Third phase of successful partnership will protect critical waterfowl habitat across Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina

The North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) Migratory Bird Council awarded a $2.8 million grant to support the third phase of the South Atlantic Wetlands and Wildlands conservation initiative, led by Ducks Unlimited in partnership with state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations and private landowners across the Southeast.

“For more than 35 years, NAWCA has been the gold standard for wetlands conservation in North America,” said Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam. “Every dollar invested in the program is typically doubled or tripled by matching contributions, making it an incredible return on investment that benefits America’s hunters, migratory bird populations and outdoor economy. This program maintains its success through consistent, bipartisan support from Congress and the Administration, and we’re ready to help turn this investment into habitat that will further sustain waterfowl populations.”

This latest grant continues a successful conservation series that has already protected 3,943 acres in the project area. In addition, 2,181 priority wetland acres have been enhanced for waterfowl populations along the critical Atlantic Flyway migration corridor. Read more

After consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department captured and relocated a subadult male grizzly bear on August 15, 2025.

The grizzly bear was captured for cattle depredation on U.S. Forest Service lands in Fremont County. In cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Shoshone National Forest, the grizzly bear was relocated to the Mormon Creek drainage approximately 5 miles from the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

Grizzly bears are relocated in accordance with state and federal law and regulation, and Game and Fish is required to update the public whenever a grizzly bear is relocated.

WHY RELOCATION? Read more

Researchers from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will pilot the use of trail cameras to estimate the state’s elk population as part of a larger research project aimed at determining the most accurate and cost-effective way to manage the elk herd.

The DNR’s Wildlife Division recently set up about 200 cameras in and around the core elk range, which encompasses some 1,100 square miles across northern Lower Michigan. Most of the cameras are on state-managed land, although DNR researchers worked with landowners to set up cameras on private land as well.

Camera data will be compared against the DNR’s current method of estimating the elk population – aerial surveys – to determine which method is more precise and cost-effective.

Survey goals, challenges Read more

Virus detected in coyotes, foxes in Maricopa County; pets should be fully vaccinated

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has been receiving an increasing number of reports in recent weeks of sick or disoriented coyotes within residential neighborhoods, parks and green spaces.

Laboratory testing has confirmed the diagnosis of canine distemper, a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of both domestic and wild animals, primarily canids.

While distemper cannot infect humans, it poses a serious risk to unvaccinated dogs and certain wildlife species. Pet owners should ensure their animals are fully vaccinated, keep dogs on a leash, and avoid contact with wildlife.

Infected coyotes and foxes may display unusual behavior such as a lack of fear toward humans, stumbling, seizures, or discharge from the eyes and nose. The virus spreads through direct contact, airborne droplets, and shared food or water sources. It’s important to note that canine distemper cannot be distinguished from rabies based on clinical symptoms. To that point, it’s important to avoid approaching or touching wildlife, and report any sick or dead animals to AZGFD.

The department recommends: Read more

Want to learn more about firefighting equipment?

Join the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Roscommon Equipment Center staff Oct. 6-10 at the state’s Forest Fire Experiment Station for an in-depth equipment workshop.

The workshop provides equipment demonstrations and networking opportunities. It is ideal for fire department chiefs, equipment program leaders and other wildland fire professionals.

Activities will include the following: Read more

Ongoing research in Mississippi is developing new ways to gauge turkey populations.

One of the most important elements of wild turkey management is estimating turkey populations, and gauging whether these are stable, increasing, or decreasing. That said, this is no simple task, and many of the methods long used are less effective than researchers would like. Simply, we need better population estimation techniques.

As such, TFT is excited to report on an ongoing research effort that it and other partners are supporting. A new turkey research technique is being tested to determine the efficacy of its deployment in wild turkey science and management. The preliminary results showcase great success.

Currently, a significant effort is being conducted across eight research sites in Mississippi, including a mix of private and public lands. These include Chickasaw WMA, Choctaw WMA, Little Biloxi WMA, Wolf River WMA, as well as private lands in Hancock, Jefferson, Kemper, and Marshall Counties.

“The goal is to see if this technique will allow us to know exactly how many turkeys are using particular properties,” said Adam B. Butler, CWB, director of conservation development with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. “One of the shortcomings in the science and management of turkeys is that they’re so difficult to count. It’s difficult to compare certain things against other things, such as certain management practices against other management practices, certain habitats against other habitats, etc.” Read more

New study shows impacts to native mushroom species

What started as a fun and tasty culinary trend – growing exotic mushrooms at home from a simple storebought or online kit – has become another threat to Michigan’s natural resources.

A recent article published in The Conversation describes U.S. Forest Service researchers’ findings regarding the impact of golden oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus citrinopileatus) on Wisconsin forests.

Native to Asian and Russian hardwood forests, these imported mushrooms are now growing in the wild in areas of the Midwest, including Michigan’s southern Lower Peninsula.

Golden oyster mushrooms, known for their bright yellow caps and nutty flavor, are featured on restaurant menus and in cooking videos. The mushrooms became popular among DIY enthusiasts with the introduction of grow kits in the early 2000s. By 2010, they began appearing in U.S. forests.

According to Aishwarya Veerabahu, a graduate student in the Department of Botany at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, “No one knows exactly how golden oyster mushrooms escaped into the wild, whether from a grow kit, a commercial mushroom farm or outdoor logs inoculated with golden oysters – a home-cultivation technique.”

To assist with research efforts, Michiganders are encouraged to report any sightings of golden oyster mushrooms in the wild. Observations can be recorded at iNaturalist.org.

Why be concerned? Read more

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with the DTE Foundation and ReLeaf Michigan, is offering $100,000 in grant funding through the DTE Foundation Tree Planting Grant Program. This initiative supports community tree planting efforts across Michigan.

The DNR is now accepting applications for the 2025-26 grant cycle. The program provides financial assistance to communities served by DTE Energy’s electric and natural gas services. Grants are available to support projects that plant trees away from utility lines along streets, in parks and near schools – all of which can help to mitigate climate change, enhance local beauty and engage residents in environmental stewardship. Read more