The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has developed an online interactive map that highlights the state’s 2015 wildfires and prescribed burns — each more than 10 acres in size — to help mushroom hunters in their quest for morels.
“Morel mushrooms are often found in locations where large fires occurred the previous year,” says Jim Fisher, resource protection manager for the DNR Forest Resources Division. “Each spring we get calls from people who are seeking details on those sites to hunt morels. We’ve enhanced the features of this map to give our customers the information they are looking for in a mobile-friendly, easily accessible package.”
The map provides forest cover type information, latitude and longitude coordinates and state-managed land boundary information, but not necessarily where morels are currently growing.
“While the map may provide details on the cover type that was burned, it’s up to the user to investigate whether morel mushrooms are growing at any location on the map,” Fisher says. “Just because a spot is marked on the map, it doesn’t mean morels will be growing at the area identified.”
Fisher also says proper collection techniques encourage new mushroom growth the following year.
The map can be found here. More information on safe mushroom hunting can be found here.
