Fifteen new conservation officers for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources graduated from the DNR Conservation Officer Training Academy in Roscommon on July 3.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has welcomed its newest conservation officers.
Fifteen officers graduated from the DNR Conservation Officer Training Academy during the July 3 graduation ceremony at the Ralph A. MacMullan Center in Roscommon.
“We proudly welcome a new generation of conservation officers – protectors of public lands and all of the natural and cultural resources that belong to the people of Michigan,” said Shannon Lott, DNR deputy director. “Stepping into this unique law enforcement role demands courage, creativity and integrity, characteristics these officers have exemplified throughout the academy. We thank them for their willingness to serve and we wish them each a long, safe and rewarding career.”
The officers of Training Academy No. 13 completed one of the most competitive law enforcement academies in the state.
“This group of officers demonstrated commitment, discipline and teamwork to accomplish extensive training on a variety of natural resource and general criminal topics,” said Jason Haines, chief of the DNR Law Enforcement Division. “Our department values these individuals who have dedicated themselves to be frontline defenders of Michigan’s great outdoors and cooperative educators for all who enjoy those resources, as well as the officers’ families who have supported this journey.”
New officers, their hometowns and permanent county assignments upon completing field training are:
• Zachary Adams, from Commerce Township, assigned to Oakland County.
• Alexander Arndt, from Auburn, assigned to Saginaw County.
• Matthew Bowser, from Crystal Falls, assigned to Delta County.
• Maxwell Bradford, from Houston, Tex., assigned to Kalamazoo County.
• Joseph Budnick, from Marquette, assigned to Mackinac County.
• Alexander French, from Sault Ste. Marie, assigned to Luce County.
• Raymond Gagnon, from Calumet, assigned to Gogebic County.
• Olivia Haerr, from Danvers, Ill., assigned to Baraga County.
• Joel Hill, from Belleville, assigned to Wayne County.
• Cody Longrey, from Coldwater, assigned to Hillsdale County.
• Nico Luna, from Fenton, assigned to Oscoda County.
• Tyler Owen, from Jackson, assigned to Otsego County.
• Cody Simmons, from Caseville, assigned to Huron County.
• Andrew Werth, from Dearborn, assigned to Wayne County.
• Evan White, from Milford, assigned to Alpena County.
Partnered with veteran officers, the new officers will immediately begin their probationary field training. This includes working multiple counties throughout the state with field training officers before reporting to their permanent assignments.
While their primary mission is to enforce fish, game, recreational and natural resource protection laws, COs serve a unique role as certified law enforcement officers with authority to enforce all of Michigan’s criminal laws. Because of their specialized training and versatility, COs often are first responders to situations involving search and rescue, missing persons, medical emergencies and public safety threats.
COs also receive training to operate specialized vehicles, such as four-wheel-drive trucks, off-road vehicles, snowmobiles and patrol boats - everyday tools to patrol Michigan’s lakes, rivers, streams and state-managed lands and forests.
The officers of Training Academy No. 13 completed a 26-week academy that licensed them as State of Michigan law enforcement officers through the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards. Additionally, recruits received training specific to enforcing the laws and rules related to natural resource protection.
“Each one of us came into the academy with a different background, life experience and a vast spectrum of talent,” said Andrew Werth, Training Academy class speaker.
“Regardless of how physically fit or mentally confident we were or weren’t coming into the academy, none of that mattered. Together as a class, we adapted, persevered and overcame challenges. We look forward to taking the leap into a new chapter of life and working with the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.”
The first 18 weeks of training took place at the Michigan State Police Training Academy facility in Lansing, where recruits were trained by conservation officers in topics that included general criminal law, survival tactics, water safety, first aid and emergency vehicle operation.
Conservation officer staff and recruits completed the remainder of the academy at the DNR’s Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, where recruits received specialized training in topics such as fish, game, search and rescue, off-road vehicles, firearms and trapping.
