Village scores $45K Recreation Passport grant

Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced that 33 communities across the state will share $1,348,700 in Recreation Passport grants. Funding for this program is derived from sales of the Recreation Passport, the $11 annual pass that grants residents vehicle entry at state parks and recreation areas throughout Michigan.

This year, Recreation Passport grant applicants sought funding for a broad range of public outdoor recreation projects, including playground development and renovations, dog park improvements, ice-skating rink development, trail and walkway development, park and picnic area improvements and improved access for those with disabilities.

The village of Newberry received grant funding in the amount of $45,000 to make improvements at Atlas Park. According to the DNR, the village project includes development of playground equipment, benches, picnic tables, grills and lighting.

The full list of grant recipients, grant amounts and project descriptions is available on the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassportgrants.

Successful applicants clearly demonstrated projects designed to increase public access to quality outdoor recreation opportunities. The selected projects were chosen from a field of 45 grant applications seeking nearly $1.8 million in funding.

“These Recreation Passport grants go a long way in helping local units of government bring quality recreation opportunities to their citizens,” said Steve DeBrabander, DNR grants manager. “We are proud to work with these agencies so that, together, we can create world-class outdoor recreation resources statewide. The recreation industry plays an important role in moving the state’s economy forward by providing vital jobs and tourism in both urban and rural settings.”

Application materials for future Recreation Passport grants will be available by Jan. 1 at www.michigan.gov/dnr-grants. Interested individuals also may call DNR Grants Management at 517-284-7268 or write to:

Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Grants Management
P.O. Box 30425
Lansing, MI 48909-7925

Learn more about how the Recreation Passport gains you access to Michigan state parks and more at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.

Ribbon cutting scheduled

Michigan Department of Natural Resources
has opened a new ORV route between
Ishpeming and Republic in Marquette County.

The DNR, in conjunction with the Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 19, at the intersection of Stoneville Road and the Ishpeming to Republic ORV Route in Tilden Township.

The DNR and Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority invite all trail lovers to attend the ceremony and discover this new Upper Peninsula recreation opportunity.

The Iron Ore Heritage Trail and the DNR have successfully worked together on the development of many miles of hiking and biking trails in Marquette County. This new ORV route continues that tradition of collaboration, with the eventual goal of linking Negaunee and Gwinn into this route.

“There are many partners in making these trails become reality," said Carol Fulsher, administrator of the Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority. "We would like to thank the Moose Country Snowmobile Club for spending the time and money in fixing the bridges along this route and allowing it to be open year-round."

This new ORV route is 19 miles long and connects the communities of Ishpeming, Clarksburg, Humboldt and Republic. It is restricted to vehicles 65 inches in width or smaller. The ORV route also is open to hiking, biking and equestrian and snowmobile use.

"We recognize the importance of connecting communities with ORV routes,” said Michigan DNR recreation specialist Ron Yesney. “This is a good first step, and we’re pleased to partner with agencies like the Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority to improve recreation opportunities throughout the state.”

For more information about the new Ishpeming to Republic ORV Route or the ribbon-cutting ceremony, please contact Yesney at 906-228-6561 or yesneyr@michigan.gov.

Fayette Historic State Park open for 2015 season

Fayette Historic Townsite

Fayette Historic State Park kicks off its summer season with new stories of sports at the townsite and recently completed restoration work on the historic Shelton House hotel. 

“With educational school group tours, new interpretive panels, special events, historic townsite tours and reopening Fayette’s historic Shelton House, Fayette has a lot to offer the public,” said site historian Troy Henderson. 

Restoration work has been completed on the lower level of the historic “Shelton House,” which was lavishly furnished in the late 19th century for Fayette guests and residents. The roof of the hotel was reshingled in fall 2013. Museum exhibits are being reinstalled and the building reopened to visitors this season. 

Five new interpretive panels at the site of Fayette’s historic race track and baseball field will enlarge the interpretive boundaries of the townsite. The panels highlight what Fayette residents did for fun when the iron-making town bustled with energy.  

