Jack Payne shows off a pike he caught using a Dardevle spoon lure.
By Jack Payne
If there ever was a fish that resonates with fall, it’s the northern pike. In the fall, cold fronts are common and can disrupt the activities of other species. This is not true with the northern pike.
As this article goes to print, many of the pike will still be in their summer locations. This is often found in the coolest water available. The thermocline will provide a clue.
An example, if the thermocline is at 18 feet, it’s likely that you will find the pike hanging at this depth. The result could be suspended fish out over deep water, or it could be a fat pike lurking near the bottom near a weed line or a drop-off.
As the water cools, pike will suspend more time in shallower water. As they move shallower, the pike will spend considerable time wherever they can find green weeds.
A great location in early fall would be a long point that extends from a large weed bed into deep water. The pike will move up and down the point or bar from the deep water to the shallower weed flats.
Suspended fish will often follow schools of bait fish. On any body of water that connects to Lake Michigan, pike will often be close to the shad and other baitfish.
As Lake Michigan cools, baitfish will continue moving into the connecting waters. As the season draws closer to ice-over, any remaining green weeds will hold pike.
Another good fall location will be the sharpest, steepest break lines and drop-offs. Keep in mind that the closer two varying types of structure are in proximity to each other, the greater the potential the location will become.
Trolling covers water in an efficient manner. This is a great technique for suspended fish. Trolling will also work when the fish are feeding on the flats and using the weeds.
Trolling the open basin for suspended fish is best with a few planner boards. The goal is to present as many baits to the largest number of pike in the shortest time frame. This is a fun way to fish, but not my favorite.
I prefer casting for the pike when they are on flats, weed edges, or using the sharp breaks. To me, there is something magical and exciting about a rod in hand.
Trolling for suspended fish is best done with some type of body baits. Lures such as a Rapala Husky Jerk, a Smithwick Rogue, a Believer, or any other type of minnow-imitating plug are a good choice.
Slow trolling, as in Lindy Rigging with a large sucker minnow, is enjoyable and a favorite of mine late in the season. Slowly working a drop-off or up and down a point with the reel bail open and the line being held with your finger is a good cold front or super late in the season technique.
Soaking a sucker minnow under a slip float is another very productive cold front or late-season bet.
However, I still prefer casting. And when we cast, an assortment of lures is used. Rapala Husky Jerks, the one-ounce Dardevle spoons, the Johnson Silver Minnow and the number five bucktail Mepps spinners, and the Hopkins spoons are favorites.
My favorite is whichever lure is working best. I do like the “thump, thump, thump” vibration of a spoon. With a spoon, I can dictate the speed and the direction of the retrieve.
All of my Dardevle spoons have a single hook instead of the treble hooks. I believe that the single hook results in more hook-ups and is very helpful when removing the hook. Adding a twister tail is a must-do with the Johnson spoons and perhaps a 50 percent thing with the Dardevle spoons.
The bucktail Mepps has long been a go-to lure for me in the fall. A bucktail works great in and around the weeds. An overlooked lure is the Hopkins Spoon.
The Hopkins works great on the sharp drop-offs. Cast the Hopkins out, let it free fall, pop it off the bottom, let it free fall down, and continue this retrieve. Stop in at Bob’s Gun and Tackle for your fall fishing and hunting products.
If there ever was a fish that resonates with fall, it’s the northern pike. In the fall, cold fronts are common and can disrupt the activities of other species. This is not true with the northern pike.
As this article goes to print, many of the pike will still be in their summer locations. This is often found in the coolest water available. The thermocline will provide a clue.
An example, if the thermocline is at 18 feet, it’s likely that you will find the pike hanging at this depth. The result could be suspended fish out over deep water, or it could be a fat pike lurking near the bottom near a weed line or a drop-off.
As the water cools, pike will suspend more time in shallower water. As they move shallower, the pike will spend considerable time wherever they can find green weeds.
A great location in early fall would be a long point that extends from a large weed bed into deep water. The pike will move up and down the point or bar from the deep water to the shallower weed flats.