Recruits were tested through various exams and scenarios. In the scenario testing, they entered staged situations in which they had to demonstrate their learned skills to identify and resolve conflicts.
Founded in 1887, the DNR Law Enforcement Division is Michigan’s oldest statewide law enforcement agency. Learn more at Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers.
Fifteen officers graduated from the DNR Conservation Officer Training Academy during the July 3 graduation ceremony at the Ralph A. MacMullan Center in Roscommon.
“We proudly welcome a new generation of conservation officers – protectors of public lands and all of the natural and cultural resources that belong to the people of Michigan,” said Shannon Lott, DNR deputy director. “Stepping into this unique law enforcement role demands courage, creativity and integrity, characteristics these officers have exemplified throughout the academy. We thank them for their willingness to serve and we wish them each a long, safe and rewarding career.”
The officers of Training Academy No. 13 completed one of the most competitive law enforcement academies in the state.
“This group of officers demonstrated commitment, discipline and teamwork to accomplish extensive training on a variety of natural resource and general criminal topics,” said Jason Haines, chief of the DNR Law Enforcement Division. “Our department values these individuals who have dedicated themselves to be frontline defenders of Michigan’s great outdoors and cooperative educators for all who enjoy those resources, as well as the officers’ families who have supported this journey.”
New officers, their hometowns and permanent county assignments upon completing field training are:
• Zachary Adams, from Commerce Township, assigned to Oakland County.
• Alexander Arndt, from Auburn, assigned to Saginaw County.
• Matthew Bowser, from Crystal Falls, assigned to Delta County.
• Maxwell Bradford, from Houston, Tex., assigned to Kalamazoo County.
• Joseph Budnick, from Marquette, assigned to Mackinac County.
• Alexander French, from Sault Ste. Marie, assigned to Luce County.
• Raymond Gagnon, from Calumet, assigned to Gogebic County.
• Olivia Haerr, from Danvers, Ill., assigned to Baraga County.
• Joel Hill, from Belleville, assigned to Wayne County.
• Cody Longrey, from Coldwater, assigned to Hillsdale County.
• Nico Luna, from Fenton, assigned to Oscoda County.
• Tyler Owen, from Jackson, assigned to Otsego County.
• Cody Simmons, from Caseville, assigned to Huron County.
• Andrew Werth, from Dearborn, assigned to Wayne County.
• Evan White, from Milford, assigned to Alpena County.
Partnered with veteran officers, the new officers will immediately begin their probationary field training. This includes working multiple counties throughout the state with field training officers before reporting to their permanent assignments.
While their primary mission is to enforce fish, game, recreational and natural resource protection laws, COs serve a unique role as certified law enforcement officers with authority to enforce all of Michigan’s criminal laws. Because of their specialized training and versatility, COs often are first responders to situations involving search and rescue, missing persons, medical emergencies and public safety threats.
COs also receive training to operate specialized vehicles, such as four-wheel-drive trucks, off-road vehicles, snowmobiles and patrol boats - everyday tools to patrol Michigan’s lakes, rivers, streams and state-managed lands and forests.
The officers of Training Academy No. 13 completed a 26-week academy that licensed them as State of Michigan law enforcement officers through the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards. Additionally, recruits received training specific to enforcing the laws and rules related to natural resource protection.
“Each one of us came into the academy with a different background, life experience and a vast spectrum of talent,” said Andrew Werth, Training Academy class speaker.
“Regardless of how physically fit or mentally confident we were or weren’t coming into the academy, none of that mattered. Together as a class, we adapted, persevered and overcame challenges. We look forward to taking the leap into a new chapter of life and working with the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.”
The first 18 weeks of training took place at the Michigan State Police Training Academy facility in Lansing, where recruits were trained by conservation officers in topics that included general criminal law, survival tactics, water safety, first aid and emergency vehicle operation.
Conservation officer staff and recruits completed the remainder of the academy at the DNR’s Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, where recruits received specialized training in topics such as fish, game, search and rescue, off-road vehicles, firearms and trapping.
