Sled Dog Racing- A North American Tradition

Mushers at Au Gres Fun Run photo from M.U.S.H.

Sled dog racing is one of North America's oldest winter sports and can be traced back to the Eskimos and Northern Indians. They depend on teams of sled dogs for faithful companionship, assistance in hunting and as a sole means of transportation during the long winter months. In 1908, the first formal racing event the "All Alaskan Sweepstakes" was run from Nome to Candle and back, a distance of 408 miles, with a winning time of 119 hours, 15 minutes, 12 seconds.

In January 1925, Nome once again became the site of another historic race. Diphtheria was discovered and the supply of antitoxin was inadequate to avoid an epidemic. A reply of 22 native and mail teams forged through the rough interior of Alaska and across the frozen Bering Sea to deliver the serum on time. Sled dog teams have also aided exploration of northern frontiers by Byrd, Peary and Amundsen.

Artic breeds such as Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies are frequently used in sled dog racing but other breeds have also been used and crossbreeds are common. Belgian Tervurens, Border Collies, Labrador Retrievers and other breeds may be seen in many races together with their crossbred cousins. Often referred to as the Alaskan Husky – the Alaskan Husky is the hybrid sled dog.

The dogs of today's racing teams have strong, slightly arched backs, well-angled shoulders and a deep chest, denoting good lung capacity. Compact tough feet and a protective coat of hair aid the dogs. Size is also a very important factor with most racing dogs averaging 23 inches at the shoulders and weighing less than 55 pounds. An overweight dog, like an overweight person cannot run marathon distances at a competitive pace. Drivers favor dogs that are even-tempered, gentle and able to stand the pressures of a rigorous training and schedule. A sled dog may put in 2,000 miles in a training season and be transported in vehicles many thousands of miles over the coarse of a 3-month season.

Sled dogs are among the best cared for animals in the world. Because the sport is based on athletic performance, the Musher must be constantly alert to anything that might endanger the health of his or her dog team members. Many mushers use a balanced and fortified meat-based diet to provide the compact, highly digestible high quality protein and energy that the dogs need.

Mid Union Sled Haulers (M.U.S.H.) holds races throughout the state during the winter months. Western Michigan venues include Jan. 12-13 Fort Custer St. Pk., Jan. 19-20 Lost Lake Boy Scout Reservation, Farwell, MI, and Feb. 16-17 Wooden Nickel Memorial, Baldwin MI.

from Mid Union Sled Haulers, M.U.S.H.- see FAIR USE notice.
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Agriculture And Natural Resources Week - Not Just for Farmers

Agriculture and Natural Resources Week (ANR Week) continues to be one of the largest events of its kind in the nation. ANR Week 2008 provides a wide-variety of topics in areas such as agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources, i.e. Quiet Water Symposium, Michigan Wildflower Conference, Growing of Michigan's Organic Future, MSRBA Rabbit Show, Michigan Audubon Society and the 80th state convention of the Michigan FFA.

Foundations for the week were laid by the Farmers' Institute more than a century ago. In 1898, Michigan Agricultural College hosted the first state-wide Farmers' Institute "Round-Up." Agriculture Hall was completed in 1909 and a fourth floor auditorium provided the meeting place. Five years later the round-up combined with farm association meetings to become the first "Farmers' Week."

The topics of interest over 90 years has changed with the times. In the 1960's is was the space age, in the 70's is was science and cybernetics, and the 80's bought forth issues related to world hunger. In 1982, Farmers' Week became Farmers' Week and Natural Resources Days followed by another name change in 1985 to Agriculture and Natural Resources Week. The event now hosts more than 150 programs and annual association meetings.

For 35 of the first 50 years, a moving force behind Farmers' Week was Ralph W. Tenny, director of agricultural short courses. From 1924-1959 he guided the event which drew nation-wide attention. Another Farmers' Week pioneer was R.J. Baldwin, director of MSU's Cooperative Extension Service from 1914 to1948. Dean Ernest L. Anthony also played a stellar role in the first 50 years of history. The animal science building is named in his honor. The trio of MSU "elder Statemen" are but a few of the many leaders who have contributed to the half-century success of Farmers' Week. Thomas Thorburn served as general chairperson from 1978-1988 In 1989, Wilma Miller became the program coordinator for ANR Week and served through 1995. In 1996, Sandi Bauer became the program coordinator until 2007. Megghan Honke is the current program coordinator.

from Michigan State University, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
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Strong Arms - High Speed

Chris Klebl, a member of the U.S. National Disabled Nordic Ski Team, cruises down the back stretch of the sit-ski course photo by Dan Schneider/ Daily Mining Gazette

The U.S. National Disabled Nordic Ski Team will ski in the first race of the 2008 U.S. National Cross Country Skiing Championships. The races begin Tuesday in Houghton, Michigan.

