Forestry

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources conducts its 2026 state forest road inventory review, proposing additions, closures, and mapping corrections to reflect current conditions and maintain appropriate recreational access. Public feedback is encouraged through December 1 via Michigan.gov/ForestRoads or email to DNR-RoadInventoryProject@Michigan.gov, with final decisions expected in February 2027.

The Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park Fuels Reduction Project has begun tree removal operations to reduce hazardous fuels in the wildland urban interface. The thinning effort, which underwent public review and received a formal decision notice in July, aims to reduce fire risk while maintaining public safety and wildlife habitat throughout the winter.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources warns of elevated wildfire risk in the Upper Peninsula despite recent containment efforts. DNR firefighters have battled the Rugged Terrain Complex fires, including the Ridge Fire, Craig Lake Fire, and Black River Fire, totaling nearly 1,400 acres. Residents are urged to obtain burn permits and follow fire safety precautions.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is using drone-mounted infrared cameras to locate residual fire activity across the Rugged Terrain Complex fires in the Upper Peninsula. Deputy Incident Commander Jennifer Hansen and DNR Fire Specialist Keith Murphy report that suppression efforts are winding down, with firefighters now focusing on mopping up hot spots and monitoring containment lines across the Ridge, Craig Lake, and Black River fires.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Marquette County Sheriff's Office lifted the "Ready" evacuation status for residents near the Ridge Fire, located 10 miles northwest of Marquette, as containment reached 50%. Recent rain, cooler weather, and infrared drone data enabled firefighters to establish containment lines and reassess evacuation protocols.

Officials confirmed lightning strikes caused the Black River Fire and Craig Lake Fire within Michigan's Rugged Terrain Complex wildfires in the Upper Peninsula. Deputy Incident Commander Jennifer Hansen explained how investigators use burn patterns and charring analysis to determine fire origins. The Ridge Fire's cause remains under investigation.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is managing three major U.P. wildfires—Ridge Fire, Craig Lake Fire, and Black River Fire—as the Rugged Terrain Complex for improved coordination and efficiency. With 97 firefighters assigned and substantial rainfall reducing fire behavior, crews focused on equipment rehabilitation and patrolling while maintaining public and firefighter safety as the top priority.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources continues battling the Ridge Fire (434 acres, 30% contained) and Craig Lake Fire (604 acres, 50% contained) in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The DNR also assumed management of the Black River Fire from the U.S. Forest Service, which is 50% contained at 382 acres near Wakefield.

Rain overnight and Tuesday provided relief for firefighters battling the Ridge Fire (450 acres, 20% contained) and Craig Lake Fire (600 acres, 20% contained) in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The DNR confirmed a lightning strike caused the Craig Lake Fire, while the Ridge Fire's cause remains under investigation. Despite lower fire activity, rain created hazards including muddy terrain and slippery exposed rock, with fires burning deep in the duff layer.

The State of Indiana Tree Nursery program is now accepting spring orders for native trees grown at Vallonia State Tree Nursery and Jasper-Pulaski State Tree Nursery. Orders can be picked up at either location or delivered to your address.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources warns of high wildfire risk in the Upper Peninsula due to warm, dry weather and strong winds expected this weekend. Fire prevention specialist Paul Rogers advises obtaining burn permits and exercising caution with equipment and campfires as drought conditions extend fire mop-up times.

Michigan will implement a firewood quarantine effective January 1, 2027, prohibiting untreated firewood from outside the state. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Michigan Invasive Species Program announced the measure to prevent invasive pests and plant diseases, while launching an Invasive-Free Firewood Certification Program.

Michigan's DNR is accepting public comment on amendments to its 10-year State Forest Management Plan through October 12, following a devastating March 2025 ice storm in the northern Lower Peninsula. DNR forest planning specialist Dan Heckman noted the once-in-a-century storm significantly impacted the region and required plan revisions to address damaged timber and tree-planting needs.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks lands in Madison County are under Stage I fire restrictions, prohibiting campfires and open flames except in specific circumstances. The restrictions apply to fishing access sites, wildlife management areas, and state parks and remain in effect until further notice due to dry conditions and fire danger.

FWP has implemented fire restrictions on lands in Granite, Mineral, and Powell Counties in west-central Montana, while Missoula and Ravalli Counties have lifted all restrictions. Stage 2 restrictions prohibit campfires, smoking in most areas, and internal combustion engine operation during peak hours, while Stage 1 allows only established fire grates.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks lands in Jefferson County will implement Stage I fire restrictions beginning August 15, prohibiting campfires and open flames except in specific circumstances. The restrictions follow Jefferson County's lead and remain in effect until further notice due to dry conditions and fire danger.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks lands in Granite and Mineral Counties will implement Stage 2 fire restrictions beginning August 13-14, prohibiting campfires, smoking in most areas, and operating internal combustion engines during peak hours to mitigate wildfire danger.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks lands in Beaverhead County will implement Stage I fire restrictions beginning August 13. The restrictions prohibit campfires and open flames unless exempted, with limited smoking and cooking allowances. FWP urges recreators to exercise caution due to dry conditions and fire danger.

The U.S. Forest Service announced a consolidation of national wildfire management authorities under Deputy Chief Sarah Fisher, effective immediately. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz delegated all fire and aviation authorities to strengthen operational efficiency, clarify reporting roles, and establish direct accountability for wildfire response and aviation operations across the agency.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions on all FWP-managed lands in Lake County beginning August 7, 2026, following similar restrictions by Lake County and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Campfires are prohibited except in designated steel fire grates at FWP sites.