With planting and gardening season underway, the Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service today issued a reminder that it is illegal to plant food plots on public land.

Food plots, which are commonly used on private land to attract wildlife, including game animals, are not allowed on public land for a variety of biological and sociological reasons.

"Unauthorized food plots on public land pose risks such as invasive species introduction, disturbance of endangered species, and destruction of archaeological sites," said Lt. Creig Grey, DNR Law Enforcement supervisor in Roscommon.

"Additionally, food plots work against the socially accepted concept of first-come, first-served hunting on public lands," Grey said. "Trying to subvert the ban on baiting and feeding deer in the Lower Peninsula by planting food plots on public land is not only illegal, it encourages disputes that could devolve into hunter harassment."

State land use regulations prohibit the destruction, damage, or removal of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses or other vegetation. The use of motorized vehicles off of designated roads or trails is also not allowed. Fines and penalties for these violations vary depending on the county in which they take place.

On National Forest land, it is illegal to introduce seeds, fertilizer, potting soils, chemicals or other substances, and the use of mechanized vehicles that disturb the land, wildlife or natural vegetation, such as tractors, tillers or lawnmowers, is prohibited. Violations are tried in federal court and carry a maximum fine of $5,000 or six months in jail or both.

"Please report violators or the location of food plots on National Forest lands to U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officers at any Forest Service location," said USFS public and government affairs officer Kenneth Arbogast.

Food plot planting activity and locations on state land should be reported to the Report All Poaching (RAP) line at 800-292-7800.