2014 Wildlife Division Annual Report - DNR · conservation districts, organizations for sportsmen and sportswomen, legislators, local units of government, federal and state agencies,

2014 ANNUAL REPORT

Wildl i fe Division

WILDLIFE DIVISION MISSION: To enhance, restore, and conserve the State’s wildlife resources, natural communities, and ecosystems for the benefit of Michigan’s citizens, visitors, and future generations.

Fiscal Year Oct. 1 , 2013 - Sept. 30, 2014www.michigan.gov/dnr

CONTENTS2Leadership

Letters

3Goal 1

Manage for sustainable

populat ions of wi ld l i fe species

6Goal 2

Manage habitat for sustainable

wi ld l i fe populat ions in a changing

environment

9Goal 3

Mit igate the negat ive impacts

of human land use on wi ld l i fe habitats

10Goal 4

Increase publ ic par t ic ipat ion, acceptance,

and suppor t of hunt ing and trapping and increase

par t ic ipat ion in non-consumptive

wi ld l i fe - re lated recreat ion

12Goal 5

Improve communicat ion and engagement with

the publ ic regarding wi ld l i fe issues

13Goal 6

Foster posi t ive working

re lat ionships with other agencies

and organizat ions

15Goals 7 and 8

7: Improve internal communicat ions

and relat ionships 8: Increase

ef fect iveness and reduce t ime and

energy needed to complete

administrat ive processes

16Goals 9 and 10

9: Provide equipment and

faci l i t ies to fu l f i l l Wi ld l i fe Div is ion

program pr ior i t ies10: Attract , develop,

and retain a highly qual i f ied workforce

17Goal 11

Ef fect ively fund pr ior i t ies ident i f ied

in the strategic p lan

18Goal 12

Address establ ished pr ior i t ies whi le

being more appropr iately

responsive and less react ive to emerging

and urgent issues

Welcome! This is the division’s fifth consecutive annual report, and provides an overview of the division’s accomplishments, challenges, and expenditures throughout fiscal year 2014 (Oct. 1, 2013, through Sept. 30, 2014). This report highlights some (not all) of the division’s work within each of the strategic plan goals. At the bottom of each opening section, there is a list of tasks that staff works on within that goal. There are also financial tables that outline the amount that was spent by funding source. Appendix A provides an overview of each funding source. We are proud of what we have accomplished this past year. Thank you for picking up a copy of our newest report. We hope you enjoy.

Dear Reader,

This past year was a whirlwind of change. To the positive, the division and conservation partners took advantage of the license increase to accelerate forest, field, and wetlands management. Outlined in the division strategic plan and ‘More Bang for Your Buck’ sheets, these actions will benefit hunting, trapping, and other wildlife-related activities for decades to come. Specific projects directly linked to the license restructuring are highlighted to the right. I want to personally thank everyone who supported this license pricing change. It was a long time coming, and we were (and will continue to be) committed to increasing field capacity and improving wildlife habitat across the state. We are spending over $1 million per year on habitat partnership grants, which is all good news for wildlife. Perhaps most important, this funding helps the conservation community become even stronger partners in achieving mutual conservation management objectives.

Even with this great news, there is still more to be done. Challenges and threats remain. However, I am confident that we will succeed and overcome these obstacles. The division has strong partners. Barriers among resource managers within the DNR and across the Quality of Life Group are melting away. Internally, the division has broad research capability. Our wildlife managers are well-trained and enthusiastic. Species management experts are national and regional leaders. Communications staff members are using diverse media to inform and educate. Lastly, we are helping to enhance the quality of life for so many Michiganders. Enjoy this year’s annual report. I invite you to share your thoughts with us.

Yours in conservation,

Russ Mason, Chief Wildlife Division

Dear Reader,

Those fortunate enough to live, work or spend vacation time in Michigan have seen firsthand the unmatched natural resources that are found here. Beautiful forests, pristine lakes and streams and diverse wildlife draw people to Michigan every year to enjoy a variety of quality outdoor recreation experiences. The Department of Natural Resources is proud to manage those world-class resources – including the state’s wildlife – on behalf of the people of Michigan for the benefit of current and future generations. The DNR’s Wildlife Division is central to this mission.

Each day the division’s highly experienced, professional staff relies on the best available science to guide wildlife plans and management. The division works side by side with many partners – universities, conservation districts, organizations for sportsmen and sportswomen, legislators, local units of government, federal and state agencies, and many volunteers – who are equally invested and interested in the long-term health and sustainability of Michigan’s wildlife.

These partnerships were aided this year by additional revenue generated from Michigan’s restructured hunting and fishing license options – revenue that made possible a number of real-world improvements. Our new Grouse Enhanced Management Systems will improve upland bird hunting through the creation of walk-in trails. The Pheasant Restoration Initiative continues to develop better habitat, benefiting a variety of species. The state’s well-used managed waterfowl areas provide outstanding hunting opportunities. The newly formed Upper Peninsula Deer Habitat Work Group will seek to enhance winter habitat for deer in the U.P. The “Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt” partnership supports Michigan’s thriving wild turkey population. All of this is important work. Hunters contribute $2.3 billion annually to Michigan’s economy and provide critical support to regional economies across our state.

I cannot thank our partners enough for their support. Looking ahead, it is those very relationships that will continue to strengthen the Department of Natural Resources’ ability to do its best work for Michigan’s woods, water and wildlife.

Thank you for taking a moment to read about our year in review. We are proud of all that was accomplished – and determined to keep that momentum going strong.

Sincerely,

Keith Creagh, Director Michigan Department of Natural Resources

2

2014 brought with it a new license restructuring. We cannot thank our partners enough for all their support during this challenging endeavor. Support for license increases is usually rare; however, our partners knew more funding was needed in order to fulfill the DNR’s important mission. With additional dollars, the Wildlife Division committed to doing more for the hunters and wildlife of Michigan. We accomplished much in fiscal year 2014, and the items related to our promised commitments are outlined below and within this annual report.

Giving you “More Bang for Your Buck!”• More staff on the ground in the right places and for the right reasons - 20 new habitat biologists, technicians and

assistants working to achieve strategic management objectives. • Grouse Enhanced Management System (GEMS) trails established (page 14). • Major improvements made to water control structures at both the Shiawassee and Maple River State Game Areas.• Creation of the Michigan Operation Freedom Outdoors initiative (page 14). • 2,750 acres in the Hunter Access Program expanded into the eastern Upper Peninsula (UP). • $765,000 awarded to partners through Wildlife Habitat Grants to help meet management goals. • Deer habitat grant program launched to assist landowners in the northeastern Lower Peninsula (page 9). • Bear education program created that tracks the movement of bears (page 12). • Pheasant Restoration Initiative and Michigan Waterfowl Legacy expanded.• Michigan hunting opportunities showcased through social media and other marketing channels.• Spring and fall open houses held at the Managed Waterfowl Areas.• Habitat work increased across all regions:

- Increased oak management to replace loss of beech and ash.- Increased number of openings and food plots.- Controlled invasive species.- Established UP wildlife habitat workgroup to work on the conservation and expansion of deer winter yards.- Created more grassland complexes over 250 acres in size.- Improved goose habitat in the UP.- Increased number of brush piles and food plots.

THANK YOUFOR YOUR OUTSTANDING SUPPORT!

WE DID IT WITH YOUR HELP!

1Wildlife Populations

3

General Fund $ 1,361,322

Federal (annual) $ 4,375,795

Federal (competitive) $ 177,685

Revenue from Pittman-Robertson Lands $ 0

Other State Funds $ 100,267

Game & Fish $ 1,885,516

Deer Range Improvement Program $ 158,481

Turkey $ 98,069

Nongame $ 179,659

Total 2014 Goal 1 Expenditures $ 8,336,795

A waterfowl banding program assessment was completed in early 2014, specifically evaluating the division’s duck-banding efforts. For as long as duck-banding quotas have been in place, Michigan had failed to achieve its statewide banding goals of 2,000 mallards and 1,100 wood ducks. The assessment identified barriers and solutions to meet the annual duck-banding goals. There were two major recommendations that were accepted and implemented in 2014. The first was redistributing the regional banding quotas, lowering the Upper Peninsula (UP) and Northern Lower Peninsula (NLP) Regions’ quotas by roughly half for both mallards and wood ducks, and increasing the Southeast Lower Peninsula (SELP) and Southwest Lower Peninsula (SWLP) Regions’ quotas. The second was hiring a duck-banding team to supplement the SWLP and SELP Regions’ banding efforts and assist with meeting their increased quotas.

Statewide for 2014 there were 5,131 ducks banded - the most ever banded by the division. For the first time since there were statewide quotas, the division exceeded its goals for both mallards and wood ducks, banding 3,115 mallards (the most since 1981) and 1,914 wood ducks (the most ever). Regionally, nearly all duck-banding quotas were met. The duck- banding team contributed 1,165 total ducks to the effort, including 800 mallards and 359 wood ducks towards the quotas.

Duck banding in 2014 was a huge success and our banders made a great effort.

