Share or view as webpage  |  Update preferencesNews ReleaseSept. 19, 2023 Invasive spotted lanternfly: See it. Squish it. Report it. Now is the prime time to be on the lookout for the invasive spotted lanternfly! Late summer to early fall is the most likely season to spot the colorful planthoppers, and the departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture and Rural Development are urging Michiganders to report any potential sightings of these destructive invasive pests.“We’ve heard reports of spotted lanternflies swarming New York City and covering beaches on the Jersey Shore. We’d like to prevent similar scenarios in Michigan,” said Rob Miller, MDARD’s invasive species prevention and response specialist. “Everyone can help by looking for spotted lanternfly and reporting suspected sightings.”The spotted lanternfly spreads to new locations by hitchhiking or laying eggs on vehicles and equipment that have traveled through infested areas. If you are returning from out of state, it’s important to look for and destroy spotted lanternfly insects and egg masses that may be hiding on cars, trailers, firewood, camping gear or anything that’s been outside.The Michigan Invasive Species Program’s new campaign – “See it. Squish it. Report it.” – reminds Michiganders and visitors of the simple steps they can take to prevent new introductions of spotted lanternflies in the state.“If you see a spotted lanternfly, yes, we really do want you to squish it if you can. Then, take a photo or two and report it to us through the online Eyes in the Field reporting system,” said Miller. “It’s important to get to know what the spotted lanternfly looks like, though, because we don’t want to target harmless native insects with pretty wings.”Billboards along major freeways and print material available through Michigan’s cooperative invasive species management areas were developed with support from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.How to spot the spotted lanternflyTake a few minutes to become familiar with spotted lanternfly life stages.Adults are roughly 1 inch long. Their folded wings are gray to brown with black spots. Open wings reveal a yellow and black abdomen and bright red hind wings with black spots, transitioning to black and white bands at the edge. Most visible August through October.Egg masses resemble old chewing gum, with a gray, waxy, putty-like coating. Hatched eggs appear as brownish, seed-like deposits. Most visible September through May.Nymphs are about 1/4  inch to 1/2 inch long. They are wingless and beetle-like, first appearing black with white spots and developing red patches as they mature. Most visible May through September.Be aware of look-alikesPublic reports to Eyes in the Field have helped identify some insects commonly mistaken for the spotted lanternfly.Several native moth species have red underwings, but their upper wings are striped or mottled.Some insects have spotted wings that are translucent or differ in color from spotted lanternfly adults.Common insects including boxelder bugs and red milkweed beetles have similar colors and patterns as spotted lanternfly nymphs, but their shapes are distinct.To better identify spotted lanternfly life stages and rule out look-alikes, VISIT the spotted lanternfly look-alike page. Status in Michigan Currently, there is one confirmed population of spotted lanternflies in Michigan. The infested site, a county-owned parcel in Pontiac, is being managed by a team including Oakland County, MDARD, Michigan State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service staff. Management includes treatment and/or removal of invasive tree of heaven – spotted lanternfly’s preferred host – and regular survey and monitoring of the insect population. Extensive surveys in August found no evidence of spotted lanternfly spreading beyond the originally infested site.Why be concerned?The spotted lanternfly feeds on more than 70 different plants, including grape vines and hardwood trees. It sucks sap from host plants while secreting large amounts of a sugar-rich, sticky liquid called honeydew. This honeydew and the resulting black sooty mold can kill plants and foul surfaces. The honeydew often attracts other pests like yellow jackets, flies and ants, affecting outdoor recreation and complicating crop harvests. Swarms of spotted lanternfly adults can reach nuisance levels that hinder outdoor activities.More information on the spotted lanternfly, including identification, look-alike species and how to report, is available at Michigan.gov/SpottedLanternfly.Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Department of Natural Resources; and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development./Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows. Billboard: These “See it. Squish it. Report it.” campaign billboards are showing up along Michigan freeways.SLF hand: Spotted lanternflies are more likely to be seen with wings folded. Look for grey to brown wings with black spots, and black-striped wing tips. Photo courtesy of MDARD.SLF wings: Adult spotted lanterfly’s bright wing coloration is hidden when wings are closed. Photo courtesy of Robert Gardner, Bugwood.org.SLF egg mass: Spotted lanternflies may lay egg masses on vehicles, outdoor furniture or other items that can be transported to new areas, leading to new infestations. Photo courtesy of Emilie Swackhammer, Penn State University, Bugwood.org.SLF early nymph: Early stage spotted lanternfly nymphs are black with white spots on their bodies and legs. Photo courtesy of Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State University, Bugwood.org.SLF late nymph: Late stage spotted lanternfly nymphs are red and black with white spots on their bodies and legs. Photo courtesy of Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State University, Bugwood.org./

