The earn-a-second-buck pilot program, if passed, would allow Michigan deer hunters to kill two antlered deer in the Lower Peninsula after, even after new limits.
(Ed. Note: This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. Visit the newsroom online: bridgemi.com.)
By Laura Herberg
Bridge Michigan
Hunters in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula may not have to be limited to killing just one buck a year after all. The state’s Natural Resources Commission is looking at an “earn-a-second-buck” pilot program that would allow up to two antlered deer to be killed.
But some hunters and commissioners are expressing concerns about the new deer-hunting program, which could begin during the 2027 season.
Department of Natural Resources officials presented details of the proposed “earn-a-second-buck” pilot program at the Natural Resources Commission meeting July 8. The commission, which is appointed by the governor to regulate hunting and fishing in the state, passed an amendment in May requesting that the department present a framework in July for the pilot.
Starting in the 2027 license year, hunters going out in the Lower Peninsula will be limited to killing one antlered deer, thanks to a “one buck rule” passed by the Natural Resources Commission in May.
If approved, the new combination deer-hunting license would let hunters bag an antlerless deer, plus one antlered or antlerless deer. If program participants report killing an antlerless deer in one of five designated Southern Michigan counties — Hillsdale, Kalamazoo, Barry, Ingham or Lapeer — then it would unlock the opportunity to purchase a special “second buck” bonus tag, which would let them kill a second antlered deer in the Upper or Lower Peninsula, potentially killing a total of three deer.
The stated goal of the program is to motivate more hunters to kill antlerless deer, which tend to be females. Since does are the ones that give birth, killing them is seen as a way to limit population growth, something officials say is needed in Southern Michigan, where deer are often hit by cars or found feasting on crops. It’s also a way to potentially appease hunters who don’t like the idea of being limited to only one antlered deer in the Lower Peninsula.
Multiple commissioners and hunters expressed confusion and concerns about the details of the earn-a-second-buck program. No public commenters expressed clear support for the plan.
“Think of the Mouse Trap game. That’s what a lot of this reminds me of,” said Dan Ulfig, a Michigan resident and hunter, during public comment. “It’s muddying the waters and it’s confusing to everyone.”
Ulfig and others say they are concerned some hunters would lie and say that they killed an antlerless deer, in order to get the bonus tag.
Under the proposed rules, hunters would not need to bring the deer to the DNR or even send in a photo. They would only need to prove that they bagged an antlerless deer by submitting a kill tag. Upon doing so, they would be sent a message saying that a conservation officer may follow up with them to verify their kill.
“There’s no entirely infallible way to do this,” said Brent Rudolph, the DNR’s deer specialist.
The department looked at other options, he said during the meeting, but ultimately decided “none of those systems provide 100% certainty that the deer was taken by a hunter, that the deer was taken when and where they said it was” but that these options would be more cumbersome for the hunter, and cost money and staff time for the department.
Rudolph said the department was told that if they required hunters to upload photos it would cost the department about $125,000 to move forward with the program. If it just allowed hunters to send kill tags, it would cost about $30,000 to move forward.
Hunters participating in the program would need to kill an antlerless deer in one of the designated counties in order to get the bonus tag, but they could kill antlered deer anywhere in the state. This had some hunters, and two commissioners — John Walters and Brandon Fewins — worried. They felt it would be difficult to track if changes to the number of antlerless deer killed were due to the earn-a-second-buck program or another new variable like the one buck rule.
But department officials weren’t concerned.
“We felt it was a bigger motivation to get people to take antlerless deer if they had more flexibility with where they could use that second buck tag,” Rudolph told Bridge Michigan.
Plus, he said, their data shows that most people who kill two bucks tend to do it in the same county.
A few public commenters urged the commission to push implementation of the pilot program back. Walters said he would be open to that.
“It’s not clear,” he said, referring to the program as laid out. “I think we need to really digest what we’re going to pass. And if we’re not ready to decide on it, then let’s push it back or not have it at all,” he said.
The commission is expected to vote on the details of the proposal at its Aug. 12 meeting. Rudolph said the logistics would need to be firmed up by then in order for the DNR to have enough time to get materials ready for hunting license sales on March 1.