Outdoor historic walking tours, offered mid-June through mid-August, give visitors an orientation to the historic townsite, furnace complex and what life was like for 19th-century Fayette residents. Fayette Heritage Day, Aug. 8, will offer special entertainment and activities for both campers and day users.  

Fayette Historic State Park is one of the nation's premier examples of a 19th-century industrial community and company town. In operation from 1867 to 1891, its furnaces produced more than 229,000 tons of pig iron, making Fayette the second largest producer of charcoal iron in Michigan. Today, 20 buildings are preserved, including the furnace complex, hotel, town hall, company office and several residences. The 11 buildings that contain exhibits and are open to the public include a modern visitor center with a scale model of the town site as it looked in the 1880s. 

Fayette Historic Townsite is one of 11 nationally accredited museums administered by the Michigan Historical Center, an agency within the Department of Natural Resources. Located 17 miles south of U.S. Hwy. 2 on Hwy. 183 at Fayette Historic State Park, the museum village is open daily, 9 a.m. to dusk through Labor Day, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Labor Day through Oct. 18. For more information call 906-644-2603 or go online to www.michigan.gov/fayettetownsite.

A Recreation Passport grants vehicle access to any Michigan state park, boat launch, state forest campground or nonmotorized state trailhead parking. Residents can purchase the Passport for just $11 ($5 for motorcycles) at the time of Michigan license plate renewal through Secretary of State. Forgot to check "YES" during renewal? Residents and nonresidents can purchase a Recreation Passport window sticker during regular business hours at state parks. Learn more about how the Recreation Passport supports state parks, local outdoor recreation opportunities and historic and cultural sites at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.

Time to apply

Apply for elk and bear licenses now through June 1

Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that applications for Michigan elk and bear hunting licenses are available now through June 1. There will be 100 elk licenses and 6,951 bear licenses available for the 2015 hunting seasons.

Only Michigan residents are eligible to apply for an elk license. Bear licenses are available for both residents and nonresidents; however, no more than 2 percent of licenses in any bear management unit will be issued to nonresidents. Hunters can apply online at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings, at any authorized license agent or at a DNR Customer Service Center. A nonrefundable $5 fee is charged at the time of application. Hunters may purchase just one bear and one elk application.

Applicants may call 517-284-WILD (9453) by June 1 for assistance with their application and may check their drawing results online at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings beginning June 29 for both species. Applicants are responsible for submitting a valid application with the correct customer ID and application type. Make sure to check the receipt for accuracy, and call the DNR Wildlife Division immediately if there are any mistakes. Also, see the 2015 Michigan Elk Hunting Digest and 2015 Michigan Bear Hunting Digest for more details about the application processes. All hunting digests can be found at www.michigan.gov/dnrdigests.

Tips on fly fishing now available

Weekly Fishing Tip: New to fly fishing? Buying equipment doesn't have to be intimidating!
Many would-be anglers find fly fishing to be a tad intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! Part of the intimidation relates to purchasing the necessary equipment, which can get quite expensive. But there are really just a few items you need to make your experience successful!

Obviously the rod is most critical component needed. Many sources encourage anglers to find an option between $100 and $200. The next critical component is the reel, available as a separate purchase from the rod or bought together as a combo. The last necessary item you will need is fly line!

Additional equipment you might need when fly fishing include something to cut the fly line (such as fingernail clippers), polarized sunglasses so you can see better into the water you are fishing, and a hat with a brim to protect you from the elements. You should include a selection of both dry and wet flies in an easy-to-access container, needle-nose pliers or a hemostat to help remove the hook, and a license valid for the area you are fishing. Also, unless you have a boat you most likely will need to get into the water when fly fishing so waders will be necessary to have as well. And don't forget your sunscreen and bug spray!

Want even more info on fly fishing in Michigan? Check out the DNR’s How-To Go Fly Fishing website!

