GW:  The only good thing about these destroyers of our indigenous ash hardwoods is that they’ve supplied many with a readily available supply of firewood.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced broadcasts of WNMU-TV13’s “Media Meet” discussion on a recent quarantine extension in the Upper Peninsula for the emerald ash borer airs this weekend.

The program with DNR staff and host Bill Hart focuses on what landowners with ash trees can do now as the infestation moves across the region, information on how the beetle was introduced to Michigan and what the outcomes have been. The program will initially air at 6:30 p.m. EST Saturday, March 5 and be rebroadcast at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 6. Read more

You’ve probably heard of the American robin, and may have seen one tugging at worms in your yard. These birds – harbingers of spring, joyful songsters, jolly, round bundles of grey and rust – are a common sight in Michigan. In fact, the robin is so identifiable and well-loved that it was named our state bird in 1931. There was a time, however, when robins were not as common as they are today.

In the post-World War II years, DDT and other pesticides were widely used. Farmers sprayed DDT on their fields to reduce crop pests, cities applied it to elm trees to kill the beetles that spread Dutch elm disease, and homeowners used it to control household insects.

Luckily, scientists began to recognize that widespread use of pesticides, including DDT, was causing problems for birds like the American robin. An ornithologist from Michigan State University named George Wallace and his graduate students collected birds from MSU and surrounding suburbs from the mid-1950s into the 1960s. Most of these birds were robins. While some birds were found dead, others were discovered on the ground suffering from seizures or tremors before dying. Tests on the birds’ carcasses revealed elevated levels of DDT. Read more

Michigan’s approximately 20 million acres of forest land play a key role in the state’s recreation, forest products and other important industries, and the health of those forests is essential to sustaining this vital resource for many generations. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has released its 2015 Forest Health Highlights report, an overview of Michigan’s forests, the insects and diseases that have threatened them over the past year, and details about what is being done to improve the state’s urban and rural forests.

The report breaks down forest health threats by examining insects and diseases, forest decline and ongoing forest health research. Accompanying photos and maps illustrate the pests and show the effects they have had on Michigan’s forest system.

Among the highlights in the report are the DNR’s efforts to control oak wilt, a serious disease that threatens Michigan’s extensive red oak resource. In cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service, tens of thousands of feet of root graft barriers have been created on state forest land. These barriers prevent oak wilt from moving to healthy oak trees. Read more

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, a non-profit wildlife habitat conservation organization, seeks a performance motivated team player with strong interpersonal skills to engage and manage volunteer activities, event fundraising and major gift fundraising in Michigan. BS/equivalent degree and five years of experience in business, marketing, and fundraising required. Volunteer management experience and a pro-hunting background are critical attributes. Extensive weekday and weekend travel required. Email cover letter and resume to jobs@rmef.org. Closes March 4th. RMEF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Read more