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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.

Living with Bears It's that time of year when we tend to see more bears, as they wake up from their winter hibernation. Black bears are generally fearful of humans, but they are attracted to food sources like bird feeders, trash cans, pet food and grills. To learn more about black bears, including how to prevent bear problems at your home or while camping and what to do in case of a bear encounter, visit www.michigan.gov/bear.

Woman standing in the river fly fishing.

In Michigan, you're never more than six miles from a body of water. There are 153 different species of fish in our state, and several ways to catch them. And if you want to fly fish, Field & Stream Magazine ranked Michigan #1 to do just that. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/fishing.

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.

2013 Emergency Dredging Community Toolkit The State of Michigan strategic Emergency Dredging Plan for the 2013 boating season.

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.

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.

Most fawns, though by themselves, have not been abandoned. According to the DNR, people are more likely to see baby animals alone in the springtime, and it's best to leave them right where they are.

DNR advises leaving wildlife in the wild As springtime brings an increase in sightings of baby animals, the Department of Natural Resources reminds Michigan that it's best to leave baby animals in the wild. Fawns and other baby animals may seem to be abandoned, but usually they're not, and they are better off left alone.

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.