Recruits were tested through various exams and scenarios. In the scenario testing, they entered staged situations in which they had to demonstrate their learned skills to identify and resolve conflicts.
Founded in 1887, the DNR Law Enforcement Division is Michigan’s oldest statewide law enforcement agency. Learn more at Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers.
Communicate for Better Days on the Water and in the Field
Two for the price of one! Caleb shows off a double catch.
Photo courtesy Jack Payne
Photo courtesy Jack Payne
By Jack Payne
My phone pinged, indicating that I had a new email. The email was straightforward: caught a two-man limit of bluegills and 15 perch over 10 inches. Then my friend went into detail about where and how they caught them.
I have not fished this hotspot in seven or eight years. I asked my friend why he went there, and he stated that, according to his logbook, he has done well here in the past.
Regardless of the outdoor activity, talking and communicating with others is paramount. Becoming a good listener pays large dividends for me. I enjoy listening to others talking about their success.
On a recent bluegill outing, I spotted a boat that I had seen in the past. We pulled up and said good morning, didn’t I see you on the river last fall? From this point, the angler went into how good the crappie action had been the past few weeks.
He stated that they would troll plastic grubs and action tails, much like the Charlie Brewer Crappie grubs or their version of the Mister Twister Tails. He went on about where the crappies were located and why trolling was better than casting on this body of water.
We learned about Hali jigs from an angler at the boat launch. This angler uses the Hali in place of a sinker. Trust me, this tip was one of the best ever.
Another angler explained his go-to bass baits. This angler will land at least two dozen master angler bass each year. He uses two techniques and has mastered both.
He loves flipping docks, and he enjoys fishing a black jig in shallow water. Once again, I enjoyed listening to this angler as he went into every detail on how he attacks his three favorite lakes.
My friend Larry loves hair jigs, and his partner loves the old Perch Pounder Rigs. In both cases, they added a one-inch piece of a worm.
Speaking of the Perch Pounders, here is a tip. Size 8 hooks will land twice as many bluegills as size 6 hooks. The size 6 hooks, when tipped with a minnow, will land plenty of crappies and perch. We tip the size 8 hooks with a worm or a wax worm when chasing the bluegills. We like the green or chartreuse color, followed by the gold and red colors.
Years back, an angler got me into the glow-in-the-dark teardrops for both bluegill and perch. To this day, we still use a bunch of these baits. Over the past five years, I met a guy who ties his flies, and he uses the Bully Spider style fly the most. He follows this up with a very small black fly.
Another guy that I met up north fishes a slip float with a white or black hair jig tipped with a wax worm. This guy lands more master angler gills than anyone I know of.
I met a crappie guy who fishes national tournaments and lives here in Michigan. This guy is a fishing machine. He ties up his Pinky style of marabou jigs. Marabou and chenille are tied onto very small jig heads. He will also use very small plastic tails on lightweight jigs.
I met a guy near Traverse City who helped me get reacquainted with slip bobbers for all species. This guy lands some impressive walleye using slip bobbers. Slip bobbers make up 90 percent of his arsenal when chasing walleye, smallmouth bass, perch, crappie, and bluegill.
Some days, he uses a single octopus or circle hooks. Some days, he will use a small jighead. Leeches are used all summer, and minnows during the cold-water periods.
I learned years ago to hunt all day when deer hunting on public land during gun season. I also learned from other great hunters to sit in spots where nobody else wants to venture. If you think of water, you guessed correctly. I want standing water when I hunt pressured deer.
Learn to listen, take notes, and share what you learn with others, and in time, you will receive much more than what you give out.
Stop in at Bob’s Gun and Tackle Shop for your outdoor items.
My phone pinged, indicating that I had a new email. The email was straightforward: caught a two-man limit of bluegills and 15 perch over 10 inches. Then my friend went into detail about where and how they caught them.