A sit-ski has a custom molded seat attached with an aluminum frame to a regular pair of skis. The skis attach to the frame with various conventional bindings. International competition requires the seat to be 30 centimeters above the skis, but after that athletes are free to improvise.

"This is about it for us in the U.S., and there's what, six of us," said Sean Halsted, referring to himself and his teammates on the U.S. National Disabled Nordic Ski Team. Sean was injured while in the military in 1998, and at first thought he'd never be able to participate in athletics again. But he was introduced to sit-skiing in 2001 at a winter sports clinic offered by the Disabled American Veterans.

First he tried downhill skiing, but decided that he preferred Nordic style. At first, he admitted, he thought it looked impossible. Nordic Sit-skiers propel themselves exclusively with their arms, double-poling all the time.

California Polytechnic State University is studying the dynamics of sit-ski equipment, but little other scientific work has been done on the topic. Since there are so few sit-skiers, Halsted said, the sport does not have the benefit of commercial research and development.

Members of the U.S. national team will compete Tuesday with laps on the 2.8-kilometer course at the Michigan Tech Nordic Ski Trails. The race begins at 9 a.m. The men on the team — Chris Klebl, Bob Balk, Greg Mallory, Andy Soule and Halsted will race 11.2 kilometers. Monica Bascio, the one female member of the team, will race 8.4 kilometers.

from Mining Gazette, "Strong arms and high speed", Dec 31, 2007
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Bend, 1,2 Lift 3,4 - Reduce Stroke Risk

People who have good physical function after the age of 40 may lower their risk of stroke by as much as 50 percent compared to people who are not able to climb stairs, kneel, bend, or lift as well, according to research published in the December 11, 2007, issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

For the study, researchers examined 13,615 men and women in the United Kingdom from 1993 to 1997 who were between the ages of 40 and 79 and had not suffered a stroke, heart attack or cancer. Participants were then asked to complete a self-reported test on their physical function 18 months later that looked at how well they were able to climb stairs, carry groceries, kneel, bend and lift. Researchers monitored how many strokes were suffered in this group through 2005.

The study found that people who scored in the top quartile on the physical function test had a 50-percent lower risk of stroke than those with the lowest test scores. This finding remained unchanged after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, high blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, physical activity, social class, alcohol consumption and respiratory function.

The study also found for every increase of 10 points on the test, men had a reduced risk of stroke by 19 percent and women had a 29 percent lower stroke risk.

"People who reported better physical health had significantly lower risk of stroke," said study author Phyo Kyaw Myint, MRCP, with the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. "This is independent of the known risk factors for stroke in the general population."

Myint says people with poor physical function may represent a high risk population for stroke. "This physical function test may identify apparently healthy men and women at an increased risk of stroke who may benefit the most from preventative treatments."

Myint says it's also possible that poor physical function may reflect underlying health issues, such as chronic inflammation, which may lead to vascular disease. He says increasing physical activity and eating more fruits and vegetables, which has been associated with better physical function, may also help to reduce stroke risk.

a news release of the American Academy of Neurology , "Good physical function after age 40 tied to reduced risk of stroke", Dec 10, 2007
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108th Audubon Bird Count, Local Date - Jan 5, 2008

The tradition continues of counting birds across the Americas

Michigan Birds publication

Last season's Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is in the record books and the upcoming 108th Christmas Bird Count has begun, the field season for which began on Friday, December 14th, 2007 and runs through Saturday, January 5th, 2008. Please remember that the dates of the CBC period every season run from 14 December to 5 January; the count period was expanded and permanently set to these dates after the 100th Count.

Meanwhile, the 107th Christmas Bird Count summary issue of American Birds went to press in October, with articles including the release of the 2007 WatchList and a feature by Scott Weidensaul on how Christmas Bird Count results may help us track birds as they respond to global climate change. Other features highlight unique experiences and sightings during CBCs in Iowa and Ohio, as well as how CBC data help our understanding of the status of introduced doves in Florida. Additionally, as is the tradition the complete overall and Regional Summaries from all areas are included, with many photos submitted by compilers and participants.

