Monday, April 20, 2015

2014-2015 Isle Royale Wolves Annual Report



The news from the 2014-15 winter research conducted on Isle Royale National Park is not good. The current population of wolves has dropped to three with one of the wolves showing signs of spinal deformities and a stunted tail.

Read the latest report at http://www.isleroyalewolf.org/sites/default/files/annual-report-pdf/Annual%20Report%2019%20April%202015.pdf

Michigan Department of Natural Resources - April 16, 2015

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2015

Contact: Lori Sargent517-284-6216


Calling all citizen scientists – report reptile and amphibian sightings
as part of the Herp Atlas Project
spotted salamanderThe Department of Natural Resources is calling all citizen scientists to help collect vital information about Michigan’s reptiles and amphibians. Anyone can help by reporting sightings of turtles, frogs, toads, snakes, salamanders and lizards in Michigan to the Herp Atlas Project.


“We need Michigan’s citizen scientists to send us information about the reptiles and amphibians they see,” said Herp Atlas Project coordinator Lori Sargent. “We need information on all species, no matter how common or rare they are.”

The Herp Atlas Project is the first statewide inventory of reptiles and amphibians ever conducted in Michigan. Its purpose is to document the distribution of Michigan’s reptiles and amphibians, collectively known as herpetofauna or “herps.”

Although local surveys have been performed in several areas, the Herp Atlas is one of just a few to be conducted over multiple years. Observations of all herp species will continue to be collected, and data collected will be mapped to evaluate species’ distribution over the entire state.

“With continued effort, we can document changes in herp populations,” added Sargent. “The atlas will also serve as a baseline for looking at distribution changes.”

The Herp Atlas Project is managed by Herpetological Resource and Management. Citizen scientists can enter their sightings online at www.miherpatlas.org. There is also a mobile app available for download from the website to make field reporting quick and easy. The Mobile Mapper is available for Android and iOS (Apple) devices.

Information about the atlas and data submission instructions can be found on the atlas website or can be obtained by sending an e-mail to SargentL@michigan.gov, calling 517-284-6216 or writing to DNR Wildlife Division, Herp Atlas, P.O. Box 30444, Lansing, MI 48909.

Observations must be verified by a knowledgeable source or by submission of a photo, audio recording or body part accompanied by the data card. Animals should NOT be killed for the purpose of identification.

Citizen scientists also are encouraged to attend the Herp Atlas Project’s first Herpathon, scheduled for Saturday, May 16, at Port Sheldon Natural Area in Ottawa County. The Herpathon is a volunteer event to identify amphibian and reptile diversity and distribution within Michigan’s unique landscapes. Information will be provided to the Michigan Herp Atlas Project and the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission. Preregistration is required. Visit the Ottawa County website atwww.miottawa.org/Parks or call 616-786-4847 to register.

To learn more about Michigan’s amphibians and reptiles, visit www.michigan.gov/wildlife and click "Wildlife Species." Find additional citizen science projects by clicking on Wild Science. 

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

/Editors, please note: An accompanying photo is available below for download.


Suggested caption: Spot a spotted salamander – or one of the many other turtles, frogs, toads, snakes, salamanders and lizards found in Michigan – and report the sighting to help the DNR collect vital information about the state’s reptiles and amphibians./

If you received this from a friend and would like to get emails on DNR topics that interest you, please sign up.For DNR-related questions, contact usFor suggestions on how the DNR can improve the emails you receive, please email DNR-Bulletins@michigan.gov. 

Friday, March 20, 2015

Michigan’s bald eagles full of flame retardants. — Environmental Health News



Michigan’s bald eagles full of flame retardants.

Ray Dumas/flickr
What does your old couch have to do with the health of the nation’s most iconic bird? More than you think.
February 9, 2015
By Brian BienkowskiEnvironmental Health News




Christopher P. Bills/flickr
It is unclear what, if anything, the flame retardants contaminating Michigan's bald eagles might mean for their health.

Michigan’s bald eagles full of flame retardants. — Environmental Health News

A message from Rolf Peterson - Isle Royale Wolf Moose Study






To all those interested in wolves and moose in Isle Royale National Park:

John Vucetich and I are working on the annual report, providing an update
through the winter study in 2015.  We hope to have this posted within a couple
weeks, and we will send you an email notification when it is available on our
website.

This message is about fund-raising.  With help from many of you, we were
successful in raising $60,000 in 2014 to match a generous donation of $60,000
from a private donor.  It is stipulated that the match must be from private,
non-governmental sources.  We have one more year with a similar match
challenge, and we want to highlight this opportunity for you to support the
ongoing study of wolves and moose at Isle Royale.  Governmental funds have
either been flat-lined or absent in the past couple years, so private donations
were critical for the 2014 Winter Study, and they will be critical again in
2015.

Tax-deductible donations can be sent to Wolf-Moose Study, Michigan Tech Fund,
Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, Michigan
49931-1295 OR, IF YOU PREFER, donate online through our research website (upper
right corner of home page):

https://www.banweb.mtu.edu/pls/owa/gift.p_give?desig=1816_Wolf_Moose_Fund

There will be two more Winter Study blogs posted which will conclude this
year’s winter study (see http://www.isleroyalewolf.org/winter-study), and
postings on the Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale Facebook page will continue
throughout the year.