FOR more info visit https://www.michigan.gov/invasives/id-report/insects/spotted-lanternfly

Just a reminder as the recreation sports change from snow to dirt. ORV Highway right-of-ways (ROW) are closed until May 1 this is where the trail runs legally on the side of Highways, MI-TRALE has several ROW’s LL Route in the town of Watersmeet by the Casino on US45, LL Route in the town of Paulding on US45, ES Route south of Lake Gogebic on US2, OR & NR Route in the town of Ontonagon along M64 and the P Trail in the town of Bergland along M28.

Ottawa National Forest has seasonal roads which are closed until May 16 this includes P Trail north of the town of Bergalnd & LL Route in in Paulding through the woods. Use the Ottawa National Forest MVUM maps or our free map app Michigan UP Trails, you can touch the trails to find the seasonal designation

Keep it safe, ORV riders

A friendly reminder to off-road vehicle operators to keep it safe while riding this holiday weekend and into the colder seasons.“Conservation officers see an increase in riders during holidays and on the weekends. Please keep the extra traffic in mind when you’re taking a turn and going over a hill,” said the DNR’s Cpl. Mike Hearn. “ORV accidents often happen when people get caught up in the moment of riding and keep increasing their speed, aren’t familiar with the terrain or their machines capabilities, or take a turn, hill or jump too fast without knowing what’s on the other side.”Speed and rider inexperience are the primary contributing factors for ORV accidents, serious injuries and death. Make sure to Ride Right and keep these tips in mind:Ride on the right side of the trail.Keep lights on when riding.Always wear a helmet.Ride sober.Understand and operate within the limits of your ORV and your own capabilities and experience.For more ORV safety and trail etiquette information, go to Michigan.gov/RideRight. Find places to ride, rules and regulations, ORV events and more at Michigan.gov/ORVinfo. Questions? Email Cpl. Mike Hearn.

Get your MI-TRALE Route Maps from our sponsor local businesses or at https://mi-trale.org/atv-orv/maps/

Ottawa National Forest -Planning on exploring the Forest on your OHV? Be sure to stop by any of the National Forest Offices and pick up your free Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). Motor Vehicle Use Maps show the designated roads, trails, and areas for motorized use. Know before you go!

Whether you want to wind through the woods Of Ontonagon, Iron, Houghton and Gogebic Counties, or go the distance anywhere in Michigan, or just share the outdoors with friends and family, it’s time to set your sights on 365 days of off-road adventure. ORV license and trail permits are valid for one year, which begins April 1 and ends March 31 of the following year. You can get your Permit sticker here:

Help Fight the Bite in Michigan!

As any UP Michigan resident knows, ticks and mosquitoes are quite the nuisance. But more than just an annoyance, they can also spread many illnesses to people. Preventing bites from ticks and mosquitoes is the key step in avoiding these illnesses.

Ticks

The two types of ticks that most commonly bite people or pets in Michigan are the deer (black-legged) tick and the wood (dog) tick. A third type of tick that can bite people or pets in Michigan the lone-star tick, is less common. Bites from all three of these ticks(link is external) can make you sick. In Michigan ticks can spread anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Borrelia miyamotoi(link is external), ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Powassan virus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tularemia. Illnesses spread by ticks can be prevented if you take the proper steps.