Mason, Manistee, Lake and Oceana Counties are conducting their counts on January 5.

• In Manistee County contact Brian Allen, 231-723-7956, tanager@manistee.com
• In Mason County contact Carole Olson, 231-843-2905, caroleolson@charter.net
• In Lake County contact Bonnie and Janie Stout, 231-487-0198, stout@freeway.net
• In Oceana County contact Colleen Walsh, cwalsh@txbi.net

from Michigan Audubon Society
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28-Year-Old Michigan Man Dies Snowboarding Mt. Hood

Eric McConeghy

Eric McConeghy of Howell, Michigan, lost control during a snowboard jump and fell head first into a tree well in deep powder snow. He was buried to his waist. Friends tried to pull him out, but McConeghy suffocated as they struggled to free him.

The accident occurred at Mount Hood Meadows Ski Resort. An emergency rescue crew pulled McConeghy out after 15 minutes. He had stopped breathing, and the team applied CPR for nearly two hours but were not successful in reviving the man.

McConeghy is a 1997 graduate of Brighton High School. Services will be held in Brighton starting Wednesday.

McConeghy is the second person to die this year in an accident on Mount Hood.

from MLive, "Snowboarder who grew up in Mich. dies after fall in Oregon", Dec 29, 2007
from WZZM TV, "Michigan Man Dies on Mount Hood", Dec 29, 2007
from WOOD TV, "Michigan man dies in snowboarding accident", Dec 29, 2007
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Big Scare for Lost Brothers at Sleeping Bear

Remember last Sunday, you Michiganders? That's the day the weather started out in the 40's, who could believe it? But by mid afternoon the winds were gusting to 50 mph, snow was driving sideways with blizzard conditions and the temperatures had dropped to the 20's.

Ryan and Curtis Yost, ages 16 and 21, had gone to Sleeping Bear to snowboard on that ominous day. They found icy conditions at The Homestead Resort, so decided to climb the dune instead. They entered the park before noon.

At 3:30 pm Curtis called his mother on their cell phone. She was driving home from Traverse City and said that she couldn't see the next telephone pole, conditions were so bad. She told the boys to try to determine their location and call her back in 15 minutes.

The boys thought they were walking back to their car, but instead ended up on the shore of Lake Michigan. They were found with the aid of the GPS locator in the boys' cell phone. Although it was working only intermittently, rescue workers were able to tell the boys to go down to the beach.

Volunteers from the Glen Arbor Township Fire and Rescue established a rescue staging area near a maritime museum in Glen Haven. An all-terrain vehicle drove down the shoreline looking for the boys, but encountered high waves, and sand falling from the bluffs. After a mile-and-a-half the searchers continued on foot.

Darkness fell, and the rescue crew stated that they couldn't see 100 feet ahead of them.

Ryan is reported to have laid down, but his brother Curtis roused him and insisted that he stay active.

Shortly after 6 p.m. the boys were located. They were checked over by the ambulance team, and given a stern lecture.

"Fortunately, everything worked out. But I lectured them about the weather conditions and that they put a lot of people in harm's way as a result of their actions," Park ranger Chris Johnson said. "If they hadn't had the cell phone, the results could have been drastically different."

read the full story in the Leelanau Enterprise, "Lost brothers create Lakeshore scare", Dec 29, 2007
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Girl's Death Raises Ski Slope Design Questions

Clare Dougherty, the 13-year-old girl who crashed into a barrier and died while skiing at Schuss Mountain may have had trouble stopping in time at the end of a ski run. Some say that this is due to a lack of regulation of Michigan ski hills.

Some skiers say that there is nothing to prevent someone from running into barriers, and that the stopping distances are too short.

Mark Doman, manager of ski and amusement safety for the Michigan Ski Area Safety Board, determined that no laws were broken. The Ski Area Safety Act governs lifts, rope tows and vehicles on hills and some signs.

Trail design, however, is not covered by the regulations. The resort has launched its own investigation into the incident. Jack Eslick, COO for Shanty Creek Resorts said that there have never been any safety issues voiced concerning the slope.