By Laura Herberg
Bridge Michigan
Hunters in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula may not have to be limited to killing just one buck a year after all. The state’s Natural Resources Commission is looking at an “earn-a-second-buck” pilot program that would allow up to two antlered deer to be killed.
But some hunters and commissioners are expressing concerns about the new deer-hunting program, which could begin during the 2027 season.
Department of Natural Resources officials presented details of the proposed “earn-a-second-buck” pilot program at the Natural Resources Commission meeting July 8. The commission, which is appointed by the governor to regulate hunting and fishing in the state, passed an amendment in May requesting that the department present a framework in July for the pilot.
Starting in the 2027 license year, hunters going out in the Lower Peninsula will be limited to killing one antlered deer, thanks to a “one buck rule” passed by the Natural Resources Commission in May.
If approved, the new combination deer-hunting license would let hunters bag an antlerless deer, plus one antlered or antlerless deer. If program participants report killing an antlerless deer in one of five designated Southern Michigan counties — Hillsdale, Kalamazoo, Barry, Ingham or Lapeer — then it would unlock the opportunity to purchase a special “second buck” bonus tag, which would let them kill a second antlered deer in the Upper or Lower Peninsula, potentially killing a total of three deer.
The stated goal of the program is to motivate more hunters to kill antlerless deer, which tend to be females. Since does are the ones that give birth, killing them is seen as a way to limit population growth, something officials say is needed in Southern Michigan, where deer are often hit by cars or found feasting on crops. It’s also a way to potentially appease hunters who don’t like the idea of being limited to only one antlered deer in the Lower Peninsula.
Multiple commissioners and hunters expressed confusion and concerns about the details of the earn-a-second-buck program. No public commenters expressed clear support for the plan.
“Think of the Mouse Trap game. That’s what a lot of this reminds me of,” said Dan Ulfig, a Michigan resident and hunter, during public comment. “It’s muddying the waters and it’s confusing to everyone.”
Ulfig and others say they are concerned some hunters would lie and say that they killed an antlerless deer, in order to get the bonus tag.
Under the proposed rules, hunters would not need to bring the deer to the DNR or even send in a photo. They would only need to prove that they bagged an antlerless deer by submitting a kill tag. Upon doing so, they would be sent a message saying that a conservation officer may follow up with them to verify their kill.
“There’s no entirely infallible way to do this,” said Brent Rudolph, the DNR’s deer specialist.
The department looked at other options, he said during the meeting, but ultimately decided “none of those systems provide 100% certainty that the deer was taken by a hunter, that the deer was taken when and where they said it was” but that these options would be more cumbersome for the hunter, and cost money and staff time for the department.
Rudolph said the department was told that if they required hunters to upload photos it would cost the department about $125,000 to move forward with the program. If it just allowed hunters to send kill tags, it would cost about $30,000 to move forward.
Hunters participating in the program would need to kill an antlerless deer in one of the designated counties in order to get the bonus tag, but they could kill antlered deer anywhere in the state. This had some hunters, and two commissioners — John Walters and Brandon Fewins — worried. They felt it would be difficult to track if changes to the number of antlerless deer killed were due to the earn-a-second-buck program or another new variable like the one buck rule.
But department officials weren’t concerned.
“We felt it was a bigger motivation to get people to take antlerless deer if they had more flexibility with where they could use that second buck tag,” Rudolph told Bridge Michigan.
Plus, he said, their data shows that most people who kill two bucks tend to do it in the same county.
A few public commenters urged the commission to push implementation of the pilot program back. Walters said he would be open to that.
“It’s not clear,” he said, referring to the program as laid out. “I think we need to really digest what we’re going to pass. And if we’re not ready to decide on it, then let’s push it back or not have it at all,” he said.
The commission is expected to vote on the details of the proposal at its Aug. 12 meeting. Rudolph said the logistics would need to be firmed up by then in order for the DNR to have enough time to get materials ready for hunting license sales on March 1.
Spider Trolling
By Jack Payne
A light, warming breeze blew the few hairs I had on my neck. The morning was peaceful, the conversation uplifting and humorous at times. One rod screamed downward, and five lines became a tangled mess. While rare, a catfish will sometimes hit a spider-trolled rig, and then all bets are off.
But normally, this will not happen, and landing a fish or two at a time is never an issue. What is spider trolling, you might ask? Spider trolling means trolling with your rods off the bow.