I have not fished this hotspot in seven or eight years. I asked my friend why he went there, and he stated that, according to his logbook, he has done well here in the past.
Regardless of the outdoor activity, talking and communicating with others is paramount. Becoming a good listener pays large dividends for me. I enjoy listening to others talking about their success.
On a recent bluegill outing, I spotted a boat that I had seen in the past. We pulled up and said good morning, didn’t I see you on the river last fall? From this point, the angler went into how good the crappie action had been the past few weeks.
He stated that they would troll plastic grubs and action tails, much like the Charlie Brewer Crappie grubs or their version of the Mister Twister Tails. He went on about where the crappies were located and why trolling was better than casting on this body of water.
We learned about Hali jigs from an angler at the boat launch. This angler uses the Hali in place of a sinker. Trust me, this tip was one of the best ever.
Another angler explained his go-to bass baits. This angler will land at least two dozen master angler bass each year. He uses two techniques and has mastered both.
He loves flipping docks, and he enjoys fishing a black jig in shallow water. Once again, I enjoyed listening to this angler as he went into every detail on how he attacks his three favorite lakes.
My friend Larry loves hair jigs, and his partner loves the old Perch Pounder Rigs. In both cases, they added a one-inch piece of a worm.
Speaking of the Perch Pounders, here is a tip. Size 8 hooks will land twice as many bluegills as size 6 hooks. The size 6 hooks, when tipped with a minnow, will land plenty of crappies and perch. We tip the size 8 hooks with a worm or a wax worm when chasing the bluegills. We like the green or chartreuse color, followed by the gold and red colors.
Years back, an angler got me into the glow-in-the-dark teardrops for both bluegill and perch. To this day, we still use a bunch of these baits. Over the past five years, I met a guy who ties his flies, and he uses the Bully Spider style fly the most. He follows this up with a very small black fly.
Another guy that I met up north fishes a slip float with a white or black hair jig tipped with a wax worm. This guy lands more master angler gills than anyone I know of.
I met a crappie guy who fishes national tournaments and lives here in Michigan. This guy is a fishing machine. He ties up his Pinky style of marabou jigs. Marabou and chenille are tied onto very small jig heads. He will also use very small plastic tails on lightweight jigs.
I met a guy near Traverse City who helped me get reacquainted with slip bobbers for all species. This guy lands some impressive walleye using slip bobbers. Slip bobbers make up 90 percent of his arsenal when chasing walleye, smallmouth bass, perch, crappie, and bluegill.
Some days, he uses a single octopus or circle hooks. Some days, he will use a small jighead. Leeches are used all summer, and minnows during the cold-water periods.
I learned years ago to hunt all day when deer hunting on public land during gun season. I also learned from other great hunters to sit in spots where nobody else wants to venture. If you think of water, you guessed correctly. I want standing water when I hunt pressured deer.
Learn to listen, take notes, and share what you learn with others, and in time, you will receive much more than what you give out.
Stop in at Bob’s Gun and Tackle Shop for your outdoor items.
Outdoor Truths
By Gary Miller
Even though it’s only July, the deer hunters are getting prepared for another season. While it may be several weeks until the season opens, there is much to do to be ready for opening day – especially if you hunt with bow and arrow.
Right now, I’m checking trail cameras, hanging tree stands and trying to figure out where the deer are likely to be early in the season. And it is not always where one might think.
I am reminded of an Alabama hunt several years ago. I was with a friend on a piece of property that was owned by a rancher who not only raised cattle but managed for quality deer. It really was a beautiful place and just riding around caused me to get extremely excited about the possibilities.
That afternoon would be our first hunt, so the rancher “carried us” (that’s Alabama vernacular for drove us) to the stands we would hunt. As we passed through the pasture, he pointed to one lone cedar tree about 200 yards from a wood line and said, “Somebody needs to sit right there.”
My partner and I silently wondered where exactly he was talking about. And then he said, “See that blue milk crate? Sit on it and lean up against that cedar tree.”