Trout season begins Saturday

Multiple openers kick Michigan fishing season into high gear
Michigan Department of Natural Resources would like to remind anglers to dust off their fishing gear and get ready for the opening of two fishing seasons Saturday, April 25. The statewide trout season and the Lower Peninsula inland walleye, northern pike and muskellunge seasons all open that day. 

Anglers are reminded that in Upper Peninsula waters, the walleye, northern pike and muskellunge seasons open Friday, May 15.
Please note, due to recent regulation changes the catch-and-immediate-release season for largemouth and smallmouth bass is now open all year on all waters (unless otherwise closed to fishing). The possession season for bass opens statewide Saturday, May 23, except for Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River and the Detroit River, which open Saturday, June 20.
Fishing is a major economic driver in many parts of the state. Each year in Michigan, anglers typically spend 28 million days on the water and generate $4.4 billion in economic activity which generates $623 million in local, state and federal tax revenue. On top of that, sportfishing in Michigan is estimated to support nearly 38,000 jobs.
The new license season began April 1, so anglers need to be sure they have purchased a new fishing license for this fishing season. The 2015 fishing licenses are valid through March 31, 2016.
The 2015 Michigan Fishing Guide and Inland Trout & Salmon Maps are available online. Visit the DNR website at michigan.gov/fishingguide for more information. 

Be alert to bears on the move

Spring weather has bears, other wildlife on the move

Spring is here, which brings warmer temperatures, longer days and wildlife emerging from their winter homes. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds residents that black bears are among those animals that are now awake and have left their dens.

At this time of the year, wildlife officials receive many calls about bear sightings and bears damaging bird feeders, trash cans and grills.

"Bears are hungry," said DNR bear specialist Kevin Swanson. "They are looking for food after spending months in their dens. While we might not think of bird feeders and trash cans as food sources, a hungry bear certainly may."

Bird seed especially is attractive to bears because of its high fat content and easy accessibility. Once bird feeders are discovered, bears will keep coming back until the seed is gone or the feeders have been removed.

"The majority of complaints we receive about bears in the spring involve a food source. The easiest thing people can do to avoid problems is to take in their bird feeders and store other attractants like trash cans inside until garbage pickup," Swanson said. "Once the woods green up, bears tend to move on to find more natural sources of food, as long as they haven't become habituated to the bird seed or garbage cans."

Bears that are rewarded with food each time they visit a yard will remember these food sources. This can create an unsafe situation for the bear and become a nuisance for landowners if a bear continuously visits their yards during the day and repeatedly destroys private property in search of food.

“We ask landowners to do their part by eliminating the food sources in their yards,” said Swanson. “Given time and no food reward, a bear will move along on its own.”

Anyone who is experiencing problems with bears and has removed food sources for a period of two to three weeks, but has not seen results, should contact the nearest DNR office and speak with a wildlife biologist or technician for further assistance.

Learn more about Michigan’s black bear and how to prevent potential problems by visiting www.michigan.gov/bear.

BOW opportunity scheduled

DNR Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program set for June 5-7 in the Upper Peninsula

Women seeking to improve their outdoor skills can now register for the 18th annual Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) summer program, offered the weekend of June 5-7 at Bay Cliff Health Camp, in Big Bay, located approximately 30 miles north of Marquette, Michigan.

Sponsored by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, this BOW program offers instruction in more than two dozen types of outdoor activities, including kayaking, wilderness first aid and survival, lake and fly-fishing, fly-tying, geocaching, shooting sports, boating and mountain biking – to name just a few.

“Volunteer instructors provide basic and advanced instruction that is uniquely tailored to each participant's individual ability, helping all Becoming an Outdoors-Woman participants learn the basics in a short amount of time,” said BOW coordinator Sharon Pitz.

Participants will be housed in a universally accessible, dorm-style facility with numerous amenities, including a pool, sauna, tennis courts, hiking and biking trails and easy access to Lake Superior, Pitz said. The BOW summer program also includes special evening programs, such as hikes, group bonfires and more.

The $185 registration fee includes all food and lodging, as well as most equipment and supplies.