We first started using this technique to catch winter crappie down south. Here in West Michigan, I have only seen it done once by another angler. I know of an angler on the east side of the state who spider trolls.
Spider trolling is not just a crappie technique. It works equally well on bluegills and walleye. Being honest with you, it just might be the best technique for summer panfish.
A simple fact of summer: a thermocline will develop in nearly every lake in the state. And most panfish will not go deeper than this depth. If your graph is tuned properly, the thermocline is easy to spot. Most of the lakes we fish are between 14 and 20 feet deep.
We locate pods or schools of fish using side scan. Without a side scan, watch your graph for suspended fish. Stagger the depths of your rods. Start with the deeper rods straight out. The outside rods can be shallower.
A rod tree is helpful, but if you’re just starting out, any rod holder will suffice. The reason for the spider trolling rack is that all your rods can be set so their tips are level with each other. This way, even the most subtle of bites will be spotted.
The basic rig starts off with a hi-vis line. Slide on an egg sinker, then tie on a barrel swivel. The egg sinker weight will vary from day to day, depending on the depth of your lures and the speed at which you are going. A must-do item, your lines must be vertical at all times.
Tie on a leader; we often use a fluorocarbon leader, but it's not really required. The leader can be 2-4 feet in length. Some anglers run two baits per line, others use one. Just starting out, maybe one bait per line would be easier.
This is where the fun begins. Anglers have a choice between a perch pounder, a mini worm harness rig, plastic tails such as the Charlie Brewer Grubs, flies, spiders, and teardrops. You can mix and match. It is your call entirely.
The best speed, well, that depends on the day and what baits you are using. When we target just bluegills, our speed will range between 0.3 and 0.5 mph. Summer crappie: we start at 0.5 mph and perhaps go up to a mile per hour. When we target both species, we use small mini worm harness rigs on three rods, and each rod has a combination of the Charlie Brewer Crappie Grubs, action tails/curly tails, and the Charlie Brewer Whirly Bee spinner. We generally run two plastics on each crappie rod.
Besides targeting the suspended fish at the thermocline, we also love following the deep edges of a weedbed. The beauty of spider trolling is twofold. First, your lures stay out in front of you. Second, you can follow just about any weedbed or follow any contour line. And you control your speed!
The worm harness rig looks like a crawler harness rig. We tie on two small hooks; a size 8 is a great compromise. The bottom hook starts where the upper hook ends. You really don't need any space between the hooks. Add a leaf worm, and you are set to go.
When we spider troll just for bluegills, we often slow to a crawl and hover over a school of fish. Spider trolling provides all the key elements for success: depth control, speed, and the ability to easily follow a school of fish.
Give it a try this year and stop in at Bob's Gun and Tackle Shop.
A light, warming breeze blew the few hairs I had on my neck. The morning was peaceful, the conversation uplifting and humorous at times. One rod screamed downward, and five lines became a tangled mess. While rare, a catfish will sometimes hit a spider-trolled rig, and then all bets are off.
But normally, this will not happen, and landing a fish or two at a time is never an issue. What is spider trolling, you might ask? Spider trolling means trolling with your rods off the bow.
We first started using this technique to catch winter crappie down south. Here in West Michigan, I have only seen it done once by another angler. I know of an angler on the east side of the state who spider trolls.
Spider trolling is not just a crappie technique. It works equally well on bluegills and walleye. Being honest with you, it just might be the best technique for summer panfish.
A simple fact of summer: a thermocline will develop in nearly every lake in the state. And most panfish will not go deeper than this depth. If your graph is tuned properly, the thermocline is easy to spot. Most of the lakes we fish are between 14 and 20 feet deep.
We locate pods or schools of fish using side scan. Without a side scan, watch your graph for suspended fish. Stagger the depths of your rods. Start with the deeper rods straight out. The outside rods can be shallower.
A rod tree is helpful, but if you’re just starting out, any rod holder will suffice. The reason for the spider trolling rack is that all your rods can be set so their tips are level with each other. This way, even the most subtle of bites will be spotted.
The basic rig starts off with a hi-vis line. Slide on an egg sinker, then tie on a barrel swivel. The egg sinker weight will vary from day to day, depending on the depth of your lures and the speed at which you are going. A must-do item, your lines must be vertical at all times.