Banding Success

WHAT THE WILDLIFE DIVISION DOES FOR GOAL 1: Conduct game species surveys • Operate deer check stations • Meet regularly with stakeholders and partners to discuss game species issues • Collaborate with Mississippi Flyway Council on waterfowl regulations and non-game issues • Attend and give presentations at NRC meetings on proposed regulation changes • Conduct statewide hunt drawings • Implement game species research projects • Protect endangered species • Collaborate with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on federal endangered species issues • Work with partners to revise the Wildlife Action Plan and identify priority actions • Evaluate effects of changing environments on wildlife species • Monitor and report on wildlife disease outbreaks and emerging diseases • Collaborate with federal and state partners on disease management strategies • Conduct wildlife species vulnerability assessments

4

BEAR

deer

TURK

EYfurbearer

In the fall of 2012, the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) Governance Workgroup delivered a report to the full NRC, which included the need to review the frequency for setting changes to wildlife regulations. The workgroup recommended expanding the time between review cycles in order to allow for additional evaluation of social and biological impacts. Accordingly, the division created a proposal for multi-year wildlife regulatory reviews. The recommendation was approved in fiscal year 2014, and included stabilizing regulations and quotas by using multi-year cycles when optimal.

The following regulations frameworks were approved: waterfowl and other migratory birds remain on an annual cycle due to federal framework considerations; bear, elk, and furbearing species are on two-year cycles; deer, duck-season opening dates, falconry,

and wild turkey seasons are on three-year cycles; and small game and upland game birds are reviewed every five years.

The NRC has authority over much of the regulatory process, such as the designation of management units, the setting of license quotas, and the establishment of season criteria. By maintaining consistent regulations, when appropriate, the division and the NRC intend to reduce public confusion, increase staff time to educate the public about the goals and methods of species management, assess public opinions and preferences, and aid law enforcement in achieving better rates of compliance. However, if a compelling need is identified, regulatory changes may be recommended out of cycle. In fiscal year 2014, the division brought 17 wildlife recommendations to the NRC.

Multi-year Regulations Elk Continue to Roam Northern Lower Peninsula

Elk were once common throughout most of southern Michigan, and were reintroduced back to the state in 1918. Today, there is a thriving population in the NLP. The NLP Region is responsible for monitoring the elk population. An aerial survey is conducted in early January, when snow is present and leaves on trees are minimal, allowing for better visibility. With a DNR pilot and airplane flying at about 500 feet, staff members count the number of elk bulls, cows, and calves they observe, as well as document the locations of the herds. These observations help guide future management decisions. In the winter of 2014, the elk population was estimated at 668 with a range from 443-891. The division has a population goal of 500-900 elk within the designated Michigan elk range, which also is outlined in the current elk management plan.

SPOTLIGHT SPECIESPeregrine Falcons Continue to Climb

Never truly abundant in Michigan, peregrine falcons were wiped out statewide in the 1950s due to the impacts of

DDT. In the 1980s, intensive efforts to bring back this apex predator had begun, starting with the release of almost 150 falcons. This effort proved so successful that releases have not occurred for over a decade, as wild-hatched birds have found mates and established nest sites from the concrete

cliffs of Detroit to the craggy ledges of Isle Royale. While there were only 13 peregrine eyries known to be in the state

historically, in 2014 there were peregrine pairs at 31 sites in Michigan that produced a total of 66 chicks! The key to this resurgence has been the dedicated efforts of division staffers working with peregrine “landlords” to ensure that these birds have suitable nest sites, and braving heights

and angry peregrine parents to band chicks, which helps the division better understand the biology of these

fabulous falcons.

778 780

1042 1014

668

200

600

1000

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Popu

latio

n

Elk PopulationGoal Population Estimate

RESEARCH

White-nosed Syndrome Confirmed in MichiganIn April 2014, the DNR announced the diagnosis of white-nose syndrome (WNS) in little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) within three Michigan counties. This discovery occurred due to the extensive partnerships between Eastern Michigan University, Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, U.S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center, and the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory. The disease is caused by a fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, and has devastating impacts on bat populations. It was first discovered in the U.S. in February 2006 in a cave outside of Albany, New York. More than 6 million bats in the U.S. have already died due to WNS. Widespread die-offs of bats are expected in all of the confirmed counties this winter. Characteristic signs of a winter die-off likely due to WNS include bats flying during the daytime, and dying or dead bats (potentially in large numbers) at or near a mine or cave opening. The DNR and partners continue to monitor the unfortunate situation.

“These are the first confirmed WNS cases in Michigan. Even though we’ve known this disease was coming, it is a disappointing day. We will now shift gears and try to stop the spread of this serious disease.

- Dr. Dan O’Brien, DNR Wildlife Veterinarian”

Improving the Science of Black Bear Management

Hunting is used as the primary tool for managing Michigan black bears. Accurate bear population estimates allow managers to evaluate how well hunting regulations help keep bear populations at acceptable levels while maintaining a healthy bear population and valuable hunting traditions. Michigan’s annual mail-in harvest survey and mandatory registration of harvested bears provide valuable information about the state’s bear population. This past year, the division research staff, collaborating with experts at Michigan State University, developed a new statistical catch-at-age assessment (SCAA) for the UP and NLP bear populations. The SCAA technique adapted a rigorous statistical analysis that originated and came into wide use in fisheries management. The research results estimate the annual bear population size, population composition, and mortality rates, which is far more detailed than previous bear-monitoring methods provided.

Role of Predators, Winter Weather, and Habitat on White-Tailed Deer Fawn Survival

The fate of the white-tailed deer population in Michigan’s UP is influenced to a great extent by complex relationships among deer, predators, habitat, and weather. Management strategies can only account for or address these pressures on deer populations if their importance relative to each other is adequately understood. Division researchers, in cooperation with Mississippi State University, are investigating how these factors influence fawn survival and ultimately deer population growth over time and across UP “snowfall zones” that experience contrasting snow accumulation. Data collection has concluded in the low-snowfall zone, and this year marked the second year of fieldwork in the mid-snowfall zone. The long-term results of this research will help put into context the impacts of the particularly severe winter of 2014. The study is also unique in that abundance of deer, bears, wolves, coyotes, and bobcats all are being estimated in the study area, which will improve the ability to apply results to the population level.

A New Approach to Assessing and Addressing Declining Hunting Participation

Hunters are key constituents in state wildlife conservation, and hunting is a valuable part of Michigan’s heritage and economy. Nonetheless, participation in hunting is declining in Michigan as well as most other states. This decline is occurring differently among distinct “cohorts” of youth, young adults, adults, and retirees. Efforts to recruit and retain Michigan hunters must consider the contrasting rates and factors driving declines among these population segments. A team of researchers from the division and Michigan Technological University initiated work in 2014 to apply “cohort analysis” to provide insights about different groups of deer and small game hunters. The research will ultimately examine how different family demands and changing pressures of an urbanizing society affect these cohorts.

Monitoring the health of wildlife is an important aspect of wildlife management. Annually, 4,500 to 5,000 deer and 100 to 200 elk samples are collected in the NLP to monitor bovine tuberculosis (TB) in the free-ranging deer and elk herd. Michigan is the only state in the nation where TB has been established in the wild deer population. It was first discovered in 1975 and then again in 1994. The apparent prevalence of TB has decreased over the last 15 years, and the division continues to take measures to address this disease. The DNR coordinates TB response efforts with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Apparent Prevalence Rate of Bovine Tuberculosis

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Perc

ent P

reva

lenc

e Ra

te

Apparent Prevalence Rate of bTB

Inside DMU452

5Disease Monitoring

4,245 deer tested for TB - 12 positive statewide

2Wildlife Habitat

6

General Fund $ 0





Game & Fish $ 1,842,082

Deer Range Improvement Program $1,208,123

Turkey $ 461,009

Nongame $ 49,126

Total 2014 Goal 2 Expenditures $7,464,899

Several prescribed burns were conducted in the Southeast Lower Peninsula (SELP) Region in 2014 to help achieve management goals to improve wildlife habitat. Each burn was a cooperative effort between FRD and Wildlife Division.

Experienced fire staff members from both divisions work together to develop a burn plan that meets management objectives. On the day of the burn, the two divisions work side by side to ensure that safety measures are in place, notification of the burn goes out to the public and the burn itself runs smoothly.

A 950-acre prescribed burn was conducted at Crow Island State Game Area’s East Unit along M-13 in Saginaw County. The fire was intended to reduce cattail debris in the East Unit and improve habitat for waterfowl and other wetland-dependent wildlife.

An 850-acre prescribed burn was conducted at St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area, helping to remove the invasive plant phragmites on portions of Dickinson and Harsens islands. This project was funded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Grant Program.

In an attempt to improve habitat on the St. Clair Flats, the DNR, along with Ducks Unlimited, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, Michigan Sea Grant, Wildlife and Wetlands Solutions, Clay Township and local landowners have been controlling the spread of invasive phragmites through herbicide application. After the treatment, a large amount of dead standing phragmites remained. A prescribed burn helped remove this standing material and improve wetland conditions for waterfowl and other wildlife.