Clare's family has stated that they do not plan to sue the resort, but have hopes that problems will be corrected.

from MLive, "Girl's death sheds light on lack of Michigan ski trail design regulations", Dec 29, 2007
See Canton Township Girl Dies in Ski Accident at Schuss Mountain
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Leave No Trace 2008 Master Educator Courses

Leave No Trace is an national and international program designed to assist outdoor enthusiasts with their decisions about how to reduce their impacts when they hike, camp, picnic, snowshoe, run, bike, hunt, paddle, ride horses, fish, ski or climb. The program strives to educate all those who enjoy the outdoors about the nature of their recreational impacts as well as techniques to prevent and minimize such impacts. Leave No Trace is best understood as an educational and ethical program, not as a set of rules and regulations.

Leave No Trace Training
Regardless of the outdoor activity, Leave No Trace skills are important to learn. Leave No Trace courses function like a pyramid. Master Educator courses are at the top of the pyramid and train people to become comprehensive Leave No Trace educators, or Master Educators. Master Educators, in turn, teach the second level, the Trainer Course, to people who become Leave No Trace Trainers. Trainers (or Master Educators) are then able to conduct our third level of training called Awareness Workshops, which are designed for the general public and promote Leave No Trace.

Master Educator Courses
A Master Educator course is typically five-days in length and designed for people who are actively teaching others outdoor skills or providing recreation information to the public. Currently, there are over 2700 Leave No Trace Master Educators worldwide representing dozens of countries and all 50 U.S. states. This valuable training is recognized throughout the world by the outdoor industry, land management agencies and the outdoor recreation community. Successful graduates of the Master Educator course have the ability to train others in Leave No Trace skills as well as facilitate Leave No Trace Trainer courses and Awareness Workshops.

Classes for 2008 are scheduled in all four corners of the United States: North Carolina to Washington, New Hampshire, Arizona and more. Follow the link below for complete information.

a news release of Leave No Trace
See Leave No Trace Training, for details of sessions (a pdf)
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Kikkan Randall to Ski at Houghton US National Championship

Kikkan Randall photo credit: Jonathan Selkowitz, http://www.selkophoto.com

Kikkan Randall became the first American woman to win a cross-country ski event in a World Cup competition on Dec. 16 in Rybinsk, Russia. Not since 1983, when Bill Koch won, has an American taken a World Cup cross-country event. Randall won the 1.2km freestyle sprint, beating Norway's Astrid Jacobsen.

Growing up in Alaska, Randall became a champion cross-country runner. During the long dark days of Alaskan winters, she took up skiing to stay in condition.

The Europeans have always had an advantage over Americans, explained Luke Bodensteiner the US Ski Team's Nordic director. They come from a skiing culture, while American's tend to view the sport as family-oriented and recreational, rather than competitive.

Randall was 19 when she made her Olympic debut in Salt Lake City. She finished 44th in the first Olympic sprint. Last year in Turin, she came in 9th, the best result by an American woman in cross-country skiing.

No American woman has ever won an Olympic medal in cross-country skiing.

Randall and other members of the US team will ski in Houghton, Michigan, for the national championships. The event is staged from December 31, 2007 - January 8, 2008.

There are three streaming web cams where the finish areas can be seen by on line viewers. Follow the link below for the Championships.

from the Taipei Times, "Randall earns first US win in skiing discipline since 80s", Dec 29, 2007
See 2008 Cross Country Championships
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Michigan Kids Should Be as Lucky as these Hoosiers

John Moore, a volunteer for the camp at Fox Island, points out different types of birds to Kelsey Haley, 11, left, and Kolin Behrens, 9, right, during a hike in the woods. photo by Laura J. Gardner | The Journal Gazette

Without the help of computer aids, PowerPoint slideshows or videos, the group of children at Fox Island Nature Preserve near Fort Wayne, Indiana, on Thursday was getting an education and a breath of fresh air at the same time. The Winter Survival Day Camp was in session, and nature was the classroom.

For two days, campers learn the ins and outs of winter wilderness, complete with hiking trips, survival training, marshmallow "snowball" fights and, of course, fun.

With more children spending most of their time indoors, there is a danger of a generation out of touch with nature, said Natalie Haley, Fox Island environment educator.

"The idea behind this (program) is to get kids to develop naturally outside," she said. "There are so many things they have to be inside for all the time now. This will teach them how to enjoy the outdoors."

Thursday’s education started with learning to build fires, and Haley was surprised to find that some in the group had never held a match before.

Animal track identification came next, leading up to the hour-long nature hike with Ron Zartman, the park and education manager.

