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Here are a few of this week's stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:
See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.
PHOTOS: Larger, higher-res versions of some of the images used in this email (river view, lakeside campfire, campers and winter walk) are available in the DNR's online photo collection. Others (trail volunteer, Huldah Neal, successful hunt, hunter orange and concessions) are available in this folder.
Millions of people take to state trails each year to hike, bike, snowshoe and cross-country ski. Now, the DNR is looking for one of those devotees to fill an opening on the Nonmotorized Advisory Workgroup. It’s a great opportunity to help advise and make recommendations about development, management, stewardship, funding and planning for over 4,600 miles of state‑managed, natural-surface, nonmotorized trails.
“We’re incredibly proud of our reputation as the nation’s Trails State, and this collection of quality trails is a big part of what draws residents and visitors outdoors every year and all four seasons,” said Tim Novak, DNR state trails coordinator. “For this vacancy, we’re looking for someone who is passionate about natural-surface trails and who will bring energy, ideas and perspective to the group.”
The workgroup — 11 volunteers who serve four-year terms — collaborates closely with the Michigan Trails Advisory Council and meets quarterly at locations throughout the state. Travel expenses to and from meetings are eligible for reimbursement.
Interested? Apply using this form. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 15. For more information, email DNR-Trails@Michigan.gov.
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Grand Traverse County native Huldah Neal was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame Nov. 5 during the 2026 induction ceremony celebration at The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms.
Neal was the nation’s first woman to be appointed as a game warden, right here in Michigan. Born Huldah Jane Valleau in 1855 in Ohio, just six years later she and her family moved to Grand Traverse County, where she lived for 70 years.
“It’s an honor to see the continuing recognition of Huldah Neal and the impact she made in Michigan and our society, nearly 130 years after her appointment as the first woman game warden in the United States,” said Brandon Kieft, chief of the DNR Law Enforcement Division.
In 1872, she married Warren Neal, who shared her passion for the outdoors. The couple raised their two children on their farm near Long Lake.
Neal had little patience when problems were ignored and did not tolerate poaching. Not happy with the rampant, illegal taking of fish and game in the area and wanting to take matters into her own hands, she requested her own appointment as a game warden.
In May 1897, the chief game warden and incoming state governor Chase Osborn appointed Neal as a deputy game warden. In addition to her expert fish and game knowledge, Neal’s firearm handling skills and ability to row boats, ride horses and trudge through the woods made her a highly qualified candidate — and she enjoyed all of it.
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A local newspaper of the time stated, “Mrs. Neal will wage an aggressive campaign against violators of the law; and offenders in her locality will find that Mrs. Neal will stand no fooling.”
Deputy Warden Neal was an energetic trailblazer who was immediately credited for helping to reduce poaching in Grand Traverse County. During her first month on the job, the department reported 109 fish and game prosecutions — the majority attributed to Neal.
Huldah Neal passed away in 1931. She is remembered as a “loved pioneer” and “highly esteemed by a large circle of friends,” and for her excellent job qualifications, including her passion for and knowledge of the woods and her skillful firearm handling.
She set the path for generations of women to come, including the 20 women who today serve as Michigan conservation officers.
Questions? Contact Katie Gervasi at 517-290-0679.
Note: The sketch above accompanied a profile of Huldah Neal in the Aug. 15, 1897, edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer. The caption read: "Mrs. Warren Neal and her odd position as a new woman."
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“A successful hunt is when you safely return home so you are able to share your stories with family and friends, regardless of whether or not your tag was filled,” said Lt. Tom Wanless, supervisor of the DNR Law Enforcement Division’s Recreational Safety, Education and Enforcement Section.
During the firearm deer season, all deer hunters (including archery) must wear “hunter orange.” Hunter orange garments, including camouflage (which must be at least 50% hunter orange), must be worn as the outer layer of clothing (such as caps, hats, vests, jackets, rain gear, etc.) and must be visible from all directions.
Though some safety tips may be common sense, it’s critical for anyone hunting with firearms to consider safety basics each time they pick up a firearm.
All firearm deer hunters should:
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Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
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Be aware of surroundings — know your target and what is beyond it, and make sure you have a clear, ethical shot.
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Unload firearms when crossing obstacles and/or getting in or out of an elevated stand.
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Obey “no trespassing” signs; they are there for a reason.
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Obtain landowner permission to retrieve tracked game that may have wandered onto private property.
Nonhunters outdoors in areas where hunting may occur are also encouraged to wear hunter orange to increase their visibility.
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Whether you’re hiking, biking or taking your dog for a walk this fall, it’s important to stay visible to hunters while enjoying the outdoors. Wearing hunter orange is an easy way to help hunters spot you and keep everyone safe on the trails.