Suspended fish will often follow schools of bait fish. On any body of water that connects to Lake Michigan, pike will often be close to the shad and other baitfish.
As Lake Michigan cools, baitfish will continue moving into the connecting waters. As the season draws closer to ice-over, any remaining green weeds will hold pike.
Another good fall location will be the sharpest, steepest break lines and drop-offs. Keep in mind that the closer two varying types of structure are in proximity to each other, the greater the potential the location will become.
Trolling covers water in an efficient manner. This is a great technique for suspended fish. Trolling will also work when the fish are feeding on the flats and using the weeds.
Trolling the open basin for suspended fish is best with a few planner boards. The goal is to present as many baits to the largest number of pike in the shortest time frame. This is a fun way to fish, but not my favorite.
I prefer casting for the pike when they are on flats, weed edges, or using the sharp breaks. To me, there is something magical and exciting about a rod in hand.
Trolling for suspended fish is best done with some type of body baits. Lures such as a Rapala Husky Jerk, a Smithwick Rogue, a Believer, or any other type of minnow-imitating plug are a good choice.
Slow trolling, as in Lindy Rigging with a large sucker minnow, is enjoyable and a favorite of mine late in the season. Slowly working a drop-off or up and down a point with the reel bail open and the line being held with your finger is a good cold front or super late in the season technique.
Soaking a sucker minnow under a slip float is another very productive cold front or late-season bet.
However, I still prefer casting. And when we cast, an assortment of lures is used. Rapala Husky Jerks, the one-ounce Dardevle spoons, the Johnson Silver Minnow and the number five bucktail Mepps spinners, and the Hopkins spoons are favorites.
My favorite is whichever lure is working best. I do like the “thump, thump, thump” vibration of a spoon. With a spoon, I can dictate the speed and the direction of the retrieve.
All of my Dardevle spoons have a single hook instead of the treble hooks. I believe that the single hook results in more hook-ups and is very helpful when removing the hook. Adding a twister tail is a must-do with the Johnson spoons and perhaps a 50 percent thing with the Dardevle spoons.
The bucktail Mepps has long been a go-to lure for me in the fall. A bucktail works great in and around the weeds. An overlooked lure is the Hopkins Spoon.
The Hopkins works great on the sharp drop-offs. Cast the Hopkins out, let it free fall, pop it off the bottom, let it free fall down, and continue this retrieve. Stop in at Bob’s Gun and Tackle for your fall fishing and hunting products.
Draft County Parks Plan Available for Review
Ottawa County Parks & Recreation has released a draft of its 2026 long-range Parks Plan, and community feedback is now being requested.
This plan is updated every five years and ensures eligibility for grant funding from the State of Michigan and provides a road map for park and trail development.
A public hearing will be held during the Parks Commission meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 22, in the board room of the county’s Administration Building, 12220 Fillmore St., West Olive. Community members are welcome to attend and provide comments in person.
You can review the plan online at miottawa.org/parks/plans-reports.
County residents and park visitors can help guide this plan by sharing feedback in a variety of ways:
• Take an online brief survey
• Email your comments to ocparks@miottawa.org
• Mail comments to Ottawa County Parks & Recreation, 12220 Fillmore St., West Olive, MI 49460
• Attend the public hearing on Oct. 22 and make comments in-person lease submit written feedback by Oct. 17.
The county parks plan:
• Continues emphasis on high-quality maintenance and operations with projections of long-term capital renovation needs. A large majority of discretionary (non-operating) millage funds from the current millage level are dedicated to renovations of current park facilities.
• Identifies key property acquisitions and funding to enhance/ expand existing park properties.
• Calls for efforts to improve and develop the Macatawa and Pigeon River Greenways, the Bend Area, and to complete the Idema Explorers Trail along the Grand River Greenway.
• Continues efforts to meet and exceed ADA accessibility guidelines at all lands and facilities.
• Provides flexibility to consider other unexpected opportunities and expand existing park properties.
