ThinkingAfield.org

Two campers contacted the DNR Report All Poaching Hotline requesting rescue assistance after becoming stranded Friday in Dead Stream Swamp, a wetland consisting of more than 11,000 acres located between Cadillac and Houghton Lake in Missaukee and Roscommon counties.

The campers, whose names are not being released, were dropped off at the Dead Stream Swamp by a friend on Friday with the intent to camp for four days.

Rain developed during the evening hours and later turned to snow, soaking the campers and their gear. The temperature dropped to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, which froze one of the men’s inhalers and caused him to have difficulty breathing.

The campers contacted the RAP Hotline around 5 a.m. Saturday, saying they could not self-rescue. Read more

A 59-year-old man from Caro is expected to be released from the hospital after his boat capsized Tuesday along the AuSable River in Alcona County.

Accompanied by his two dogs, the man, whose name is not being released, was fishing on a 10-foot boat when he fell into the river while trying to disembark. The water was only 39 degrees Fahrenheit, and air temperature was freezing at 32 degrees.

Using his watch, the man texted 911 that he’d fallen into the river and was having difficulty breathing. The DNR later learned that the man had open-heart surgery two years ago and had recently been feeling ill.

Alcona County Central Dispatch notified local emergency responders of the situation around 2:16 p.m.

DNR Conservation Officers Jeff Panich and Casey Pullum heard the radio communication. Based on the last known GPS coordinates from the man’s watch, they responded to the intersection of Snowmobile Trail LP96 and the Shore to Shore Horse Trail at 3:12 p.m. Read more

If hemlock trees on your property show signs of hemlock woolly adelgid infestation, now is a good time to plan for spring treatment of this invasive species. Hemlock woolly adelgid, native to Asia, is known to be present in areas of Allegan, Antrim, Benzie, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Muskegon, Oceana, Ottawa, Van Buren and Washtenaw counties in Michigan. These small insects suck sap from hemlock needles and ultimately can cause tree death.

Insecticides are available to control the insect, and in many cases, landowners can apply them easily by carefully following label instructions and application rate guidance. In Michigan, the label is the law. Due to certain restrictions on the use of these insecticides, you may need the services of a licensed pesticide application business. Read more