DNR - Spring 2003

In a final rule issued recently by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), the gray wolf (Canis lupus) was federally reclassified from endangered to threatened. This follows a similar action taken by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in 2002. This move was in response to a gray wolf population that has been at or above federal recovery goals in recent years.

Once distributed throughout the state, the Michigan gray wolf population has been reduced dramatically over the last 150 years. A combination of European werewolf mythology, fairy tales, views that wolves were incompatible with civilization, and active predator control programs throughout the 20th century virtually eliminated the gray wolf from Michigan by the 1960s. The species remained unprotected in Michigan until it was given full legal protection in 1965. The federal government listed the gray wolf as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1973.

Section 4(f) of the ESA requires the FWS to develop a recovery plan for all species listed under the ESA, except in cases where such a plan will not promote conservation of the species. Prepared in 1978 and revised in 1992, the FWS Recovery Plan for the Eastern Timber Wolf called for a stable Minnesota population of between 1,250 and 1,400 wolves and a Michigan/Wisconsin population of at least 100 animals for five consecutive years. Both the Minnesota and Michigan/Wisconsin populations have been above recovery goals since 1998, prompting the FWS to move ahead with reclassification.

Prior to that rule, the gray wolf was listed as endangered throughout the U.S. and Mexico, except in Minnesota (where it was listed as threatened) and in two Nonessential Experimental Populations (NEP) in the Rocky Mountains. NEP’s are those considered by the FWS to be not essential to the survival of the gray wolf. Introduced populations often fall under this designation. The new rule establishes three gray wolf Distinct Population Segments (DPS) in North America. A DPS is a listed entity; a Gray Wolf DPS is treated like any other listed species. A DPS differs from a specific species listing in that it is usually described geographically rather than biologically.

The three DPS include: 1) the Eastern DPS, which includes the Northeastern and upper Midwestern states; 2) the Western DPS, which includes the Pacific Northwest and surrounding states; and 3) the Southwestern DPS, which includes a few Southwestern states and extends into Mexico. Each DPS includes a gray wolf recovery program in its core, as well as adjacent areas where wolves are currently not found, except for the occasional dispersing animal. Because the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic areas of the United States occur outside the historic range of the gray wolf, these areas have been delisted; they are no longer included in any of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections for the gray wolf.

What does this mean for Michigan’s wolves? As in the past, it remains unlawful to pursue, harass, or otherwise harm gray wolves in Michigan, the exception being in self-defense or defense of another person. The primary impact of the new federal ruling is the ability of the state to more actively manage our wolf population. With reclassification from endangered to threatened, gray wolves in Michigan are now subject to a special regulation under section 4(d) of the ESA. This section grants state and tribal natural resource agencies authority to kill wolves that have killed or attacked domestic animals, if there is a likelihood of repeated depredations. Additionally, tribes may now salvage dead wolves for traditional cultural use without a federal permit. A similar policy has been in effect in Minnesota since the mid-1980s. This policy has allowed Minnesota to remove depredating wolves from the population, thus greatly reducing domestic animal losses while not impacting the continued growth of the population.

The comeback of the gray wolf in Michigan is a remarkable wildlife success story. Estimated at 20 animals in 1992, Michigan’s gray wolf population has grown to 278 animals in 2002, and the 2002-2003 winter count is expected to be even higher. While state and federal endangered species laws have helped make this comeback a reality, the most important factor has been the willingness of Michigan’s citizens to accept the gray wolf as part of our natural heritage. This continued public support for wolf recovery is critical as our wolf population continues to grow.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking the public to report any sightings of osprey in southern Lower Michigan, particularly in the areas of the Maple River north of St. Johns, and Kensington Metropark near Brighton. For the last five years, the Natural Heritage Program has transferred osprey chicks from the northern Lower Peninsula (LP) to south-central Michigan in a reintroduction effort. Osprey once lived throughout Michigan. Loss of habitat and the use of DDT and other pesticides are two major factors that led to their decline in the southern region of the Lower Peninsula. Osprey are currently listed as threatened in Michigan.

After fledging, the young ospreys migrate to South America to winter. Once they have reached 2-3 years of age, males often return to their natal area to nest. Ospreys primarily nest in the northern LP and Upper Peninsula (UP) with a few nests in southwestern Michigan. They return from their wintering grounds around the first week of April. Last year, ospreys released in prior years returned and fledged young at both the Maple River State Game Area (SGA) and at Kensington Metropark.

As a continuation of the project, four to six chicks will arrive at Stoney Creek Metropark in Macomb County and a site near Barry SGA in Barry County in early July to be raised and released—a process known as “hacking.” In order to conduct the hacking program, chicks are removed from northern Michigan nests when they are approximately 5 weeks old. At least one chick is left in each nest. They are then raised at the release sites in specially designed housing units until they are approximately 8 weeks of age, when they are old enough to fledge (fly) and learn to catch fish on their own.

