Get your license today

New Michigan fishing license required April 1

Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers that a new fishing license season begins Wednesday, April 1, which coincides with the new regulation cycle. All 2014 fishing licenses are good through March 31, 2015. Anglers have five options to choose from when making their purchases. All fishing licenses are good for all species.

• Resident Annual - $26
• Non-Resident Annual - $68 
• Senior Annual (for residents age 65 or older) - $11 
• 24-Hour (resident or non-resident) - $10
• 72-Hour (resident or non-resident) - $30

Residents and non-residents also can purchase the Hunt/Fish combo license for $76 and $266, respectively, that consists of a base license, annual fishing license and two deer tags. A base license is not required when just purchasing a fishing license. There is also a Hunt/Fish combo license available to senior residents for $43. Michigan’s fishing licenses bring revenue into the state that is invested into the state’s fisheries in several ways, including providing greater access to world-class fishing opportunities, improving fisheries habitat in inland lakes and streams, and increasing the health and quantity of fish stocked in the state.The DNR Fisheries Division depends primarily on angler dollars (through license sales and federal excise tax dollars for fishing tackle) to manage the state’s fisheries. Buying a fishing license, even if you do not plan to fish, can make a big difference to the future health of Michigan’s prized freshwaters.There are two simple ways to purchase a fishing license in Michigan:

• Visit a local license retailer or DNR Customer Service Center and make a purchase in person.
• Use the E-License system to buy a license online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Just visit www.mdnr-elicense.com on a computer, smartphone or tablet to get started.

For more information on fishing in Michigan, visit michigan.gov/fishing. 

Today's the last day to vote!

Vote for The Porkies as Best State Park in the nation!

Today is the last day to vote for Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park for the title of “Best State Park” in USA Today’s online voting contest. We're neck and neck with a New York state park, so show your mitten love! Spread the word by sharing it on social media, voting daily, and voting from every device (tablet, phone, computer). Contest runs through Monday, March 30 at 11:59 a.m. 

Time to renew

DNR reminds hunters, anglers, ORV riders of license structure

Spring has arrived, and with spring turkey hunting season and many fishing seasons opening soon – and 2015 licenses on sale now – Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters, anglers and ORV riders of changes to Michigan’s license structure that took effect just over a year ago.The new license structure makes buying a license easier and provides vital funding to improve outdoor recreation opportunities.Some things for hunters, anglers and ORV riders to keep in mind when buying licenses:

• A base license is required for all hunters every year. In addition to providing critical funding for wildlife conservation and management, the base license allows hunters to hunt small game and purchase additional hunting licenses for other species. See more information about hunting licenses.
• Anglers no longer need to choose between restricted and all-species fishing licenses. All fishing licenses are good for all species. See more information about fishing licenses.
• An ORV trail permit is required, in addition to the ORV license, for riding on state-designated trails, routes and scramble areas. See more information about ORV licenses.
• Outdoor enthusiasts can purchase a hunt/fish combo license that includes a base license, a deer combo license (two tags) and an all-species fishing license.
• A single deer license, valid throughout archery, firearm and muzzleloader seasons, replaces the separate archery and firearm licenses. The deer combo license remains available for hunters who wish to harvest two bucks.

Additional funding from the new license structure enables the DNR and its partners to provide better hunting and fishing opportunities through improved habitat; a first-rate ORV trail network, providing enhanced riding opportunities and benefiting local economies; increased protection of natural resources and a safer outdoor recreation experience by putting more conservation officers in the field; and expanded outreach and education for new and existing hunters and anglers.

To learn more about how these license changes benefit hunters, anglers and ORV riders, watch this short video about the new license structure.

For more information – including license prices, frequently asked questions and details about how license dollars are being invested – visit www.michigan.gov/dnr and click on "hunting, fishing and ORV license structure" under "In the Know."

White Breakfast set for tomorrow at 10 a.m.

Calling all ladies of the community.

Don't forget - Tomorrow is the White Breakfast!

Join the Newberry United Methodist Women as they celebrate the 36th Annual White Breakfast tomorrow, Saturday, March 28. Beginning at 10 a.m. ladies who attend can expect to enjoy a traditional hot cross bun breakfast with juice, coffee and tea.

The program begins with the traditional welcome, followed by hand-picked selections of the Easter season performed by members of the United Methodist Church’s “Joy Bells.” Also scheduled to perform are flutist Dianne Neumann and soprano Jane Fuller.

