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.
A tree removal project beginning at Nebraska's Merritt Reservoir aims to restore prairie habitat in areas choked by undesirable trees.
The public is invited to cut up and remove certain downed trees at Summit Lake 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.
The public is invited to cut up and remove certain downed trees at Lieber and Cataract Falls SRAs. Trees eligible for firewood have fallen as a result of natural causes or have been dropped by property staff for safety.
The Michigan Community Tree Species Selection Guide is now available. This handbook, created by DNR Urban Forester Lawrence Law, is your guide to planting the right tree in the right place.
The public is invited to cut up and remove certain downed trees at McCormick’s Creek 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.
Fuelwood permits cost $20 and allow collection of fuelwood for personal use from select state-managed land in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula. Permit holders may collect up to five standard cords of wood.
Thinking of planting a new tree in your yard? Put down that shovel for a minute and check out the new Michigan Communities Tree Species Selection Guide. Law and various DNR collaborators coordinated the guide to help Michigan communities make decisions about planting public trees and to give homeowners info they can use to choose trees that are both right for their space and safe for the landscape.