Hopefully, a population will begin to develop in southern Michigan and begin to expand along rivers and other floodings. Relocated osprey will be marked with a silver metal band on one leg and a green metal band with an alpha-numeric code on the other leg.

Please report only those osprey observed in the southern part of Lower Michigan. Useful information includes location, time, activity (flying, fishing, etc.), and markings. It is especially important to note if the bird is banded and, if possible, the number on the band. The osprey program is funded through the DNR Nongame Fish and Wildlife Fund and Federal Wildlife Grant Funding.

This summer, the DNR will be hosting guided tours at six of Michigan’s 80 natural areas. Natural areas are located throughout our beautiful state and range in size from less than one acre to 47,671 acres. They are recognized internationally as an important tool for managing ecosystems, associated natural resources, and safeguarding our natural heritage. Features used to identify natural areas include: size, uniqueness, pristine nature, aesthetic or scenic qualities, and outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation. We hope you will have an opportunity to explore one of these unique, irreplaceable areas. The DNR will provide tours at the following six natural areas:

Allegan Pine Plains (Allegan State Game Area)
May 17, 9:00 AM, Meet at the Game Area Headquarters
One of Michigan’s rarer habitat types, this is a contiguous area of oak savanna and dry prairie. Lupine is an important component of this system and acts as a host plant for the federally endangered and State threatened Karner blue butterfly.

Grand Mere (Warren Dunes State Park)
June 21, 1:00 PM, Meet at North Lake Park (Twp. Park)
The magnificent high-relief dunes in Grand Mere were formed approximately 10,000 years ago during the recession of glacial lakes. They are a natural phenomenon found nowhere else in the world.

Haven Hill (Highland Recreation Area)
October 11, 9:30 AM, Meet at Goose Meadow Parking Lot
This area features all of southern Michigan’s principal forest types within one small locale, including swamp forest of tamarack, cedar, beech-maple forest, oak-hickory forest, and mixed hardwood forest. Haven Hill Natural Area has remained largely undisturbed for the past 100 years and has retained its natural character as well as some unusual flora and fauna.

Jordan River Valley (Mackinaw State Forest)
August 16, 9:30 AM, Meet at the Dead Man's Hill Overlook Parking Lot
This area encompasses much of the headwaters area of the Jordan River, which has natural river status and was the first river in the state to be federally dedicated as a Wild and Scenic River. Because of its steep slopes (now covered with a mixed hardwood forest), many seeps and springs, poor soils and inaccessibility, this land reverted back to state ownership in the early 1900s. What once was discarded as wasteland is now one of our most beautifully forested landscapes.

Little Brevort Lake (Lake Superior State Forest)
August 2, 9:30 AM, Meet at the South Brevort Campground
This lake is the remnant embayment of a much higher post-glacial stage of Lake Michigan, and remains 45 feet above the current level of our Great Lake. A series of old, forested sand dunes forms an irregular ridge along the south edge of the area. The wooded areas include nearly every tree species common to northern Michigan, including two large hemlock trees estimated to be over 500 years old.

Tahquamenon Natural Area (Tahquamenon Falls State Park)
September 27, 9:00 AM, Meet at the Park Headquarters
This mostly undeveloped area is without roads, buildings, or power lines and is considered one of Michigan’s largest old-growth northern hardwood forests. It includes several inland lakes surrounded by peatlands, which provide habitat for moose.

Osprey Nest Relocated

An employee from Tri-County Electric of rural Mecosta County watched as a pair of Osprey created a nest high atop an electric transmission pole owned by Wolverine Power. The pair had tried for two years to make this location their home but struggled with adverse weather conditions. In 2002, they finally conquered the elements and finished a nest. Unfortunately, for the safety of the birds and the electric line, the nest would have to be removed.

Wolverine Power, understanding the importance of the nest, contacted a DNR Wildlife Biologist and together they agreed the nest could be relocated and that Wolverine would conduct the cumbersome move. Wolverine erected a 4-foot square nest platform at the top of a new utility pole in a nearby wetland. In subfreezing conditions, six crew members cautiously removed the 100 pound nest, which was constructed of wooden limbs and debris. They then placed the nest atop the new pole, which was grounded to prevent lighting strikes from harming the birds or nest.

We believe this is the first time an osprey nest has ever been relocated in Michigan, and the move seems to have been a success. When the osprey pair returns this spring, they will find a new address for their nest. With any luck, there will be some new osprey chicks in Mecosta County.

The Great Lakes region is home to many species of bats. Among the most common is the little brown bat (Myotis lucifigus), with a range covering most of the continent and extending as far north as any bat in North America.

