July 2023 Michigan Lakes and Streams Newsletter Tidbits

Statewide Fire Risks and Air Quality Concerns
Michiganders know our weather can change on a dime. That's true when it comes to fire-related risk, too, especially now with drought conditions in much of the state and air quality being dramatically affected by smoke from Canada wildfires. We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and arming yourself with information is key:

• Visit Michigan.gov/DNR/FireAlert to see the MesoWest Great Lakes Fire & Fuels map where you can check fire risk locally or in an area you plan to visit, and get details on burn permits and other helpful resources. 
• The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services this week issued guidance on air quality precautions and also recommended that people use AirNow.gov's online tool to check air quality by location.

Fireworks refresher: Tips for fire-safe July 4th fun
As you make Independence Day plans, prepare for fun and safety, too. Care with campfires and fireworks is critical, as Michigan continues its run of unusually dry weather that puts fields and forests at risk for wildfire.
If you choose to use fireworks over the July Fourth holiday, the following tips can help avoid injuries or sparking a wildfire.
Do:

• Supervise kids with fireworks and sparklers. Keep fireworks away from your face.
• Use fireworks only on a flat paved or gravel surface. Spray down the area with water before you start and when you're done.
• Toss used fireworks and sparklers into a bucket of water.
• Keep a water source ready to spray embers from fireworks.

Don’t:

• Try to reignite “dud” fireworks that don’t go off. Wait 15 minutes, then place them in a bucket of water.
• Launch fireworks into forests or fields where dry grass or leaves could ignite.

Aerial fireworks such as Roman candles and bottle rockets are not allowed at Michigan state parks, harbors or trails. Smaller novelty fireworks such as fountains, sparklers and ground spinners are permitted in campgrounds. Sky lanterns are also not allowed on DNR-managed public lands. They leave wires that can entangle wildlife and foul equipment, and they have the potential to start wildfires.
So far this season, DNR firefighters have responded to more than 230 wildfires. Get wildfire prevention tips at Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires and check to see if it’s safe to burn brush and leaves at Michigan.gov/BurnPermit.
We discussed Fireworks in the Summer 2020 issue of The Michigan Riparian magazine:
“Effects of Fireworks on Inland Lakes: A Primer” by Dr. Jennifer Jermalowicz-Jones

Stay DRY on the water this holiday weekend
Conservation officers will have an increased presence on Michigan waterways July 1-3 as part of Operation Dry Water, a national law enforcement campaign to promote sober boating.
There's good reason for the effort. According to the most recent U.S. Coast Guard report, alcohol remains the primary contributing factor in recreational boater deaths. Alcohol impairs a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time, and can increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion. Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion – elements common to the boating environment – intensify the side effects of alcohol, drugs and some medications.
Nationally, law enforcement officers contacted 350,472 boaters, made 794 boating under the influence arrests, and issued 45,067 citations and warnings for safety violations during last year's Operation Dry Water campaign.
The DNR encourages boaters to ride only with a sober operator who has a valid boater safety education certificate. Learn more about boating safety or sign up for a boater safety course.

Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week is July 2-8
Ahoy, boaters! Ready for Michigan’s 10th annual Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week?
This year it runs July 2-8 and features outreach events at more than 50 sites across the state. Michigan’s Invasive Species Program partners and volunteers will be reminding boaters to “clean, drain, dry” their boats and trailers before getting back on the road.
Boaters and anglers need to know that state law requires removal of plants and debris from watercraft and trailers; removal of drain plugs; and draining of bilges, ballast tanks and live wells before any watercraft is transported. Remembering to “clean, drain, dry” also helps prevent the spread of invasives like starry stonewort and zebra and quagga mussels.
Michigan’s AIS Awareness Week events support the Great Lakes AIS Landing Blitz, spreading the word about aquatic invasive species prevention throughout the Great Lakes states and Canadian provinces. It's sponsored by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy's Water Resources Division in partnership with the departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture and Rural Development, federal agencies and private and nonprofit organizations.
Get involved with AIS Awareness Week and the AIS Landing Blitz and learn about preventing the spread of invasive species at Michigan.gov/Invasives.