• Continues focus on providing quality nature education and outdoor activity programs throughout the park system.
• Expands emphasis on communications to residents of available opportunities for optimal park use.
• Emphasizes the need for increased natural resource management and stewardship of existing parklands and the broader landscape.
The parks plan includes detailed budget projections and a capital improvement schedule. The plan notes that the current dedicated park millage combined with grant funds has allowed the Parks Commission to provide a large and high-quality park system to serve residents and visitors. However, with continued park expansion, a higher percentage of millage funds are now devoted to operations and maintenance, creating greater reliance on other funding for new initiatives.
This plan is updated every five years and ensures eligibility for grant funding from the State of Michigan and provides a road map for park and trail development.
A public hearing will be held during the Parks Commission meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 22, in the board room of the county’s Administration Building, 12220 Fillmore St., West Olive. Community members are welcome to attend and provide comments in person.
You can review the plan online at miottawa.org/parks/plans-reports.
County residents and park visitors can help guide this plan by sharing feedback in a variety of ways:
• Take an online brief survey
• Email your comments to ocparks@miottawa.org
• Mail comments to Ottawa County Parks & Recreation, 12220 Fillmore St., West Olive, MI 49460
• Attend the public hearing on Oct. 22 and make comments in-person lease submit written feedback by Oct. 17.
The county parks plan:
• Continues emphasis on high-quality maintenance and operations with projections of long-term capital renovation needs. A large majority of discretionary (non-operating) millage funds from the current millage level are dedicated to renovations of current park facilities.
• Identifies key property acquisitions and funding to enhance/ expand existing park properties.
• Calls for efforts to improve and develop the Macatawa and Pigeon River Greenways, the Bend Area, and to complete the Idema Explorers Trail along the Grand River Greenway.
• Continues efforts to meet and exceed ADA accessibility guidelines at all lands and facilities.
• Provides flexibility to consider other unexpected opportunities and expand existing park properties.
• Continues focus on providing quality nature education and outdoor activity programs throughout the park system.
• Expands emphasis on communications to residents of available opportunities for optimal park use.
• Emphasizes the need for increased natural resource management and stewardship of existing parklands and the broader landscape.
The parks plan includes detailed budget projections and a capital improvement schedule. The plan notes that the current dedicated park millage combined with grant funds has allowed the Parks Commission to provide a large and high-quality park system to serve residents and visitors. However, with continued park expansion, a higher percentage of millage funds are now devoted to operations and maintenance, creating greater reliance on other funding for new initiatives.
Online Survey Now Available to Report Grouse and Woodcock Hunting Activity
Just in time for the start of Michigan’s ruffed grouse and American woodcock hunting seasons, hunters now have a new way to share information from their hunts. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has launched the Michigan Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock Dashboard, an electronic survey dashboard where hunters can report the number of grouse and woodcock they flush during trips afield.
Michigan hunters have a long history — going back to the 1950s — of cooperating with the DNR to share information on their ruffed grouse and woodcock season experiences. The new cooperator survey gives hunters the opportunity to view near real-time information from other grouse and woodcock hunters on flush rates per hour throughout the season. The new online format replaces the longtime paper survey, which had seen limited response in recent years.
“Grouse and woodcock hunters have always been some of our most dedicated partners in monitoring upland game birds,” said Adam Bump, DNR upland game bird specialist. “By recording flushes per hour, hunters can compare their experiences with others across the state, while also helping us track how each season is shaping up. This tool makes it easier than ever to contribute.”
Flush rates per hour offer hunters a standardized way to evaluate activity in different areas. By submitting their observations, hunters can see how their experiences compare with others in their favorite counties for hunting and across Michigan.
Participation is voluntary, and the survey is designed to be quick and easy to use. Many grouse and woodcock hunters already keep track of flush rates, so reporting requires little extra effort. The dashboard will remain blank until the 2025 season opens and hunters begin entering their reports, making early participation essential.
• Open the Michigan Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock Dashboard.