Now this was not exactly the place where either of us imagined we would spend our time hunting. After all, it didn’t look like or feel like it had any possibility whatsoever of producing anything but shade for an afternoon nap. I was expecting my tree stand to be labeled “Lone Wolf” or something, but this one said “Mayfield Dairy.”
After debating on which one of us would have this honor, my friend drew the short straw and jumped out of the truck (boy, was I relieved). That evening he killed a giant 11-pointer and another buck with an even wider rack that next morning. Who would’ve ever “thunk” it?
The moral of the story: It is better to take the word of the rancher than go to with what feels good or looks good. Period! I wished we would focus more on that same truth in our experience with God.
Let me ask you something. Do you have to feel the presence of God to know He is there? Or are you satisfied with His simple word that says, “I will never leave you or forsake you?”
Do you need to see some manifestation of His workings to believe He is at work? Or can you simply believe His word when He says, “I am working all things for your good?”
On Sunday morning as you sit in church, do you base the quality of your experience on what you may have felt or seen? Or do you understand that true faith simply believes His word, sometimes without any emotions whatsoever?
Your answers to these questions will expose the depth of your faith. Is God’s word good enough? Or does it need to be scotched up with something that appeals to the senses? I hope you are someone who will simply take God at His word and get out of the truck even when it seems He is placing you on a milk crate.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 21 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoortruths.org.
Even though it’s only July, the deer hunters are getting prepared for another season. While it may be several weeks until the season opens, there is much to do to be ready for opening day – especially if you hunt with bow and arrow.
Right now, I’m checking trail cameras, hanging tree stands and trying to figure out where the deer are likely to be early in the season. And it is not always where one might think.
I am reminded of an Alabama hunt several years ago. I was with a friend on a piece of property that was owned by a rancher who not only raised cattle but managed for quality deer. It really was a beautiful place and just riding around caused me to get extremely excited about the possibilities.
That afternoon would be our first hunt, so the rancher “carried us” (that’s Alabama vernacular for drove us) to the stands we would hunt. As we passed through the pasture, he pointed to one lone cedar tree about 200 yards from a wood line and said, “Somebody needs to sit right there.”
My partner and I silently wondered where exactly he was talking about. And then he said, “See that blue milk crate? Sit on it and lean up against that cedar tree.”
Now this was not exactly the place where either of us imagined we would spend our time hunting. After all, it didn’t look like or feel like it had any possibility whatsoever of producing anything but shade for an afternoon nap. I was expecting my tree stand to be labeled “Lone Wolf” or something, but this one said “Mayfield Dairy.”
After debating on which one of us would have this honor, my friend drew the short straw and jumped out of the truck (boy, was I relieved). That evening he killed a giant 11-pointer and another buck with an even wider rack that next morning. Who would’ve ever “thunk” it?
The moral of the story: It is better to take the word of the rancher than go to with what feels good or looks good. Period! I wished we would focus more on that same truth in our experience with God.
Let me ask you something. Do you have to feel the presence of God to know He is there? Or are you satisfied with His simple word that says, “I will never leave you or forsake you?”
Do you need to see some manifestation of His workings to believe He is at work? Or can you simply believe His word when He says, “I am working all things for your good?”
On Sunday morning as you sit in church, do you base the quality of your experience on what you may have felt or seen? Or do you understand that true faith simply believes His word, sometimes without any emotions whatsoever?
Your answers to these questions will expose the depth of your faith. Is God’s word good enough? Or does it need to be scotched up with something that appeals to the senses? I hope you are someone who will simply take God at His word and get out of the truck even when it seems He is placing you on a milk crate.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 21 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoortruths.org.
Recent Dam Inspection Leads to DNR Emergency Drawdown Order
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is moving forward this summer with a phased plan for drawing down Hall Lake Dam at Yankee Springs Recreation Area to a lower lake elevation – a decision that addresses safety issues with the Barry County impoundment while also allowing for continued recreation use at Hall Lake.