"We really want these kids to enjoy themselves," Zartman said. "We hope that they become aware of their surroundings and start to appreciate nature. We want them to develop a love for the outdoors so they will stick with us through the years."

read the full story in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, "Camp focuses on nature", by Allie Townsend, Dec 28, 2007- see FAIR USE notice
Fox Island Nature Preserve
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Why Exertion Leads to Exhaustion

Scientists have found an explanation for runners who struggle to increase their pace, cyclists who can't pedal any faster and swimmers who can't speed up their strokes. Researchers from the University of Exeter and Kansas State University have discovered the dramatic changes that occur in our muscles when we push ourselves during exercise.

We all have a sustainable level of exercise intensity, known as the "critical power". This level can increase as we get fitter, but will always involve us working at around 75-80% of our maximal capacity. Published in the American Journal of Physiology: Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, this research shows why, when we go beyond this level, we have to slow down or stop altogether. This is the first time that scientists have looked at processes taking place inside the muscles when we exceed the critical power.

The study showed that when we exceed our critical power, the normally-stable pH level in our muscles, is quickly pushed to levels typical of exhaustion. Moreover, the level of phosphocreatine in the muscles, a high-energy compound which serves as an energy reserve, is quickly depleted when exercise intensity exceeds the critical power.

Professor Andy Jones of the University of Exeter, lead author on the paper, said: "The concept of 'critical power' is well known by sportspeople, but until now we have not known why our bodies react so dramatically when we exceed it. We were astonished by the speed and scale of change in the muscles."

The research team used a magnetic resonance scanner to assess changes in metabolites in the leg muscles of six male volunteers who exercised just below and just above the critical power.

The research offers a physical explanation for the experiences of exercisers of all levels of ability. Professor Jones concludes: "The results indicate that the critical power represents the highest exercise intensity that is sustainable aerobically. This means that it is likely to be an important intensity for maximising training gains. Exercising above the critical power cannot be sustained for long because it is associated with changes in the muscle which lead to fatigue."

news release of the University of Exeter , "Why exertion leads to exhaustion", Dec 20, 2007
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Preserving Our Equine Heritage On Public Lands Act

Introduction
Many who enjoy recreational riding on public lands are concerned about the reduction of trails, trail heads and the closure of public lands to horses and pack animals. Access to areas to ride is one of the most important issues facing riders. To prevent further closures, recreational riders are working closely with their federal, state and local land managers and also looking for federal legislative solutions.

Senate Legislation
On November 1, 2007, Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) introduced the Preserving our Equine Heritage on Public Lands Act (S. 2283). Senator Crapo introduced similar legislation in the last Congress.

This bill recognizes the importance of saddle and pack stock in the settling, exploration and recreation of our country by ensuring that the horse's historic and traditional use is recognized as our public lands are managed by the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Forest Service.

The bill directs the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture to manage the federal lands under their jurisdiction "in a manner that preserves and facilitates the continued use and access of pack and saddle stock animals" on lands on which "there is a historical tradition" of use. The bill applies to the management of the National Park System, BLM lands, National Wildlife Refuge System land, and National Forest System land.

The bill provides that such lands "shall remain open and accessible to the use of pack and saddle stock animals" where there is a tradition of use, but does not limit the federal agencies' ultimate authority to restrict such use, provided the agencies perform the review required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The bill would also impose additional specific and designated procedures to be followed by agencies before any land closures to horses. These procedures include advance notice of any proposed reduction in use to allow public comment, convening a public meeting near the area involved, and collaboration with various users during the process.

The bill directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to issue a policy within 180 days of enactment that defines the meaning of "historical tradition of the use of pack and saddle stock animals" on federal lands.

Congressional Action
The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Editorial Comment: There may be two side to this issue in eastern forests where the public land units are smaller. Horse trails, bicycle trails, and foot trails are not necessarily compatible. It could be argued that any area of North America has a tradition of use by pack and saddle horses, and that equestrians therefore should be allowed on any trail. Although this bill provides for the right of the land management agencies to restrict horse use, under this wording it may impose a new burden of review and paperwork.

from the American Horse Council
Read the text of S 2283, Preserving our Equine Heritage on Public Land Act
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Ludington Duo Sailing "Somewhere Warm"

The Wanderer

Two Ludington men, Wayne Dewyer and Ryan Quick, left the Great Lakes in September with the goal of sailing "somewhere warm."