Prescribed Burns Benefit Southeast Region Wildlife

Forest Resources Division Helps Wildlife

WHAT THE WILDLIFE DIVISION DOES FOR GOAL 2: Monitor the effectiveness of habitat management actions • Collaborate with partners to conduct habitat treatments • Collaborate with Forest Resources Division on state forest habitat treatments • Assist with development of Regional State Forest Management Plans • Develop State Game Area Master Plans • Conduct inventories of habitat conditions • Develop habitat demonstration areas to highlight management actions • Monitor and treat invasive species outbreaks • Conduct habitat research projects • Conduct vulnerability assessments of important habitat cover types

determine the best plan of attack. In some areas, hundreds of oak saplings are being planted to help with future expected loss of beech. Saplings, planted to avoid problems with browse from deer and other wildlife, will produce acorns more quickly. In addition to forest health issues, the Wildlife and FRD also work together to plan and manage forest areas for a range of wildlife from game to threatened and endangered species, to rare communities, including preserving and managing deer wintering complexes.

Manage Habitat in Changing Environment

With over 32 million beech trees in Michigan, over 2.5 million have been killed by beech bark disease to date, the majority in the eastern Upper Peninsula (UP). Beech trees produce a valuable food source – the beech nut. Wildlife and Forest Resources Divisions have been working together to

Timber Cutting Occurring on Many Southern Game Areas

The Southwest Lower Peninsula (SWLP) Region continues to work with Forest Resources Division (FRD) to put timber up for sale on numerous game areas, including Barry, Allegan, Rogue River, Martiny Lake, Gratiot-Saginaw and Muskegon. Many of these sales are aimed at removing red pinein order to release the oak understory to promote mast production. At Allegan, management focuses on removing mature oak, which promotes oak regeneration in hopes to ensure future mast production. These timber

management strategies are aimed at increasing food and cover for deer and other big game on public and private lands. In 2014, the SWLP cut 709 acres.

Oak Savannah RestorationOccurring at Three Rivers State Game Area

In the summer of 2014, extensive restoration efforts began at the Three Rivers State Game Area in the Southwestern Lower Peninsula (SWLP) to restore a 75-acre oak savannah/fen complex. The site was a combination of old fields, wetlands, and abandoned pasture intermixed with several large oak and hickory trees. The project will occur over three years, and aims to create a high-quality natural community that benefits wild turkeys, eastern massasauga rattlesnakes, white-tailed deer, American woodcock and other species found in the area. Project accomplishments thus far include: the manual removal of scattered cherry, red pine, and maple trees; brush-mulching the understory and field edges (removing invasive species like autumn olive and honeysuckle); spraying regrowth; preparing fields for future plantings; and installing a permanent burn break around the perimeter of the management area. Photo-point monitoring and wildlife surveys will document success of the project over time. In 2015, a prescribed burn is proposed for the area, and a soft edge will be created using native shrubs and small trees. Brush-pile construction and invasive species removal efforts will continue, and additional plantings will occur.

DNR and U.S. Forest Service Work Together for Turkeys

In 2014, division staff in the NLP Region worked with the Huron-Manistee National Forest to cooperatively manage nearly 300 acres of wild turkey habitat on federal lands in Alcona, Crawford, Iosco, Lake, Mason, Newaygo, Oscoda, and Wexford counties. Management included enhancing wildlife openings and early successional forest through brushing, mowing, manual or mechanical clearing, and seeding/planting to either set-back brush succession, or seed native cool or warm-season grasses and forbs. These wildlife habitat enhancements provided spring foraging sites for turkey brood-rearing and fall hunter recreation opportunities on the Huron-Manistee National Forest areas open to public use. This relationship is beneficial to both the DNR and the U.S. Forest Service, as these activities provide benefits to wild turkeys and other wildlife, while preserving hunting heritage and encouraging participation by future generations of northern forest users.

Upper Peninsula Staff Focuses on Deer Wintering Complexes

During the winter months, deer in the UP occupy landscapes dominated by conifer trees, such as cedar and hemlock. These landscapes are known as “deer wintering complexes.” These complexes are comprised of conifer trees that block wind and intercept snow, and deciduous trees and shrubs that provide food. Because deer wintering complexes represent only 17 percent of UP land areas, they are critically important to the continued well-being of deer. Division staff in partnership with sportsmen organizations, timber companies, and other land managers has increased emphasis on management of these areas. Geographic information system (GIS) technology is being employed to prepare management plans for identified deer wintering complexes, with the goal of improving both the sheltering capability of conifer stands and winter food supplies for deer. With the aid of a revitalized UP Wildlife Habitat Workgroup, management prescriptions are being identified for these complexes, and funding to carry out the work is being sought from various wildlife habitat grant programs.

AfterBefore

7

REGIONAL HABITAT WORK8

395,122

Southeast

9,065 Acres of intensive wetland habitat management on state lands

3,331 Acres of intensive grassland and/or savannah

Upper Peninsula

4,006Acres of deer-focused habitat management through

grant partnerships

16,373 Mast-bearing trees and shrubs

planted on state land

Southwest2,712 Acres of intensive grassland and/or savannah wildlife habitat management on state lands

4,992 Acres of food plots planted on State Game/Management Areas

7,616 Acres of forest openings created/maintained on state lands

16,948 Mast-bearing trees and shrubs planted on state land

Northern Lower

The division conducts many types of intensive habitat management to benefit wildlife. Much of the habitat work is conducted on state game areas in the southern Lower Peninsula, and on state forest lands in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The division also works closely with private landowners by providing financial and technical assistance to help landowners reach their wildlife management goals.

Acres reviewed/assessed for wildlife habitat conditions in state forest compartments 62,021

Acres of timber sales prepared on state forest land to manipulate the age structure and function of forest stands to benefit wildlife

General Fund $ 0

Federal (annual) $ 633,483

Federal (competitive) $ 0

Revenue from Pittman-Robertson Lands $ 191,167

Other State Funds $ 0

Game & Fish $ 93,148


Turkey $ 0

Nongame $ 0

Total 2014 Goal 3 Expenditures $ 928,521

9 3Land Use

WHAT THE WILDLIFE DIVISION DOES FOR GOAL 3: Provide information on wildlife surveys, reports, and assessments to department leaders, NRC, and legislators • Conduct legislative bill analyses • Collaborate on department’s Land Management Plan • Develop division Land Acquisition Strategy • Collaborate with county and township land use planners • Evaluate impacts of development projects on wildlife resources • Resolve trespass issues • Survey wildlife-administered lands • Collaborate with partners to purchase important wildlife habitat

In July 2013, Enbridge Energy Company applied for a DNR use permit to replace the old 6B pipeline that runs through a part of Crane Pond State Game Area (SGA). In addition to the line replacement project, the permit specified that Enbridge would take precautions to minimize soil erosion, protect water quality, and improve wildlife habitat. The permit was approved, and division staff began working with Enbridge to develop a restoration plan for the pipeline areas. Mitigation plans included planting the pipeline disturbance areas to appropriate cover crops and native plant species. Additionally, small trees and shrubs were to be planted to create a soft edge where the pipeline cuts through forested areas, and brush piles developed

for wildlife approximately every 60 yards along the edge of the impact zone in wooded areas. Also, as part of the project, a contractor will remove old fence lines that were fragmenting adjacent prairie fields on the SGA. By the end of 2014, restoration crews had finished seeding areas of the pipeline that ran through a native prairie, several wetlands and the forested areas. The fence-line removal project was completed, and the areas were seeded. Local staff members are continuing to work with Enbridge to monitor the site and coordinate future restoration activities. Initial results indicate a positive increase in the diversity of grassland bird species using the prairie areas.

Wildlife Habitat on Utility Right of Ways

Providing Grants for Michigan’s Wildlife

The recent hunting and fishing license restructuring also expanded grant opportunities within the Lower Peninsula. A wildlife habitat grant program was developed in the division’s NLP Region to improve food and cover for deer on private land. The NEW Deer Private Land Assistance Network (PLAN) grant program was first made available in fiscal year 2014 for private landowners in a six-county area of northeast Michigan. Forty organizations applied. Grantees are required to provide a 25-percent match in return for additional funds to complete deer habitat. A total of $50,000 was awarded to 12 projects. All work was to be completed by September 30, 2014. The Deer PLAN grant program resulted in thousands of fruit and nut-bearing trees planted and many acres of wildlife openings created.

The division partnered with 16 government agencies, individuals, and organizations to improve wildlife habitat for the benefit of hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities across Michigan. Through the NEW statewide Wildlife Habitat Grant Program, which is funded by Game and Fish funds received from the new license structure, over $737,000 was provided during fiscal year 2014 for various projects across the entire state, ranging from deer winter habitat restoration to tree and shrub plantings to grassland expansion for game birds.To learn more about any of these grant opportunities, visit www.michigan.gov/dnr-grants.

The Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Initiative (DHIPI) is an UP place-based grant program aimed at enhancing deer habitat on non-state- owned lands. Fiscal year 2014 was the fifth year of the program. The DHIPI focuses on promoting partnerships with sportsperson organizations, conservation districts, and other eligible partners. A total of $50,000 in deer hunting license dollars are used to fund projects that vary in size from $2,000 to $10,000. Eligible applicants must provide a 25-percent match. In fiscal year 2014, nine projects were funded with activities that focused on winter and summer deer range improvements.