Tie on a leader; we often use a fluorocarbon leader, but it's not really required. The leader can be 2-4 feet in length. Some anglers run two baits per line, others use one. Just starting out, maybe one bait per line would be easier.
This is where the fun begins. Anglers have a choice between a perch pounder, a mini worm harness rig, plastic tails such as the Charlie Brewer Grubs, flies, spiders, and teardrops. You can mix and match. It is your call entirely.
The best speed, well, that depends on the day and what baits you are using. When we target just bluegills, our speed will range between 0.3 and 0.5 mph. Summer crappie: we start at 0.5 mph and perhaps go up to a mile per hour. When we target both species, we use small mini worm harness rigs on three rods, and each rod has a combination of the Charlie Brewer Crappie Grubs, action tails/curly tails, and the Charlie Brewer Whirly Bee spinner. We generally run two plastics on each crappie rod.
Besides targeting the suspended fish at the thermocline, we also love following the deep edges of a weedbed. The beauty of spider trolling is twofold. First, your lures stay out in front of you. Second, you can follow just about any weedbed or follow any contour line. And you control your speed!
The worm harness rig looks like a crawler harness rig. We tie on two small hooks; a size 8 is a great compromise. The bottom hook starts where the upper hook ends. You really don't need any space between the hooks. Add a leaf worm, and you are set to go.
When we spider troll just for bluegills, we often slow to a crawl and hover over a school of fish. Spider trolling provides all the key elements for success: depth control, speed, and the ability to easily follow a school of fish.
Give it a try this year and stop in at Bob's Gun and Tackle Shop.
Michigan Has Two Fox Species. Have You Seen the Gray One?
While the red fox is familiar to many Michiganders, a smaller, more elusive relative — the gray fox — also calls our state home, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is hoping you can help pinpoint where this secretive species resides.
The DNR recently partnered with Northern Michigan University, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians and The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians to conduct a research project on both red and gray foxes, with some results suggesting gray foxes may be much rarer in Michigan than previously believed. To better understand their distribution across the state, wildlife researchers are launching a statewide effort to collect gray fox observations from the public.
If you've seen a gray fox, whether recently or years ago, the DNR wants to hear from you. Photographs are especially valuable because they help researchers confirm sightings and gain more clarity on where gray foxes are living in Michigan today.
"Gray foxes are one of Michigan's least understood mammals," said Cody Norton, DNR furbearer specialist. "By sharing sightings and photographs, residents can help us get a better sense of where these animals occur and provide information that will shape future research and conservation efforts.
Gray foxes are found throughout much of northern South America as well as North and Central America, including across Michigan, which is at the northernmost point of the species' range. However, declining trends across many Midwest and Northeast states have led to additional efforts to determine the status of gray fox populations and what factors may be causing declines.
In Michigan, gray fox detections from surveys designed for other species have detected very few occurrences of gray fox, mainly in the Upper Peninsula or southern Lower Peninsula.
Researchers hope public reports will help determine whether gray foxes are absent from certain areas, simply difficult to detect or occupy habitats that traditional wildlife surveys may miss.
“We've learned that gray foxes often live closer to people than many realize," said Tyler Petroelje, DNR Upper Peninsula research specialist. "They use structures such as garages, sheds and outbuildings near wooded areas. Because of that, community scientists may be in the best position to help us understand where gray foxes are occurring. These observations can provide information we simply can't collect through traditional research methods.”
Since gray foxes share characteristics of red foxes, coyotes and even domestic cats, the DNR is particularly interested in reports accompanied by photographs to help wildlife biologists confirm species identification and observation locations. Because gray foxes often live near people, many of these images may come from trail cameras, doorbell cameras and home security systems.
Gray foxes can be distinguished from red foxes by their grizzled gray coat, black-tipped tail and reddish coloration on the neck, chest and legs. They are also one of the few members of the dog family capable of climbing trees like a cat, due to their semiretractable claws.
You can submit observations through the DNR Reporting system, Eyes in the Field. (The gray fox observation report is available for selection in the mammals category.) When submitting a report, please include photographs, observation details and contact information, for followup questions.
