Gravel extraction planned for Genoa Township sites is one step toward preparing land for DNR seed orchard

A planned seed orchard on two parcels of land near Brighton eventually could grow into a parklike setting with well-spaced, healthy trees and grassy areas.

But first, the hilly land owned by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources between Brighton Road and Cunningham Lake Road in Genoa Township, in southeast Livingston County, needs to be leveled to accommodate the orchard. The most cost-effective route to that is a short-term lease of the rights to mine sand and gravel on the properties.

“We’re not offering this lease to make money,” said Jason Hartman, silviculturist for the DNR. “It’s one step in a series of steps toward getting to our goal for state forest planning and for this land. It’s good for the state and good to have more green space in the community.”

Public information meeting in October

The DNR will schedule a public meeting in October to discuss the steps in the multiyear process and answer residents’ questions.

The properties, which are near several residential subdivisions, include a 50-acre parcel and a 77-acre parcel. Both were listed as surplus properties by the state and destined for auction. But they’re also near the DNR’s Tree Improvement Center, where seedlings are grown to help maintain healthy landscapes among more than 3.9 million acres of state forests.

The DNR has managed seed orchards to procure jack pine and red pine seeds at the Tree Improvement Center for about 50 years. Red pine seeds are especially difficult to collect in a natural setting, so orchards are used to provide large volumes of pine cones to help in DNR reforestation efforts. Seeds are extracted and nurtured under controlled conditions, then transplanted to forest land. Using seed orchards helps guarantee the health and success of future forests. Read more

The popular fall color rides at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Ontonagon County are closed until at least mid-October.

With the popularity of the rides, which offer a spectacular view of the surrounding autumn countryside and the deep blue waters of Lake Superior, upgrades were necessary to the triple-chair lift to meet current engineering and design specifications.

These upgrades will allow more visitors to ride up and down simultaneously, decreasing wait times. Unfortunately, the work is taking place between now and mid-October – the traditional peak of the fall color season.

The chairlift may not be operated until the work to upgrade the lift is completed, tested and certified. Alternatives to try to accommodate fall color visitors while repairs were being made were explored. Read more

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is asking the public to be on the lookout for spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect with the potential to seriously affect Michigan’s agriculture and natural resources. This insect could damage or kill more than 70 varieties of crops and plants including grapes, apples, hops, and hardwood trees. To date, spotted lanternfly has not been detected in Michigan.

First detected in the United States in 2014 in southeastern Pennsylvania, spotted lanternfly has been spreading rapidly across the northeastern states. There have been confirmed infestations in Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Spotted lanternfly causes direct damage by sucking sap from host plants and secreting large amounts of a sugar-rich, sticky liquid called honeydew. This honeydew and the resulting black sooty mold can kill plants and foul surfaces. The honeydew often attracts other pests like yellow jackets, flies, and ants, affecting outdoor recreation and complicating crop harvests. Read more

EDGEFIELD, S.C.—The National Wild Turkey Federation is proud to announce its upcoming Conservation Week and is challenging all to partake in conservation by getting outdoors.

The week will begin Sept. 19 with a message to join in on the greater conservation story by getting outdoors and will conclude on Sept. 25, which is National Hunting and Fishing Day. The celebratory day brings together sportsmen and women to celebrate rich traditions. The NWTF urges all outdoors enthusiasts to help promote our passions and educate others on the importance of this week.

“We want to highlight all of our own conservation and outreach work, while emphasizing the important role hunting plays in conservation,” NWTF CEO Becky Humphries said. “The connection between conservation and hunting is the essence of the NWTF’s mission, and we want to bring that relationship into focus during our Conservation Week.”

NWTF’s Conservation Week will bring awareness and emphasis to its conservation mission and the role of hunters in creating Healthy Habitats and Health Harvests by illustrating the organization’s milestones and ongoing initiatives to conserve the wild turkey and preserve our hunting heritage, specifically through the lens of the NWTF’s America’s Big Six of Wildlife Conservation.

America’s Big Six of Wildlife Conservation is a national strategic plan created by NWTF conservation experts. Six areas of concern were established to help identify the most urgent needs and better monitor conservation objectives: Read more

The predictions are in: fall colors are ahead of schedule and will move through Michigan by mid-October. The window is short and calendars are busy, so plan your road trip now and get ready for Michigan’s dazzling displays of red, gold and green.

From visiting historic state parks and museums, to sandhill crane and elk viewing, to watching huge freighters move down the St. Clair River, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season.

Want to get started? We’ve pulled together maps showing peak color progression, destination information and ideas for unique experiences all over the state. Hope to see you out there!

Take the fall color tour ?

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