Their 27-foot sloop the Wanderer has now taken them as far as Myrtle Beach, North Carolina.

From Ryan's Blog, December 26:

Greetings back home, here's a little update about our adventure thus far. It's been smooth sailing (no pun intended) the last few days. Although we ran into some restricted waters; apparently that was where the Marines were using as practice. Wayne and I kept hearing fully-automatic shots being fired and these military boats kept flying by us with military men manning the .50 caliber guns. That was about the time Wayne and I looked at each other and asked ourselves "did we take a wrong turn somewhere?" We weren't in the area very long before we had a military boat escort us out of there.

After we got out of the Resctricted Area, it got dark and we dropped Kong (our 80 lb anchor), and relaxed for the night. For the first few hours we had military helicopters flying JUST over our mast every 15 minutes or so, almost like clockwork. After preparing some sandwiches and rice, we sat on top of the boat and watched the drills go on during the night. You could see the tracers of the guns they were using, it was our entertainment for the night.

The next day, which was Christmas day, we hit Myrtle Beach, which looked like a ghost town! This is where we docked for the day to celebrate our Christmas. Absolutely beautiful town, and about every type of shop you can think of exists here. It's such a beautiful town to stop in, and it's a shame nothing is open due to the holidays. I feel like we're walking through an old western village.

From Wayne's Blog, December 21:

My Catalina 28, She was built in California at the Catalina plant in 1973 with a lot of soul and heart I might add. I refer to her as she. I'll tell you why just wait. This boat is referred to as she because it reminds of a women, she cost a lot to maintain, demands attention daily, and pisses me off every other day. But, But she has beautiful lines, has grace and beauty, and is my rock when I know I need to count on her to get us through the days sail. See you thought you were going to hear something bad.

She came with six sails. We have two main sails, two jibs, one Genoa and a running spinnaker. We have an Auto helm this allows us to dial in a course, a compass reading and set the helm, a computer and leave the cockpit and the auto helm will steer for us. Its like having cruise control on your car except you can leave the steering wheel to go to the back seat or some thing. The Auto Helm is like magic as the wind picks up the rod attacked to the tiller will just move to compensate the gusts of wind.

from Wayne's MySpace
Ryan's MySpace
Ludington Daily News Blog, more from the adventurers
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Michigan - Speaking with Forked Tongue?

Michigan is big on promoting its natural resources as a major tourist attraction, but small on coming through with money to support those resources. Based on data from 2006, the Citizen's Research Council of Michigan reports:

Michigan ranked at 34th of the 50 states in full time equivalent (FTE) employees working in natural resources per capita. Michigan has 4.5 state employees per 10,000 residents working in this sector.

In the area of Parks and Recreation, Michigan has 0.3 FTE employees per 10,000, while the national average is 1.1 FTEs in this field.

For those who drive in Michigan it may come as no surprise that Michigan ranked worst in state highway employees per capita. Michigan had 2.9 state highway employees per 10,000 residents. So if you want to travel to all the great recreation sites the state is promoting, you can take your chances on the condition of the roads.

Citizen's Research Council of Michigan seeks to provide information on several aspects of the budget debate: the relative size of the state’s public sector workforce, comparing the number and distribution of Michigan government employees with those of other states; the relative size of the state and local government workforce; and the relative cost of state employees, comparing average salaries and fringe benefit costs of Michigan state employees to those of other states’ employees.

The debate about the appropriate size of state government underlies efforts to develop a comprehensive, bipartisan solution to Michigan’s structural budget deficit.

Michigan, Florida, and Pennsylvania are among the states with the largest absolute numbers of state and local government employees, yet the fewest state and local employees relative to population. Michigan ranked 45th of the 50 states in the number of state and local FTE employees per 10,000 residents

read the full report at Citizen's Research Council of Michigan, a 16 page pdf file
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Outdoor Eyes Forum Connects Outdoor Fans

Outdoor Eyes Logo

The web forum named Outdoor Eyes is only one aspect of what this site offers. The "Find A Partner Community" brings people together with common interests in outdoor activities: hiking, kayaking, backpacking, canoeing, snowshoeing, walking, outdoor photography and much more. Find friends that like to do the same things as you. It's that simple. Join today and create your own community of friends.

