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Showcasing the DNR

Showcasing the DNR

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Topics range from fishing and hunting to history and outdoor recreation. This is a weekly feature story sent on Thursday.

Recent stories

Ongoing study seeks answers to Michigan’s stagnant moose population

Michigan wildlife researchers are preparing to conduct the second phase of a collaborative study that aims to figure out why the Upper Peninsula moose population remains stubbornly stagnant. This month, researchers from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and Northern Michigan University plan to capture up to 43 moose from the animals’ core range in the western U.P. and outfit them with GPS tracking collars. In the project’s first phase, in early 2025, 20 moose were captured and collared.
Ongoing study seeks answers to Michigan’s stagnant moose population
Researchers work to collar a moose

A collaborative effort to protect Michigan’s bats

Michigan’s ecologically and economically important bat populations are facing serious challenges, including habitat loss and becoming infected with white-nose syndrome. In response to the rapid decline of Michigan’s bat population, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community organized a collaborative research effort known as the Bat Blitz.
A collaborative effort to protect Michigan’s bats
close-up of silver-haired bat's face

Conservation Officer Cadet Academy

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources hosted its first Conservation Officer Cadet Academy, a free career exploration opportunity, July 6-11 at the DNR’s Ralph A. MacMullan Center in Roscommon. “The purpose of the CO Cadet Academy is to give cadets a weeklong glimpse into what our traditional training academy looks like,” said Conservation Officer Brad Bellville, who helped organize the Cadet Academy. “This is a great opportunity for individuals who are too young to start the CO hiring process. By the end of the week, they should know if this is the correct career choice for them.”
Conservation Officer Cadet Academy
Conservation Officer Cadet Academy cadets in a line

Bear hunters record strong 2025 harvest in Michigan

Bear hunters recorded another robust season in Michigan in 2025, harvesting nearly 2,000 animals and bringing home a remarkable number of large bears in the Upper Peninsula.
Bear hunters record strong 2025 harvest in Michigan
black bear foraging for berries on a bush

A landmark investment in public land

One of Michigan’s crown jewels – the Pigeon River Country State Forest, known as the “Big Wild” due to its wilderness-like character and home to Michigan’s elk herd – just got bigger, and Michigan’s residents are the proud new owners. On behalf of the public, using grant funding and private donations, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has acquired 8,850 acres of land, including over 14 miles of trout streams, three lakes and suitable habitat for a variety of wildlife, including elk, black bear and white-tailed deer.
A landmark investment in public land
aerial view of Black River winding through forest on Black River Ranch property

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