This year’s special narration, written by local journalist Cheryl Withrow, A Quilt, A Cross and Jesus*, focuses on the story of Jesus Christ. Cast members will proclaim the biblical account of the risen Lord through a series of quilt blocks radiating from a center-placed tree of life. 

All ladies of the community are cordially invited to attend this annual ecumenical observance that jump starts Holy Week activities.

There is no charge for the celebration, which is held in the Newberry United Methodist Church fellowship hall, 110 W. Harrie St., in downtown Newberry.

*Copyright 2015 Cheryl Ann Withrow A Quilt, A Cross and Jesus All Rights Reserved

DNR releases moose population survey

Michigan DNR completes latest moose population survey
Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced the results of its 2015 moose population survey in the western moose range of the Upper Peninsula, an important tool in managing the species.

The 2015 population estimate in the western U.P. is 323, compared to an estimate of 451 in 2013. From 1997 to 2007, surveys of prime moose habitat in Baraga, Iron and Marquette counties suggested the U.P.’s moose population was growing at a modest rate of about 10 percent per year. From 2009 to 2013, survey results showed an apparent change in that trend, with the growth rate slowing to about 2 percent per year.

“There is inherent uncertainty with any population survey, and due to the fact that the 2013 and 2015 estimates have some overlap in confidence intervals, the potential remains that the state’s moose population has remained steady rather than declining,” said Chad Stewart, deer, elk and moose management specialist for the DNR. “However, coupled with survey records that show a decrease in the number of moose calves seen with cows this year, it’s quite possible that we’re looking at a considerable drop in numbers.”

Future surveys will be needed to identify any long-term trend for Michigan’s moose population. Other states and provinces have reported declines in moose populations near the southern edge of North America’s moose range, yet other populations are holding steady or increasing. Researchers in Michigan have hypothesized several potential causes for a possible decline of moose numbers in Michigan. Among potential factors:

• Back-to-back severe winter weather that negatively affected moose condition, survival and reproductive success.
• Year-round climatic changes, especially warmer temperatures, that led to increased parasite loads on moose, weakening their overall condition.
• A possible increase in wolf predation on moose calves due to the region’s lowered deer population.

The moose range in the western Upper Peninsula covers about 1,400 square miles. Every other year, DNR staff members survey most of that area from the air. In 2015, the flights covered all survey plots within the core moose area – where 80 to 90 percent of the western U.P. moose population is located – along with a sampling of the non-core plots as well.The survey is completed by flying transects over prime moose habitat to count moose seen from the air. The number counted is then extrapolated by a computerized population modeling program to attain the final estimate.

The next moose population survey is planned for early 2017. However, given moose population trends, the DNR will again recommend to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission that there be no moose hunt in the state.
For more information about moose in Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/moose.

Are you researching your family tree?

Archives of Michigan makes 1921-1939 death certificates available online

The Archives of Michigan today made available images of Michigan death certificates from 1921 to 1939 for free on its website www.seekingmichigan.org.

The certificates join others from 1897 to 1920 that were previously made available. The Michigan collection now contains 2.6 million death certificates for researchers. Genealogy researchers, in particular, find death certificates useful while tracing family history.

State Archivist Mark Harvey said that the index of death certificates from 1940 to 1952 will be made available in about a month, with certificates from that period becoming available as privacy restrictions are lifted. For example, images of the certificates from 1940 will be made available online in January 2016. The death records represent a partnership between the Archives, the Vital Records Section of the Michigan Department of Community Health and FamilySearch.org.

“This collection of death certificates covers a period in Michigan history of significant growth and development,” Harvey said. “In these records, researchers will find evidence of the influx of Eastern European immigrants, the emergence of Detroit as the automotive capital of the world and the impact of the Great Depression.”

Researchers can search four different data fields. The certificates are indexed and searchable by an individual’s last name, first name, county and township/village/city of death, birth year, age and parents’ names. Additional information that can be found in death certificates includes the person’s occupation, cause of death, burial location and birthplace.

Among the death certificates in this group is that of illusionist and stunt performer Harry Houdini, who died in Detroit Oct. 31, 1926, of internal injuries after being punched multiple times in the abdomen by a fan at a show in Montreal several days earlier.

