ThinkingAfield.org

GW:  Don’t forget to honor law enforcement by lowering flags at half-staff for May 15th.  This day is often ignored by many establishments and private citizens for the long-standing flag protocol.

Just about every conservation officer describes their work as incredibly rewarding – some would even call it a “dream career” – but the reality of harm is always present.

During National Police Week, May 11-17, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources joins communities across the United States to honor and remember those law enforcement officers who were killed or died as a result of incidents that occurred during the line of duty.

“We will never forget our fallen,” said Lt. Jeremy Payne, DNR law supervisor in Bay City, who helps coordinate the annual fallen officer events. “Our 17 brothers who paved the path before us went to work one day with the intent to return to their loved ones at the end of their shift. They were sons, husbands, fathers, brothers, grandfathers and friends, and they made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that, today, we all have the opportunity to enjoy Michigan’s vast natural resources.” Read more

May 13, 2025
Contacts: Josh Leisen, senior project manager, Huron Pines, 989-448-2293, ext. 16, or Tim Cwalinski, Gaylord unit supervisor, DNR Fisheries Division, 231-340-0276

Cornwall Dam will be renovated this year to address safety concerns

Renovations to Cornwall Dam will begin in May and extend through fall to satisfy state dam safety requirements. Vehicle access to the Cornwall Creek Flooding’s day-use area will be closed during this period, and a detour of the Shore-to-Shore equestrian trail will be in place.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, which owns the dam, committed to restoring the Cheboygan County dam in 2019. The flooding’s water levels were partially lowered in 2024, following a Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Dam Safety Program recommendation to address concerns with aging infrastructure and embankment seepage issues. Read more

Our Nature Awaits program is returning this fall, and teachers can reserve their spots today! Almost a thousand fourth grade teachers from throughout Michigan registered for a free field trip during the 2024-2025 school year, with 100% of participating teachers reporting they would recommend the program to another teacher.?

With host locations at state parks including Belle Isle in Detroit, Hoffmaster in Muskegon and the newest state park in Flint, interested fourth grade teachers can find a location near their school. Transportation grants for up to $1,000 are available for public schools, and every participating student receives a free voucher to return with their family to a state park of their choice for more outdoor learning and fun.?

“We have worked hard to make all of our students feel safe, supported and psyched for their visits,” said Nature Awaits program coordinator Katie McGlashen. “Fourth graders are at the halfway point of becoming adults with responsibilities. We hope they visit Michigan state parks often throughout their lifetime in any way they choose, whether to fish, camp, bike, bird watch, snowmobile or simply soak up the sunshine.”

To learn more and reserve a field trip, visit Michigan.gov/NatureAwaits. Questions? Email?DNR-NatureAwaits@Michigan.gov.