Michigan’s regular firearm deer season runs Nov. 15-30, followed by the December firearm season Dec. 4-6 in the Lower Peninsula and late antlerless firearm season Dec. 7-Jan. 1 in eligible Lower Peninsula deer management units. Archery season is open through Nov. 14 and resumes Dec. 1-Jan. 1.
While you’re out exploring, remember to stay on marked trails, respect trail conditions and closures, and leave no trace. If you’re bringing your four-legged friend along, be sure to keep your pet on a leash no longer than 6 feet and consider dressing them in a hunter orange vest, bandana or harness to help hunters see them, too. Keep pets close, discourage them from chasing wildlife or wandering into hunting areas, and give other trail users like horseback riders and cyclists plenty of space. A little extra visibility and courtesy go a long way toward making the outdoors safer for everyone.
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From beach concessions and food vending to horse-riding stable operation, water parks and more, the DNR Parks and Recreation Division offers exciting opportunities for small businesses to set up shop in state parks.
By collaborating with local entrepreneurs, the DNR can offer a wider range of services that help elevate visitor experiences. Those can include retail and food services, equipment rentals, water park operations, guided tours and more.
Through a competitive bidding process, the DNR selects qualified businesses to provide these services. Successful bidders can secure contracts lasting up to seven years, while some opportunities offer a longer-term lease due to a financial investment requirement. These are partnerships that support local economies and create stable, long-term relationships.
“State parks can provide valuable opportunities for small business growth,” said Lori Green, who comanages commercial land use in state parks, trails and waterways. “We encourage local businesses to take advantage of these opportunities by submitting bids and expanding their operations in our parks.”
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That picturesque state park your family has camped at for years. The wooded trail that brings you peace — and your four-legged companion utter joy. The boat launch that is your tried-and-true spot for fishing excursions with friends.
State-managed parks, trails and waterways are important to each of us because they’re places where memories are made. For this reason, the DNR wants to hear from you as staff looks ahead and plans the future of these precious public spaces.
"The future of Michigan's parks and recreation system should be shaped by the people who use, support and care about it,” said Thomas Bissett, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “Input from our staff, partners, visitors and communities helps us better understand what's working, where challenges exist and where opportunities lie.”
Public input is sought on the following projects:
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DNR Parks and Recreation Division's next five-year plan
Share your thoughts on Michigan’s state parks and state forest campgrounds, trails and state forest pathways, linear state parks, harbors and boating access sites by completing this survey by Nov. 18. Whether you’re a frequent visitor, business owner, community member or simply someone who appreciates the state's natural and cultural resources, we want to hear from you. Responses will help establish themes that will inform the DNR’s vision for Michigan state parks, trails and waterways. Your input is anonymous and confidential.
"This feedback is critical as we develop a strategic plan that will guide our decisions for years to come,” Bissett said. “By sharing these perspectives, Michiganders are helping us create a roadmap that keeps our parks relevant, accessible and responsive while ensuring we remain good stewards of the resources entrusted to our care."
Questions? Contact Thomas Bissett at 517-284-6120.
Road reconstruction at Island Lake Recreation Area
Whether you enjoy walking, biking or exploring the trails at Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County), an upcoming road project could affect your experience. The Road Commission for Oakland County is seeking public input on a planned 2027 project to reconstruct and resurface the intersection of Kent Lake Road and Grand River Avenue in Lyon Township. As part of the project, the pedestrian crossing on Kent Lake Road for the Island Lake Pathway (part of the Huron Valley/Island State Recreation Area Trail) will also be rebuilt.
If Island Lake and its trails are part of your outdoor adventures, take a moment to share your input by calling 877-858-4804 or emailing Design@RCOC.org. You can also find more details about the proposed project on the road commission’s website.
Questions? Contact the Road Commission for Oakland County at 877-858-4804 or Design@RCOC.org.
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Natural resources planning at Wilderness State Park
Those interested in long-term natural resources management planning for Wilderness State Park (Emmet County) are invited to give feedback on a new stewardship plan for the park. The public input process is essential to ensuring the park continues to serve visitors and the Emmet County community for years to come.
Learn more about this new stewardship plan on the park's webpage and provide feedback by filling out this survey. A public meeting also is part of the public input process and is being planned. More details will be shared soon.
“This plan supports the park’s general management plan, which was completed early this year and serves as a roadmap for the protection, restoration and sustainable management of the park’s natural resources,” said Steven Woods, state parks regional ecologist for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division.
Questions? Contact Steven Woods at 989-889-9492.
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 See more pictures by Michigan state parks social ambassadors at Instagram.com/MiStateParks. For more on the program, email Stephanie Yancer at YancerS@Michigan.gov. This photo is by Aubry Healy, for the Michigan DNR, at Ludington State Park in Mason County.
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