The Archives of Michigan is responsible for preserving the records of Michigan government and other public institutions. With documents dating back to 1792, the Archives of Michigan houses much of Michigan's record heritage. More than 80 million state and local government records and private papers, 300,000 photographs and 500,000 maps, plus films and audio tapes are available for research. A growing number of materials in the Archives are available on its website at www.seekingmichigan.org. 

Weight restrictions start tomorrow

March 17, 2015 -- Effective 12:01 a.m. March 18, weight restrictions will be imposed and enforced on all state trunkline highways in the state of Michigan. State routes typically carry M, I, or US designations.

In the restricted areas, the following will apply:           
- On routes designated as "all-season routes" (designated in green and gold on the MDOT Truck Operators Map), there will be no reduction in legal axle weights.           
- On routes designated as "seasonal" (designated in solid or dashed red on the MDOT Truck Operators Map), there will be a posted weight reduction of 25 percent for rigid pavements and 35 percent for flexible pavements.

All extended permits will be valid for oversize loads in the weight-restricted area on the restricted routes. Single-trip permits will not be issued for any overweight loads or loads exceeding 14 feet in width, 11 axles and 150 feet in overall length on the restricted routes.

For weight restriction information and updates, call 800-787-8960, or you can access this information on Michigan Department of Transportation's website at www.michigan.gov/truckers, under "Restrictions."

All-season routes are designated in green and gold on the MDOT Truck Operators Map, which is available online. You also may sign up to receive e-mail alerts.

Trucking companies located in New Jersey and Canada can obtain information by calling 517-373-6256.

Vote for the 'Porkies'

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park currently holds 2^nd place in the competition for the title of Best State Park in the nation in USA Today’s 10Best Travel Awards.
Visitors and fans of the park can vote daily through March 30 at 11:59 a.m. to help the Porkies win this national title, so vote and spread the word about this great opportunity for national recognition of Michigan’s woods and waters!
Individuals can vote every day, and from every internet-enabled device (tablet, phone, computer). The voting page, which includes the current rank, is available at http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-state-park/porcupine-mountains-wilderness-state-park-mich/.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is one of the few remaining large wilderness areas in the Midwest. With 60,000 acres of towering virgin timber, secluded lakes, and miles of wild rivers and streams, a visit to the "Porkies" is a trip to remember. Visitors can enjoy camping on the shores of Lake Superior, 90 miles of hiking trails, kayak rentals, mountain biking and skiing in the winter. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/porkies or follow the park on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PorcupineMountains.

Renewables, waste reduction keys to state's future

Adaptability, affordability, reliability and environmental protection focus of Snyder energy plan Gov. Rick Snyder today outlined aggressive goals to ensure an energy future for Michigan that protects against dramatic cost increases and widespread outages through a cost-based goal that, over the next ten years, moves the state to 30-40 percent use of renewable energy and waste reduction. The state faces an energy capacity issue with 10 coal power plants expected to be retired in the next ten years. As Michigan’s surging economy continues to grow, demand is expected to increase, challenging our infrastructure and natural assets unless we take new approaches, he said. Energy costs and availability are a major concern for expanding businesses that will bring new jobs to Michigan’s economy. Snyder’s plan will see the state through at least the next ten years during which Michigan must meet the shortage of electric generation while complying with new federal regulations on carbon emissions. Snyder said the energy policy centers around the four pillars of affordability, reliability, adaptability and environmental protection. A key challenge will be to dramatically reduce wasted energy, an effort that will save money for families and businesses as well as lessen the demand on the state’s power grid. We need to eliminate energy waste to meet an additional 15 percent of our energy needs by 2025. Snyder encourages a discussion with the Legislature about programs that help people replace older, wasteful items like furnaces, such as on-bill financing. Power can be made more reliable through plans to deploy “smart” meters that help utilities locate outages and restore power more quickly. The state also needs to give our regulators the ability to determine that when we may face a shortage, we have the tools to address it and ensure fair choices for customers. We’ve made progress in this area. Our goal is to have residents average less than one power outage a year, and have those outages last less than two and a half hours. We’re getting closer to hitting that mark. Michigan has been one of the 10 states most-dependent on coal. We must continue to focus on adaptability, with Michiganders determining how we will replace outdated coal plants and expand the use of newer, cleaner technologies such as natural gas and renewables. Our state can reach a goal of 30 to 40 percent renewables plus waste reduction within a decade. Michigan’s energy generation need to be part of a healthier future, with plans to reduce mercury emissions, pollution that creates acid rain and cut down on airborne particles. Our state already is a leader in terms of safety measures tied to high-volume hydraulic fracturing.  We will remain vigilant, and also continue exploring ways to promote and adopt alternative transportation fuels and autonomous vehicle technology. To read Snyder's full Energy Special Message, visit here.