• Select “Submit a Report” to begin a report.
• Enter hunt details: Add the date, county, hours hunted, information on use of dogs or accompanying hunters, and the number of flushes you observed for each species.
• Check your entries, then tap Submit.
• Use the dashboard to view totals by county and compare flushes per hour across Michigan. See grouse, woodcock or both species’ flush rates. Compare with hunters who use dogs, or with those who don’t.
This standardized metric helps hunters compare their own experiences with those of others.
“The new grouse and woodcock cooperator dashboard offers a great opportunity to participate in the upland bird hunting community,” said Bump. “The more participation, the better the information for all grouse and woodcock hunters. I encourage everyone to give it a try.”
American woodcock and ruffed grouse hunting seasons opened Monday, Sept. 15. Find bag limits, hunting regulations and more in the 2025 Michigan Small Game Hunting Regulations Summary or at Michigan.gov/Small Game.
Michigan hunters have a long history — going back to the 1950s — of cooperating with the DNR to share information on their ruffed grouse and woodcock season experiences. The new cooperator survey gives hunters the opportunity to view near real-time information from other grouse and woodcock hunters on flush rates per hour throughout the season. The new online format replaces the longtime paper survey, which had seen limited response in recent years.
“Grouse and woodcock hunters have always been some of our most dedicated partners in monitoring upland game birds,” said Adam Bump, DNR upland game bird specialist. “By recording flushes per hour, hunters can compare their experiences with others across the state, while also helping us track how each season is shaping up. This tool makes it easier than ever to contribute.”
Flush rates per hour offer hunters a standardized way to evaluate activity in different areas. By submitting their observations, hunters can see how their experiences compare with others in their favorite counties for hunting and across Michigan.
Participation is voluntary, and the survey is designed to be quick and easy to use. Many grouse and woodcock hunters already keep track of flush rates, so reporting requires little extra effort. The dashboard will remain blank until the 2025 season opens and hunters begin entering their reports, making early participation essential.
• Open the Michigan Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock Dashboard.
• Select “Submit a Report” to begin a report.
• Enter hunt details: Add the date, county, hours hunted, information on use of dogs or accompanying hunters, and the number of flushes you observed for each species.
• Check your entries, then tap Submit.
• Use the dashboard to view totals by county and compare flushes per hour across Michigan. See grouse, woodcock or both species’ flush rates. Compare with hunters who use dogs, or with those who don’t.
This standardized metric helps hunters compare their own experiences with those of others.
“The new grouse and woodcock cooperator dashboard offers a great opportunity to participate in the upland bird hunting community,” said Bump. “The more participation, the better the information for all grouse and woodcock hunters. I encourage everyone to give it a try.”
American woodcock and ruffed grouse hunting seasons opened Monday, Sept. 15. Find bag limits, hunting regulations and more in the 2025 Michigan Small Game Hunting Regulations Summary or at Michigan.gov/Small Game.
Outdoor Truths
By Gary Miller
One of the best places to put up a tree stand or blind is in a funnel. A funnel is a small area where two or more ridges run out or down into a small hollow or trail.
If you can imagine the dip between two crests, you will understand what a funnel is. It is basically the easiest route for deer, or any other animal, to travel. And like you and I, most animals look for what takes the least effort and expends the least amount of energy.
Not only does this apply to travel routes, but it also applies to food. Just watch any bear or raccoon and you will see how they will opt for a free and easy meal even if it is found in your garage or trash can. And, as you also know as well, it is these easy meals that cause many of these critters, to be caught or killed.
While we admire some of the special characteristics of many of the animal kingdom, in some ways they are just like us. They had rather get whatever they can with the least amount of cost.
For followers of Christ, this is also a temptation. While I am the first to proclaim the freedom that grace affords, in full disclosure, being a follower of Christ will, at times, call you to take the more difficult path.
And at times, it will cost a price others may not have to pay.