Statewide Wildlife Habitat Grants

Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Initiative

Deer Private Land Assistance Network

General Fund $ 0





Game & Fish $ 208,581

Deer Range Improvement Program $ 0

Turkey $ 73

Nongame $ 0

Total 2014 Goal 4 Expenditures $847,723

10 4Public Participation

WHAT THE WILDLIFE DIVISION DOES FOR GOAL 4: Develop educational materials to explain hunting and trapping programs • Emphasize the economic impacts of hunting, trapping, and wildlife viewing • Enroll landowners in the Hunting Access Program • Conduct wildlife area tours and demonstrations • Conduct opinion surveys of hunters, trappers, and wildlife viewers to help improve programs • Attend outdoor shows to provide hunting, trapping, and wildlife viewing information • Assist with development of Mi-HUNT • Promote wildlife areas to birding communities • Promote small game hunting opportunities on southern Michigan State Game Areas • Modify regulations language for clarity • Identify additional State Game Area sites for wildlife viewing opportunities

38,080 applications

sold to 13,261 individuals

DNR Enjoys Time with Roscommon Youth

Over 45 students discovered the sport of archery thanks to an eight-week partnership between the division, Roscommon Archery Club (RAC), local schoolteachers, Roscommon Baptist Church, SCI Mid-Michigan Chapter, Roscommon Area Youth Boosters, Whitetails Unlimited, and Quality Deer Management Association. This after-school program was designed to teach students in third through fifth grade about archery. The program touched on aspects of safety, equipment, technique, mental concentration, focus, and self-improvement. Program donors and the division split the costs to purchase twenty-one compound bows, five youth crossbows, and a variety of targets, arrows, and other needed equipment. Once the program was complete, the RAC linked students to hunter safety classes in the region. With their hunter safety certificate, and a parent or guardian present, the students had the opportunity to deer hunt in the fall of 2014 with a mentor.

Pure Michigan Hunt 2014 Winners(Applied Mar. 1, 2013 - Dec. 31, 2013)

Bill Kring of Cadillac, Bruce Shaneour of Osseo, and Frank Zrepskey of Algonac all took home hunting prize packages valued over $4,000! For a complete list of generous donors and prizes visit www.michigan.gov/puremichiganhunt.

In August 2014, the Allegan State Game Area celebrated 50 years

of conservation. A celebratory open house was held at the field

office, highlighting the area’s accomplishments over the last 50 years. The DNR created the

Allegan State Game Area in 1964 by combining the Allegan State Forest, the Swan Creek Wildlife Experiment

Station and the Fennville State Game Area. The combined 50,000 acres

provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities throughout the year. The

area has an expansive trail system and is managed for maximum hunting

opportunities. Come and visit this West Michigan treasure.

Celebrating 50 Years at Allegan State Game AreaYouth Hunters Enjoy Pointe Mouillee

The division, with the help of the Gibraltar Duck Hunter’s Association (GDHA) and Southwestern Lake Erie Chapter of Waterfowl U.S.A. (WUSA), hosted the 10th Annual GDHA/WUSA Youth Waterfowl Hunt in September of 2014. This annual event, held at Pointe Mouillee State Game Area, has grown every year. The first year the event had a total of five young hunters who participated. Today, 54 young hunters were treated to an excellent hunting experience, and many brought home a bird or two. This event could not have happened without the time, energy and money invested by GDHA, WUSA, and the division and the volunteers that helped guide or cook lunch for the youngsters. Generous donors like Knutson’s Recreational Sales, Cabela’s, Zink Calls, Fowl Pursuit and Hevi-shot also contributed to the event.

11

Additional Cumulative Acres of Land for Public Hunting and Trapping

Managing wild turkeys in Michigan involves the complex interaction of turkey populations, their habitat, and their relationship to people. The goal of the spring wild turkey hunting season is to maximize hunter opportunity while maintaining a satisfactory hunting experience (hunter satisfaction greater than 50 percent).

Satisfied Turkey Hunters

0

20

40

60

2012 2013 2014

Satisfied Turkey Hunters

Percent of Hunters Satisfied with Experience Goal

In 2014, the Hunting Access Program (HAP) expanded into the UP to provide additional opportunities for sharp-tailed grouse hunting. In the UP, public land with good sharp-tail habitat, such as open areas or grasslands, is limited. Most sharp-tail habitat is on private property, and is most often agricultural fields or fallow lands. HAP is a voluntary land-leasing program where landowners decide the game that can be hunted on their property, number of hunters allowed on property at one time, and the type of hunters allowed (youth, etc.). Over 2,750 acres were enrolled in the eastern UP HAP program in 2014.

Number of New License Buyers

The proportion of Michiganders who hunt and trap has slowly declined over the last decade. This metric is defined as someone who has not purchased a hunting license over the last five years.

Repeat Hunting and Trapping License Buyers in Michigan

Increasing the retention rate of hunters and trappers is a key issue for the division. This metric is defined by hunters and trappers that bought a license two years in a row. The objective is to increase repeat license purchasers by 25 percent.

Michigan Hunting Tradition Continued in 2014

Deer & Deer Combo Licenses 1,007,559Small Game (Base) Licenses 734,116Antlerless Deer Licenses 353,851Spring Turkey Licenses 89,179Waterfowl Licenses 59,935Fur Harvester Licenses 40,623Fall Turkey Licenses 31,614Bear Hunting Licenses 6,082Elk Hunters 102

Licenses sold between March 1 , 2014 and January 31, 2015

Dansville State Game Area Receives a New Blind

With the help of local Boy Scouts of America and division staffers, the Dansville State Game Area received a new-easy access blind that is now available for individuals with mobility challenges. The scouts also built brush piles and cleared shooting lanes. It was a great project from a terrific group of young people.

-

10,000

20,000

30,000

2011 2012 2013 2014

Additional Cummulative Acres of Land for Public Hunting and Trapping

HAP Public Goal

111,688 110,884

92,903

64,288 66,92755,681

47,400 43,95737,222

0

40,000

80,000

120,000

2012 2013 2014

Number of New License Buyers

Total New Adult New Youth Wildlife Division Goal for Total

76 76 78

50

60

70

80

2012 2013 2014

Repeat Hunters and Trappers License Buyers in Michigan

Percent of Repeat License Buyers National Average

General Fund $ 34,674





Game & Fish $ 950,276


Turkey $ 58,127

Nongame $ 18,232


WHAT THE WILDLIFE DIVISION DOES FOR GOAL 5: Develop educational materials to explain wildlife programs • Attend outdoor shows to provide wildlife program information • Engage stakeholders and encourage participation in wildlife programs • Develop new tools to share information with the public • Present educational wildlife programs • Provide talking points to all staff on important wildlife issues

• 6th, 7th and 8th grades • 59 educators participated, reaching over 4,000 students • Students discovered the life cycle of the Michigan black bear, general black bear biology,

and behavior, and how the DNR manages and maintains a healthy black bear population. Students also “follow” a Michigan black bear by mapping location points from a radio-collared bear.

Educational Programs

The division had a large focus on classroom education in fiscal year 2014. Many wildlife programs were created and deployed to schools across the entire state, with 164 school programs reaching 7,082 kids in fiscal year 2014. The division is excited that so many teachers want to share information about Michigan’s amazing wildlife in their classrooms.

DNR staffers also reached 2,228 people through presentations at 55 community programs, as well as attended 22 outdoor shows.

5Public Outreach

• Most highly requested staff-presented program for 3rd grade +• Presentation details the biology, life cycle, decline, reintroduction, and research of the osprey in southern

Michigan. The osprey population continues to rebound in southern Michigan, after being nearly absent from much of the state due to the effects of pesticide use, making it a great comeback story.

• Follow them today at www.michiganosprey.org.

• 4th, 5th and 6th grades• Provided lesson plans, posters, and trading cards to over 50 classrooms• Over 2,500 students participated• Students celebrated the 40th anniversary of the act through learning about Michigan’s

threatened and endangered species and why they are important.

• 6th, 7th, and 8th grades• 10 schools awarded free kits• Over 1,400 students participated• Students discovered and explored local wetland ecosystems, waterfowl biology, life cycles, and management.Place-Based Unit

on Wetlands and Waterfowl

WWW.