Almost time to renew fishing licenses

Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced the release of the 2015 Michigan Fishing Guide, which includes rules and regulations effective April 1, 2015, through March 31, 2016. Copies of the guide can be obtained at any location where fishing licenses are sold.

This year’s guide is the third year the DNR has implemented improvements geared toward the request of anglers. The 2015 guide is printed on higher-quality paper to better withstand the wear and tear of fishing in Michigan, is of a smaller physical size (better able to fit in anglers’ tackle boxes), and includes an easier-to-read font size.
This is the first year the DNR solicited photos from the public for potential use on the cover of the fishing guide. This year’s selected photo was of the Muskegon River and was submitted by Amber LeClear. The DNR will collect potential cover photos for the 2016 guide as well; interested individuals should send theirs to DNR-Fisheries@michigan.gov. The DNR is looking for photos that focus on places to fish, not so much on people or fish species.

The 2015 Michigan Fishing Guide also is available in a user-friendly, electronic format online at michigan.gov/fishingguide.   

Graymont responds to DNR concerns

Officials with Graymont, Inc. have submitted a revised Land Transaction Application (LTA) to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a limestone mining operation in northern Mackinac County near the town of Rexton. The March 6 proposal, which amends a January 2015 LTA, is unchanged in the total amount and location of public land under consideration.

Revisions in the March LTA address DNR concerns with the previous proposal. Based on these revisions, department officials have recommended that the March 6 Graymont application be approved by DNR Director Keith Creagh. The LTA will be before Creagh for action at the March 19 Natural Resources Commission meeting in Roscommon. More information about the proposal, including a map of tracts under consideration, can be found at www.michigan.gov/graymontproposal.

Following is a summary of items of significant concern to the department in the company’s previous proposals and how those concerns have been addressed in the most recent application:

• Royalty rate on limestone mined and minimum annual royalty payment: Graymont has increased the proposed royalty rate for limestone from 18.75 cents per ton to 30 cents per ton. The company has proposed a minimum annual royalty to begin in 2020 and has committed to creating a regional economic development fund that will provide $100,000 a year for five years starting in 2015. Department officials find the royalty rate and minimum royalty acceptable.

• Consideration of timber and mineral values: Graymont has now included timber value in the purchase price of Tracts A and E. Lands to be offered in exchange for Tracts B and C will include equal or greater forest values in addition to land value. Non-royalty minerals were valued at $10 an acre. Department officials find the language acceptable.

• Final decision authority on land use and infrastructure such as roads, trails, mining structures, etc. on all parcels: Graymont has addressed this concern by including consultation, mediation and arbitration language to recognize public and DNR input in land use decisions. Department officials find the language acceptable.

• Effects on a neighboring facility: Graymont has included language to address potential impacts to a facility adjacent to Tract C. Department officials find the language acceptable.

• Adequate wetland protection and trail easement assurances in Tract E: Graymont has included language to ensure impacts to wetlands in Tract E are minimized and trail easements for public use are provided. Department officials find the offered wetland concept and trail easements acceptable.  

• Process for land exchanges: Graymont has revised the process for land it was offering in exchange for land it seeks to acquire in this proposal. If this LTA is approved, the state will immediately begin to work with the applicant to compete the exchanges. Department officials find the process acceptable. 

• The scope and timing of economic benefits to local communities: Graymont is developing a regional economic development fund to provide grants for local units of government, schools and/or small business. Department officials find this approach acceptable and expect further detail on the local economic benefits prior to director decision.

A memo detailing the recommendation from department officials to the director can be found on the DNR website.
 

There are multiple ways people can provide comments about this proposal. The public will have an opportunity to make comments at the March Natural Resources Commission meeting. The DNR continues to maintain an email address for the public to comment. Interested parties may send comments to DNRGraymontProposalComments@michigan.gov.

Mailed comments can be sent to the Roscommon Customer Service Center, ATTN: Kerry Wieber, 8717 N. Roscommon Road, Roscommon, MI 48653.
 

Comments will be accepted until a final decision is made.