You may have to give up the hate you so want to hold on to, to love the one who is unlovable. You may have to give up the revenge you want to exact, to give the forgiveness God wants you to give. You may have
to give up criticism to show the kindness that comes from the Spirit. Sometimes, you will have to give up your opinion to keep your influence.
All of these are not done so someone can applaud your goodness, but for the hope that someone will embrace your savior. And we all should ask the question, “What am I willing to give up so that more people would choose Jesus?”
This sounds simple. Some will say, “I am willing to die for my faith!” But that is the easy part. The real question is “What am I willing to live with if more would choose Jesus?” Would you live in communism if more people would choose Jesus? Would you live without the freedom to assemble? Or without free speech? Would you give up your right to own a gun? Or to hunt?
You see, the decision to live for our faith is sometimes more sacrificial than the decision to die for it. And it may be a better reflection of the priority my faith holds in my life. The faith funnels are easy and predictable. But they are not the path we may always be able to take.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 22 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.
One of the best places to put up a tree stand or blind is in a funnel. A funnel is a small area where two or more ridges run out or down into a small hollow or trail.
If you can imagine the dip between two crests, you will understand what a funnel is. It is basically the easiest route for deer, or any other animal, to travel. And like you and I, most animals look for what takes the least effort and expends the least amount of energy.
Not only does this apply to travel routes, but it also applies to food. Just watch any bear or raccoon and you will see how they will opt for a free and easy meal even if it is found in your garage or trash can. And, as you also know as well, it is these easy meals that cause many of these critters, to be caught or killed.
While we admire some of the special characteristics of many of the animal kingdom, in some ways they are just like us. They had rather get whatever they can with the least amount of cost.
For followers of Christ, this is also a temptation. While I am the first to proclaim the freedom that grace affords, in full disclosure, being a follower of Christ will, at times, call you to take the more difficult path.
And at times, it will cost a price others may not have to pay.
You may have to give up the hate you so want to hold on to, to love the one who is unlovable. You may have to give up the revenge you want to exact, to give the forgiveness God wants you to give. You may have
to give up criticism to show the kindness that comes from the Spirit. Sometimes, you will have to give up your opinion to keep your influence.
All of these are not done so someone can applaud your goodness, but for the hope that someone will embrace your savior. And we all should ask the question, “What am I willing to give up so that more people would choose Jesus?”
This sounds simple. Some will say, “I am willing to die for my faith!” But that is the easy part. The real question is “What am I willing to live with if more would choose Jesus?” Would you live in communism if more people would choose Jesus? Would you live without the freedom to assemble? Or without free speech? Would you give up your right to own a gun? Or to hunt?
You see, the decision to live for our faith is sometimes more sacrificial than the decision to die for it. And it may be a better reflection of the priority my faith holds in my life. The faith funnels are easy and predictable. But they are not the path we may always be able to take.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 22 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.
Plant This Fall for Beautiful Spring Bouquets
A bouquet consisting of unique daffodil varieties found in one of Longfield Gardens’ daffodil bulb collections.
Photo courtesy of Longfield-Gardens.com
By Melinda Myers
This fall plant an array of spring flowering bulbs to brighten your garden and bouquets. There are plenty of daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and alliums that will delight with an assortment of flower colors and sizes that will bloom throughout the spring.
Include animal resistant double, bicolor, and split cup daffodils that provide unique beauty and impact in floral arrangements. Create a simple bouquet with just a few stems of daffodils or an elegant arrangement of single and double flowered varieties.
Harvest daffodils when the buds show color and are perpendicular to the stem like a goose’s neck. Don’t worry about the sap daffodils exude, shortening the life of the other cut flowers in the arrangement.
Properly conditioning the daffodils will eliminate the risk to your other spring favorites
Consider wearing gloves as some people report itching or rashes when handling these plants. Use your hands to harvest daffodils for the longest stems possible and to reduce sap released from the stem. Reach into the base of the flower stem, thumb pointed down and pull up. Cut the stems of freshly picked daffodils to the desired length for conditioning. Place them in a clean container of cool water and a floral preservative. Leave them in the water for 3-6 hours when the sap stops flowing. Do not recut the stems before adding them to mixed flower arrangements.