A routine spring inspection followed by an engineering analysis of the dam has led the Michigan Department of Environ- ment, Great Lakes, and Energy to issue an emergency drawdown order. The DNR will immediately apply for the necessary permitting to begin the gradual drawdown, which will begin later this month. The final project drawdown is expected to be complete by fall 2026 and is funded by an EGLE Dam Risk Reduction Grant.
“Given its classification as a significant hazard dam, the worsening condition of the culvert and embankment, the prohibitive cost estimates to undertake replacement by the state or local municipality, and the risk of expiration of grant funding for the project, reducing the lake level by decommissioning, or drawing down, of Hall Lake Dam is the only viable option,” said Joseph Jandernoa, park manager at Yankee Springs Recreation Area.
The phased drawdown will protect the integrity of Gun Lake Road, which runs along top of the earthen berm dam. The project calls for an initial drawdown of 3 feet in July 2025 and approximately another 3 feet in June 2026.
A gradual drawdown of not more than 6 inches per week will protect fish and wildlife, as well as stabilize sediments as much as possible.
“Once the project is completed, a smaller body of water will continue to exist for outdoor recreation, similar to its original lake size,” Jandernoa said. “And fortunately, there are other small lakes within Yankee Springs Recreation Area that can provide recreational experiences like those available on Hall Lake. These include Williams Lake, Long Lake, Baker Lake and Chief Noonday Lake.”
Discussing a possible drawdown of Hall Lake Dam with the public was an integral part of considering the dam’s future. During a spring open house, many community members expressed their desire to see Hall Lake Dam repaired rather than drawn down, and based on that information, the DNR engaged in extensive discussions with local governments and other public agency representatives to explore alternatives.
During this time, the DNR learned that dam impoundment conditions had worsened and would need to be addressed quickly. When it became clear that local governments and agencies were unable to assume full responsibilities for the dam, the DNR determined that drawing down the impoundment was the appropriate course of action.
Classified by EGLE as a significant hazard dam, failure of Hall Lake Dam could cause economic and environmental damage, or disrupt essential services downstream, though loss of life is unlikely. The dam also previously received a condition rating of “poor.”
“It is the DNR's goal to ensure that Hall Lake and surrounding amenities remain valuable natural resources that are both safe and sustainable,” Jandernoa said. “The short-term aspects of decommissioning the dam include a gradual lowering of Hall Lake to an approved level, removal of the outdated water control structures, installation of a new culvert under Gun Lake Road and full restoration of the road.
"Long-term, the drawdown will reduce the size and depth of Hall Lake but will allow this body of water as well as the North Country Trail and Hall Lake Trail to remain. Once the new lake level is established, the DNR will also explore replacing the existing boating access site with a carry-down access site.”
Learn more about Hall Lake Dam history and find FAQs at the DNR’s state parks system key updates webpage at michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/prd/parks.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is responsible for managing 204 state-owned dams. The average age of these dams is 62 years old, and many were not designed for their current uses or to current construction standards. To ensure public safety and the operational effectiveness of these structures, the DNR is urgently assessing their condition and sustainability.
In addition to managing state-owned dams, the DNR assists partners and municipalities with dam removal by providing funding and technical assistance. This comprehensive approach helps protect, conserve and manage Michigan's natural and cultural resources for the benefit of current and future generations.
Learn more at Michigan.gov/DNRDams.
A routine spring inspection followed by an engineering analysis of the dam has led the Michigan Department of Environ- ment, Great Lakes, and Energy to issue an emergency drawdown order. The DNR will immediately apply for the necessary permitting to begin the gradual drawdown, which will begin later this month. The final project drawdown is expected to be complete by fall 2026 and is funded by an EGLE Dam Risk Reduction Grant.