"Every gray fox sighting helps us better understand a species that has remained largely out of the spotlight," Norton said. “A single photograph or sighting may seem small, but when combined with reports from across the state, it can provide valuable insight into Michigan's gray fox population. Together, those observations can help shape the future of gray fox conservation.”
The DNR recently partnered with Northern Michigan University, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians and The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians to conduct a research project on both red and gray foxes, with some results suggesting gray foxes may be much rarer in Michigan than previously believed. To better understand their distribution across the state, wildlife researchers are launching a statewide effort to collect gray fox observations from the public.
If you've seen a gray fox, whether recently or years ago, the DNR wants to hear from you. Photographs are especially valuable because they help researchers confirm sightings and gain more clarity on where gray foxes are living in Michigan today.
"Gray foxes are one of Michigan's least understood mammals," said Cody Norton, DNR furbearer specialist. "By sharing sightings and photographs, residents can help us get a better sense of where these animals occur and provide information that will shape future research and conservation efforts.
Gray foxes are found throughout much of northern South America as well as North and Central America, including across Michigan, which is at the northernmost point of the species' range. However, declining trends across many Midwest and Northeast states have led to additional efforts to determine the status of gray fox populations and what factors may be causing declines.
In Michigan, gray fox detections from surveys designed for other species have detected very few occurrences of gray fox, mainly in the Upper Peninsula or southern Lower Peninsula.
Researchers hope public reports will help determine whether gray foxes are absent from certain areas, simply difficult to detect or occupy habitats that traditional wildlife surveys may miss.
“We've learned that gray foxes often live closer to people than many realize," said Tyler Petroelje, DNR Upper Peninsula research specialist. "They use structures such as garages, sheds and outbuildings near wooded areas. Because of that, community scientists may be in the best position to help us understand where gray foxes are occurring. These observations can provide information we simply can't collect through traditional research methods.”
Since gray foxes share characteristics of red foxes, coyotes and even domestic cats, the DNR is particularly interested in reports accompanied by photographs to help wildlife biologists confirm species identification and observation locations. Because gray foxes often live near people, many of these images may come from trail cameras, doorbell cameras and home security systems.
Gray foxes can be distinguished from red foxes by their grizzled gray coat, black-tipped tail and reddish coloration on the neck, chest and legs. They are also one of the few members of the dog family capable of climbing trees like a cat, due to their semiretractable claws.
You can submit observations through the DNR Reporting system, Eyes in the Field. (The gray fox observation report is available for selection in the mammals category.) When submitting a report, please include photographs, observation details and contact information, for followup questions.
"Every gray fox sighting helps us better understand a species that has remained largely out of the spotlight," Norton said. “A single photograph or sighting may seem small, but when combined with reports from across the state, it can provide valuable insight into Michigan's gray fox population. Together, those observations can help shape the future of gray fox conservation.”
Maintain the Flavor and Freshness of This Year’s Harvest
Cool-season root vegetables, like carrots, can be left in the ground longer in cooler climates for an even sweeter flavor.
Photo courtesy MelindaMyers.com
By Melinda Myers
Keep homegrown vegetables and those purchased at the farmer’s market fresh and tasting their best. Selecting and harvesting vegetables at their peak and storing them properly will provide maximum flavor and nutritional value from every bite.
Check the garden regularly and harvest vegetables as recommended for the best flavor and nutritional value. Look for harvesting guidelines from reliable sources like your local extension service.
Harvest ripe vegetables early in the morning for the best quality and when the plants are dry to avoid spreading disease. Take a basket or container large enough to accommodate the harvest to minimize stacking that can lead to bruising that shortens the storage life. Use a knife, snips or pruners for harvesting vegetables that can’t easily be removed from the plant. You’ll reduce the risk of damaging the plant during harvest. Move the harvest to a cool, shaded location or properly store to extend its shelf life.
When purchasing fresh vegetables from the farmer’s market, buy what will be consumed or preserved in the next few days. Canning, freezing and dehydrating excess produce is a great way to enjoy vegetables long after the harvest season has passed.
Regular harvesting keeps the plant producing. Do remove and compost those past their prime. Leaving them in the garden to rot attracts unwanted insects and increases the risk of disease.
