Blog Category: Education

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is commonly shortened to avian influenza or bird flu.

For hunters with a current base license, groundhogs can be hunted or trapped year-round, however, small game regulations should be followed.

This species is so robust that the Michigan DNR describes it as “one of the most widespread invasive crayfish on the planet”.

Due to the life history of splake, they have been a valuable addition as a game fish in lakes across Michigan.

Glossy buckthorn threatens conservation efforts in wetland ecosystems as an invasive species with aggressive growth.

Michigan is currently partaking in a 125-year tradition known as the Audubon Christmas bird count or “side hunt”

Hemlock woolly adelgid invading Michigan's Hemlock trees

Michigan turkey populations were once in peril and may not be in the state without conservation action.

The Lake Sturgeon population declined due to habitat loss and degradation as well as overfishing.

Historical Impacts Historically, Michigan’s vast forests and grasslands have evolved to be dependent on fire over time. Certain species, including the native Jack Pine, have adapted to become fire-dependent for reproduction. Although some stakeholders may support preferences for wildlife, it is important to understand the habitats that native wildlife depend on as well. Fellow bird enthusiasts may appreciate the significance of Jack Pine reproduction and perpetuation for species such as the Kirtland’s Warbler. The USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) Forest Service removed this bird from the Endangered Species list in 2019 per the after imitation of natural disturbances such as fire through Jack Pine stands achieved the desired stand attributes. Jack Pines rely on fire as the pinecones they create only open and disperse seeds when exposed to extreme heat. Hence, when wildfires or prescribed burns occur, the Jack Pine can spread and species reliant on young stands such as the Kirtland’s Warbler will again be able to establish. Considerations While wildfires often have a negative connotation associated with their occurrences due to impacts on residential areas, prescribed burns emulate similar impacts while safety is emphasized through control. Fires in the landscape improve habitat for wildlife, control invasive species, promote regeneration of native biomes, and decrease the risk of uncontrolled fires negatively impacting communities. While organizing prescribed burns, natural resource professionals create a plan tailored toward creating a predetermined outcome. For a burn to achieve the desired outcome, the planning must take into consideration variables including seasonality, wind, precipitation, etc. During the burn, professionals note changing variables for safety and productivity as described by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Learn More Want to dive deeper into the importance and procedures of prescribed burns in Michigan? Visit the Prescribed Burns page of Michigan DNR and check out the interactive Map. The Michigan Prescribed Fire Council also has resources regarding how prescribed burns work and how to get involved .

Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease, commonly shortened to the acronym EHD, has recently been making headlines in Michigan due to recent reports of its presence. Education of wildlife diseases is especially important for recreationists like hunters during this time of year. Understanding diseases for the wildlife near you is critical for monitoring and it can be important to distinguish between similar but distinct diseases, such as the differences between bluetongue and EHD. What is Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD)? The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) qualifies EHD as an infectious virus with a high mortality rate in wild ruminants such as white-tailed deer. However, EHD occasionally occurs in other species such as mule deer and pronghorn antelope. Undetermined diagnosis and similar diseases have been detected in deer since 1890, however, the first cases of EHD in Michigan deer were described in 1955. How is EHD Spread? Culicoides spp. on a human. Courtesy of Whitney Cranshaw, Bugwood.org. EHD is transmitted when an infected midge vector bites a deer per the MDNR. The disease is not noted to be transmitted from an infected deer horizontally to other individuals or species. However, artificial inoculation of viral material can be transmitted to an uninfected deer via various routes during experimentation. Midges lay eggs in exposed mud near water sources, increasing the risk of EHD transmission for deer near these areas. There is a noted seasonality in documented cases of the disease occurring August to October where the insect vector dies from frost.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) oversees a series of Managed Waterfowl Hunting Areas (MWHAs) throughout the state dedicated to providing residents with access to the best waterfowl hunting around. These areas, nicknamed “Wetland Wonders”, contain high-quality nesting and migration habitat for waterfowl and other wetland species. The DNR manages these MWHAs using a… The post Michigan’s Wetland Wonders appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

This week, we celebrate one of the most important holidays in the history of our country. Fireworks will fill the skies, drinks will be ice cold, and backyard grills will be fired up as people celebrate the red, white, and blue. However, this week also marks an important week for invasive species. June 30 –… The post Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Awareness Week appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

A typical Monday for MUCC’s Habitat Program Coordinator consists of  completing paperwork from the previous weekend’s event and responding to emails. This Monday looked a little different. Instead of catching up on emails, I went on a wild goose chase to catch Canada geese around the Lansing area. As an early career biologist, I am… The post Wild Goose Chase: MUCC’s Habitat Program Coordinator Bands Geese with Michigan DNR appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.