Forestry

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources fully contained a wildfire near Tomahawk Creek Flooding in Presque Isle County that burned approximately 190 acres of state-managed land. DNR Lower Peninsula resource protection manager Jeff Vasher stated the cause remains under investigation, though a burned vehicle was ruled out. No evacuations were ordered and no structures were threatened.

The U.S. Forest Service is investing over $80 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund to support 15 Forest Legacy projects in 2026, permanently conserving over 34,000 acres of privately owned working forests. Three projects—Curley Creek Woodland and McNall Family Forest in Idaho, and Madrone Ridge in Oregon—are within high-risk wildfire zones.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources contained a wildfire near Tomahawk Creek in Presque Isle County that burned approximately 190 acres of state-managed land. Cool temperatures and favorable humidity helped slow the spread. Fire supervisor Jennifer Hansen reported the fire is mostly contained with crews monitoring hot spots.

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department plans a prescribed burn at Sandbar Wildlife Management Area this spring to restore rare sandplain habitat. The burn, conducted by professionals from Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation, New Hampshire Division of Forests & Lands, and U.S. Forest Service, will cover 53 acres starting May 12 to support fire-dependent species.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has added two Fire Boss aircraft to its firefighting fleet, each capable of scooping 800 gallons of water in 15 seconds. Leased through early June and based at Gaylord Regional Airport, the planes will work alongside Michigan State Police helicopters equipped with Bambi buckets to combat wildfires intensified by debris from the 2025 ice storm.

Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula faces elevated fire danger due to dry conditions, wind, and downed trees from the March 2025 ice storm. Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, warns that nine out of 10 wildfires are caused by human activity. Residents are urged to check Michigan.gov/BurnPermit before burning and follow fire safety guidelines.

The USDA Forest Service and state forestry agencies coordinate wildfire response across the Southeast as drought and wind-driven conditions accelerate fire growth. Since January, the Southern Area has tracked 20 active large fires and over 180,000 acres burned in Florida and Georgia, with the region at Preparedness Level 4.

Despite recent snowfalls, North Dakota outdoor enthusiasts should monitor spring wildfire risks due to increased human activity, dead vegetation, and high winds. Hunters and anglers are urged to check the National Weather Service daily rural fire danger index and local county burning restrictions.

Michigan DNR fuelwood permits are now available for $20 per household, allowing collection of up to five cords of dead and downed wood from state forest land. Permits can be purchased online at mdnr-elicense.com, in person at DNR customer service centers, or by mail application.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is offering approximately $500,000 in Urban and Community Forestry grants ranging from $10,000 to $75,000, with applications due May 18. Eligible applicants include local governments, tribal governments, educational institutions, and nonprofits for tree management, planting, and community engagement projects.

Michigan's Forest Legacy Program, a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, offers funding to purchase or secure working forest conservation easements on environmentally important forest lands. Nominations are due May 8 for projects competing for fiscal year 2028 federal funding.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recognized 122 Michigan communities, seven college campuses including Michigan State University and Wayne State University, and seven healthcare campuses for their tree care efforts in 2025. Five new communities—Caro, Glen Arbor, Hamtramck, Laingsburg, and Canton Township—earned Tree City USA designations, while 14 communities received Growth Award recognition.

The Michigan Mass Timber Catalyst Program awarded $350,000 combined with technical assistance to nine building projects statewide, including Genesis in Highland Park, CoHab House in Lansing, and the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute in Adrian. A supplemental application period for Upper Peninsula projects runs February 9 to March 2, with $50,000 available.

Georgia Wildlife Federation will distribute 180 native trees across two locations to celebrate its 90th anniversary, with support from a ReLeaf Grant from the Georgia Tree Council. The giveaway aims to expand urban tree canopy in Gwinnett and Newton Counties while promoting long-term stewardship and community conservation.

Emily Roberts, Statewide Fire Program coordinator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, explains how prescribed fire benefits wildlife habitat and plant communities. The AGFC conducts 18,000 to 30,000 acres of prescribed burns annually on its 380,000-plus acres, partnering with the U.S. Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy to restore habitats like prairies and glades across Arkansas.

Indiana educators can apply for the 2026 Natural Resources Teacher Institute hosted by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Purdue University Forestry and Natural Resources Extension. The week-long program at Morgan-Monroe State Forest offers 18 teachers free professional development in forest ecology, research, and management, including 30+ Professional Growth Points and curriculum materials.

The public can cut and remove downed trees for firewood at Tippecanoe River State Park from February 2 through March 20. Permits cost $10 per pickup truck load and must be obtained at the park's office. All proceeds support resource management and restoration efforts at the park.

The USDA Forest Service finalized revisions to its oil and gas leasing regulation on National Forest System lands. Secretary Brooke L. Rollins and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced the updated rule, which streamlines permitting processes and coordinates between the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to accelerate lease issuance and reduce processing backlogs.

Governor Tate Reeves signed a proclamation honoring the Mississippi Forestry Commission's 100th anniversary, recognizing a century of service protecting Mississippi's 19 million acres of forestland. State Forester Russell Bozeman praised the agency's dedication to wildfire suppression, forest management, and community protection since its founding in 1926.

The public is invited to cut up and remove certain downed trees at Shakamak State Park for firewood. Trees eligible for firewood have fallen as a result of natural causes or have been dropped by property staff for safety. They are along roadsides or in public areas such as picnic areas or the campground.