Wait to wash vegetables until right before preparation. In the meantime, store them properly to help extend their shelf life. Onions, garlic, white and sweet potatoes and tomatoes are best stored out of the refrigerator. Onions and garlic lose their crispness; tomatoes turn mealy and they all can develop unsavory flavor and texture when exposed to cold temperatures. Store lettuce, greens, broccoli and its relatives, root crops and similar vegetables in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. Placing vegetables in perforated plastic bags provides cold moist conditions for the short term. Don’t use unperforated sealed bags that create too much humidity and condensation that can lead to mold and bacterial growth.
Thoroughly wash and rinse vegetables under running water right before preparation to remove dirt and pesticide residue. Use a small brush for potatoes, cucumbers or other vegetables with skins that contain nutrients and fiber. If you opt to immerse the vegetables in water, use a clean bowl as your sink drain may harbor microorganisms.
For longer term storage, match the storage temperature and humidity to the vegetables. Some vegetables like lettuce, other greens, and leeks prefer 32 to 41 degrees F and high humidity. Others, like cucumbers, snap beans and peppers, prefer a bit warmer temperatures, 45 to 55 degrees F and humid conditions. Pumpkins, winter squash and potatoes prefer a bit warmer temperatures at 50 to 60 degrees and lower humidity. Store dry garlic and onions at room temperature (65 to 70 degrees F) and out of direct sunlight.
Carrots, turnips, and parsnips are all cool-season root vegetables that thrive in cooler soil temperatures and can be left in the garden longer for an even sweeter flavor. Spread mulch around these plantings once the soil around the plants is cool to protect the plants from temperature extremes and make winter harvesting much easier. Finish harvesting before the ground freezes and damages the roots.
Enjoy the flavor and nutritional benefits fresh-from-the-garden vegetables provide. Then extend these benefits with proper handling and storage.
—————
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” streaming courses and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Her website is MelindaMyers.com.
Keep homegrown vegetables and those purchased at the farmer’s market fresh and tasting their best. Selecting and harvesting vegetables at their peak and storing them properly will provide maximum flavor and nutritional value from every bite.
Check the garden regularly and harvest vegetables as recommended for the best flavor and nutritional value. Look for harvesting guidelines from reliable sources like your local extension service.
Harvest ripe vegetables early in the morning for the best quality and when the plants are dry to avoid spreading disease. Take a basket or container large enough to accommodate the harvest to minimize stacking that can lead to bruising that shortens the storage life. Use a knife, snips or pruners for harvesting vegetables that can’t easily be removed from the plant. You’ll reduce the risk of damaging the plant during harvest. Move the harvest to a cool, shaded location or properly store to extend its shelf life.
When purchasing fresh vegetables from the farmer’s market, buy what will be consumed or preserved in the next few days. Canning, freezing and dehydrating excess produce is a great way to enjoy vegetables long after the harvest season has passed.
Regular harvesting keeps the plant producing. Do remove and compost those past their prime. Leaving them in the garden to rot attracts unwanted insects and increases the risk of disease.
Wait to wash vegetables until right before preparation. In the meantime, store them properly to help extend their shelf life. Onions, garlic, white and sweet potatoes and tomatoes are best stored out of the refrigerator. Onions and garlic lose their crispness; tomatoes turn mealy and they all can develop unsavory flavor and texture when exposed to cold temperatures. Store lettuce, greens, broccoli and its relatives, root crops and similar vegetables in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. Placing vegetables in perforated plastic bags provides cold moist conditions for the short term. Don’t use unperforated sealed bags that create too much humidity and condensation that can lead to mold and bacterial growth.
Thoroughly wash and rinse vegetables under running water right before preparation to remove dirt and pesticide residue. Use a small brush for potatoes, cucumbers or other vegetables with skins that contain nutrients and fiber. If you opt to immerse the vegetables in water, use a clean bowl as your sink drain may harbor microorganisms.
For longer term storage, match the storage temperature and humidity to the vegetables. Some vegetables like lettuce, other greens, and leeks prefer 32 to 41 degrees F and high humidity. Others, like cucumbers, snap beans and peppers, prefer a bit warmer temperatures, 45 to 55 degrees F and humid conditions. Pumpkins, winter squash and potatoes prefer a bit warmer temperatures at 50 to 60 degrees and lower humidity. Store dry garlic and onions at room temperature (65 to 70 degrees F) and out of direct sunlight.