Another major facet of Outdoor Eyes is its photography section. Photographers can post pictures which are available for purchase. The "Outdoor Photography Forum" contains specialized topics as wildlife photography, outdoor photography, digital editing, landscape photography, macro photography, B&W photography, techniques, gear and much more. Beginners, advanced and professional photographers are all invited. A separate photography forum focuses on that aspect of outdoor appreciation.

There is also "The Outdoor Adventure" resource section which brings you educational articles on "How To Choose", "How To Use" & "How To Take Care Of" articles about kayaking, backpacking, GPS, hiking, camping, gear, snowshoeing, birding, wildlife tracking, expeditions and more.

from Outdoor Eyes
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US House Approves FY 2008 Budget With National Parks a Winner

The U.S. House of Representatives have given approval to an "Omnibus" appropriations bill for FY 2008 providing funding for nearly $474 billion in domestic spending programs. The Senate began considering this legislation yesterday. The bill will provide an approximate $150 million boost in National Park Service operations budget and an immediate $25 million start-up for the Centennial Challenge Fund.

The FY08 Budget is still not final, as the House and Senate must resolve differences largely relating to funding for the Iraq and Afghanistan war operations. Yet, the likely outcome for the National Park Service is clear and this is an important forward step. The Congress did not include the full increases requested by the President for the National Park Service under the NPS Centennial Initiative, but it did provide for very significant increases. The House-passed funding package, which was the result of informal House-Senate appropriations committee negotiations, provides a total of $2,001,809,000 for national park operations. This budget is $46 million below the House-passed funding level, $43 million above the Senate provision and approximately $55 million below the President's request.

However, the Congress has provided $25 million for the start-up of the Centennial Challenge program and boosted the NPS construction account by some $20 million over the President's request. Also noteworthy is the available funds cover a twelve month period, but nearly three months of that period have already passed with spending at a lower FY07 level. This signifies the full-year increases will actually be available for a nine month period.

The $25,000,000 for the Centennial Challenge program was provided to initiate the new proposed ten-year effort planned to generate at least $2 billion for the renewal of the National Park system for its next century. All funds must be matched on a 50/50 basis. The Appropriations Committees agreed to these funds as interim funding to allow the program to commence in 2008. Funds will be administered under the existing NPS challenge cost share program structure. We were delighted by the encouraging statement in the report by the Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate that they "expect that permanent authorization will be enacted during the 110th Congress for the full ten-year program effort." Centennial Challenge Projects are to be selected competitively and are to serve Park Service needs and priorities.

The President is expected to receive and sign the final FY08 funding package before Christmas. Note: FY08 began on October 1, 2007.

What's Next:

Passage of the Omnibus legislation will bring to an end the FY 2008 appropriations cycle. It took longer than expected for Congress to finish their work, due to the veto threats made on most of the 13 appropriations bills. The House and Senate will recess until mid-January at the end of this week. The President is scheduled to give the State of the Union on January 28, 2008 and the FY 2009 budget will be announced in early February. ARC will keep all of its members updated on the progress of this important legislation.

from American Trails, "National Parks and FYO8 Appropriations approved by House", Dec 20, 2007-
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Michigan Receives Safe Routes to School Award

At a recent ceremony in the nation's capitol, Lauren Marchetti, director of the National Center for Safe Routes to School, presented the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) with the first annual national "James L. Oberstar Safe Routes to School Award." U.S. Representative Oberstar presided at the presentation of the award that bears his name in recognition of his role in creating the federal Safe Routes to School (SR2S) funding program in 2005. This first-ever award recognizes exemplary effort on the part of a state department of transportation in developing and launching the program.

"Every child who walks or bikes to school has a right to be safe," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "Everyone benefits from Safe Routes to School programs that encourage children to be active and healthy."

The federal SR2S program will provide a total of approximately $16 million to Michigan from fiscal year 2005 through 2009 for investment in projects to create and improve infrastructure (sidewalks, marked crosswalks, etc.) to make routes safe, implement law enforcement strategies (police patrols, crossing guards), and begin education and encouragement programs to ensure that parents and students know how to walk and bike safely, and to provide incentives to get kids moving.

State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle said that MDOT could not have achieved this recognition without the core network of state level partners working with the department: the Michigan Departments of Education and Community Health; Michigan State University and Wayne State University; and nonprofit groups including the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, the League of Michigan Bicyclists, and Programs for All Cyclists.

