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MDNR Report
The Michigan DNR is awarding more than $1.7 million in Fisheries Habitat Grants for conservation projects on lakes and streams statewide. The funds are matched by more than $950,000 in partner contributions, for a total conservation value of about $2.7 million.
“These grants provide critical funding for projects that yield cleaner water, healthier fish populations and better aquatic habitats – all of which make the outdoors safer and more enjoyable for residents,” said Randy Claramunt, chief of the DNR Fisheries Division. “Our natural resources have always been central to Michigan’s appeal as an outdoor recreation destination, and creative, collaborative projects like these make a lasting, positive impact on those resources.”
The projects will rehabilitate and protect valuable fish habitats that provide the foundation for Michigan’s world-class fisheries. Two of them are DNR Priority Habitat Conservation Projects – those proactively identified by the department as important to sustaining healthy habitats, fisheries and aquatic communities – and another four are projects that directly benefit priorities of Michigan’s Wildlife Action Plan.
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MDNR Report
The Michigan DNR announced today that fisheries staff had to euthanize just over 31,000 Atlantic salmon that were sick with bacterial kidney disease, or BKD.
In early April, routine pre-stocking inspection of fish being reared at the Harrietta State Fish Hatchery, in Wexford County, found bacterial kidney disease was present. Staff at the Michigan State University Aquatic Animal Health Lab noted signs of active disease and confirmed the presence of Renibacterium salmoninarum, the bacterium that causes BKD.
BKD is a bacterial disease known to cause mortality in trout and salmon and is believed to be largely responsible for the decline in Great Lakes Chinook salmon populations in the mid-1980s.
A prescribed 28-day antibiotic treatment was completed May 17, but unfortunately, the treatment was not fully effective in eliminating the infection. Subsequent to completion of the antibiotic treatment, another group of fish was sent to the lab for analysis. During the analysis, internal signs of active disease were still noted.
“The bacteria that causes bacterial kidney disease is listed as a Level 1 restricted pathogen in the Model Program for Fish Health Management in the Great Lakes,” said Ed Eisch, DNR Fisheries Division Assistant Chief Ed Eisch. “Fish that are positive for Level 1 restricted pathogens can be stocked where the pathogen is already known to exist, but only if they are free of signs of disease. This lot of fish still shows signs of active BKD so they cannot be stocked.”
According to Aaron Switzer, DNR Fish Production Program manager, it isn’t overly surprising that this treatment was not fully successful.
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MDNR Report
Michigan DNR encourages everyone to take advantage of “Three Free” Weekend – Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9.
It's two full days when Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors can grab a fishing rod, ride the off-road trails and visit state parks, boating access sites and other outdoor locations — all free of charge.
“We’re excited to celebrate ‘Three Free’ Weekend, a time when everyone gets to enjoy and take part in some of Michigan’s best outdoor recreation opportunities: fishing, off-roading and exploring Michigan’s award-winning state parks,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen. "Whether you're an avid outdoors-person or someone just discovering all that our beautiful state offers, 'Three Free' weekends make it easy to visit a new park, try a new nature experience or spend time with friends and family in a place you love."
These two days include:
- Free Fishing Weekend. Fish for all in-season species, all weekend long, without a license. All other fishing regulations apply. To get more details or find a local event, visit Michigan.gov/FreeFishing.
- Free ORV Weekend. Legally ride 4,000 miles of state-designated routes and trails and the state's six scramble areas without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit. Visit Michigan.gov/ORVinfo for the latest ORV trail, safety and closure information.
- Waiver of the Recreation Passport. To encourage people to pursue free fishing and other outdoor fun, the DNR waives the regular Recreation Passport fee that grants vehicle access to Michigan's 103 state parks, 1,000-plus state-managed boating access sites and many other outdoor spaces. Learn more about Passport benefits at Michigan.gov/RecreationPassport.
Free Fishing and Free ORV weekends each take place on back-to-back days twice a year, but the "Three Free" Weekend happens only in June.
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By Louie Stout
The Diamond Lake Association’s Lake Preservation Committee finally got approval to place tree cribs in the lake to protect shorelines and enhance fish habitat.
The committee sought approval from the Michigan DNR last fall with hopes of getting the wood into the lake before winter. That approval came a week ago.
Due to the delay in receiving the permit, the committee decided to wait until fall to plant 10 hardwood cribs along seawall areas and place boulders around some shorelines to reduce erosion. The cribs will consist of three trees in each of the 10 locations and in water 15 feet or deeper.
Michiana Outdoors News will keep you posted when the project is completed.
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MDNR Report
Paw Paw River State Game Area
The Michigan DNR announces the establishment of the Paw Paw River State Game Area, a new, 350-acre parcel in Van Buren County’s Waverly Township. The DNR will manage this area for wildlife habitat, protecting vulnerable species and enhancing public access to hunting lands and waterways in southwest Michigan.
The new state game area will be an exciting addition to southern Michigan, where most of the state’s residents live but where public hunting lands are limited.
"We are thrilled for this land purchase, as it reinforces our dedication and the dedication of our partners to wildlife conservation and better, broader access to public recreation,” said Mark Mills, southwest regional manager for the DNR Wildlife Division.