10/10/2025

UPPER MICHIGAN - The Michigan Natural Resources Commission was presented with the results of this year’s aerial moose survey at a meeting in Houghton Thursday.   The core moose estimate declined from 2025 to 300 moose down from 426 in 2023 according to the report.  To investigate what could be limiting moose population growth, a research collaboration is ongoing. It is made up of the Michigan DNR, Northern Michigan University and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. This group captures and gives moose GPS collars. Using the collars, the team monitors adult moose behavior, calf survival and moose deaths.  The core survey area spans the central U.P., from the Baraga Plains to Marquette, and is broken up into high-density and low-density areas.  The survey is conducted every two years.

10/10/2025

N. WISCONSIN - A draft master plan by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is now at a public comment state. The Master Plan covers the 9500 square mile North Central Forest, which includes 20 counties including Iron, Price and Vilas Counties. The plan is a blueprint for future resource management, public use, and development of DNR-managed properties within the forest. The public is asked to submit comments through an online input form accessible on the DNR’s North Central Forest Regional Master Plan webpage. There are also public meetings planned, including one in Rhinelander and one in Park Falls in November. Find more information at www.dnr.wisconsin.gov

10/10/2025

MADISON - Wisconsin Democrats revealed two new bills yesterday to pump $80 million into higher education in Wisconsin.  The first bill would put $40 million into a Tuition Promise Grant Program. The money would go toward students’ tuition in the UW System or at technical colleges for families with a household income of under $71,000.  The second bill would provide $40 million for student success and retention for the UW System and technical colleges.  However, both pieces of legislation require Republican support to pass, and will therefore likely face significant hurdles.