“Given its classification as a significant hazard dam, the worsening condition of the culvert and embankment, the prohibitive cost estimates to undertake replacement by the state or local municipality, and the risk of expiration of grant funding for the project, reducing the lake level by decommissioning, or drawing down, of Hall Lake Dam is the only viable option,” said Joseph Jandernoa, park manager at Yankee Springs Recreation Area.
The phased drawdown will protect the integrity of Gun Lake Road, which runs along top of the earthen berm dam. The project calls for an initial drawdown of 3 feet in July 2025 and approximately another 3 feet in June 2026.
A gradual drawdown of not more than 6 inches per week will protect fish and wildlife, as well as stabilize sediments as much as possible.
“Once the project is completed, a smaller body of water will continue to exist for outdoor recreation, similar to its original lake size,” Jandernoa said. “And fortunately, there are other small lakes within Yankee Springs Recreation Area that can provide recreational experiences like those available on Hall Lake. These include Williams Lake, Long Lake, Baker Lake and Chief Noonday Lake.”
Discussing a possible drawdown of Hall Lake Dam with the public was an integral part of considering the dam’s future. During a spring open house, many community members expressed their desire to see Hall Lake Dam repaired rather than drawn down, and based on that information, the DNR engaged in extensive discussions with local governments and other public agency representatives to explore alternatives.
During this time, the DNR learned that dam impoundment conditions had worsened and would need to be addressed quickly. When it became clear that local governments and agencies were unable to assume full responsibilities for the dam, the DNR determined that drawing down the impoundment was the appropriate course of action.
Classified by EGLE as a significant hazard dam, failure of Hall Lake Dam could cause economic and environmental damage, or disrupt essential services downstream, though loss of life is unlikely. The dam also previously received a condition rating of “poor.”
“It is the DNR's goal to ensure that Hall Lake and surrounding amenities remain valuable natural resources that are both safe and sustainable,” Jandernoa said. “The short-term aspects of decommissioning the dam include a gradual lowering of Hall Lake to an approved level, removal of the outdated water control structures, installation of a new culvert under Gun Lake Road and full restoration of the road.
"Long-term, the drawdown will reduce the size and depth of Hall Lake but will allow this body of water as well as the North Country Trail and Hall Lake Trail to remain. Once the new lake level is established, the DNR will also explore replacing the existing boating access site with a carry-down access site.”
Learn more about Hall Lake Dam history and find FAQs at the DNR’s state parks system key updates webpage at michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/prd/parks.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is responsible for managing 204 state-owned dams. The average age of these dams is 62 years old, and many were not designed for their current uses or to current construction standards. To ensure public safety and the operational effectiveness of these structures, the DNR is urgently assessing their condition and sustainability.
In addition to managing state-owned dams, the DNR assists partners and municipalities with dam removal by providing funding and technical assistance. This comprehensive approach helps protect, conserve and manage Michigan's natural and cultural resources for the benefit of current and future generations.
Learn more at Michigan.gov/DNRDams.
Harvest Garlic and Replant with Quick-Maturing Vegetables
Garlic is ready to be harvested when the cloves are plump and fill the skin.
Photo credit MelindaMyers.com
Photo credit MelindaMyers.com
By Melinda Myers
Get the best flavor and longest storage life from your homegrown garlic with proper harvesting, curing and storage. Then fill that space with a quick-maturing vegetable for a tasty fall harvest.
Harvest garlic when approximately one-third, but less than half of the leaves turn brown. Start by digging one plant to check the garlic for maturity. Cloves should be plump and fill the skin.
Immature garlic does not store well, while over-mature bulbs are more subject to disease. Don’t discard but rather use immature garlic as soon as possible.
Cure the garlic you plan to store for 3-4 weeks in a warm, well-ventilated location. Once dried, remove soil, long roots and only the damaged outermost layer of papery skin with a brush of your gloved hand. Cut off the tops, being careful not to damage the papery covering that protects the cloves.
Store the garlic in a cool location with good air circulation and out of direct sunlight to prevent resprouting. Properly harvested and cured garlic will last for up to eight months.