A Year in the Life of a Michigan

Black Bear

• 22 Informational videos developed, resulting in 75,600 total views• Over 170 GovDelivery (e-mail)

articles written

Osprey in Michigan

th

MICHI

GANʼ

S EN

DANGERED SPECIES ACT

Anniversar�

Website views:Hunting and Trapping 6,960,097 total

Most viewed sections within Hunting and Trapping: Landing Page 775,238 Licenses and Seasons 578,023 Applications and Drawings 503,626

Mi-HUNT 116,336 totalWildlife and Habitat 3,096,878 total

Most viewed sections within Wildlife and Habitat: Snakes 273,827 Mammals 106,516 Wolves 103,053

12

General Fund $ 0





Game & Fish $ 343,385


Turkey $ 13,822

Nongame $ 3,951

Total 2014 Goal 6 Expenditures $ 558,5306FosteringRelationships

13

WHAT THE WILDLIFE DIVISION DOES FOR GOAL 6: Collaborate with MUCC and other partners on new volunteer programs • Provide additional opportunities for stakeholder input • Support the role of citizen advisory groups • Expand web-based communications with partner assistance • Meet regularly with federal and state partners • Meet regularly with stakeholder and partner groups

SPOTLIGHT PARTNERSMichigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

Working collaboratively with partners allows the division to deliver a variety of programs, including increased habitat restoration and hunting access. Two long-standing and successful partnerships include the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and local conservation districts (MACD – Michigan Association of Conservation Districts). Since 2000, the division has annually provided $400,000 to MDARD to provide enhanced incentives to landowners enrolling in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). These funds have helped leverage more than $156 million in federal funds and enrolled over 75,000 acres of grassland and wetland habitat for pheasants, turkey, waterfowl, deer and other wildlife. Three Farm Bill biologists (FBBs) are funded in partnership with MDARD to deliver “boots on the ground” to help implement the Michigan Pheasant Restoration Initiative. In fiscal year 2014, FBBs helped over 300 landowners enhance their lands for wildlife, enrolling in Farm Bill programs, as well as assisting five habitat cooperatives with habitat restoration.

Stat

e

Shiawassee Flats Citizen and Hunters Association

The division is proud to partner with many waterfowl hunting associations around the state. A group that is particularly active is the Shiawassee Flats Citizen and Hunters Association (SFCHA). With a mission “to preserve and enhance habitat on public lands collectively known as the Shiawassee Flats,” this group has been working with the division for over 20 years. The SFCHA hosts an annual youth day at Shiawassee River State Game Area in September, serves on the DNR Citizens Waterfowl Advisory Committee, and has a guest hunt program that pairs hunters new to the Shiawassee Flats with experienced waterfowl hunters familiar with the area. The SFCHA is recognized as a leader in Michigan wetland and waterfowl issues. It works with the state and federal agencies, providing policy guidance as well as project support. Its philosophy is to provide constructive solutions to problems and issues rather than complain without alternatives.

Loca

l

Fede

ral Ottawa National Forest

The Ottawa National Forest (ONF) and the division have formed a substantial partnership to benefit wildlife. In fiscal years 2013 and 2014, ONF provided $190,000 to Forest Resources and Wildlife divisions for the purpose of assisting in forest management activities and wildlife management practices on the Baraga Plains and Sturgeon Sloughs. In return, the division partnered with ONF, the National Wild Turkey Foundation, and the Ruffed Grouse Society to obtain a cost-shared field technician position that is working to evaluate 30,000 acres of aspen with the intent of harvesting approximately 17,000 of those acres. The ONF has jumped on board with the Grouse Enhanced Management System (GEMS) initiative by developing one GEMS on the National Forest at Bluebill Creek, and is committed to developing at least one more GEMS. Finally, the ONF has joined division efforts to restore and enhance deer wintering complexes across the Upper Peninsula (UP).

Michigan Waterfowl Legacy Making Headway

The Michigan Waterfowl Legacy (MWL) is a ten-year cooperative partnership to restore, conserve, and celebrate Michigan’s waterfowl, wetlands, and waterfowl hunting heritage. The ultimate plan is to build a community of increasingly engaged hunters and non-hunters who not only enjoy, but actively support waterfowl and wetlands conservation. 2014 was not only the second year of the partnership, but also a productive, ground-breaking year. Participating in 13 events throughout the state, division staff talked to thousands of individuals about MWL. The MWL Facebook page reached over 600 likes as the social media interactions increased. A new MWL quarterly e-newsletter was developed. The most momentous accomplishment was the creation of a MWL place-based education program that brought MWL into 10 schools within the Saginaw Bay Area. Hundreds of children are talking about wetlands and waterfowl this 2014-15 school year. The supplies for the program were made possible by a generous grant from the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network. Visit www.michigan.gov/mwl for more information. PARTNERSHIPS IN ACTION

GEMS Found Across Northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula

Sometimes crossover ideas can stem from other states or from businesses. The GEMS (Grouse Enhanced Management System) initiative came from golf. If golfers can golf from one end of Michigan to the other, why can’t a bird hunter hunt across the state? Division staff, community leaders, and partner groups worked together to make this idea a reality. The goal was to take large areas of the forest with a heavy aspen component, and then map and market those locations while tying in local businesses. In many areas, there were walking trails available from old logging roads that needed just a bit of work for a hunter to wind through the forest. Now, someone who may have never bird hunted, has limited mobility, was intimidated by the idea of busting through the woods, or who might like to try a new area of Michigan has great information available. Seven GEMS sites with information stations, parking lots, maps, and walking trails debuted in September 2014. Local businesses provided, and continue to provide, great discounts to hunters who visited a GEMS site and then stopped into their business. More GEMS locations will be popping up soon on state, federal, and even private properties.

Michigan Organizations Bringing Freedom Outdoors

The 2014 fall hunting season brought with it the inaugural season of Michigan Operation Freedom Outdoors (MiOFO). MiOFO is a cooperative partnership between the DNR, Camp Liberty, Zero-Day, Eisenhower Center, the Brain Injury Association of Michigan, Passing Along the Heritage (PATH) Foundation, Safari Club International Foundation, Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, the Disabled American Veterans, and more. The mission of MiOFO is to provide improved outdoor recreation opportunities for wounded veterans and individuals with health challenges and to coordinate a support network that facilitates their recovery through connecting with nature.

The Sharonville State Game Area was chosen as the pilot area for MiOFO because of its proximity to major population centers including Ann Arbor, Jackson and Detroit. Division staff from the Waterloo field office spent months preparing the game area for special MiOFO hunt events. Zero Day helped fund a full-time MiOFO Coordinator and two wildlife assistants. Together with division staff, they improved trail and parking lot accessibility, installed MiOFO signage, established and improved food plots, installed permanent hunting blinds, and developed partnerships with potential users. A special hunt event was offered in September. Hunters were offered guided hunts, access to tracked wheelchairs,and accessible hunting blinds. It was a great success.

Michigan On-The-Ground Continues to Build Great Habitat for Wildlife

Michigan On-the-Ground is a public-private partnership between Michigan United Conservation Clubs and the DNR’s Wildlife and Fisheries divisions. The goal of the program is to improve fish and wildlife habitat with the help of volunteers. Below is a list of the wildlife events that occurred in fiscal year 2014, along with their location, number of volunteers, and groups that assisted.

• Gaylord State Forest: ~ 120 crabapple trees planted, 20 volunteers (National Wild Turkey Federation)• Gratiot-Saginaw State Game Area: ~10 brush piles created, 15 volunteers• Sharonville State Game Area: ~ 8 brush piles created, 25 volunteers• Fulton State Game Area: ~ 10 brush piles, 10 volunteers• Grayling State Forest: ~ 130 trees planted, 6 volunteers• Crane Pond State Game Area: ~ 1200 seedlings, 15 volunteers

EMSGrouse Enhanced Management System

G

• Grayling State Forest: 1400 seedlings, 37 volunteers (Huron Pines)• Gwinn State Forest Area: oak planting, 7 volunteers• Au Train: oak planting, 11 volunteers• Pigeon River Country: fence removal , 35 volunteers (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation)• Alpena Wildlife Refuge: 32 volunteers removed more than 2,000 lbs. of European frog-bit (Alpena Wildlife Refuge, Huron Pines)• Rose Lake Research Area: ~ 12 brush piles, 25 wood duck boxes, 45 volunteers (Consumers Energy)• Maple River State Game Area: hinge-cutting, 10 volunteers (Quality Deer Management Association chapters)• Gwinn, GEMS planting: 35 volunteers (including Governor Snyder)• Dansville State Game Area: hinge-cutting, 22 volunteers (Quality Deer Management Association chapters)• Beaver Island: ~100 crabapple trees, 20 volunteers (National Wild Turkey Federation)

14

OFOTM

M I C H I G A N O P E R A T I O N

F R E E D O M O U T D O O R SMi

General Fund $ 0





Game & Fish $ 992,781


Turkey $ 0

Nongame $ 0

Total 2014 Goal 7 Expenditures $1,016,054

7WHAT THE WILDLIFE DIVISION DOES FOR GOAL 7: Hold annual all-hands meeting for the division • Provide communications training and technical workshops to staff • Conduct regular employee staff meetings • Schedule time for more face-to-face meetings






Game & Fish $ 162,479


Turkey $ 4,953

Nongame $ 2,380


8Internal Communication

15

AdministrativeProcesses

WHAT THE WILDLIFE DIVISION DOES FOR GOAL 8: Conduct process mapping of current methods • Identify local experts to help others with processes • Provide input to Bureaucracy Busters

PRU & You

Monthly NRC News

June 12, 2014

Wildlife Chief Update

Chief Russ Mason de-

scribed the Upper Peninsula

Habitat Workgroup. The

group is working on recom-

mendations to improve habi-

tat quality and maintenance

of the 80% of deer wintering complexes on private land.

11WCO2014–Fall Turkey Management Unit Technical

Change (for information)

This order corrects an editing error by adding Beaver Island

of Charlevoix County back into TMU YY.