Thanks very much for your interest and assistance.  We could not do it without
you!


Rolf Peterson

P.S.  we are strategizing for ways to raise an ambitious endowment fund that
would provide permanent support for wolf-moose research, about $5 million.
Bequests and trusts are an important way to provide significant funding for
your favorite causes.  Think about it!

Michigan Department of Natural Resources - March 16, 2015

Upper Peninsula DNR News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 16, 2015
Contact: Chad Stewart, 517-282-4810 or Dean Beyer, 906-227-1627

Michigan DNR completes latest moose population survey

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced the results of its 2015 moose population survey in the western moose range of the Upper Peninsula, an important tool in managing the species.

The 2015 population estimate in the western U.P. is 323, compared to an estimate of 451 in 2013. From 1997 to 2007, surveys of prime moose habitat in Baraga, Iron and Marquette counties suggested the U.P.’s moose population was growing at a modest rate of about 10 percent per year. From 2009 to 2013, survey results showed an apparent change in that trend, with the growth rate slowing to about 2 percent per year.

“There is inherent uncertainty with any population survey, and due to the fact that the 2013 and 2015 estimates have some overlap in confidence intervals, the potential remains that the state’s moose population has remained steady rather than declining,” said Chad Stewart, deer, elk and moose management specialist for the DNR. “However, coupled with survey records that show a decrease in the number of moose calves seen with cows this year, it’s quite possible that we’re looking at a considerable drop in numbers.”

Future surveys will be needed to identify any long-term trend for Michigan’s moose population. Other states and provinces have reported declines in moose populations near the southern edge of North America’s moose range, yet other populations are holding steady or increasing. Researchers in Michigan have hypothesized several potential causes for a possible decline of moose numbers in Michigan. Among potential factors:
  • Back-to-back severe winter weather that negatively affected moose condition, survival and reproductive success.
  • Year-round climatic changes, especially warmer temperatures, that led to increased parasite loads on moose, weakening their overall condition.
  • A possible increase in wolf predation on moose calves due to the region’s lowered deer population.
The moose range in the western Upper Peninsula covers about 1,400 square miles. Every other year, DNR staff members survey most of that area from the air. In 2015, the flights covered all survey plots within the core moose area – where 80 to 90 percent of the western U.P. moose population is located – along with a sampling of the non-core plots as well.
The survey is completed by flying transects over prime moose habitat to count moose seen from the air. The number counted is then extrapolated by a computerized population modeling program to attain the final estimate. The next moose population survey is planned for early 2017. However, given moose population trends, the DNR will again recommend to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission that there be no moose hunt in the state.
For more information about moose in Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/moose.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Michigan Department of Natural Resources - March 4, 2015

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 4, 2015
Contact: Kevin Swanson906-226-1357


Public comment sought on draft update of 2008 Michigan Wolf Management Plan



The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has completed a draft update of the 2008 Michigan Wolf Management Plan and is seeking public comment during a 30-day period beginning today, March 4. The 2008 Wolf Management Plan was created using extensive public input to identify important issues and assess public attitudes toward wolves and their management, as well as a review of the biological and social science on wolves. The four principal goals within the plan are to:
  • Maintain a viable wolf population.
  • Facilitate wolf-related benefits.
  • Minimize wolf-related conflicts.
  • Conduct science-based and socially acceptable management of wolves.  

The plan and, more specifically, the four principal goals within the plan have guided wolf management in Michigan for the last six and a half years.

Beginning in November 2014, the DNR sought comments on the implementation of the 2008 plan. During the comment period, the DNR received more than 3,000 responses to its online and hard-copy survey. Based on those responses and corresponding comments, and an internal review of the document, a draft updated plan recently was completed and is available for public review and comment.

The four principal goals in the 2008 plan remain the same in the updated plan. The 2015 draft also includes updated scientific literature and new information and facts regarding wolves in Michigan. A companion document, which summarizes DNR management accomplishments in addressing the action items from the 2008 plan, also is available for public review.

The draft updated plan and the 2008 Summary of Management Accomplishments document are available for download at Michigan.gov/wolves.

Send comments on the draft updated plan to DNR-Wildlife@michigan.gov or via U.S. mail to DNR Wildlife Division, P.O. Box 30444, Lansing MI 48909. Comments must be received no later than April 3.


The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources - March 2, 2015

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 2, 2015
Contact: Lori Sargent517-284-6216

DNR’s annual frog survey marks 20th year

frog sitting on leaf
The Department of Natural Resources today announced that its 20th annual statewide Frog and Toad Survey will begin this spring. Michigan’s survey is second only to Wisconsin’s in longevity.  

The DNR Wildlife Division coordinates and analyzes data for the survey, while volunteers throughout the state conduct the field work for the survey. These annual survey efforts help biologists monitor frog and toad abundance and distribution in the state.

“We have collected a large, valuable data set to help us evaluate Michigan’s frog and toad populations,” said Lori Sargent, the DNR’s survey coordinator. “We’re now able to start watching trends and thinking about how to slow down some of the species’ declines.”

