Forest tent caterpillar feeding is over in northern Lower Michigan – follow these steps to keep affected trees healthyThe forest tent caterpillar made life miserable for homeowners and woodlot owners across much of Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula this spring as it fed on oak, aspen and sugar maple trees. The good news is that caterpillar feeding has come to an end for this season.

Widespread outbreaks occur in Michigan every 10 to 15 years. Past outbreaks peaked in 1922, 1937, 1952, 1967, 1978, 1990, 2002 and 2010. While caterpillar activity statewide can remain high for up to five years, outbreaks in any one locale normally last for two or three years. Outbreaks decline suddenly once parasites and other natural enemies become active.

“Trees rarely die from forest tent caterpillar defoliation unless they’ve been seriously weakened by drought, late spring frost or other stressors,” said Roger Mech, a forest health specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “Heavily defoliated trees will develop a second set of leaves a few weeks after being stripped. These new leaves are often smaller than normal.” Read more

The Michigan Duck Hunters Association, in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, introduces the 2017 collector’s edition Michigan duck stamp and prints.

The Michigan Waterfowl Stamp Program, established in 1976, has become an icon for waterfowl hunters and wetland conservation enthusiasts. During the past 41 years, the program has gained popularity with collectors and conservation groups throughout the United States.

The Michigan Duck Hunters Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to waterfowl and wetland conservation, coordinates the program in partnership with the DNR. Proceeds from stamp sales will be used to fund Michigan Duck Hunters Association projects, with 10 percent used to match DNR funding for purchasing, restoring and enhancing wetlands. Read more

Hunters who own or lease land that they want to improve for wildlife realize that one of the most effective things they can do to improve habitat is to plant food plots.

For those who are not already running large farming operations, that means they need economical, easy-to use and effective equipment to do the planting.

That’s why The Firminator is so popular: it’s an all-in-one machine that prepares the ground, plants the seed, and cultipacks the ground afterwards for top yields. Read more

American Bird Conservancy Supports Bill to Suspend Neonics

‘Saving America’s Pollinators Act’ Would Protect Birds, Bees

Washington –Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-MI) and Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) have introduced the Saving America’s Pollinators Act of 2017, directing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to suspend registration of a toxic group of pesticides called neonicotinoids, or “neonics.” Now the most commonly used insecticides on Earth, these chemicals are deadly to birds, bees, and aquatic life. Read more

DNR offers tips for avoiding problems with beautiful but plentiful birdsPerhaps one of the most recognizable birds in Michigan is the large, regal-looking Canada goose. Once a rare sight in Michigan, Canada geese now are very plentiful in the state – so plentiful that some people tend to think of them as pests. The Department of Natural Resources reminds Michigan residents that, with a little patience, understanding and perseverance, homeowners can learn to respect and appreciate these beautiful birds.

The subspecies of goose that is most plentiful in Michigan is the giant Canada goose. Because they are so abundant, many would never suspect that the giant Canada goose subspecies nearly was extinct in the 1950s because of unregulated overhunting and wetland habitat loss.

In recent years, the giant Canada goose has experienced population explosions in areas throughout North America due, in part, to the success of wildlife management programs and the adaptability of these birds. In Michigan today, the number of giant Canada geese counted each spring is well over 300,000. They nest in every Michigan county, but are most common in the southern third of the state, where 78 percent of the goose population is found. Read more

National Pollinator Week: June 19 – 25, 2017EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation works throughout the year to improve habitat not only for wild turkeys but also for some of our upland habitat’s most important visitors — pollinators. Bees, birds and butterflies are a part of the pollinator group, which has seen drastic declines over the past 20 years. This week, during National Pollinator Week, the NWTF asks you to join our celebration and help keep our pollinators protected.

According to the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign, birds, bees, butterflies, beetles, bats and other small mammals that pollinate plants are responsible for bringing us one out of every three bites of food. An estimated one-third of all foods and beverages is delivered by pollinators, and pollination produces nearly $20 billion worth of products annually. Pollinators also provide us with one-half of the world’s oils; they prevent soil erosion and increase carbon storage. Read more