Russ also noted that spring turkey license sales for 2014

were about 89,000, and in 2013 they were about 104,000.

07WCO2014–Furbearer Regulations (for action)

Russ noted that the for action version of this order has been

updated to clarify the following additional trapping method on

beaver dams: body gripping or conibear type trap less than 8

inches above the ground at the highest point; no bait; the

trap is between 5 and 6 1/2 inches as measured inside the

jaw hinges; and the trap may be set above water.

10WCO2014–Deer Management Assistance Permit Regula-

tions (for information)

This order was held for information, so the NRC can sched-

ule a stakeholder meeting.

Wildlife Division Topics

08WCO2014–Migratory Game Bird Regulations; Early Sea-

sons, Managed Waterfowl Area Regulations (for information)

Barb Avers, waterfowl and wetland specialist, delivered an

update on the early migratory game bird regulations.

An experimental early teal season is proposed for Sept. 1

through Sept. 7 with required evaluation for non-target spe-

cies after a 3-year period. The recommended daily limit is 6

with three times the possession limit. Hunting hours are pro-

posed to begin at sunrise.

Recommendations also include raising the woodcock pos-

session limit to 9 to align with the USFWS frameworks of

three times the daily limit.

Managed deer hunting during waterfowl season was pro-

posed for Nayanquing Point Wildlife Area and Fish Point

Wildlife Area by permit only and when circumstances (such

as ice coverage) make the area functionally unavailable to

waterfowl hunting. Changes were also proposed to the hunt-

What Happened at the June NRC Meeting?

Policy and Regulations Unit - Wildlife Division

July 2014

What Happened at the July

NRC Meeting?

2

What orders became effective in

June and July?

2

Important Dates 2

Do you know the Policy and

Regs Team?

2

Inside this issue:

This short newsletter contains infor-

mation about recent and upcoming

Natural Resources Commission

meetings as they pertain to the

Wildlife Division.

Upcoming Meetings:

August 14: American Legion, 610 W. Munising Avenue, Munis-

ing, MI 49862

September 11: MSU Diagnostic Center, 4125 Beaumont Road,

Lansing, MI 48910

ing by permit only area for Pointe Mouillee State Game Ar-

ea. The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge was rec-

ommended for inclusion on the list of wildlife refuge excep-

tions for duck or goose hunting by permit.

Brian Frawley delivered the 2013 deer harvest survey re-

sults. There were 712,404 deer licenses purchased, up 1%

from 2012, and Mentored Youth licenses were up by a sig-

nificant 20%. About 577,000 people pursued deer during

firearm season. There was a decrease in hunting success

since 2012 (46% down to 43%) and an 8% decline in deer

harvested.

09WCO2014–Antlerless Deer License Quotas 2014-2016

(for information)

Brent Rudolph and Ashley Autenrieth delivered an update

on the proposed 2014-2016 antlerless deer license quotas.

The winter of 2013-14 resulted in high snow depths and

harsh winter conditions in the UP and expected low over-

winter survival and productivity. Quota recommendation

were 7,000 private land (18,800 in 2013) and no public land

quota (4,500 in 2013) for all of the UP.

Northern Lower Peninsula recommended decreases includ-

ed 117,900 private land (119,100 in 2013) and 32,300 public

land (35,900 in 2013) licenses. Increases were recommend-

ed for Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Osceola.

In the Southern Lower Peninsula, deer population trends

have stabilized or decreased over the decade. There have

also been repeated EHD outbreaks. Recommendations are

to decrease quotas to stabilize or slow decline with 310,100

private land (345,500 in 2013) and 27,600 public land

(30,150 in 2013) licenses.

Fisheries Chief Update

Chief Dexter noted that the AIS Landing Blitz took place

June 6 and 7 to spread awareness about invasive species

and to demonstrate boat cleaning techniques. He also not-

ed that a free fishing weekend took place June 7 and 8 at 48

different official events with thousands of participants. The

Grand American Fish Rodeo was scheduled for June 12-14

in Lansing with educational fun and activities. The Pigeon

River may be experiencing some discoloration due to a dam

removal and river channel/fish passage restoration project.

Although clean-up of the Kalamazoo River continues, the

Department of Community Health’s assessment has listed

the river as safe.

Looking for the official NRC meeting minutes?

Visit: www.michigan.gov/nrc

Sharing Internal Products

As the division continues to work to improve internal communications,

many sections, units, and regions have developed newsletters that help to

provide information to DNR staff.

World Wild Web

W3 The Mont

hly Wild

life Div

ision

Web and

Social M

edia Upd

ate

MEGA Bits

Twitter Totals (to date):

1,066 tweets

750 followers / +10%

GovDelivery:

In the month of April, we had

13 messages go out via

GovDelivery to 1,181,540

recipients. We had a delivery

success of 82.3%.

Top Wildlife/Habitat

Michigan Snakes

23,872 views / +201%

Amphibians & Rep.

8,483 views / +105%

Wildlife Species

8,067 views / +46%

Top Hunting/Trapping

Hunt & Trap Home

45,421 views / -10%

License & Seasons

35,035 views / -5%

Wild Turkey

33,124 views / -0.5%

MEGA BITESMay

2014

Two Wildlife Division

Videos Released Today!

We have two new video releases from

the Wildlife Division today. The first is

promoting American Wetlands Month

and the 7 Wetland Wonders. The

second is to promote bear and elk

applications that are now on sale, as

well as the Pure Michigan Hunt. Check

them out by click on each to the right!

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to fill

out the outreach tracking survey each month. The

Marketing and Outreach Division has informed us that we no

longer need to continue this practice.

Thank you all for your help!

Mi-Hunt Is Now Mobile Friendly!You can now access Mi-Hunt on

your computer, tablet or

smartphone! Not only can you

now access the Mi-Hunt app

on a variety of devices, but you

also have increased functionality

including integration of GPS to

locate yourself on the map, drop

waypoints, and track your path.

Three new video tutorials

explaining the options and

interface will be available in the

coming days.

Northern Lower Peninsula

2014 Wildlife Division

Evergreen Goals

Evergreen Goals strategic DNR priorities

Burning for Habitat

Burning for Habitat Ensure sustainable recreation use & enjoyment

Ensure sustainable recreation use & enjoyment

Ensure sustainable recreation use & enjoyment Cedars for the Cedar

Cedars for the Cedar

Improve & build strong relationships & partnerships



This spring, Forest Resource and Wildlife Division worked

together to burn 3,625 acres on 19 different prescribed

burns in the northern region! Burning helps to maintain

grassy openings encroached by brush and shrubs, and can

also encourage desired tree species on the landscape.

On a rainy day in May, students from Gladwin High

School, Trout Unlimited, Little Forks Conservancy,

and the DNR planted 100 white cedar seedlings to

improve habitat along the Cedar River in Gladwin

County.

Orphaned Cub Program

Orphaned Cub Program

Protect natural & cultural resources

Protect natural & cultural resources

Protect natural & cultural resources Three orphaned cubs were placed with a surrogate collared

sow who had cubs of the same age. In order to encourage

the mom to adopt the new cubs, they were covered in Vicks

VapoRub, to mask their scent. Staff from multiple Divisions,

Regions, and Sections all played a part in this effort.

Bang for Your Buck

Bang for Your Buck license restructuring impacts

Goose Banding

Goose Banding Ensure sustainable recreation use & enjoyment



The 2014 goal for the northern region was to band 350

geese - staff exceeded that goal by banding 586!

Banding is an important tool for estimating harvest and

survival rates, as well as tracking the locations of harvest.

Southwest Region Governor Snyder made an appearance at the Maple River State Game Area dedication event on September 17. More than $500,000 has been invested in the Maple River State Game Area’s wetlands in the last four years, highlighting the commitment of the DNR and partners to this important area. One pumping station has been replaced, a second pumping station has been constructed, major repairs have been made to miles of dikes and many water control structures have been replaced. These are just a few of the projects completed.

On August 5, Grand Rapids hosted National Night Out Against Crime. The DNR participated in this free event for kids of all ages.

This event was a great opportunity for local kids to learn about public safety, recreational safety, and enjoy the outdoors! On September 13, kids (and even adults) enjoyed a fun filled day

at Historic Charlton Park during the Barry County Youth Day Event. This was a free day of fun for kids. They had lots of hands on outdoor activities such as fishing on the Thornapple River and target shooting!

Southwest staff have been pursuing land acquisitions to enhance public hunting opportunities in our region. Just this past year, over 400 acres of land was added to our SGAs across the region, and we now have approval or seeking approval for an addition 450 acres. Many of these parcels will help secure our current ownership, which will provide more efficient management of our property boundaries; provide additional acres for wildlife conservation; and provide public access to enjoy wildlife resources.

2014

Wildlife Division

Photo by Rose Hendershot

Summer 2014 Highlights from the

Wildlife Division’s Southeast Region

6 Osprey Chicks are Wearing Backpacks: GPS Goal 1

As part of a multi-state study tracking the movement and

migration patterns of ospreys, 6 area osprey chicks were

outfitted with GPS backpacks. Weighing just an ounce, the

backpacks are affixed with strong ribbon and will stay on the

birds for 2 to 3 years. Our birds have begun their migration

and a few have made it as far as Columbia and Venezuela!

