Boating, swimming, ORV riding and other outdoor adventures are great, but please put safety first.



Share or view as webpage [ [link removed] ]  |  Update preferences [ [link removed] ]




DNR banner [ [link removed] ]


"News Digest - Week of Aug. 25, 2025"

The mighty Mackinac Bridge, with two towering suspension support towers, spans the Straits of Mackinac on a blue-sky summer day

Don't forget the annual Mackinac Bridge Walk [ [link removed] ] will temporarily close the bridge Monday, Sept. 1. 



Here are a few of this week's stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, aimed at helping you safely make the most of the holiday weekend and do your part to protect the great outdoors: 


* Discover something new with explorer guide programs [ #link_16 ]
* Put safety first on busy boating days and all season long [ #link_17 ]
* Savor a swim, but be alert to risks and water conditions [ #link_6 ]
* ‘Ride Right' for safe, responsible, off-road adventure  [ #link_3 ]
* Boating the Great Lakes? Watch for orange flags and buoys   [ #link_2 ]
* Try Silver Lake State Park on horseback Nov. 1-30; registration opens Sept. 1  [ #link_4 ]
* Be fire-safe, especially in northern Lower Peninsula [ #link_5 ]

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

*PHOTOS: *Larger, higher-res versions of some of the images used in this email – ORVs [ [link removed] ], life jacket [ [link removed] ] and campfire [ [link removed] ] – are available in the DNR's online image gallery [ [link removed] ]. Others (boating, kid fishing, arts and crafts, and orange flag) are available in this folder [ [link removed] ]. 

________________________________________________________________________



Discover something new with explorer guide programs

a cute young child in a sweatshirt and ballcap looks up while holding a large fishing pole near the water

This holiday weekend, visitors can take advantage of hundreds of free, family-friendly events at the DNR’s 11 visitor centers and dozens of explorer guide program locations throughout the state.

Both seasoned and first-time anglers can join in various fishing programs. Fishing poles and bait will be provided for guests to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis at locations such as Interlochen State Park [ [link removed] ] (Grand Traverse County), the Portage Lake fishing pier at Waterloo Recreation Area [ [link removed] ] (Jackson County), Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery [ [link removed] ] (Van Buren County) and Oden State Fish Hatchery [ [link removed] ] (Emmet County). Wolf Lake requests that guests reserve a fishing time [ [link removed] ], and guests over the age of 17 at all locations are required to have a fishing license to participate. The Wolf Lake and Oden hatcheries also will host free tours to share how the DNR raises and releases millions of fish every year into state lakes, rivers and streams.



A half dozen or so adults at a picnic table outdoors, sketching nature pictures. Colored pencils and example pictures are spread on table

Feeling artistic? Check out our birdhouse/rock painting program at Harrisville State Park [ [link removed] ] (Alcona County) throughout the week. Wilderness State Park [ [link removed] ] (Emmet County) will host several art programs over the long weekend, ranging from pottery and shadow art to other nature-inspired crafts.

If you’re looking for a learning adventure that’s a little off the beaten path, we have you covered there, too. For those who will be in the Upper Peninsula, make sure to visit the DNR’s Pocket Park [ [link removed] ] (Delta County) Aug. 30 for a DNR Dungeons and Dragons event. This interactive tabletop game allows participants to explore Michigan’s ecosystems through a conservation-themed adventure. Have you ever wondered about where sinkholes come from? Learn about them, along with disappearing lakes and underground rivers, during an Aug. 30 presentation at Hoeft State Park [ [link removed] ] (Presque Isle County) in the northern Lower Peninsula.

For more information and a complete list of visitor centers, visit Michigan.gov/DNRVisitorCenters [ [link removed] ]. Learn more about the explorer guide program and weekly nature program schedules at Michigan.gov/NaturePrograms [ [link removed] ]. 

Questions about the explorer guide program? Contact Shaun McKeon <[email protected]> at 989-370-0789. 



________________________________________________________________________



Put safety first on busy boating days and all season long

Dozens of different-sized motorboats and speedboats grouped together on a calm lake near a grassy shore, against a pale blue sky

Many boaters see Labor Day weekend as a wrap on the summer season: a chance to squeeze in that final voyage before the weather starts to cool and days grow shorter.

Whether you are taking out your own boat or are a guest on someone else’s, there are important safety tips to know before ever leaving shore. Besides the obvious – always wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, making sure your boat is properly equipped and in good working order, and checking and monitoring weather and water conditions – the DNR shared other safety recommendations:


* Always ride with an operator who has completed an approved boater safety course. In Michigan, boater safety certificates are needed by anyone born after June 30, 1996, operating a motorized boat, or anyone born after Dec. 31, 1978, operating a personal watercraft – like a Jet Ski. Most states require a boater safety certificate for boat or personal watercraft rentals.
* File a float plan with someone you trust. Include details about the trip, boat, others on board, towing or trailer vehicle, communication equipment and emergency contacts.
* Boat sober. Where the primary cause of boating-related deaths was known, alcohol was listed as a leading factor.
* Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Gasoline-powered engines on boats, including onboard generators, produce carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that can poison or kill someone who breathes too much of it. Install and maintain a working CO detector, never block exhaust outlets, and always dock, beach or anchor at least 20 feet away from any boat running a generator or engine.
* Keep in touch. Communication devices, such as marine radios, can be your most important piece of emergency equipment.


