Ontonagon Conservation District

09/18/2026

Tomorrow through next week, conditions permitting, U.P. Fire and Aviation Management Unit fire personnel plan to conduct prescribed fire operations on the Ottawa National Forest. Based on current weather forecasts, tomorrow is looking favorable to start operations at the Watersmeet Office.

Units being considered through next week include: Watersmeet Office (6 acres), 1300 Railroad (39 acres), 6950 (17 acres)

Smoke may be visible from the highway, forest roads, and trails. Take care if driving near the area where operations are occurring and smoke is present. Signs will be posted close to units.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/miotf-2026-upper-peninsula-fire-and-aviation-mana%E2%80%A6

Map: https://usfs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?
appid=0b202f990a244b669a85acff82bc66c5

09/18/2026

09/14/2026

09/13/2026

09/12/2026

Have you had your septic system inspected in the last 3 years?

Your septic system may be out of sight, but a little regular care can help prevent costly repairs, protect drinking water and the environment.

Need a place to start?
Join a free webinar for homeowners Monday, Sept. 14 at 3 p.m.
Learn how to care for your system and how to prevent problems. ➡ https://www.nowra.org/news/septic-smart-week-webinar-september-14

Find septic system resources: michigan.gov/SepticSmart

09/11/2026

See it, squish it!​

Spotted lanternfly (SLF) has been spotted in Berrien County, which is the first detection of the invasive pest in West Michigan. ​

While SLF is NOT a threat to people or animals, it can damage specialty crops. ​

Reporting sightings of SLF helps us track its spread. Learn how you can help based on where you live in Michigan: https://go.mi.gov/9h0463335

09/11/2026

09/11/2026

𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
Boaters: if you’re heading out on the water for the Labor Day holiday weekend, please be aware of wild rice.
Here are a few steps you can take to avoid impacting wild rice.
– Do not drive through wild rice beds.
– If traveling through a bed can’t be avoided, minimize propulsion, use the same path going in and out of the bed and avoid turning the boat around inside the bed.
– Use push poles to minimize damage to wild rice plants.

Learn more about wild rice in Wisconsin on the DNR's Wild Rice Harvesting webpage, where you'll also find a map of wild rice waters: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/rice

📸 Minong Flowage, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

09/11/2026

Volunteers needed!

Community members interested in supporting local food systems use the contact information on the flyer to get involved.

09/10/2026

Another exciting opportunity to learn!

Register using the QR code or the following link:
https://pears.io/events/msuext/10234/