How to Become a Hunter Education Instructor

As the demand for hunter education classes continues to outpace the availability of current instructors, there is a need to expand the current pool of people who are able to teach hunter safety in Michigan.  Currently, the only way to expand that pool is to get more people to become certified instructors. Becoming an instructor…

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Where to Find Recreational Safety Classes

Photo by Simon Hesthaven on Unsplash

As we get ready for spring outdoor activities boating, off-road vehicle riding and turkey hunting come to mind. For people looking to start hunting or who need to learn how to be a safe and responsible boater, or ORV rider the Michigan DNR has a mandatory curriculum for hunter education as well as courses for…

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MUCC Staff Attend MDNR’s 5th Annual Nature Center Summit

On Friday, February 10, 2023, a few of MUCC’s staff members attended the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Nature Center Summit at North Higgins Lake State Park. The Nature Center Summit was established five years ago as an opportunity to connect nonformal educators from organizations like nature centers and nonprofits to the science behind…

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Governor Whitmer Releases Executive Budget Proposal

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released her executive budget proposal for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 this week, highlighting several natural resources priorities. Within the governor’s budget, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would receive $529.4 million, including $52.3 million in general fund investment. Some highlights include: $43 million in general fund will help Belle Isle…

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Invasive Species Spotlight: Invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

A new location of invasive hemlock woolly adelgid has been found in Benzie County, 50 miles north of what was believed to be the northern edge of infestation in Mason County. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed that a sample taken from the site was positive for hemlock woolly…

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DNR Nature Center Summit

The DNR Nature Center Summit took place virtually on February 11th. The event was a collaborative of biologists, educators, nature centers, zoos and conservation districts about Michigan’s current conservation concerns and the new mediating techniques and technologies. A variety of items were discussed, including the double-crested cormorant, nuisance wildlife, determining the value of your forest,…

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Kirtland’s Warbler to be Featured on 2022 Wildlife Habitat License Plate

According to a December 6, 2021, press release from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Kirtland’s warbler will be the next wildlife species celebrated on the wildlife habitat license plate offered by the State of Michigan. Read the full press release HERE. Starting in January of 2022, those interested can purchase an updated…

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Public Invited to Comment on Recent State Land Review Recommendations

DNR Seeks Public Comment on Forest Management Plan

In phase three of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) land review process, parcels of state-managed public land in 10 counties have been reviewed by staff and will be sold, kept, or exchanged pending DNR director approval. The counties involved in this review include Alcona, Calhoun, Emmet, Houghton, Keweenaw, Mackinac, Macomb, Mason, Oceana, and…

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State Game Area Highlight: Petersburg SGA

Located less than twenty minutes from the Ohio border and hardly an hour from the heart of Detroit, the 616-acre Petersburg State Game Area in Monroe County is a favorite location of many outdoor enthusiasts in Southeast Michigan. Known for quality small game and upland game bird hunting opportunities, this state game area is also…

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