Get more information, including more safety resources, at Michigan.gov/Boating [ [link removed] ]. 

Questions? Email Cpl. Jill Miller at [email protected] <[email protected]>.

________________________________________________________________________



Savor a swim, but be alert to risks and water conditions

a smiling little boy wearing a bright navy and light-blue life jacket and swim trunks runs on beach at the water's edge

One last camping trip, a picnic at the beach or a day visit to your favorite spot – if any of your holiday weekend plans involve swimming, the DNR urges everyone to prioritize water safety and be aware of current conditions before entering the water, even if you’ve been practicing swim skills all summer long.

For safer swimming, choose buoyed swim areas at state parks. These areas offer added safety measures and visual cues, helping swimmers avoid potentially hazardous locations such as piers with structural currents. Please note that not all state parks offer buoyed swim areas.

Other tips:


* Check beach flags in buoyed swim areas (double-red flags mean water access closed, red flag means high hazard, yellow flag means medium hazard and green flag means low hazard). These flags are updated by park staff as lake conditions change throughout the day; check them frequently. By law, you cannot enter the water from the beach when double-red flags are flying or if otherwise directed.
* Never swim alone, especially children.
* Avoid using rafts or other inflatable flotation devices when winds are blowing offshore.
* Keep close watch on children and less experienced swimmers: Stay within arm's reach, have them wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, be conscious of their limits and take frequent breaks.
* Be aware of water temperatures and weather warnings.
* Remember that water currents near piers, breakwalls and river outlets can be extremely hazardous.

Find information on buoyed swim area locations, the Great Lakes flag warning system, current awareness and escape strategies and more at Michigan.gov/BeachSafety [ [link removed] ].

Questions? Contact Pat Whalen <[email protected]> at 269-838-1196.



________________________________________________________________________



‘Ride Right' for safe, responsible, off-road adventure 

a single rider on an ORV in front of two side-by-side utility vehicles drive down a forest trail lined with tall pines

Off-road vehicles are fun year-round, but activity in Michigan tends to increase around Labor Day weekend as people head to trails and ORV scramble areas to enjoy world-class riding experiences.

Safety is vital on any ride, for you and others. According to 2023 statewide ORV crash data, 93% of ORV fatalities could have been prevented. These crashes and injuries primarily were due to excessive speed and a lack of helmet/seat belt use. Parents are reminded, too, that they must have visual supervision of all children under the age of 16 when those children are operating an ORV.

“Always ride within your capabilities and the machine's limitations,” said Cpl. Mike Hearn, DNR law enforcement ORV and snowmobile specialist. “When you ride too fast, you are more likely to lose control when hitting even the smallest bump or trying to make turns or stop.”

All ORV operators are urged to "Ride Right" and:


* Ride at a safe speed.
* Ride sober.
* Ride on the right side of the trail.
* Keep lights on when riding.
* Always wear a helmet.


Silver Lake Sand Dunes

Heading to Silver Lake ORV Area in Oceana County? Be sure to watch this quick video [ [link removed] ] that shares critical safety tips you need to know before you navigate the unique, 450-acre scramble area.

Keep in mind, too, that about 28% of motorized and nonmotorized DNR-managed trails in northern Michigan remain temporarily closed due to effects of the March 28-30 ice storm. For status updates, refer to the closure map and dashboard [ [link removed] ].

Additionally, ORV operators who are transporting children should refer to the ORV manufacturer owner’s manual regarding use of car seats or boosters.

Do your part to ensure everyone returns home safely; read more about ORV safety at Michigan.gov/RideRight [ [link removed] ]. For more on where to ride and ORV laws in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/ORVInfo [ [link removed] ].

Questions? Email Cpl. Mike Hearn at [email protected] <[email protected]>.

________________________________________________________________________



Boating the Great Lakes? Watch for orange flags and buoys  

a yellow buoy with an orange flag on top sits upright in open, blue lake water. A net attached to the buoy is shown beneath the surface

Commercial fishing is an active industry in Michigan waters, providing consumers throughout the Great Lakes region with a local, healthy and sustainable food source. That’s why it’s critical that recreational boaters do their part to avoid areas marked by orange flags and buoys, which indicate commercial fishing nets are below the water’s surface.

Nets can cover more than an acre on the lake bottom. If snagged by a boat, a net can be damaged or cause damage to the boat and other equipment.

If you see an orange a flag or buoy while boating, turn the other way and maintain a distance of at least 500 feet. Avoid navigating between flags and pull in any fishing gear. Also, additional flags may be difficult to see due to waves, glare, fog, low light or reduced visibility.