Garlic can also be frozen. Place the whole bulb, individual cloves, or peeled, chopped cloves in a single layer in a plastic freezer bag. Use frozen garlic to flavor your favorite recipes within 3-4 months for the best flavor.
Once harvested, prepare the area for another planting. Spread a layer of compost over the area or incorporate an inch of compost into the top six inches of soil and fertilize if needed.
Calculate the number of frost-free days remaining in your growing season. Simply count the number of days from planting to the date of the average first fall frost in your area. Select and plant vegetable seeds and transplants that will be ready to harvest before the first killing frost in fall. Check the back of the seed packet or plant tag for the number of days from planting to harvest. If there is enough time for the summer planting to grow and produce before the first killing frost, they can be added to the garden.
Or extend the season with cold frames and floating row covers to protect plantings as needed from killing frost.
Depending on the variety, cucumbers and bush beans are ready to harvest in as few as 60 days. Enjoy great flavor from summer plantings of broccoli and cabbage transplants harvested during the cooler months of fall. Sow seeds of radishes, beets, carrots and other quick-maturing vegetables for a fall harvest.
Once your seeds and transplants are in the ground, be sure to water properly. Keep the seedbed and roots of transplants moist for the first few weeks. Gradually reduce watering frequency as seedlings sprout and grow and transplants become established. Help keep the soil cool by mulching plantings with shredded leaves, evergreen needles or other organic mulch.
Enjoy the rewards of all your planning, planting and care with bountiful harvests now through the end of the season.
—————
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is MelindaMyers.com.
Get the best flavor and longest storage life from your homegrown garlic with proper harvesting, curing and storage. Then fill that space with a quick-maturing vegetable for a tasty fall harvest.
Harvest garlic when approximately one-third, but less than half of the leaves turn brown. Start by digging one plant to check the garlic for maturity. Cloves should be plump and fill the skin.
Immature garlic does not store well, while over-mature bulbs are more subject to disease. Don’t discard but rather use immature garlic as soon as possible.
Cure the garlic you plan to store for 3-4 weeks in a warm, well-ventilated location. Once dried, remove soil, long roots and only the damaged outermost layer of papery skin with a brush of your gloved hand. Cut off the tops, being careful not to damage the papery covering that protects the cloves.
Store the garlic in a cool location with good air circulation and out of direct sunlight to prevent resprouting. Properly harvested and cured garlic will last for up to eight months.
Garlic can also be frozen. Place the whole bulb, individual cloves, or peeled, chopped cloves in a single layer in a plastic freezer bag. Use frozen garlic to flavor your favorite recipes within 3-4 months for the best flavor.
Once harvested, prepare the area for another planting. Spread a layer of compost over the area or incorporate an inch of compost into the top six inches of soil and fertilize if needed.
Calculate the number of frost-free days remaining in your growing season. Simply count the number of days from planting to the date of the average first fall frost in your area. Select and plant vegetable seeds and transplants that will be ready to harvest before the first killing frost in fall. Check the back of the seed packet or plant tag for the number of days from planting to harvest. If there is enough time for the summer planting to grow and produce before the first killing frost, they can be added to the garden.
Or extend the season with cold frames and floating row covers to protect plantings as needed from killing frost.
Depending on the variety, cucumbers and bush beans are ready to harvest in as few as 60 days. Enjoy great flavor from summer plantings of broccoli and cabbage transplants harvested during the cooler months of fall. Sow seeds of radishes, beets, carrots and other quick-maturing vegetables for a fall harvest.
Once your seeds and transplants are in the ground, be sure to water properly. Keep the seedbed and roots of transplants moist for the first few weeks. Gradually reduce watering frequency as seedlings sprout and grow and transplants become established. Help keep the soil cool by mulching plantings with shredded leaves, evergreen needles or other organic mulch.
Enjoy the rewards of all your planning, planting and care with bountiful harvests now through the end of the season.
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Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is MelindaMyers.com.