Mosquitoes

Not all of the 50+ species of mosquitoes in Michigan bite humans, but many of those that do can spread diseases. In Wisconsin, mosquitoes can spread Eastern equine encephalitis, Jamestown Canyon virus, La Crosse encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, and West Nile virus. There are also illnesses that you can get from mosquitoes when you travel outside of the United States. Some of these diseases are chikungunya, dengue, Japanese encephalitis(link is external), yellow fever, and Zika virus. Illnesses spread by mosquitoes can be prevented if you take the proper steps.

Ticks 101:

• Basics. Ticks are arachnids, related to spiders, mites, and scorpions. In Wisconsin, there are three types of ticks that spread disease: the deer (black-legged) tick, the wood (dog) tick, and the lone star tick. The deer tick spreads the most illnesses in Wisconsin. Most people get sick from a tick bite in the spring, summer, or early fall, when ticks are most active and people are outdoors.
• Life Cycle. There are four different phases in a tick life cycle. This cycle includes egg, larva, nymph, and adult stages. During this life cycle, which can last up to three years, the tick will have three blood meals and usually feeds on small mammals, birds, and deer. Ticks feed by biting into the skin of a host and, while they are attached, illnesses can be spread. Once a tick is attached to a host, it will feed for 3–5 days. Usually only nymphs and adult female ticks are able to spread illnesses.
• Habitat. Ticks live in wooded areas and areas with high grass. Ticks do not jump or fly and usually stay close to the ground to find a host. They crawl onto animals or people as they brush against leaves or grass and then will attach to the host for a blood meal. A warmer and wetter climate can increase the risk of getting an illness from a tick. In Wisconsin, this has created favorable conditions for ticks to survive in more areas of the state, and made the active tick season longer.
• Prevention. The best way to avoid getting sick from a tick is to prevent bites in the first place. There are many ways to prevent tick bites, including doing daily tick checks, wearing insect repellent, and wearing appropriate clothes when you are outdoors. 

Mosquitoes 101:

• Basics. Mosquitoes are a type of fly. In Michigan, there are many types of mosquitoes, but only some types can spread illnesses. Most people who get sick from a mosquito bite will become ill in the summer and early fall. This is when mosquitoes are most active and people are outdoors.
• Life Cycle. Mosquitoes have a life cycle that includes four different stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs on or near water, and the eggs hatch after coming into contact with the water. After hatching, the larvae will feed until they have enough energy to change into pupae. The pupae then grow into adult mosquitoes, the only flying stage. Only adult female mosquitoes bite humans and other animals to get blood meals, after which they lay their eggs on or near water, starting the cycle again. The life cycle of a mosquito usually takes two weeks. However, it can range from four days to one month.
• Habitat. Mosquitoes live in areas with slow-moving or stagnant water, as well as forests, marshes, and tall grasses. Mosquitoes fly and land on animals or humans to bite the host’s skin and consume blood. Warmer and wetter climates can increase the risk of getting an illness from a mosquito. In Wisconsin, climate change has created favorable conditions for mosquitoes to survive in more areas of the state, has made the mosquito season longer, and allows infected mosquitoes to spread diseases faster.
  In general, mosquitoes can be divided into two different types based on the habitats where they lay their eggs: standing water mosquitoes and floodwater mosquitoes. Most mosquito eggs need small amounts of water to hatch and develop into adult mosquitoes. For more information on the mosquito life cycle, and how to prevent mosquitoes around your home, please visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website.(link is external)
• Prevention. The best way to avoid getting sick from a mosquito is to prevent bites in the first place. There are many ways to prevent mosquito bites, including wearing insect repellent and wearing appropriate clothes when you are outdoors. 
  

ATTENTION ALL MOTORIZED TRAIL MAINTAINERS: and PROPERTY OWNERS:

DO NOT PRUNE OAK TREES BETWEEN APRIL 15 AND JULY 15.

