State Agencies

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources issued a permit for Enbridge's Great Lakes Tunnel project to replace the 73-year-old Line 5 pipelines. The permit requires Enbridge to mitigate impacts on threatened plant species including Houghton's goldenrod and dwarf lake iris, as well as bat habitats, through seed collection, monitoring, and habitat protection measures.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and its partners are offering comprehensive Outdoor Skills Network events for all skill levels, from introductory shooting lessons to experienced hunter meetups. Events cover hunting, fishing, trapping, archery, wildlife viewing, and conservation education across multiple species.

The Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust Board of Trustees will hold its third quarterly meeting on August 6 at Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge. The meeting will feature updates on program activities and tract assessments, with opportunities for public comment and land nominations.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with Macomb County, is requesting public input on a new general management plan for W.C. Wetzel State Recreation Area through an online survey available until August 16. The 913-acre park in southeast Michigan offers hiking, hunting, fishing, and bird-watching opportunities.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has postponed two virtual public meetings scheduled for July 16 regarding the Palisades-Kepler dam engineering design project. The meetings will be rescheduled at a later date.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is hosting an equipment workshop Oct. 5-9 at the Forest Fire Experiment Station in Roscommon. The workshop offers facility tours, field demonstrations, presentations, and networking for fire department chiefs and wildland fire professionals. Registration closes Aug. 31 with space limited to 16 attendees.

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will meet July 15-16 at its Magic Valley Regional Office in Jerome. A public hearing on July 15 at 7 p.m. will allow three-minute comments on Fish and Game matters, while the business meeting on July 16 includes decisions on electronic tagging rules, fiscal year 2028 budget, and 2026-2027 sage-grouse seasons.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is accepting applications for the Region 1 Citizen Advisory Collective in northwestern Montana. The CAC meets several times yearly to advise FWP on resource management and serve as ambassadors to local communities. The application deadline is August 14 at 5 p.m.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources' Western Upper Peninsula Citizens' Advisory Council will meet July 20 in Escanaba to discuss state park safety, charter boat captain requirements, and resolutions on bat research, fishing, climate change, and Great Lakes winter guiding.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will host two virtual public meetings on July 16th to discuss the Palisades-Kepler Dam Engineering Design Project. The 1936-constructed dam poses public safety risks, and Iowa DNR is evaluating options to modify or remove it while maintaining aquatic habitats.

The Indiana Natural Resources Commission opened its second public comment period for proposed wildlife rule changes, including modifications to muzzleloader regulations, deer hunting limits, and endangered species classifications. The deadline for comments is July 30, with a public hearing scheduled for the same date at the Fort Harrison Inn in Indianapolis.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners met in Harrisburg to finalize elk management zones, approve land acquisitions across multiple counties, and authorize oil and gas agreements with SR1 Captura Sage Holdco I LLC, Snyder Brothers Inc., Laurel Mountain Energy LLC, and JKLM Energy LLC.

Michigan's DNR Volunteer Stewardship Program offers year-round opportunities to protect and restore southern Michigan's native ecosystems. Multiple state parks including Brighton Recreation Area, Muskegon State Park, Waterloo Recreation Area, Saugatuck Dunes State Park, Island Lake Recreation Area, P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, Ludington State Park, and Grand Mere State Park will host volunteer workdays in July to remove invasive plants.

The Blackfoot River from Weigh Station Fishing Access Site to Interstate 90 in Milltown will close to floating beginning July 15 due to BNSF Railway Company bridge construction work. The closure will remain in effect until October 31 or until construction is completed. A portion of the Gateway Trail is also closed during construction preparations.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission will meet July 14-15 in Sheridan at the Ramada Plaza, with in-person and virtual Zoom options available. The meeting will include presentations, discussions, and approval of proposed revisions to Regulation Chapters 35 and 44, with public comment opportunities.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on multiple environmental assessments including General Custer Fishing Access Site repairs, private pond licenses for rainbow and cutthroat trout stocking, Boulder Forks Fishing Access Site bridge replacement, westslope cutthroat trout restoration in Harley Creek, and the Roosters for Recruitment pheasant release program through July 29.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources Natural Resource Commission will hold its monthly meeting on July 9 at 9:30 a.m. in Des Moines. The public may attend in person or participate remotely via video conference or phone. The agenda includes deer season quota changes, construction projects, and a contract with Insight Public Sector Inc for body cameras.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department's Commercial Fishing Boat Advisory Board will meet July 15 via Zoom livestream. The board will discuss two recommendations for the interim Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources Committee: creating an independent Fishing Outfitters Board or joining the Wyoming State Board of Outfitters and Professional Guides.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders appointed Steve Kueter of Paragould to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for a seven-year term. Kueter, a lifelong outdoorsman and third-generation aquaculture farmer, owns Kueter's Fish Company, Inc. and brings decades of conservation and agriculture experience to the role.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will administer a guide and outfitter written examination on August 15 at 1 p.m. in Bismarck. Preregistration is required by August 7 by calling 701-328-6604. Candidates must meet qualifications including background checks, CPR certification, and first aid training.