The Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the town of Otterbein celebrated completion of the 0.9-mile Dirk Studebaker Trail on May 29, funded by a $718,720 DNR grant. The multi-use asphalt trail connects the town, Otterbein Commons, and Otterbein Foods, providing safe pedestrian and bicycle access along Oxford Street in Tippecanoe County.
An Indianapolis woman survived a near-drowning on Sugar Creek after bystander Cole Riggleman pulled her from the water. Dr. James Malenkos led CPR efforts that restored her pulse after 12 minutes. She was airlifted to IU Methodist Hospital with assistance from Bloomingdale EMT Casey Bault and multiple emergency agencies.
The Michigan DNR will remove the aging Roberts Lake Dam in Cheboygan County in August and replace it with a 16-foot-span bottomless box culvert. The project, funded by America's Ecosystem Restoration Initiative, involves the DNR, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, Cheboygan County Road Commission, Huron Pines, J.E. Tiffany & Sons LLC, and Team Elmers.
Southeast Michigan students can participate in free outdoor learning programs this summer through the DNR's Stepping Stones program and Detroit Outdoors partnerships. Programs include the Harsens Island Research Adventure at Algonac State Park, Pigeon River State Forest Camping Trip supported by B.O.A.T., and the Outdoor Adventure Center Teen City Explorers Day Camp featuring collaborations with Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and Detroit Parks and Recreation.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is accepting public comment on multiple environmental assessments and proposals, including the East End Colony Private Pond License Review, Whitebird Creek Bridge Replacement, Thompson Chain of Lakes Fuels Reduction, North Shore WMA Annual Crop Production, Stimson Lumber Co Conservation Easement, and Sportsman's Bridge Fishing Access Site Disposal, with comment deadlines ranging from May 31 to June 7.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks added four items to the June 12 Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting agenda, including Elk Hunting Access Agreements, MaltEurop water lease renewal, beaver translocations, and mountain lion regulations for Charles M. Russell and UL Bend National Wildlife Refuges. Public comment deadline is June 7.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission continues offering pastures and hay tracts on its properties to landowners affected by spring wildfires. Grazing and haying serve as management tools for wildlife habitat. Leases are available on a first-come, first-served basis until August 31, with haying tracts available after July 10.
The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center in Fort Smith celebrated its millionth visitor last Friday, a milestone achieved in just under 20 years. Julie Kleinschmidt and her grandsons, Cash Kleinschmidt, Adam Fenix Craze, and Layf Craze, were honored with prizes and a special outdoor experience courtesy of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
Gov. Greg Gianforte appointed Vern Gagnon to the Region 5 seat on the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission in March. Gagnon, Dean of City College at Montana State University Billings, is a licensed fishing guide and owner of Reel Therapy Charter Fishing with expertise in Fort Peck Reservoir and the Missouri River.
The Oklahoma Wildlife Department's Stars & Stripes License Project has provided hunting and fishing licenses to resident veterans and select survivors since 2016. Oklahomans can donate through the Go Outdoors Oklahoma Outdoor Store or mail checks to support this initiative that maintains wildlife conservation funding.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is recruiting an individual to fill a seat on the Upper Missouri River Fisheries Management Plan Citizen Advisory Committee, which provides input on fisheries management for Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter Reservoirs. Applications must be received by June 12, 2026, and interested candidates should contact Helena area biologist Nathan Jaksha at 406-495-3263.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Reclamation will hold an informal conference on June 8, 2026, to receive public comments on the S-366-4 Liberty Mine permit application for expanding the mining area. The meeting will be held at the Boonville-Warrick County Public Library and livestreamed via Microsoft Teams.
The Indiana Rare Earth Recovery Council, created by Governor Mike Braun's Executive Order 25-62, will meet May 21 at Fort Harrison State Park to advance efforts reclaiming rare earth elements and critical materials from legacy coal byproducts, positioning Indiana as a strategic source.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources seeks volunteers for its annual Fishin' Pond at the Indiana State Fair, running Aug. 7-23. Volunteers will assist with registration, baiting hooks, and guiding participants ages 5-17 in this free fishing experience, receiving free parking, fair entry, and a volunteer T-shirt.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission officially opened the Upper Illinois River Water Trail, the first Arkansas Water Trail in Northwest Arkansas and the first to span two states. The 15.5-mile trail runs from Chamber Springs Access near Pedro through Siloam Springs Kayak Park to WOKA Whitewater Park in Oklahoma, featuring consistent water flow ideal for paddling year-round.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has demobilized emergency equipment at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex as water levels dropped below emergency stage. Spillway gates are scheduled for reinstallation early next week, with the safety cable to follow. Lincoln Street and Forks boating access sites remain closed due to emergency operations and high water conditions.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on multiple environmental assessments and proposals, including the Meyer Company Ranch Private Pond CEA, 2026 Trail Stewardship Program grant awards ($2 million to 51 projects), Stimson Lumber Co Conservation Easement, and Sportsman's Bridge Fishing Access Site Disposal, with various comment deadlines through June 7.
The Montana State Parks and Recreation Board will meet June 16 to consider seasonal closures for Fort Owen State Park, Pictograph State Park, and Chief Plenty Coups State Park to reduce vandalism risk. Public comments are accepted through June 11, with in-person and virtual Zoom participation available at the FWP Region 5 Office in Billings.
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.
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.