4/09/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - Permits are now available for collecting fuelwood for personal use on select state forest land in Michigan's Upper and northern Lower peninsulas. A permit costs $20 per household (limit one per year) and allows the collection of up to five standard cords . In the 12 northern Lower Peninsula counties affected by the March 2025 ice storm, the limit is 10 cords. All wood must be dead and downed, collected within 200 feet of a road. Permits can be purchased online at mdnr-elicense.com, in person at DNR customer service centers or select forestry field offices, or by mail. Permits are valid for 90 days from issue and all expire December 31st. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Fuelwood.

4/09/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is recommending a one buck limit in future hunting season maybe starting as soon as 2027.  The DNR and Natural Resources Commission (NRC) have established Upper and Lower Peninsula Deer Advisory teams to recommend changes for the 2027 hunting season.  Another recommendation is reducing the muzzleloader season from 10 days to three days and reducing the season-long buck tags from two to one.  Michigan has seen a 31% decrease in firearm deer hunters since 1995.  The NRC will meet again on Wednesday, May 13, in Gaylord, MI.

4/09/2026

N. WISCONSIN - Wisconsin lawmakers are considering passing a law that would legalize medical aid-in-dying across the state. Mentally competent adults with less than six months to live would be able to request medication to end their life. Supporters say the law includes safeguards and gives people autonomy and relief from unnecessary suffering. Critics argue that life should always be preserved. Chris Riley with the nonprofit Compassion and Choices, notes the proposal largely mirrors the organization’s model bill.

                    0:12  "And with this legislation in particular, there is no residency restrictions. We believe that residency restrictions are unconstitutional because we also acknowledge that individuals often cross state lines to access health care."

Similar legislation has been introduced in Wisconsin multiple times since the 1990s but has never advanced to a hearing. Illinois recently became the first state in the Midwest to authorize medical aid-in-dying. Riley says this could create momentum for neighboring states.