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Top News

Duck Lake Fire, Luce County, May 25, 2012

DNR Urges Caution as Wildfire Season Returns to Michigan One out of three wildfires in Michigan is caused by someone burning debris who didn't take the proper precautions or get a burn permit. Fire safety is everyone's responsibility, so please be safe and smart when it comes to fires. Get fire-prevention tips and guidelines, obtain a burn permit and more at www.michigan.gov/preventwildfires.

Elk and Bear Applications Now Available! Have you dreamed of hunting one of Michigan's largest mammals? The elk and bear application period is open now through June 1. To increase your chances, you can also apply for the Pure Michigan Hunt - each $4 per application gives you a chance to be one of three winners of a prize package valued over $4,000. Apply now anywhere licenses are sold or online at www.mdnr-elicense.com.

Public meetings to discuss Forest Management Plans The Department of Natural Resources will host public stakeholder meetings to discuss and get important feedback on several aspects of the DNR's draft Regional State Forest Management Plans. To find a meeting near you, or more information about the draft plans, visit www.michigan.gov/regionalforestplans.

Archaeology crew members in action at Colonial Michilimackinac

Apply Now for Summer Positions at State Parks, Visitor Centers, Historic Sites Persons looking for a summer job working in the great outdoors, can apply to become a state worker at one of Michigan's state parks, visitor centers, historic sites, harbors, or boat launches.

The Proud Robin declaring "It's Great to Live in Michigan" is perched atop the Mackinac Straits Bridge.

Michiganology Store Looking for unique one-of-a-kind Michigan documents, photographs and maps? If so you've found the right place Browse our collection and bring home your own piece of Michigan's history.

Balls of brightly colored yarn with crochet hooks crisscrossed through them.

Knitters Needed! Participate in the "yarn bombing" of the Michigan Historical Center and Museum Come to a Stitch Lab or find out more at www.michigan.gov/museum.

Programs like the DNR’s First Time Camper make it easier for adults to get comfortable in Michigan’s state parks and forests and pass on the tradition to their own kids.

Heading outdoors? Michigan conservation officers share safety tips. Follow the link to tips for a safe outing in Michigan's outdoors.

Young girl holding her fish at the end of her fishing line

2013 Summer Free Fishing Weekend set for June 8 & 9 Get outside and go fishing as part of the annual Summer Free Fishing Weekend! For two days all fishing license fees will be waived so residents and out-of-state visitors can enjoy fishing for all species of fish during their respective open seasons. Please note all regulations still apply during that time. The DNR welcomes you to become a part of the tradition, so get outside and have some fishing fun!

Learn about the restructuring of hunting/fishing licenses

The 2013-14 Executive Budget for the DNR includes a proposal to raise the cost of hunting and fishing license fees as part of a plan to improve the state's fish and game habitat and hire additional conservation officers. License fees have not increased since 1997. Learn how this additional investment will aid the DNR in delivering better outdoor recreation experiences to Michigan residents and visitors.

Press Releases

• DNR makes it easier to find family-friendly fishing locations in Michigan A new section of the DNR website will help inexperienced anglers find great spots to go fishing in Michigan. The Family Friendly Fishing Waters section of the website will connect interested individuals with local fishing opportunities.

• Fishing season kicks into high gear with multiple openers for the Upper Peninsula The Department of Natural Resources would like to remind anglers to get ready for the fishing seasons that opened this Wednesday, May 15. The Upper Peninsula seasons for walleye, northern pike and muskellunge; and the catch-and-immediate-release bass season for all Upper Peninsula waters including the Great Lakes, inland waters and St. Marys River all opened on May 15.

• Enjoy Michigan's Summer Free Fishing Weekend June 8 and 9 The Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone the annual Summer Free Fishing Weekend is scheduled for Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9. On that weekend, everyone ? residents and non-residents alike ? can fish without a license, though all other fishing regulations still apply.