Contact: Katie Gervasi, 517-290-0679

Honoring current, fallen conservation officers during National Police Week; memorial dedication Tuesday in Roscommon

Serving as a Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officer is a physically and mentally demanding career that requires a huge commitment from both the officers and their families. During National Police Week (May 15-21) – and especially National Peace Officers Memorial Day this Sunday – the DNR is proud to recognize the more than 200 conservations currently serving our state.

“Michigan’s conservation officers protect and serve our people, parks and public lands,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Choosing to answer the call of public service is a noble act, and today, we honor every conservation officer who has served and those we have lost in the line of duty. Every Michigander and visitor who enjoys our great outdoors knows how invaluable our conservation officers are. They are professional, personable and always eager to help people of all ages. They keep us safe, protect our pristine natural resources and represent our highest values.”

Chief Dave Shaw, DNR Law Enforcement Division, said that part of being a conservation officer is being an embedded and trustworthy community member.

“Officers and their families are often approached at the store, in school and at sporting events by neighbors eager to ask questions about new regulations, learn where the fish are biting or confirm rumors of a local trophy buck,” he said. “Our job relies on these positive relationships and doesn’t stop at the end of a shift.” Read more

Media contact: Bill Scullon (DNR), 906-250-6781

DNR reports partial failure of ‘low hazard’ dam on Net River in Baraga County

Several state, county and local officials are on the scene at the Net River Flooding State Wildlife Management Area in Baraga County (south of Covington and north of Crystal Falls) to assess the partial failure of the Net River dam, located on the south outlet of the Net River Flooding. The area is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

A person visiting the area Wednesday evening noticed the washed-out area around the dam and berm and contacted the local DNR Wildlife Field Office.

“Initial examination of the site suggests that, at some point over the last few days, the Net River Dam experienced a partial failure due to corrosion of the water control structure in the middle of the dam, and that caused a sinkhole to develop,” said Bill Scullon, DNR wildlife operations field manager. “The good news is that both the upstream and downstream embankments appear to be solid and are currently retaining the impoundment water just as they are designed to do.” Read more

When is the best time to plant a tree?

There’s an old proverb that says the answer is “20 years ago,” and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources says the second-best time is right now!

The DNR is encouraging people to grab a shovel and a tree and join in planting 50 million trees by 2030 as part of the 1T.org Trillion Trees campaign. Whether you have a family forest plot handed down through generations or a small city lot, a new tree (or trees!) can make a big difference to your quality of life.

“Trees provide cooling shade in towns and cities,” said Kevin Sayers, Urban and Community Forest program lead for the DNR’s Forest Resources Division. “Trees in any setting help provide clean air and water, prevent erosion and provide homes for wildlife.”

The Mi Trees campaign is part of a global effort to plant more trees to help communities adapt to the world’s changing climate. Michiganders do love the state’s forests, which cover 20 million acres, about half of the state’s entire area. Nearly 4 million acres of that total is state forest managed by the DNR.

In a 2016 survey conducted by the Forest Resources Division, more than nine out of 10 people agreed that forests are part of Michigan’s unique public heritage. Survey respondents also said they want to make sure that Michigan takes good care of its forests so they will be abundant, healthy and green far into the future.

That’s where you can lend a hand. Read more

NEW HAVEN, Mo. – Browning Camping, a premium brand, has released a new backcountry tent for 2022 called the Talon 1. This no-fly tent was developed for the backcountry adventurer who requires a lightweight shelter that sets up quickly and is suitable for diverse wilderness environments.

The Talon 1 is built on an 82×43-inch floor plan to accommodate one person plus gear. The poly oxford floor comes with 1500mm coating for protection and an optional oxford footprint is available for added security when camping on abrasive surfaces. The tent walls are constructed of weatherproof poly-cotton fabric, eliminating the need for a rainfly. Read more

SWANSBORO, N.C. –– On a daily basis the most important piece of gear an individual would need is an Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK). Hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts, extreme sport athletes, first responders and military personnel can all benefit from life-saving equipment being readily available at a moments notice. IFAK’s can accommodate a multitude of items to save a person’s life. Some of the main essential items that you can carry are:

·Adhesive tape, Bandage kit, Nasopharyngeal airway kit, Trauma shears, Gloves, Tourniquet, Chem lights, Combat gauze, Pressure dressing, Vented chest seal, Ibuprofen, and Burn dressing

High Speed Gear® offers its ReFlex™ product line that was designed with direct input from active-duty medical personnel and constructed around the medical supplies included in the U.S. Army-issued IFAK. The two-piece system allows you to carry previous medical supplies or other essential items to optimize versatility depending on the field of work that you may be in. The High Abrasion-Resistant Neoprene Kevlar® handles were designed for users to be able to easily find, grab and access the contents of the ReFlex™ IFAK System as quickly as possible. Read more

Tread Lightly! and HCF Motorsports Announce Upcoming Jeep Giveaway Fundraiser

NORTH SALT LAKE, UT — Tread Lightly!, a national nonprofit organization responsible for promoting responsible recreation, today announced a collaboration with HCF Motorsports, on the launch of a 2021 Jeep Wrangler JLU giveaway fundraiser in support of Tread Lightly!’s mission to protect off-road access through stewardship and education.

HCF Motorsports is owned and operated by one of the nation’s leading female OHV drivers, Hollie Fowler, and serves as a one-stop-shop for offroad lifestyle merchandise and content about the vehicles built and maintained by Hollie and her husband Walter.

“We’re overwhelmed with gratitude for both the donation of this vehicle, but also the incredible amount of time donated by the HCF Motorsports team and their industry friends and partners,” said Matt Caldwell, Executive Director of Tread Lightly!. “Thank you to everyone who has stepped up in such a big way to support Tread Lightly! and the future of off-road access.”

Hollie worked alongside friends Ian Johnson of Big Tire Garage, and the team at System 7 Offroad Custom Garage to build this dream Jeep with product support from industry partners such as BFGoodrich Tires, Artec Industries, KMC Wheels, Factor 55, onX Offroad, Hepta Mfg., Warn Industries, RPM Steering, Optima Batteries, Stinger Offroad, Power Tank, Bestop, PRP Seats, KC Hilites, R1 Concepts, Rock Monster USA, Balljoint Eliminators, Radflo Suspension Technology, and Tom Woods Drive Custom Shafts.

“We’re very grateful to every partner who has donated time and products to support Tread Lightly! and this build,” said HCF Motorsports President Hollie Fowler. “It’s a testament to the entire offroad industry that so many amazing companies would come together to support the enthusiasts across the country by raising money that will directly fund programs that protect off-road trail access and promote public land stewardship.”

The Jeep, valued at $77,000, will be taken on tour during the length of the giveaway and be taken to several off-road events throughout the country, beginning at Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. The vehicle will also be displayed at the following events: Read more