If your boat does get tangled in a net:


* Turn off the engine or put the boat in neutral.
* Cut yourself free using wire cutters, then label any gear left behind that should be returned to you.
* Attach a buoy or jug to mark the net and leave it in the water.
* Use GPS to mark the location.
* Report the net to the DNR hotline by calling or texting 800-292-7800.

For more information, check out Michigan Sea Grant’s Nets of the Great Lakes webpage [ [link removed] ].

Questions? Email 2nd Lt. Kevin Postma at [email protected] <[email protected]>.



________________________________________________________________________



Try Silver Lake State Park on horseback Nov. 1-30; registration opens Sept. 1 

A dozen or so adults and a child in jackets and helmets on horses in a group on beach at Silver Lake State Park, dunes in background

Horseback riders can explore the unique landscape of Silver Lake State Park in Oceana County during a special shoreline riding season Nov. 1-30 (except Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27).

Though the season is two months away, registration opens 8 a.m. Monday, Sept. 1, at MiDNRReservations.com [ [link removed] ]. The registration fee is $10 per horse per day, and 125 slots are available each day.

As the off-road vehicle season comes to an end Oct. 31, a designated horseback riding route is established. This route offers a peaceful ride along Lake Michigan, with towering dunes providing a stunning backdrop. Riders can use the parking lot within the Silver Lake ORV Area, 8960 W. Fox Road in Mears, as a staging area to unload and prepare their horses.

“The shoreline horseback riding season is one of two unique ways the DNR has expanded off-season outdoor recreation at Silver Lake,” said Jody Johnston, Silver Lake State Park manager. “We also offer a fat-tire biking season Dec. 15 to March 15 each year.”

Known for its 450 acres of motorized dune riding – the only opportunity of its kind east of the Mississippi River – Silver Lake State Park is a popular destination.

For links to both shoreline horseback riding and fat-tire biking seasons, including a registration link (horseback riding only), rules, maps, tips and other information, visit Michigan.gov/SilverLake [ [link removed] ].

Questions? Contact the park at 231-873-3083.



________________________________________________________________________



Be fire-safe, especially in northern Lower Peninsula

Older man in khakis, flannel and ballcap tends a campfire ring, with a kettle, in a waterfront campsite clearing. Mackinac Bridge in background

Michigan is heading into another glorious fall with brilliant leaves, crisp air and pleasant temperatures. Enjoy the outdoors, by all means, but always put fire safety first – especially when working or playing in the northern Lower Peninsula.

“There are still a lot of downed trees and branches in the area as the result of the ice storm last March,” said DNR fire prevention specialist Paul Rogers. “That wood is drying out, and that does increase the risk of a wildfire.”

If you’re burning leaves or yard waste, check Michigan.gov/BurnPermit [ [link removed] ] before starting your fire to make sure weather conditions allow for safe burning. In southern Lower Peninsula communities, consult local fire authorities. If a backyard fire does get away from you, immediately call 911.

Here are tips to keep your outdoor activities fire-safe:


* Keep a hose or other water source nearby when burning.
* Prevent sparks. Keep trailer chains from dragging when you’re on the road, and don’t park hot equipment on dry grass.
* Contain your campfire or bonfire in a pit or ring, and make sure to thoroughly extinguish it before leaving the site. Drench the fire with water, stir the ashes and drench again.
* Never leave any fire – including hot coals – unattended.
* Never shoot fireworks into the woods, dry grass or shrubs.
* Remember it is illegal to burn plastic, hazardous materials, foam or other household trash. This can release dangerous chemicals into the air.
* Burn paper, leaves and natural materials in a burn barrel with a screen on top.

Get more fire safety information at Michigan.gov/FireManagement [ [link removed] ].

Questions? Email Paul Rogers at [email protected] <[email protected]>.



________________________________________________________________________




THINGS TO DO [ [link removed] ]

A reminder that the 2025 Mackinac Bridge Walk [ [link removed] ] (no registration needed!) means the bridge will be closed to public traffic from 6:30 a.m. to noon Monday, Sept. 1. 




BUY & APPLY [ [link removed] ]

Don't risk bringing invasive pests and tree diseases to your favorite outdoor places. Use Firewood Scout [ [link removed] ] to find wood locally, and buy it where you burn it. 




GET INVOLVED [ [link removed] ]

The United Nations' first World Lake Day [ [link removed] ] is Aug. 27, but you can discover and help do conservation-minded things that support lakes you love for years to come! 

 




facebook icon circle [ [link removed] ]X icon circle [ [link removed] ]YouTube icon circle [ [link removed] ]instagram icon [ [link removed] ]email icon circle [ [link removed] ]pinterest icon circle [ [link removed] ]Bluesky icon [ [link removed] ]




If you wish to no longer receive emails from the DNR,
please update your preferences here:
Manage Preferences [ [link removed]? ]  |  Unsubscribe All [ [link removed] ]  |  Help [ [link removed] ]

Need further assistance?
Contact Us [ [link removed] ]  |  Provide Feedback <[email protected]>

Visit us on our website: Michigan.gov/DNR [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________

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