For example, Sargent pointed out that over the past 19 years Michigan has seen a decline in Fowler’s toads and mink frogs, two species that have a limited range in the state, unlike most of the other species that occur statewide.

Declining populations of frogs, toads and other amphibians have been documented worldwide since the 1980s. Studies suggest amphibians are disappearing due to habitat loss, pollution, disease and collection.

Volunteer observers conduct the surveys along a statewide system of permanent survey routes, each consisting of 10 wetland sites. Observers visit these sites three times during spring, when frogs and toads are actively breeding, listening for calling frogs and toads at each site, identifying the species present and making an estimate of abundance.

“We could still use some new volunteers in all parts of the state," Sargent said. "Please consider joining us for a fun, educational time every spring and adopt a route. The continued success of the program is dependent on strong volunteer support.”

Those interested in volunteering should contact Lori Sargent at SargentL@michigan.gov or 517-284-6216 and provide their name and address.

More information on the Frog and Toad Survey and other projects supported by the Nongame Wildlife Fund is available at www.michigan.gov/wildlife.



The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Winter weather adversely affecting Michigan’s waterfowl - March 3, 2015


Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 3, 2015
Contact:  Holly Vaughn, 313-396-6863


Winter weather adversely affecting Michigan’s waterfowlExtreme cold conditions on Michigan’s waters are causing some trouble for Michigan’s waterfowl. The exceptionally cold winter weather of the past few weeks has caused the rivers and waters of the Great Lakes to freeze further into the center, similar to conditions experienced last year.

Large concentrations of ducks like canvasbacks, long-tailed ducks, redheads and scaup are gathering in the remaining areas of open water on the Great Lakes, including western Lake Erie, and on large rivers like the Detroit and St. Clair rivers. With so many ducks in a small area, and a fairly small amount of food, some of these ducks are becoming malnourished.Many of the ducks congregating on these rivers and lakes are diving ducks, which rely on a diet of aquatic vegetation, mollusks and small fish. Much of the area on the water where these ducks are congregating is deep, and weed growth is minimal, so food for these ducks can be very scarce. The food that is available is depleted quickly by large concentrations of ducks.
The Department of Natural Resources urges the public not to attempt to rescue ducks. Though it is difficult to see wildlife in distress, ice conditions are unpredictable, especially near rivers where currents can be swift. Human safety is of the utmost concern.

The DNR does not expect these losses to negatively affect overall duck populations. 


The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Thomas - May 18, 1999

Thomas

He was sitting on the wall behind my house one Friday afternoon. Usually, when I walk up to stray cats, they scamper away. But this one was different. He looked at me and when I turned away, he jumped off the wall and trotted beside me. Always a soft touch to any creature with fur, I walked into the house and came out with a bowl of food. As the cat ate, I went inside.

After several hours, I could no longer see him from the kitchen window. “Good,” I thought, “now I can put my cats outside.”  As I sent each of my four cats out the back door, a black and white face peered from around the corner of the house. With his tail high in the air, he walked confidently towards my four. “Not in my yard,” the four responded, hissing with ears pinned back. But he wasn’t discouraged. Walking gingerly around my cats, the stranger settled himself beyond their reach and watched them. Evening came and the black and white cat was still sitting and watching. “He’ll be gone by morning” I said as I drew the drapes before bed.

The air was crisp that next morning, a sweater day. Pulling a coat over my pajamas, I slid out the back door to get the paper. Out of the corner of my eye, I sighted a tightly curled fur ball pressed against the foundation. He opened his eyes and sat by the door, waiting for his new friends. And so it went, day after day. Once he disappeared for an entire afternoon, but returned by dark.

As each day passed, it became apparent that this young male, now named Thomas, had adopted us. Thomas quickly made friends with my elderly cat, Tristan. My other cats were more leery, but over the weeks, reluctantly accepted this stranger.

Calls were made to animal control, the humane society, and a “found” ad was placed in the newspaper. Many people called, some stopped by, but no one claimed ownership.

Every night, my heart ached for this friendly cat. Who would abandon this loving and well-mannered fellow? How could anyone be so cruel?

The more I thought about this cat, the more I realized that he had arrived in my life for a reason. How many times, had I been abandoned, rejected, and unloved? With every hurt, I vowed that I would never reach out to another. With giving, came pain. Then, I would think about this cat: abandoned, left without shelter, food and human companionship. But Thomas didn’t hide away; he reached out and finally found someone who cared enough to reach back. The world isn’t so cruel a place if you are willing to take a chance with love.

I would like to say that Thomas’ human companions appeared to bring him back home. But some people aren’t as kind or as wise. For Thomas’ sake, it is better that they don’t come. They don’t deserve his companionship. As for me, my household has expanded by one.


Postscript – Thomas was a member of my feline household for eight years when he succumbed to a long-term battle with diabetes. His illness and death impacted my tan and white cat, Butch Cassidy, whom Thomas helped raise from a three week old kitten. Butch mourned the loss of his constant companion for a long time.
Butch and Thomas