You can follow their migration at www.michiganosprey.org

New Faces in the Southeast Region: GPS Goal 10

Thanks to our new license package we are thrilled to welcome some

new faces and great new talent to the Southeast staff! Jeremiah

Heise joins us as the Wildlife Biologist at Shiawassee River. Also at

Shiawassee River is new Wildlife Assistant Josh Imber. Don Poppe is

the new Wildlife Technician at Waterloo and Rob Hamilton is our

new Wildlife Assistant at Cass City. Dan Bailey joins the Fish Point

staff as Wildlife Assistant replacing Ron Sting who moved to Cass

City as Wildlife Assistant. Tammy Giroux, Wildlife Technician who

formerly worked at Shiawassee River has moved to Pointe Mouillee.

Be sure to welcome our new employees!

Duck and Goose Banding Season Success: GPS Goal 1

1,672 geese and 1,732 ducks were banded this summer in Southeast

Michigan by our biologists, technicians, assistants and DNR volunteers.

Banding is conducted yearly to estimate harvest and survival rates and to

determine harvest distribution which aids in setting hunting frameworks.

To learn more visit www.michigan.gov/waterfowl

Clockwise from top: Jeremiah Heise, Josh

Imber, Dan Bailey and Don Poppe.

During fiscal year 2014, the division worked on improving a variety of administrative processes; below are a few highlights.

The division is fortunate to receive private funds from partners and individuals to help offset specific smaller wildlife management costs. The process of receiving, tracking, and spending these monies has been cumbersome and ineffective for years. The division overhauled the tracking process, and now includes these monies into the annual budget allocation process. The process is much easier to track and reconcile so that the division can ensure that the funds are spent appropriately.

The non-career hiring process involves many people from the field as well as the central office. The hiring process was streamlined through the State of Michigan Neo Gov system. All full-time, part-time, and non-career positions are now being completed the same way by the same position. This helps eliminate redundancies and improve relationships.

The division also completed a LEAN process improvement in the Policy and Regulations Unit as part of the Governor’s Office of Good Government. The steps of a regulatory Natural Resource Commission (NRC) memo were identified and visualized in a life-sized value stream map display. Parts of the process were streamlined, and roles and responsibilities were outlined so those in the process could better identify their tasks during memo creation and completion. This tool has been extremely valuable to staff in keeping up with species regulations changes, which are due to the NRC each month.

Wildlife Division Issued the Following Permits in

Fiscal Year 2014

322 Hold Wildlife in Captivity580 Wildlife Damage and

Nuisance Control251 Game Bird Hunting Preserve

363 Scientific Collector’s 121 Falconry

136 Wildlife Rehabilitation201 Special Dog Training Area

243 Fox Hound Training163 Project Control

129 Field Trials on State Land43 Private Land Field Trials61 Out-of-State Dog Bear

11 Goose Contractor1 Temporary Holding of Deer

167 Commercial Hunting guide

Annually, the division holds an all-hands meeting at the DNR’s Ralph A. MacMullen Conference Center. It is the perfect time to brainstorm new ideas, build relationships, and discuss cricital wildlife issues.

Northern Lower Peninsula Region Has Huge Infrastructure ResponsibilitiesThe Northern Lower Peninsula (NLP) Region has around 30 dams and water-control structures. Many of the dams were built over 50 years ago, and updates, maintenance, and the evaluation of their intended purpose has been taking place. Several areas saw significant structural work conducted, such as excavation on the earthen dams, road access, and replacement of culverts and water-control structures. The Manistee Marsh in Manistee County, Deadhorse Flooding in Missaukee County (with assistance from Forest Resources Division), and Widewaters in Lake County received the bulk of the maintenance with the help of partners from Ducks Unlimited, Michigan Department of Transportation, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. With the recent work completed, great hunting and trapping opportunities will continue in these great wetland areas.

9Equipment & Faci l i t ies

WHAT THE WILDLIFE DIVISION DOES FOR GOAL 9: Participate on technology teams • Conduct annual inventory • Purchase equipment and supplies • Conduct infrastructure inspections and prioritize infrastructure repairs • Maintain and update vehicles • Provide personal safety equipment






Game & Fish $ 376,923


Turkey $ 10,046

Nongame $ 4,104


WHAT THE WILDLIFE DIVISION DOES FOR GOAL 10: Develop and implement the Career Development University • Conduct surveys to measure employee satisfaction • Develop employee training plans • Work with partners on shared employment opportunities

In fiscal year 2014, over

230 personnel-related transactions occurred to

keep the organization running smoothly.

• Communication• Customer Service for

DNR Staff• Controlling Invasives• Leadership/Supervision• Quality of Life

Leadership Academy• Gaining Maturity and Wisdom

as a Leader• The Emerging Leader

Program - Great Lakes Leadership Academy

• Supervisory Academy Series• Soil, Erosion, Sedimentation

Control Certification• Certified Pesticide

Applicator Training

Career Development University 2014 CoursesThe division has created an extensive training program called Career Development University, which provides a variety of educational courses each year. The following were offered in fiscal year 2014:

10Workforce






Game & Fish $ 2,173,737


Turkey $ 67,524

Nongame $ 20,504


• Storm Water Operator• Policy, Procedures,

Administrative Rules• Captive Cervid Audit• Prescribed Fire - Annual Fire

Management Refresher• AED/CPR/First Aid• Firearm Safety NRA

Instructors Annual Qualification Meeting

• Firearm Safety Employee - Refresher Certification

• Firearm Safety Employee - Full Session

• Prescribed Fire - Certification• Karner Blue Butterfly

Survey/Identification• Chemical Immobilization of

Wild Animals• Deer Aging Annual Training• Breeding Waterfowl

Survey Training

16






Game & Fish $ 174,964


Turkey $ 9,154

Nongame $ 23,032


2014 Oversight, Support, and Leave by Fund






Game & Fish $ 1,409,278


Turkey $ 81,369

Nongame $ 25,520

Total $ 2,408,167WHAT THE WILDLIFE DIVISION DOES FOR GOAL 11: Collaborate with partners to identify and pursue alternative funding sources • Identify gaps in funding • Monitor new federal funding opportunities • Monitor existing funding and budgets monthly

17

2014 Wildlife Appropriations by Fund


Federal $ 18,244,100

Revenue from Pittman-Robertson Lands $ 1,237,600


Game & Fish $ 10,892,600

Deer Range Improvement Program $ 1,753,700

Turkey $ 868,600

Nongame $ 447,800

Total $ 35,629,100

11FundingPaying for Wildlife ConservationMost of the division’s funds come from a user-pay system -- hunting and trapping license fees. Because the funding from license fees had remained flat for the last 10 years (prior to the recent license restructuring), the division has had to seek additional funding through competitive grants. These grants come with additional monitoring and reporting requirements. Currently, the division receives numerous federal grants (see Appendix A). In late 2013, a hunting license restructuring and fee increase occurred, which helps bring additional funds to the division.

2014 Belle Isle Expenditures


Federal (annual) $ 0



Other State Funds $ 0Game & Fish $ 766


Turkey $ 0

Nongame $ 0

Total $ 101,590

2014 Wildlife Expenditures by Fund



Federal (competitive) $ 1,508,248

Revenue from Pittman-Robertson Lands $ 1,036,212


Game & Fish $ 10,750,188

Deer Range Improvement Program $ 1,693,334

Turkey $ 813,262

Nongame $ 326,509

Total $ 32,280,429

Did You Know?

• 5,560 Timesheets Audited and Certified. Internal controls require that staff members not only audit individual time sheets but must also certify that payroll coding is appropriate and correct.

• To maintain and enhance statewide habitat and infrastructure and to conduct critical wildlife research for species management, the division completed over 1,100 procurement transactions. These transactions include items such as the purchase of fertilizer, seed, trees, university services, tree-planting services, mowing services, and invasive species removal services.

Oversight, support, and leave funds are additional monies spent but not included under a GPS goal. Oversight,

support, and leave hours are divided up as follows: hours spent by the division chief, assistant chief, field coordinator

and regional supervisors providing leadership and management across the state and the four regions; hours

spent by executive assistant and regional administrative staff providing regionwide support for field staff; and hours

for all staff associated with vacation time and sick leave.

18

General Fund $ 0





Game & Fish $ 136,271


Turkey $ 9,117

Nongame $ 0


WHAT THE WILDLIFE DIVISION DOES FOR GOAL 12: Develop Metrics for GPS • Conduct climate change vulnerability assessments • Develop emerging issues reports • Report annual accomplishments to federal funding partners • Develop Wildlife Division annual report • Develop annual work plans for each section, region, and unit

In fiscal year 2014, division staff worked to control many high-threat invasive species that are impacting wildlife habitat on state land, such as controlling phragmites in waterfowl management areas, removing autumn olive to restore pheasant habitat, and coordinating with partners to control invasive species on over 1000 acres of state land. The division continues to work with Invasive Species Response Teams to provide verification and responses to high-threat aquatic invasive species (AIS) on both public and private land. In 2014, 122 surveys were conducted,

resulting in 67 detections of these high-threat AIS. From these surveys, 169 miles of Great Lakes coastline were surveyed, and 40 treatments, both manual removal and herbicide, were carried out. Manual removals resulted in over 5.5 tons of invasive plants removed from wetlands.