Tulips have long been a favorite of gardeners and floral arrangers. Grow some taller varieties like Finola, Foxtrot, Silver Parrot Tulips and Negrita Double (longfield-gardens.com).
Gardeners growing tulips strictly for cutting will plant the bulbs in trenches and treat them as annuals. The first-year bloom is always the biggest, but you can enjoy them cut and try for a second and third year of flowers. Just cut the stems short and leave at least two to three leaves on the plant to create and store energy for next year’s bloom.
Harvest tulips when the buds are just starting to show color for the longest vase life. Wait for double and parrot type tulip buds to be fully colored but not yet open. Remove the whole plant, bulb and all, if you do not plan on saving the plants for the following year. Store the tulips upright with the bulbs attached. Cut and rehydrate the stems in water just before arranging.
Wrap the stems in brown paper if they are cut in the garden or when you rehydrate the stems and set them in several inches of cool water for 12-18 hours. Keep in mind tulips continue to grow after cut so plan for this when creating your arrangements.
Harvest hyacinths for cutting as you did tulips. Pull the whole plant, bulb and all, out of the ground if you are growing them as annuals for cutting. Otherwise, cut only the stem and leave all the leaves behind if you want the bulbs to bloom again next year.
Include a variety of alliums in your planting plans this fall. Alliums’ long and sturdy stems make them easy to harvest and arrange. Purple Sensation, Mount Everest, drumstick allium and Allium atropurpureum make excellent additions for floral bouquets.
Cutting and arranging flowers is a wonderful way to bring the beauty of your garden indoors. The more you do it, the easier it gets, and you’ll soon be sharing your flowers with friends, neighbors, family, coworkers, and everyone who stops by to admire your gardens.
—————
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 was commissioned by Longfield Gardens for her expertise to write this article. Her website is MelindaMyers.com.
This fall plant an array of spring flowering bulbs to brighten your garden and bouquets. There are plenty of daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and alliums that will delight with an assortment of flower colors and sizes that will bloom throughout the spring.
Include animal resistant double, bicolor, and split cup daffodils that provide unique beauty and impact in floral arrangements. Create a simple bouquet with just a few stems of daffodils or an elegant arrangement of single and double flowered varieties.
Harvest daffodils when the buds show color and are perpendicular to the stem like a goose’s neck. Don’t worry about the sap daffodils exude, shortening the life of the other cut flowers in the arrangement.
Properly conditioning the daffodils will eliminate the risk to your other spring favorites
Consider wearing gloves as some people report itching or rashes when handling these plants. Use your hands to harvest daffodils for the longest stems possible and to reduce sap released from the stem. Reach into the base of the flower stem, thumb pointed down and pull up. Cut the stems of freshly picked daffodils to the desired length for conditioning. Place them in a clean container of cool water and a floral preservative. Leave them in the water for 3-6 hours when the sap stops flowing. Do not recut the stems before adding them to mixed flower arrangements.
Tulips have long been a favorite of gardeners and floral arrangers. Grow some taller varieties like Finola, Foxtrot, Silver Parrot Tulips and Negrita Double (longfield-gardens.com).
Gardeners growing tulips strictly for cutting will plant the bulbs in trenches and treat them as annuals. The first-year bloom is always the biggest, but you can enjoy them cut and try for a second and third year of flowers. Just cut the stems short and leave at least two to three leaves on the plant to create and store energy for next year’s bloom.
Harvest tulips when the buds are just starting to show color for the longest vase life. Wait for double and parrot type tulip buds to be fully colored but not yet open. Remove the whole plant, bulb and all, if you do not plan on saving the plants for the following year. Store the tulips upright with the bulbs attached. Cut and rehydrate the stems in water just before arranging.
Wrap the stems in brown paper if they are cut in the garden or when you rehydrate the stems and set them in several inches of cool water for 12-18 hours. Keep in mind tulips continue to grow after cut so plan for this when creating your arrangements.
