Plus, Michigan's Free Snowmobiling Weekend is coming up Jan. 17-19! Get ready to hit the trails.



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"News Digest - Week of Jan. 6, 2025"

a snowmobiler on a black and yellow snowmobile comes around a curved, snow-covered trail, with a backdrop of tall, thin trees [ [link removed] ]

Free Snowmobiling Weekend, Jan. 17-19, is right around the corner!



Here are a few of this week's stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources: 


* Connect with Michigan outdoors via DNR social platforms [ #link_16 ]
* ‘Wildtalk’: Habitat work, snow geese and quirky coyotes [ #link_2 ]
* Kick off a year of outdoor fun with January events [ #link_3 ]
* Natural Resources Commission to meet Thursday in Lansing [ #link_4 ]
* Photo ambassador snapshot: Serene, snowy retreat [ #link_1 ]

See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom [ [link removed] ].

Larger, higher-res versions of some of the images used in this email (snowmobiling [ [link removed] ], lantern-lit cross-country skiing [ [link removed] ], Hard Water School [ [link removed] ] and elk [ [link removed] ]) are available in the DNR's online photo gallery [ [link removed] ].  

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Connect with Michigan outdoors via DNR social platforms

A DNR Bluesky social post with a small flying squirrel with dark eyes peering up from a twig nest inside a wooden birdhouse

Some things just go together: peanut butter and jelly, salt and pepper … social media and the great outdoors? Okay, that last pair may not be an obvious link, but at the DNR we use our social platforms to do just that – help more people discover and enjoy Michigan’s natural world and outdoor recreation opportunities.

According to DNR social media specialist Tyler Czarnopis, it’s about meeting new and existing customers where they are.

“We love listening to how people enjoy the outdoors and talking with them about something we all have in common, our passion and appreciation for Michigan's natural spaces,” he said. “Then there are the newbies, those folks who are curious about the outdoors but maybe are a little intimidated because they haven’t had the chance to get out there yet.

“We are focused on delivering meaningful, informative content that helps people of all experience and comfort levels.”

Czarnopis said you never know which posts are going to spark conversation. Recent efforts with big engagement include this little video of a fish ladder [ [link removed] ] prompting some international intrigue and a fun, educational discussion on fisheries management in Michigan; the popular IdentiFriday identification game (here’s a quick year-in-review post [ [link removed] ]) about the state’s native and invasive species; and a tongue-in-cheek post sharing a permission slip [ [link removed] ] for hunters during firearm deer season.



Those are a few examples of what you can learn and talk about on DNR social. If you have questions, we have answers! The growth in this arena shows no signs of slowing either; the DNR Instagram account broke 100,000 followers in 2024, Facebook is up over 270,000 followers, and we continue to expand on other platforms. That includes stepping into the new Bluesky, too.

If you’re on social, check us out at:


* Facebook.com/MichiganDNR [ [link removed] ]
* X.com/MichiganDNR [ [link removed] ]
* YouTube.com/MichiganDNR [ [link removed] ]
* Instagram.com/MichiganDNR [ [link removed] ]
* [link removed] [ [link removed] ]

There are additional DNR social channels [ [link removed] ] to explore, too, for individual state parks, trails and waterways, fisheries and wildlife. Need more info? Contact Tyler Czarnopis at [email protected] <[email protected]>.

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‘Wildtalk’: Habitat work, snow geese and quirky coyotes

several views of the DNR Wildtalk podcast camp mugs, which are black with colorful outlines of the state, camping scenes and the microphone graphic

The DNR Wildlife Division's “Wildtalk” podcast is hitting January in full stride. Show hosts talk to Olivia Triltsch, Michigan United Conservation Clubs’ Habitat Program and Partnerships coordinator, about MUCC’s On the Ground program, get into a high-flying discussion about snow geese, and wrap with a chat about coyotes and why you’re likely to see and hear more of them this month.

Now in its eighth year, “Wildtalk” remains focused on providing core components – insights, interviews and questions answered on the air – but show producers also say they’re looking at 2025 as a season of “scheming, plotting and looking ahead” to try out some new things!

Listener feedback is going to play a big part in the show’s progression. In fact, listeners are invited to take a survey [ [link removed] ] that’s open right now. A bonus: Completing the survey gives you an extra chance to win one of the show’s popular camp mugs.

Want to hear more? Visit the "Wildtalk" webpage [ [link removed] ] for the January episode [ [link removed] ], as well as show notes and links to past episodes. Questions about the podcast? Email [email protected] <[email protected]>.



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Kick off a year of outdoor fun with January events

If you want to start 2025 with some time in Michigan’s great outdoors, there are plenty of opportunities on tap this month. Here are a few ways to enjoy Michigan’s natural and cultural resources in January. For a full list of DNR events, see Michigan.gov/DNRCalendar [ [link removed] ].

