The Michigan Department of Natural Resources' Western Upper Peninsula Citizens' Advisory Council will meet May 21 in Ironwood to discuss wolf surveys, moose research, deer camp survey results, and trail conditions. The meeting runs from 5-7:30 p.m. CDT at Gogebic Community College's Lindquist Student and Conference Center.
State Agencies
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will exhibit at Unity Fest 2026 on May 16 in Charlotte, Arkansas, hosted by John 3:16 Ministries. The free event features guest speakers Willie Robertson, Larry Muse, and Jackie Bibby, plus AGFC activities including archery challenges and a fishing pond for families.
Maine Search and Rescue Dogs (MESARD) K9 handler Nikki St. Pierre and K9 Kenny located 76-year-old Dennis Beckwith in woods near Trescott after he became disoriented during a morning walk. Beckwith survived overnight temperatures in the mid-30s and was transported by Maine Forest Service helicopter to Downeast Community Hospital, where he is expected to make a full recovery.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is accepting lottery entries through May 18, 2026, for three available commercial fishing and floating permits on the upper and West Fork Bitterroot River. The drawing will be randomized, with successful applicants notified via email. Contact FWP Bitterroot District Recreation Manager Jess Martin for more information.
The Montana State Shooting Facilities and Improvements Development and Oversight Task Force will meet May 15 in Great Falls to discuss preliminary survey information. The public is invited to attend and participate in the feedback session.
Gov. Greg Gianforte appointed Vern Gagnon to the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission's Region 5 seat in March. Gagnon, Dean of City College at Montana State University Billings and owner of Reel Therapy Charter Fishing, brings expertise in conservation, access, and resource management to the commission.
FWP proposes accepting an 82-acre island complex donation from Trust for Public Land on the upper Yellowstone River near Livingston to create Siskin Island Fishing Access Site. The site will be managed for habitat conservation and public access, with float-in camping and hunting allowed under weapons restrictions. Final approval is scheduled for June 12 with public comments open through May 21.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony May 15 at Lake Wilhelmina to announce the reopening of the 200-acre lake following major renovations. Infrastructure improvements included re-sleeving the outflow pipe, replacing water control tower gates, and adding a new fishing pier. The Fisheries team enhanced aquatic habitat by placing fish attractors and stocking forage and game fish species.
The Utah Geological Survey published the May 2026 issue of Survey Notes, featuring articles on green laser mapping of Great Salt Lake, new energy and minerals web applications, pozzolan as a sustainable cement alternative, Silver Reef mining history, and Utah's geology in Hollywood films.
Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commissioners accepted a $25,000 donation from the Sooner State Chapter of the Quail Coalition at their May 4 meeting. Funds will support removal of eastern redcedar and salt cedar at three wildlife management areas. Sooner State Chapter President David Thionnet reported the group raised over $100,000 at its first 2025 fundraising dinner and auction.
The Arkansas Wildlife magazine's 2026-27 calendar introduces an innovative feature pairing wildlife photos with animal sounds accessible via QR codes. Graphic artist Jeanne Zaffarano developed the concept to help readers experience wildlife communication through their smartphones. Subscriptions are available at agfc.com for $12-$25.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting a public meeting on May 13 in Great Falls to gather input on 41 preliminary fishing regulation proposals for 2027–2028. A virtual statewide meeting will also be held May 26, with comments accepted until May 31 through the FWP website or email.
The Utah Geological Survey published comprehensive geologic-hazard investigations for Bryce Canyon National Park and Cedar Valley in southwestern Utah, identifying risks including rockfalls, radon gas, collapsible soils, and earth fissures. The studies, authored by Tyler Knudsen, provide critical information for residents, visitors, and developers to proactively manage infrastructure threats in these high-growth areas.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department will host Junior Warden Weekend at Kehoe Green Mountain Conservation Camp in Castleton on August 1-2 for teens ages 15-17. The program features K-9 demos, mock crime scene investigations, game processing, and camp activities, with Lieutenant Wes Butler and Hannah Lafont coordinating the experience. Registration costs $150 including meals.
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission will meet Wednesday, May 13, at Treetops Resort Conference Center in Gaylord. The public is invited to attend Coffee with the Commissioners at 8:30 a.m., with the formal meeting beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will livestream the meeting via their YouTube channel.
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission will hold a public meeting on Friday, May 8, at 8 a.m. at the Yavapai County Administrative Services Building in Prescott. Complete agendas and information on viewing the meeting or speaking to the commission are available at www.azgfd.com/commagenda.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public input on 41 preliminary fishing regulation proposals for 2027–2028. A public meeting will be held in Miles City on May 7 at FWP regional headquarters, with virtual meetings available May 26.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public input on 41 preliminary fishing regulation proposals for the 2027–2028 fishing regulations. FWP will host a public meeting on May 6 at 6:00 p.m. at the Region 6 office in Glasgow, with a statewide virtual meeting option on May 26.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission showcased its Outdoor Education Initiative at the Arkansas Department of Education's STEM Advisory Partners Meeting, featuring a mobile cave exhibit created by Mt. Judea/Deer School District and fishing activities led by AGFC staff to integrate outdoor learning into classroom curricula.
Michigan's Department of Natural Resources is hosting multiple advisory board meetings in May covering fisheries, parks, timber, and trails. The meetings include the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, Michigan Wildlife Council, Timber and Forest Products Advisory Council, and various citizen fishery committees, providing residents opportunities to share input on natural resource management.
