Northern Michigan Conservation Network

If you’re like me, you may have often wondered about the forest fire and wildfire hazard ratings you see posted outside of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources field offices. While I’ve always known that these ratings were based on more than just an empty rain gauge, it wasn’t until a presentation made by Atlanta […]

It seems worthy of note that six of the top ten states in the nation as ranked by a recent USA Today for the perceived “well-being” of their residents are also among the top 12 states in the Percentage of Public Land area. The main exceptions to this trend were the three states which have been more […]

We recently shared a story which included a video segment from a Traverse City area television station (TV 9 & 10) whose byline read “DNR Plans to Remove Acres of Trees” (click here to view segment). Since the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and others who conduct professional forest management “remove” acres of trees every […]

As we walk through the still snow-covered and frost-permeated north woods, it somehow seems hard to believe that we’ll soon be hearing the sounds of a changing season.  Chief among these sounds is the one produced by the“King of the Game Birds” who, unlike so many of his feathered cousins, endured this long and difficult […]

The 2013 Forest Health Report for the state of Michigan has been released. In simpler times this would have merely been viewed as an annual trip to the timber doctor – but not today. As we have now come to expect, much of the document is dedicated to the discussion of the growing threat to […]

Depending on where you are in northern Michigan and who you talk to, the annual migratory flight of the American woodcock (Scolopax minor) has either already peaked or soon will.  Although the unseasonably warm October and mild conditions appear to have reduced their sense of urgency, these wonderful birds know that the shorter days mean […]

The final draft of the Public Land Management Strategy  has been completed and is now in the hands of Governor Snyder.  After the completion of gubernatorial review and approval, the document will then head back to the State legislature pursuant to the terms of the Michigan Land Cap Bill, a.k.a. Senate Bill-248.   It may […]

In spite of initial efforts by some to try drawing hunters, anglers and other outdoor recreationalists into the politics of the Federal shutdown, common sense appears to have prevailed on the issue of public land access. After originally contributing to some of the confusion in his Field and Stream blog post of October 1, 2013, […]

Here are few “newsy” items that may be of interest for northern Michigan outdoor types. Still Time for Forestry Open House/Compartment Review Comment Although some have come and gone, there is still time to participate in several MDNR Forestry Compartment Review and Open House sessions for the 2015 Year of Entry.  Those sessions for Atlanta, […]

With September 15th just around the corner, we’ve been taking a look at some of the forecast data provided by both Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Wildlife Division, as well as the summary provided annually by the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS).  Before we begin looking at the grouse and woodcock forecast data made available […]