Class information and registration materials are available online at www.michigan.gov/bow, and registration can be paid online at www.michigan.gov/estore. The summer program typically fills quickly – in fact, as of today half of the spots already are filled – so early registration is encouraged. The deadline for registration is May 15. A limited number of BOW scholarships are available to help low-income participants with the cost of registration; the scholarship deadline is May 1.

Pitz said that Becoming an Outdoors-Woman is a noncompetitive program that encourages each individual to learn at her own pace.

“The emphasis is on the enjoyment, fun and camaraderie of outdoor activities,” she said. “Everyone shares in each other’s successes and supports each other in efforts to master skills. Having these life-changing and empowering experiences in Michigan’s beautiful woods and water is just icing on the cake.”

For more information about this or other BOW programs offered in Michigan, go online to www.michigan.gov/bow or contact Sharon Pitz at 906-228-6561 or e-mail pitzs@michigan.gov. 

Calling youth - ages 14-18

DNR seeks applicants for NRC Youth Conservation Council

Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced it is accepting applications from Michigan’s youth, ages 14 to 18, who are interested in being a part of the Natural Resources Commission Youth Conservation Council.

Launched in 2013, the council's structure has been modified to operate more as an "academy model" that should help its young outdoor enthusiasts build stronger outdoor leadership skills.

“Over the first two years, we have evaluated the program to make sure that council members and the DNR were both achieving their goals from this experience," said Ray Rustem, the DNR's Youth Conservation Council advisor.

“During our weekend meetings, members were very engaged and there was a lot of energy. Still, the distance between members and the absence of local support once they returned home hindered success in reaching some of our goals," Rustem said. "We hope the academy format, which includes presentations on natural resources and outdoor recreation issues – along with pairing members with local DNR personnel – will improve the experience.”

Already in the first few years, there have been several bright spots.

Council members have developed projects to encourage youth participation in outdoor activities. A youth blog has been established. Council members also are preparing YouTube videos to promote outdoor activity and developing a youth photo contest. The department also administers a Facebook page on behalf of the council.

Youth interested in joining the NRC Youth Conservation Council will be expected to participate in four meetings each year. At least two of the meetings will be offered as weekend training sessions at a conference facility; other meetings will be shorter meetings with possible attendance through teleconferencing and/or Web-based applications.

At these meetings, members will take part in broad-ranging discussions about Michigan’s outdoors and current and future recreation opportunities available statewide. Additionally, they’ll make recommendations to both the NRC and the DNR about policy, program and legislative changes that members believe will boost young residents’ interest and involvement in the outdoors, including in the Michigan traditions of hunting and fishing.

Those youth chosen for the council also will be expected to:

• Attend a Natural Resources Commission meeting.
• Write and submit three articles on outdoor activities for the Youth Conservation Council blog.
• Help develop and participate in local events to encourage more kids to get outdoors.

During their time on the council, members will be partnered with local DNR personnel to enhance their learning experience and provide mentoring opportunities.

Applications are available on the DNR’s Youth Conservation Council website, along with a roster of frequently asked questions that offers more detail about the Youth Conservation Council. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr, choose Education and Outreach, and then select the Youth Conservation Council under Programs for Families and Individuals.

Completed applications must be postmarked by April 30, 2015, and sent to:

NRC Youth Conservation Council
ATTN: Raymond Rustem
P.O. Box 30028
Lansing, MI 48909 

Do you heat with wood? Read on...

2015 fuelwood permits now available from the DNR  

April 1 marked the start of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ 2015 fuelwood season. The personal-use permits can be purchased any time now through Dec. 31, 2015, in person or by mail.

The permits are good for 90 days from the date of purchase.The mail-in order forms are available online at the DNR’s website, www.michigan.gov/fuelwood.

Bill O’Neill, DNR Forest Resources Division chief, reminds people who are looking for alternative home-heating options that the fuelwood permits are a good value for those willing to put in some work to gather wood. “The price hasn’t changed for years,” he said. “We want to keep our permits affordable and easy to access for the folks who rely on them each year."