Carrots, turnips, and parsnips are all cool-season root vegetables that thrive in cooler soil temperatures and can be left in the garden longer for an even sweeter flavor. Spread mulch around these plantings once the soil around the plants is cool to protect the plants from temperature extremes and make winter harvesting much easier. Finish harvesting before the ground freezes and damages the roots.
Enjoy the flavor and nutritional benefits fresh-from-the-garden vegetables provide. Then extend these benefits with proper handling and storage.
—————
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” streaming courses and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Her website is MelindaMyers.com.
New interactive Map Helps Tell the Story of Michigan's Forest Legacy Program
Perhaps your idea of a perfect Michigan day is listening for the bugle of an elk in the Pigeon River Country State Forest. Maybe it’s enjoying the rugged Lake Superior coast where the Crisp Point Lighthouse has stood sentinel since 1876. Or possibly you love the woods and waters of the Keweenaw Peninsula or breathtaking inland lake landscapes in the northern Lower Peninsula.
Whatever your pleasure, chances are that Michigan’s Forest Legacy program has had a hand in protecting several of these special places.
Michigan’s 10 Forest Legacy projects range from 160 acres in size to more than 147,000 acres and include important ecological spots in the northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula. All of these projects are now on display in a new, interactive story map.
“The Forest Legacy program allows us to identify forests that are important due to their natural beauty, unique geography or the benefits they provide for both people and wildlife,” said Kerry Heckman, assistant administrator in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' Forest Resources Division. “The program helps us protect and make these forests available for the public to use and enjoy forever."
—————
About the program
Forest Legacy is a competitive federal program that has allowed the DNR to acquire more than 238,000 acres of land for the public to use and enjoy through outright purchase or conservation easements.
Smaller tracts, such as the 160-acre Central Upper Peninsula Forest and the 200-acre Northern Wexford Forest, serve as important corridors to connect or consolidate state-managed public land.
The most recent project, Michigamme Highlands, is a working forest conservation easement that includes 73,063 acres in the Huron Mountains with forests, lakes, trout streams, wetlands and Michigan’s highest natural point, Mount Arvon. The easement provides for motorized and nonmotorized public recreational access and the protection of deer and moose habitat, and also ensures sustainable forest management to help support the forest products industry and local economies.
The federal government funds up to 75% of costs for chosen projects; 25% of the costs must come from private, state or local sources. DNR partners include commercial and private landowners, conservation organizations, citizen groups and Michigan Native American communities.
The interactive story map is a great resource to learn the details of each Forest Legacy project, where they are located, and the public recreational opportunities that each one offers.
Whatever your pleasure, chances are that Michigan’s Forest Legacy program has had a hand in protecting several of these special places.
Michigan’s 10 Forest Legacy projects range from 160 acres in size to more than 147,000 acres and include important ecological spots in the northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula. All of these projects are now on display in a new, interactive story map.
“The Forest Legacy program allows us to identify forests that are important due to their natural beauty, unique geography or the benefits they provide for both people and wildlife,” said Kerry Heckman, assistant administrator in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' Forest Resources Division. “The program helps us protect and make these forests available for the public to use and enjoy forever."
—————
About the program
Forest Legacy is a competitive federal program that has allowed the DNR to acquire more than 238,000 acres of land for the public to use and enjoy through outright purchase or conservation easements.
Smaller tracts, such as the 160-acre Central Upper Peninsula Forest and the 200-acre Northern Wexford Forest, serve as important corridors to connect or consolidate state-managed public land.
The most recent project, Michigamme Highlands, is a working forest conservation easement that includes 73,063 acres in the Huron Mountains with forests, lakes, trout streams, wetlands and Michigan’s highest natural point, Mount Arvon. The easement provides for motorized and nonmotorized public recreational access and the protection of deer and moose habitat, and also ensures sustainable forest management to help support the forest products industry and local economies.
The federal government funds up to 75% of costs for chosen projects; 25% of the costs must come from private, state or local sources. DNR partners include commercial and private landowners, conservation organizations, citizen groups and Michigan Native American communities.
The interactive story map is a great resource to learn the details of each Forest Legacy project, where they are located, and the public recreational opportunities that each one offers.