The little brown bat is a small mammal, measuring 80-95mm (3.1-3.7 inches) from head to tail and weighing 6-12 grams (0.2-0.4 ounces). Its coat is an olive-brown to dark-yellowish brown on the back and paler underneath. The generic name Myotis, which means “mouse ear” in Latin, presumably comes from its mouse-like ears which measure 13-16mm (0.5-0.6 inches).

Little brown bats use echolocation to find and capture prey. They emit pulses of high frequency sound (20-130 kHz) that bounce off nearby objects. The bats then use the echoes to determine the object's distance, size, and shape. They feed primarily on aquatic insects, including mayflies, caddis flies, and stoneflies. They will also feed on other flies, wasps, moths, and beetles to supplement their diet. Typical summer foraging areas include forest edges, along streams and lakes, and sometimes in small cultivated fields. Young little brown bats can eat up to 1.8 grams of insects/night; lactating females can eat up to 3.7 grams of insects/hour due to increased energy demands.

Little brown bat habitat and behavior vary seasonally. Males and females typically spend the summers apart from one another. They come together again in early fall when courtship and mating are initiated. After mating, they’ll over-winter in moderately sheltered hibernacula, including caves, mine tunnels, and occasionally in hollow trees. Upon leaving their hibernacula in spring, females will form small groups and move to summer roosts where they bear and nurse their young. These nursing sites are typically used year after year. Young are typically born from early June through early July, and are usually capable of flight within 21 days. Little is known about the summer whereabouts of males, though they appear in common places such as caves, forests, and occasionally attics.

While considered a warm-blooded mammal, the little brown bat has the ability to withstand drastic changes in body temperature. This probably explains why summer nursery colonies can survive in areas where night temperatures reach near freezing and day temperatures are very hot. During times of rest, little brown bats enter a physiological state called torpor. As with hibernation, torpid bats experience reduced heartbeat, respiration, and body heat. Torpid bats can “awaken” within a relatively short time to feed, drink, or even switch positions on the roost.

While predation is not a problem for little brown bats, hundreds are killed each year by exterminators for taking roost in homes or other human dwellings. This is unnecessary, as sealing the point of entry after bats have left for the night is much cheaper, safe, and effective. The next time you look towards the sky at dusk, keep your eyes open – you may just catch a glimpse of a little brown bat!

Prescribed burning is a very important management tool for maintaining and enhancing grasslands. Fire has been an important natural part in the development and maintenance of grasslands, forests, and wetlands throughout history. Unfortunately, many of us view fire as a feared enemy that destroys everything in its path. Because of this, the use of controlled fires, such as prescribed burning, is underutilized as a management tool for improving wildlife habitats.

For thousands of years, tall grass prairies and open brushlands were kept free of trees by the occasional wildfires that cleared the landscape every two to 50 years. These fires were caused by lightning or set intentionally by Native Americans. They had discovered that fire killed woody plants, but encouraged fruit bearing shrubs and forage producing grasslands.

Present day research and experience have shown that prescribed burning can be an effective management tool. Prescribed burns are used most frequently to maintain and restore native grasslands. Prescribed burning can recycle nutrients tied up in old plant growth, control many woody plants and herbaceous weeds, improve poor quality forage, increase plant growth, reduce the risk of large wildfires, and improve certain wildlife habitat. Burning is also more cost-effective than other treatments like bulldozing, cutting, or chemicals.

Fire must be used under very specific conditions, using very specific techniques. Every prescribed burn should have a clear objective; it is necessary to evaluate the success of the burn. Objectives for a prescribed burn often include one or more of the following:

Burn objectives should be identified in the burn plan. The objectives help determine the necessary weather conditions, timing, and how hot the burn should be.

For both safety and legal reasons, certain precautions should be taken before a burn to prevent unnecessary concerns and danger. Notifying neighbors, fire departments, and local law enforcement officials should be part of the prescribed burning process. Working with the local fire department is crucial as local ordinances may require a permit be issued before burning occurs. A copy of the burn plan should be given to the local fire department as well.

There are many things to consider when planning for a prescribed burn. Burns need to be conducted by individuals who are experienced and trained in the use of fire. As a landowner, it is important to understand prescribed burning and its use. For instance, fire moves faster uphill than on a level surface, so the slope of the burn area must be taken into account.

When using fire it is important to plan for firebreaks. A firebreak is an area that will contain a fire within its boundaries. A plowed or disked strip, reaching down to mineral soil, is the most common method of establishing a firebreak. Sometimes, a mowed path, or a walking trail, can be used as a fire break. Firebreaks can also be planted to grasses and clovers so they can provide key food and cover to wildlife. For example, if an area is burned every five to seven years, the firebreak is disked up the fall before the burn. Then, after the spring burn, the firebreak is planted to grasses and clovers. Firebreaks should be at least 20 feet wide.

This article only details the importance of prescribed burning. It was adapted from Managing Michigan's Wildlife: A Landowner's Guide, which also provides additional information on equipment, timing, weather conditions, and burn techniques.