Permits cost $20 and are for use on designated state forest land in the northern two-thirds of the state and allow for collection of up to five standard cords of wood per household. Fuelwood collected with the permit can be used for personal use only and cannot be resold or traded.

O’Neill suggests people contact their local DNR office to determine what areas are available this year for wood collection, then follow up with a visit to the site before purchasing a permit.

“The quantity and quality of dead and down wood varies by location,” he said. “We only sell one permit per household, so we really encourage people to check out potential areas before purchasing a permit.”

The DNR has issued fuelwood permits for decades and issues between 2,500 and 3,500 each year.

For further information on how and where to purchase a personal-use fuelwood permit, contact a local DNR office or visit www.michigan.gov/fuelwood.

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. 

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."

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.

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.

DNR receives updated Graymont proposal for Upper Peninsula land transaction

Michigan Department of Natural Resources has received a revised land transaction application from Graymont, Inc. The company is proposing development of a limestone mining operation in northern Mackinac County near the town of Rexton. The land transaction application amends a January 2015 version of the proposal.

The revised land transaction application is unchanged in the total amount and location of public land under consideration. The new application proposes an increase in the offered royalty payment for the limestone to be mined.

Under the revised application, Graymont would pay the state 30 cents for each ton of extracted limestone, up from an earlier offer of 18.75 cents per ton.

Those royalties would be deposited into the State Parks Endowment Fund. In addition, Graymont is proposing to develop a regional economic development fund to provide grants for local units of government, schools and/or small businesses.

The company has proposed to pay a timber consideration fee on Tract A, limit wetland impacts on Tract E, and has suggested possible routes for the relocation of recreation trails on Tract E. The entire revised proposal, along with maps of tracts under consideration, can be found at www.michigan.gov/graymontproposal.

The transaction had been slated for a decision by DNR Director Keith Creagh at the Feb. 12 Natural Resources Commission meeting in Lansing. However, in order to allow the public and the DNR to thoroughly review this revised proposal, the director will now make a decision on the land transaction no earlier than the March 19 NRC meeting in Roscommon.The company has a second proposal pending – a mineral exchange application – which remains unchanged from a Jan. 15 application.

This proposal seeks to exchange more than 1,700 acres of state-owned minerals under the Hiawatha National Forest in Chippewa County for 1,700 acres of Graymont-owned minerals under state-owned lands in northern Mackinac County. The mineral exchange application will go before Creagh for a decision at the Feb. 12 NRC meeting. The mineral exchange proposal can be found on the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/graymontproposal.

There are multiple ways people can provide comments about these proposals. The public will have an opportunity to make comments at upcoming NRC meetings.

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.

Students, teachers dive into Salmon in the Classroom program

Reading, writing and … raising fish? Courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the support of several key partners, that’s the plan for students and teachers who eagerly participate in the DNR’s successful Salmon in the Classroom (SIC) program. Read the rest of the article at NewberryFreePress.com's new education page.  See the photographs below.

Salmon in the Classroom participating students at Kinewa 5-6 School in the Okemos Public Schools
district enjoy watching their salmon in an aquarium located in the school library.
 

To receive their eggs for Salmon in the Classroom, participating teachers will often schedule class field trips.
Here at the Little Manistee Weir, students can observe the actual egg-take performed by
Department of Natural Resources’ Fisheries personnel.

Douglas Elementary School fifth-grade students proudly show off the day’s catch from a 2010 fishing event held just for these “Salmon in the Classroom” participants. Event sponsors cleaned and cooked the fish as part of a shore lunch for these Saugatuck Public Schools kids.

After raising the salmon all year, releasing them into the natural world is – for the kids –
one of the most exciting parts of the Salmon in the Classroom program.
Here, a Gier Park School student can’t wait to place this fish into Sycamore Creek in Lansing.

Partner organizations and volunteers are a big part of what makes Salmon in the Classroom thrive.
Here, Project F.I.S.H. education program coordinator Mark Stephens (on right) shows
Gier Park School students how to gently release the salmon into Lansing’s Sycamore Creek.