Family-Outdoors

Cougar evidence now confirmed in the U.P. 26 times since 2008 The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has confirmed two recent photos of a cougar in the eastern Upper Peninsula, marking the 25th and 26th times cougar evidence has been verified in the U.P. One of the photos was taken with a camera phone in late October on private property near Chippewa County’s Raber Township. The other was taken in early November by a trail camera on public land in Mackinac County near Garfield Township. With the verification of these two photos, the DNR has now confirmed the presence of cougars in 11 Upper Peninsula counties 26 times since 2008. The animals are believed to be young individuals dispersing from established populations in the Dakotas in search of new territory; there is no evidence of a breeding population of cougars in the state. The DNR’s Wildlife Division welcomes citizen reports of possible cougar evidence or sightings. Cougar photos and other evidence - such as tracks, ...

Image via Wikipedia 15 Trails in the Upper and Lower Peninsula Will Be Groomed This Winter Jan. 6, 2012 Due in large part to volunteers and donations, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is happy to announce that of the 27 cross-country ski trails located throughout the state forests, 15 will be groomed this season. The remaining 12 trails will be available for un-groomed cross-country skiing. Many of the un-groomed trails will have plowed parking lots. "Unfortunately outdoor recreation is not immune to the overall budget problems in the state," says Lynne Boyd, chief of the DNR's Forest Management Division. "We are lucky to have the support of local volunteer groups and skier donations to help groom the trails. Their support, along with a small grant program, means we are able to help Michigan remain a winter wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts." In the Upper Peninsula the following trails will be groomed: Algonquin in Chippewa C...