which often involves working long shifts and managing high-stress, sensitive calls.”

If you witness or learn about a poaching event, immediately report it by calling  800-292-7800 or filling out the online reporting form. Tipsters may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a poacher. Learn more at Michigan.gov/RAP.

Questions? Email Capt. Jen Wolf at WolfJ1@Michigan.gov.

The next meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Committee leads off with a Wildlife Committee agenda that includes deer hunting regulations, and research and surveillance updates on chronic wasting disease and bovine tuberculosis. The meeting also will include recognition of former commissioner Vicki Pontz, a legislative update and several land transactions.

It will start at 9 a.m. Thursday, April 14, in West Campus Rooms M119-121 at Lansing Community College, 5708 Cornerstone Drive, in Lansing. See the draft meeting agenda at Michigan.gov/NRC.

For more information or to request time to speak at the meeting, contact Victoria Lischalk at 517-599-1067 or NRC@Michigan.gov.