IRON MOUNTAIN — Along with hunting, fishing and simple sightseeing, there’s another fall activity to keep in mind as the weather cools.

Tree planting.

“Fall planting can offer some advantages,” said Kevin Sayers, a Michigan Department of Natural Resources urban and community forestry coordinator. “Planting in cooler weather allows trees to establish roots even after leaves fall, and they’ll continue growing until the ground freezes.”

Conifers such as pine, spruce and fir and most broadleaf trees do well when planted in fall, although oak trees may struggle, according to DNR foresters.

When planting in fall, experts suggest adding a layer of mulch about 3 to 4 inches deep, avoiding the area directly around the trunk. This will act as a buffer, protecting the roots from the cold. Also, be sure to water adequately until the ground freezes.

You can learn more at https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/forestry/mi-trees.

The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board will meet in-person Wednesday in Vilas County. The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Manitowish Waters Community Center and Town Hall, 5733 Highway 51, Manitowish Waters.

The meeting can be viewed on the DNR’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPOfGQ9OJrc.

An agenda and more information can be found at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/About/NRB/2023/September.

The Michigan DNR reported this Upper Peninsula fishing activity:

Little Bay de Noc: Northern pike anglers reported mixed results and encountered fish both in the shallows and deeper waters. Anglers targeting yellow perch were contacting a few schools, but fishing was slow overall. Anglers fishing near drop-offs or in shallow areas near aquatic vegetation had limited results. Anglers targeting walleye reported slow action but anticipated fishing to improve as walleye transition into their typical fall patterns. Some salmon were reported in the tributaries.

Big Bay de Noc: Smallmouth bass anglers reported tough fishing conditions that made it difficult to stay on a good bite. However, anglers who were able to find fish reported catching quality-sized fish. Yellow perch fishing was slow.

Fairport: Anglers reported some perch activity, but success varied day to day.

Carp River/Nunns Creek: Both the Carp River and Nunns Creek were producing fish, but Nunns Creek was more popular.Anglers used lures such as jointed crankbaits or spoons while wading at Nunns Creek, though fresh spawn was equally as effective. At the Carp River, lures were much less productive than drifting spawn. Many anglers saw lots of Chinook while wading the Carp River but struggled to get them to bite.

Marquette: Anglers reported that the best place for catching lake trout was near the northeast side of the White Islands. Warm weather seemed to push fish back out into deeper waters. Anglers who were trolling in 120 to 180 feet of water caught the most lake trout near the White Islands, while anglers who trolled for lake trout around Granite Rock had the most luck trolling or jigging at around 120 to 200 feet of water. Anglers reported catching Chinook and coho salmon in 100 or more feet of water. Watermelon, silver and red multicolored spoons, cow bells, and bright green and blue flasher flies were good lures for lake trout while gold spoons, lime or green crank baits, and moonshine glows were hot colors for salmon.

Au Train: Several anglers reported catching near their limit of lake trout. Fish were being caught in deeper water, with the best places for anglers to catch fish being near the northwest side of Au Train Island and out toward the Shelter Bay clay banks. Green spin and glows in around 80 to 120 feet were successful for lake trout by the clay banks. Anglers who were trolling or jigging in 70 to 120 feet of water or were trolling along the flats caught the most lake trout.

Keweenaw Bay/Huron Bay: Anglers were mostly catching lake trout, with some salmon species caught but in fewer numbers. Those who caught fish were trolling mostly with artificial lures and fished through all hours of the day.

Big Traverse Bay/South Portage Canal: Fishing pressure was down, but anglers were still catching good numbers of lake trout when targeting them. Most fishing was done with artificial lures such as spoons and flies.

Ontonagon/Silver City/Union Bay: Fishing was good from these ports, with anglers bringing in mixed bags of lake trout, coho salmon and the occasional brown trout.

Black River Harbor: Anglers had good luck fishing from the harbor, with good numbers of lake trout and an occasional coho or Chinook salmon being caught. Fish were caught by anglers in a variety of depths while trolling artificial lures. However, shallower waters seemed to yield slightly more success. Reports show that successful trips occurred at all times of day.

Munising Bay: Fishing pressure was low, with few boats making it out. Anglers had low success, with very few coho reported.

Grand Marais: Fishing pressure continued to be low. A few local boat anglers made it out, but success was very low for coho.