This month, I decided to write about the licensing needs and the changes of regulation during Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order. Many people have been asking about what licenses are needed during this stay-at-home order and how to obtain them. During this stay-at-home order, many people are still choosing to burn with a burn ban in effect. Please remember that, as the COVID-19 situation is changing, the state’s plans are also adapting to help keep the public safe.

As many know, the stay-at-home order still allows people to engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, or any activity where you can remain six feet away from another person. That is getting many people out fishing, riding off-road vehicles, and hiking, but there is some confusion regarding licensing.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources waived the need for Recreation Passports at all the state parks during the stay-at-home order. If you are participating in outdoor activity that requires a license, however, LICENSES ARE STILL REQUIRED. For example, an angler would still need a fishing license to fish, an ORV still needs license to operate off private property, etc. Please remember that most licenses expired March 31, so please get your 2020 licenses to be legal.

Also, all other regulations still apply.

Many people are asking how they are supposed to get licenses, since a lot of the stores that usually sell them are closed because of the stay-at-home order. Some license vendors, such as gas stations, and other essential stores are open that sell licenses. To look up license vendors, please refer to the DNR website. The DNR is recommending that the public purchase licenses using the online system, mdnr-elicense.com. If you are not able to use the internet, you can still purchase licenses at the essential stores that are open.

The burn ban was placed into effect because resources and personnel are needed elsewhere. The fire supervisor of the DNR Forest Resources division stated that “we need to make sure our emergency response resources are available where they are needed at this time. Less open burning means less potential for escaped fires, and that means staff can deal with other, more critical needs.”

As we all know, fire spreads very fast. Therefore, the ban has been put in place. This time of year is also prime wildfire season. There are many people not checking the burn permit website where the burn status is listed. That is illegal, and a citation could be issued for burning without a permit. Campfires that are contained in a pit or ring are still legal, but open burning is not.

Please stay healthy and follow the governor’s executive order that was put in place to keep us safe. Remember that people still need the required licenses (except the Recreation Passport needed to enter the state parks) and they are available to purchase at some essential stores and online.

Jessie Curtis is a conservation officer assigned to Alpena County. If you have a question for Conservation Officer Curtis, you can email her at askaconservationofficer@gmail.com or mail your questions to Ask A Conservation Officer, CO Jessie Curtis — Alpena Field Office, 4343 W. M-32, Alpena, Michigan, 49707.