Take in fresh air, scenic views

a man in a black cap, red winter jacket and black ski pants uses poles to cross-country ski on a snow-covered, lantern-lit trail in the woods

Make the most of winter – whether it’s on snowshoes, cross-country skis or boots – during several events at state parks this month, including:


* Lantern-lit snowshoeing at Van Riper State Park in Marquette County, Jan. 10 [ [link removed] ] and Jan. 24 [ [link removed] ].
* Lantern-lit hike at Orchard Beach State Park [ [link removed] ] in Manistee County, Jan. 17.
* Lantern-lit, guided snowshoe hike at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park [ [link removed] ] in Ontonagon County, Jan. 25.
* Lantern-lit Trail at Sleeper State Park [ [link removed] ] in Huron County, Jan. 25.
* Candlelight cross-country skiing at Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area [ [link removed] ] in Lapeer County, Jan. 25.
* Lantern-lit Trail at Fayette Historic State Park [ [link removed] ] in Delta County, Jan. 25.

Find winter adventure on the dunes

Cyclists can enjoy 450 acres of open sand dunes, elevation changes of 80-100 feet, access to Lake Michigan and sunsets over the lake from the top of the dunes during the fat-tire biking season [ [link removed] ] at Silver Lake State Park in Mears, continuing through March 15. There is no cost or registration, but you will need the Recreation Passport [ [link removed] ] if you're parking a vehicle. 

Michigan also has some of the best fat-tire trails in the country – learn about other riding opportunities around the state on our fat-tire biking webpage [ [link removed] ].



Learn to ice fish from the pros

A small group of adults and kids in winter outdoor wear have ice-fishing gear around a hole in the ice of a frozen lake at Mitchell State Park

The DNR Outdoor Skills Academy offers a chance to learn how to ice fish with professional anglers during Hard Water School [ [link removed] ], Jan. 18-19 at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center in Cadillac’s Mitchell State Park. This two-day class will cover everything you need to know to catch panfish, walleye and northern pike through the ice.

Next month, look for a more in-depth Outdoor Skills Academy ice fishing class, Advanced Hard Water School [ [link removed] ], Feb. 15-16 at the Carl T. Johnson Center.

Recharge with a winter weekend up north

Enjoy a self-guided cross-country ski and snowshoe getaway weekend at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon, Jan. 24-26 [ [link removed] ] or Jan. 31-Feb. 2 [ [link removed] ], perfect for individuals, couples or families seeking to enjoy the best parts of Michigan winter. Explore over 8 miles of evergreen-lined trails at the RAM Center or the old-growth forest at nearby Hartwick Pines State Park.

Or if you’re looking for a more guided experience in the same up-north setting, join staff from the RAM Center and the Outdoor Adventure Center for Winter Wonderland [ [link removed] ], Jan. 27-29. This two-night, three-day adventure includes special presentations on topics such as Michigan wildlife and trails, guided winter birding activities and an evening “owl prowl.”

Get some up north, downtown

If you’re in the Detroit area, check out the Outdoor Adventure Center activity schedule [ [link removed] ] for a variety of fun and educational programs for all ages, from kids to seniors, both indoors and outdoors. The January calendar includes archery, birding, an “owl prowl,” yoga with a wildlife twist, state park trivia and much more.



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Natural Resources Commission to meet Thursday in Lansing
a mature bull elk with thick, tan, multipointed antlers stands in profile in a thick, dark-green forest near a downed tree

Members of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission this week will take up an agenda that includes presentation of Lifesaving Awards from the DNR Law Enforcement Division and updates on several land transactions and elk season results. 

The meeting starts at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, in the Michigan Room, first floor, 600 N. Grand Ave., on the downtown campus of Lansing Community College, in Lansing. (Public parking is available on first floor in the ramp.)

See the draft NRC meeting agenda [ [link removed] ] and more commission information at Michigan.gov/NRC [ [link removed] ]. Questions? Email [email protected] <[email protected]>.

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Photo ambassador snapshot: Serene, snowy retreat
The tiny White Birch Cabin, cedar sided with a green door, nestled among stands of white birch trees in the snowy Ontonagon County forest

See more pictures by Michigan state parks photo ambassadors [ [link removed] ] at Instagram.com/MiStateParks [ [link removed] ]. For more on the program, call Stephanie Yancer <[email protected]> at 989-274-6182. (This photo is by Samantha Hageman Gaina [ [link removed] ], for the Michigan DNR, at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in the western Upper Peninsula.)

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THINGS TO DO [ [link removed] ]

We're expecting hundreds of determined anglers on the ice for the Black Lake sturgeon season [ [link removed] ]; be sure to register by Jan. 31! For info on all statewide fishing this season (tips, techniques, locations and more) visit our ice fishing webpage [ [link removed] ]. 




BUY & APPLY [ [link removed] ]

Need to purchase a trail permit or register your sled [ [link removed] ] for the season? Michigan's snowmobile program is 100% funded by trail permit and registration dollars that are directly reinvested into the program for the benefit of snowmobilers like you!




GET INVOLVED [ [link removed] ]

Wildlife habitat can use help all year long; you can lend a hand Jan. 11 at Gourdneck State Game Area [ [link removed] ] in Portage. The DNR, MUCC and the city of Portage are partnering on the workday to remove invasive species and support diverse wildlife.

 




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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Department of Natural Resources · Constitution Hall, 525 W. Allegan St., PO Box 30028 Lansing MI 48909 · 1-800-439-1420