Also, the division has been creating and improving outreach resources, and working with partners. Through the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network, 11 new training modules were developed, and a mobile application was improved, which helped

increase reporting and access to data. Outreach information included distributing thousands of information packets at conferences, presentations, and through the DNR website. The division conducted training workshops for over 350 State of Michigan staff and other partners. These workshops were one of many ways the division was able to foster and maintain partnerships with 32 state and federal agencies, non-government organizations, private companies, and Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas.

Wildlife Reviews Game Area Management

In southern Michigan, many of the division’s habitat management actions are focused on the nearly 400,000 acres of state game and wildlife areas. During fiscal year

2014, the division piloted a new program to evaluate whether habitat, wildlife population, and public use management

actions on the game areas were accomplishing what was intended. Called the Wildlife Lands Management Review

System, this program is designed to systematically review division plans, implementation, and monitoring of the areas and then make recommendations to improve management

if necessary. Four game areas (Maple River, Deford, Harsens Island, and Allegan) were evaluated by division review teams.

The division intends to establish a schedule of evaluations that will formally review all game areas approximately every

10 years. Over time, information from the reviews will be used to transfer successful practices across the game area system,

identify system-wide issues, and recommend innovative approaches that make management practices more effective

and efficient.12Responsive

Working to Eliminate Invasive Species

19

Federal Apportioned FundsThese funds are automatically apportioned to states, provided they meet certain eligibility requirements. Although transferred to the states in the form of grants, the states do not have to compete for these funds. These funds are particularly important because states can count on the monies being available and can plan for funding staff and long-term projects, as the level of funding is relatively predictable.

Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act Grants (PR) – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administers this grant program that provides states with monies to manage wild birds and mammals. Funds for this program come from revenues collected by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service from an excise tax on the manufacture of certain types of sporting goods. The sporting goods covered by the Act are specified in the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. §§ 4161(b) and 4181, and include most types of firearms, ammunition, and bows and arrows. The monies in this fund are automatically apportioned to the50 states based on a formula that considers both total land area and the number of certified license-buyers in each state. Additionally, funds are provided for the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, America Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands. In order to spend these funds, states and territories must match the federal portion with non-federal funds at a ratio of 75 percent federal to 25 percent non-federal. Michigan, as with most states, uses fees collected from the sale of hunting licenses as the non-federal match for these grants.

State Wildlife Grants (SWG) – The State Wildlife Grant Program, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with funding from Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas royalty revenues, assists states by providing funding for the development and implementation of programs that benefit designated Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Each state develops its own list of these species, typically those that are not hunted or fished. The purpose of this program is to assist the states in keeping common species common and stopping the decline

of rare species to prevent them from being listed as threatened or endangered. Although these funds have been provided every year since 2002, they are appropriated through the annual federal budget process. Unlike Pittman-Robertson funds, SWG funds are not automatically appropriated; consequently, the Wildlife Division must wait for each year’s federal budget to know if they will be available. These funds also require a non-federal match, with states required to provide 35 percent of the funds for implementation projects and 25 percent of the funds for planning projects.

Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund, Traditional Conservation Grants – This grant program is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and in order to compete for these funds, states must have a cooperative program for the conservation of endangered and threatened species with the Secretary of the Interior. These funds can be used for the acquisition, enhancement and protection of habitat for federally listed species, recovery and conservation of federally listed species, and surveys and research. This fund requires a 25 percent non-federal match.

Federal Competitive FundsThese are funds certain federal agencies make available through a competitive application process. The types of funds and the funding programs available can vary from year to year. These opportunities pose planning and budgeting challenges because of the uncertainty in the Wildlife Division’s abilities to secure them; however, some have become very important to the division’s ability to accomplish certain aspects of its mission. Once successful in competing for these funds, most are available to be expended over multiple years so long-term projects can be supported. These funds, however, are difficult to use to assist in planning and supporting permanent staff positions and also add additional administrative and reporting responsibilities.

Competitive State Wildlife Grants (cSWG) – This is the competitive portion of the State Wildlife Grant Program, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service for the development and implementation of programs that benefit designated Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Of the total amount of SWG funds appropriated each year by the federal government, a portion is reserved for a competitive program to encourage projects with regional or multi-state benefits. These grants require at least a 25 percent non-federal match, with preference given to those projects with an even higher non-federal match. Michigan and its partners received three grants from this program for work in 2013 and 2014.

Endangered Species Conservation – Recovery Implementation Funds – In 2014, Wildlife Division received money from this fund source to monitor bats for white-nose syndrome and to mitigate the impacts to Michigan bats if the disease is detected.

Endangered Species Compensation - Wolf Livestock Loss – In 2014, Wildlife Division received these Fish and Wildlife Service administered funds to assist livestock producers with proactive, nonlethal activities to reduce the risk of livestock loss due to wolf depredation.

National Coastal Wetlands Conservation (NCWC) Grants – NCWC grants must be used to acquire, restore or enhance coastal wetlands and adjacent uplands to provide long-term conservation benefits to fish, wildlife and their habitat. Administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the grants require a 25 percent non-federal match. The Wildlife Division has used NCWC funds for land acquisition and management, and to fund partnership projects with other conservation organizations.

Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act Grant (GLFWRA) – This grant program is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to encourage cooperative conservation, restoration and management of fish and wildlife resources and their habitats in the Great Lakes basin. These grants have a minimum 25 percent non-federal match requirement, and projects may take multiple years to complete. Wildlife Division utilized GLFWRA funds in 2014 for critical wetland management infrastructure improvements and invasive species control at Shiawassee River State Game Area.

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) - GLRI funds are distributed through multiple federal agencies to accelerate the restoration of the Great Lakes. Five urgent issues are addressedthrough this grant program: cleaning up toxics and areas of concern, combating invasive species, promoting nearshore health by protecting watersheds from polluted run-off, restoringwetlands and other habitats, and tracking progress and working with strategic partners. In 2013 and 2014, Wildlife Division conducted work on two GLRI grants awarded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. GLRI is the largest investment in the Great Lakes in two decades.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service – Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program - The Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) provides grants to state and tribal governments to encourage owners and operators of privately held farm, ranch and forest land to voluntarily make the land available for access by the public for wildlife-dependent recreation, including hunting, fishing, and other compatible recreation and to improve fish and wildlife habitat on their land. The DNR is utilizing VPA-HIP funds to expand its Hunting Access Program to provide more opportunities for hunting in southern Michigan.

State FundsGame and Fish Protection Fund – This legislatively established fund is principally derived from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses; the cost of licenses is set legislatively. By law,expenditures from this fund can only be used for fish and wildlife management programs. Management, research and enforcement of fishing and hunting laws and acquisition of lands to be used for hunting and fishing purposes are examples of ways this fund is used.

Game and Fish Protection Fund – Deer (DRIP) – This legislatively established fund comes from $1.50 of each deer license sold. By law, expenditures from this fund can only be used for improving and maintaining habitat for deer and for the acquisition of lands for an effective program of deer habitat management.

Game and Fish Protection Fund – Turkey – This legislatively established fund comes from a portion of each wild turkey license and application sold ($9.50 resident, $1 senior resident and $3 application). By law, expenditures from this fund can only be used for scientific research and survey work on wild turkeys and wild turkey management.

Game and Fish Protection Fund – Waterfowl – Historically known as duck stamp revenue, this legislatively established fund comes from the $12 for each waterfowl license sold. $9 from each license shall be used to acquire, restore, or enhance wetlands and other lands to be managed for the benefit of waterfowl. $1.93 from each license shall be used to operate, maintain, and develop managed waterfowl areas, and the remaining amount shall be retained in the fund or used for administration.

Game and Fish Protection Fund – Revenue from Pittman- Robertson-Acquired Land – This fund is derived from revenues earned from commercial activities that are incidental to wildlife management on lands acquired with federal Pittman-Robertson grants. The source of this income is primarily through timber sales conducted to achieve particular habitat management objectives. These funds are used for maintenance of state game areas.

Nongame Fish and Wildlife Fund/Non-game Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund – This legislatively established fund comes through Michigan’s Conserve Wildlife Habitat license plate, the sale of certain merchandise by the Wildlife Division, and donations. By law, expenditures from this fund can only be used for the research and management of non-game fish and wildlife and designated endangered animal and plant species. Non-game fish and wildlife means those free-ranging species not ordinarily taken for sport, fur or food.

General Fund-General Purpose (GF/GP) – General Fund-General Purpose revenues, collected in the main State operating fund, are not dedicated to a specific purpose by statute. The Wildlife Division’s GF/GP is used primarily for wildlife disease monitoring and privately owned cervidae oversight.

Appendix A

Documents

2014 Wildlife Division Annual Report - DNR · conservation districts, organizations for sportsmen and sportswomen, legislators, local units of government, federal and state agencies,