Harvest hyacinths for cutting as you did tulips. Pull the whole plant, bulb and all, out of the ground if you are growing them as annuals for cutting. Otherwise, cut only the stem and leave all the leaves behind if you want the bulbs to bloom again next year.
Include a variety of alliums in your planting plans this fall. Alliums’ long and sturdy stems make them easy to harvest and arrange. Purple Sensation, Mount Everest, drumstick allium and Allium atropurpureum make excellent additions for floral bouquets.
Cutting and arranging flowers is a wonderful way to bring the beauty of your garden indoors. The more you do it, the easier it gets, and you’ll soon be sharing your flowers with friends, neighbors, family, coworkers, and everyone who stops by to admire your gardens.
—————
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 was commissioned by Longfield Gardens for her expertise to write this article. Her website is MelindaMyers.com.
Sunny, Dry Weather Increases Fire Risk, Especially Up North
Michigan’s greatest fire risk is usually in the spring, but downed wood from the March ice storm in northern Michigan forests and a forecast string of dry days mean people need to be careful with fire through the fall.
“We had a dry fall last year and many fire runs,” said Jeff Vasher, resource protection manager for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “We want to remind people to be careful and always keep fire safety in mind when they are burning, riding off-road vehicles or enjoying other outdoor activities.”
People are responsible for starting nine out of 10 wildfires, and nearly all of these could have been prevented.
Risk is heightened in the northern portion of the Mitten where an epic ice storm in March left tons of wood from snapped trees and broken branches on the ground. Despite massive cleanup efforts, some areas of state and private forests are still clogged with debris.
“Downed wood has been drying out all summer and it can catch fire easily,” Vasher said. He suggests chipping wood debris rather than burning it, if possible.
If you do need to burn, keep these safety tips in mind:
• Before burning yard debris, see if burn permits are being issued or if weather conditions allow for safe burning. Check the burn permit page or call 866-922-BURN (866-922-2876) for more information.
• Keep debris piles small. A large pile can burn for hours.
• Build your campfire in a metal ring or pit. Never leave a fire unattended, even for a moment. When you're done, thoroughly douse the fire with water, stir and douse again.
• Taking a trailer up north? Ensure tow chains don't drag and cause sparks, which can light a fire along the road’s edge.
• Avoid using heavy machinery like lawnmowers in dry areas. Don’t park an ORV or other vehicle on dry grass, as a hot exhaust system can ignite the grass.
Learn more about fire prevention online at michigan.gov/dnr/education/safety-info/fire.
“We had a dry fall last year and many fire runs,” said Jeff Vasher, resource protection manager for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “We want to remind people to be careful and always keep fire safety in mind when they are burning, riding off-road vehicles or enjoying other outdoor activities.”
People are responsible for starting nine out of 10 wildfires, and nearly all of these could have been prevented.
Risk is heightened in the northern portion of the Mitten where an epic ice storm in March left tons of wood from snapped trees and broken branches on the ground. Despite massive cleanup efforts, some areas of state and private forests are still clogged with debris.
“Downed wood has been drying out all summer and it can catch fire easily,” Vasher said. He suggests chipping wood debris rather than burning it, if possible.
If you do need to burn, keep these safety tips in mind:
• Before burning yard debris, see if burn permits are being issued or if weather conditions allow for safe burning. Check the burn permit page or call 866-922-BURN (866-922-2876) for more information.
• Keep debris piles small. A large pile can burn for hours.
• Build your campfire in a metal ring or pit. Never leave a fire unattended, even for a moment. When you're done, thoroughly douse the fire with water, stir and douse again.
• Taking a trailer up north? Ensure tow chains don't drag and cause sparks, which can light a fire along the road’s edge.
• Avoid using heavy machinery like lawnmowers in dry areas. Don’t park an ORV or other vehicle on dry grass, as a hot exhaust system can ignite the grass.
Learn more about fire prevention online at michigan.gov/dnr/education/safety-info/fire.