Click here for an online map showing active areas of Oak Wilt  à OAK WILT MAP 

Help prevent the spread of oak wilt:   

Know what to look for; 

• Avoid pruning or wounding oak trees between April 15 and July 15;  
• Use caution when grading and performing routine maintenance on Michigan’s Trails System 

 The following guidelines against pruning and preventing damage to oak trees can help prevent the spread of the disease. 

• Red oaks are especially vulnerable; can die within weeks of infection 

• Contact a local DNR forest health specialist for more information 517-284-5866. 
• Contact your local Forestry Assistance Program forester for a site visit in select counties. 
• Seek verification from Michigan State University. Find instructions at canr.msu.edu/pestid or call 517-355-4536. 
• Get help from an oak-wilt qualified specialist. Visit MichiganOakWilt.org for a listing and more information. 

We are fast approaching the 2026 Riding season and here are a few things to remember. All this information and more is in the MI-DNR OHV Handbook

• Ride Only Where Permitted. Stay on the trail – they are marked for a reason. Rocks, fencing and barbed wire are just a few examples of what could be hidden in the under growth or the snow.
• Be considerate of others on the trail and “Ride Right”.
• Always yield to uphill traffic. Uphill traffic may have difficulty starting again if stopped.
• Slow down when someone is passing you.
• When you see non-motorized trail users coming from the opposite direction; please slow down, pull over. Yield right of way to bikers, hikers, and Horses.

• Leave gates as you find them.
• Report downed tress and trail maintenance needs to landManagers.
• Report Illegal riding by calling or texting 1-800-292-7800.
• Always carry out what you carry in. Leave no trace – pack it in; pack it out. If you see litter, please pick it up.
• If you love Michigan’s trails, get involved and join MI-TRALE!

We are fast approaching the 2023 Riding season and here are a few things to remember. All this information and more is in the MI-DNR OHV Handbook

OHV Rider Safety Rules and Tips

• Respect riding conditions and trail closures.
• During firearm deer season (Nov 15-30) a person cannot operate an ORV in an area where public hunting is permitted from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.
• During snowmobile season (Dec. 1-March 31), it’s preferred that ORV riders use trails and/or open roads not open to snowmobiles.
• ORVs are not legal on snowmobile trails located on private and federal lands. Know where you are.
• Snowmobile trail groomers lay smooth paths for snowmobiles. If you encounter a groomed snowmobile trail, it’s imperative that you ride slowly or choose another trail, so you don’t undo the work of trail groomers or inadvertently tear up the trail.
• Make sure that you are riding trails with an ORV confidence marker.
• ORVs can tear up terrain easily (even when the ground is frozen). Reckless and careless operation are civil infractions, including fishtailing, doing donuts, locking up the brakes and riding in a manner that causes environmental damage.
• Be sure your vehicle is in good mechanical order and has fuel for the ride.
• Wear protective clothing for the environment you will be traveling in.
• Always use a helmet and goggles to protect yourself from road debris and twigs.

• Do not remove or replace factory muffler or air box. All machines must have a spark arrestor to operate on MI Trails.
• Make sure your lights work properly-ride with lights on for safety (some states like WI require lights on while moving).
• Ride at a safe speed.
• Ride Right. Stay Right on Trails and Authorized riding areas.

• Ride sober and safe.
• Ride with a group.
• Operate within the limits of your ORV and yourself.
• Only transport a passenger when the ORV has been manufactured to carry a passenger (2 Up). Aftermarket add-ons do not permit a passenger to ride on/in a machine legally. Refer to the manufacturer’s user manual for clarification.
• Stay on the trail an ensure the area you intend to ride is open to ORV activity.
• Stay off state highways (those designated as M or US).

Be Prepared

• Expect the Unexpected-Severe Weather, Illness, Injury Mechanical Failure or being Lost
• Know your terrain and be prepared to adjust for changing environmental conditions.
• Carry First Aid kit, Current Maps, GPS and Cell Phone.
• Create a ride plan and share it with others. A ride plan includes the times and locations you will be riding, along with check-in points.
• Tell Someone where you are traveling and with whom and when you will return.