Michigan state park news - May 2024

This spring and summer, you may notice fire activity when visiting or driving by a state park. Did you know that prescribed burns are one way the DNR keeps lands and forests healthy?

Each year, our ecologists and fire officers burn thousands of acres of woodlands, prairies, wetlands and other natural areas throughout the state park system. Fire is needed in many natural areas to regain a healthy diversity of plant and animal life. Without fire, invasive plants spread through local habitats, reducing native plant and animal populations.

The burns are conducted by highly trained DNR personnel in designated state-managed areas during appropriate weather conditions and in cooperation with the proper authorities and local units of government. Public safety is a top priority during all prescribed burns, which sometimes are canceled at the last minute due to careful monitoring of weather and wind conditions.

The "Prescribed Burns"?story map ? including stories, photos and videos ? takes a detailed look at how prescribed burns work. The DNR's Prescribed Fire page provides additional info on prescribed burns and an option to sign up to receive prescribed burn updates in your inbox.

Saugatuck Brewing Company has partnered with the DNR to support Michigan?s fish habitat.

They'll make a donation for each case of Rainbow Rodeo IPA sold May through October, while also encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to make their own donation.

The funds will assist the DNR?s efforts in battling invasive species, fostering the growth of fish populations and ensuring sustainable fishing for future generations. Learn more about this partner and others making a difference for Michigan?s outdoors at Goods4Mi.com.

Three communities and one trail were recently recognized as Pure Michigan Trails and Pure Michigan Trail Towns by the DNR.

The program, designed to help boost Michigan?s position as the ?Trails State,? recognizes locations that represent some of Michigan?s best trail experiences. Tim Novak, DNR state trails coordinator, announced the 2024 recipients last month during the Governor?s Conference on Tourism in Kalamazoo.

The 2024 Pure Michigan Trail Town distinction was awarded to Lansing (Ingham County), the Village of Milford (Oakland County) and the Oscoda area (Iosco County). The 2024 Pure Michigan Trail designation went to the Highbanks Trail (pictured) in Iosco County. Find details on the Pure Michigan Trails webpage.

Don't miss your chance to explore Michigan's beautiful state parks and find hidden treasures! The Michigan State Parks Centennial GeoTour, celebrating 100 years of parks, wraps up Sept. 24.

With the assistance of the Michigan Geocaching Organization, 100 caches were placed in state parks. Those caches have been found over 55,000 times. Straits State Park (Mackinac) has the most finds, but Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry County) holds the title for favorite. If you're still looking for caches, make sure you check out these two! Stay tuned for GeoTour 2.0 coming in 2025!

All you have to do is download the geocaching app to your smartphone (or download coordinates to your GPS unit) and then use your phone to navigate to a series of cleverly hidden caches.