"Our most important partner from the beginning has been and continues to be the Michigan Fitness Foundation/Governor's Council on Physical Fitness (MFF). MDOT and MFF have worked together on Safe Routes in Michigan since 2003, when MDOT funded MFF to develop Michigan's Safe Routes to School Handbook," Steudle said.

The handbook is available to any elementary or middle school in Michigan interested in developing a plan of action to create safe routes for their school. Since announcement of Michigan's program and handbook in May 2006, over 250 schools in Michigan (more than 5 percent of the state's elementary and middle schools) have registered to undertake the handbook planning process which, when completed, qualifies schools to apply for funding.

Michael Eberlein, MDOT's SR2S coordinator, said that the rapid growth of interest in SR2S in Michigan has been very gratifying.

"Our partnership approach at the state level is replicated at the local level by school planning teams that typically include parents and students, teachers and administrators, police agencies and public works departments, health officials and interested citizens. The list goes on. All of these partners have something to contribute in identifying barriers to safe walking and biking, and creating strategies to eliminate them," Eberlein said.

Typically, these partners bring resources too, human or financial, since the limited federal funding can't take care of every need at every school, he added.

from Michigan Contractor and Builder, "Michigan Receives Safe Routes Award", Dec 31, 2007- see FAIR USE notice.
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Veronica Valley Purchase- Leelanau Commission Votes Yes

The Leelanau County Planning Commission has recommended that the county continue to pursue its plan to purchase the former Veronica Valley Golf Course for use as a county park - but not without some red flags being raised by commission members.

Comments from commissioners opposing the purchase sais that it will cost taxpayers too much money, and that the loss of tax revenue has not been taken into account.

Following a lengthy and sometimes contentious discussion, the Leelanau County Planning Commission voted 8-1 in favor of a motion to pursue purchase of the Veronica Valley property.

The 93-acre Veronica Valley property belongs to William and Diane Grant, who developed and operated a golf course on the site between 1991 and 2004. In 2004, they offered to sell their property to Leelanau County for use as a park for $800,000 – but stipulated that it must not be used as a golf course.

Current plans call for the Veronica Valley property to be used for a variety of "passive" recreational purposes – hiking, picnicking, nature viewing and the like. The recreational park is planned to have a fairly low maintenance budget with limited mowing, woodchip paths, elevated boardwalks, and viewing platforms.

The agreement from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund commits the county to complete the acquisition project no later than October 31, 2008. The $600,000 grant is a reimbursement which means the county needs to expend funds first, and then request a reimbursement through the grant agreement.

The Veronica Valley property is located in Bingham Township, Leelanau County, along County Road 641 (Lake Leelanau Drive) and Maple Valley Road.

read the full article in the Leelanau Enterprise, "Land purchase plan for park advances", by Eric Carlson, Dec 27, 2007- see FAIR USE notice.
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High Ropes Nature Experience - Mackinac City 2008

Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park Zip Line courtesy photo

On May 5,2008, visitors to the 625-acre Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park will have the opportunity to explore nature from an eagle's eye view as they soar over Mill Creek on the Eagle's Flight Zip Line and walk through the treetops on the Forest Canopy Bridge. A park naturalist will guide visitors through this high ropes nature experience.

"This is a thrilling new way to learn about the natural wonders of our northern Michigan environment," said Mackinac State Historic Parks' Director Phil Porter. "These experiences will provide insight, education and understanding."

According to Jeff Dykehouse, curator of natural history at Mackinac State Historic Parks, the experience will offer a chance to learn about animals like squirrels and birds while experiencing the thrill of walking through the forest canopy and gliding over a pond.

"Some of the discovery park elements will let visitors get up into the different layers of the forest where they can better learn about the animals that live there," Dykehouse said.

Attractions for small children are also being added. Young adventurers can explore the Water Power Station and interact in the Forest Friends Play Area.

The Mackinac Island State Park Commission is pleased to work with local partners who are helping to make these many new interactive features possible, including Mackinac Associates, which is funding the Forest Canopy Bridge, and Presque Isle Electric and Gas Co-op, our local Touchstone Energy Cooperative, which is funding the Water Power Station.

According to Porter, the high ropes nature experience is being added to appeal to a broader audience. "This initiative takes advantage of new, interactive experiences used in other eco-tourism destinations," Porter said. "Our new programs will combine all of the existing educational and interpretive messages of Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park and deliver them in new and exciting ways."

Construction, underway by Mackinac State Historic Parks and Ropes Courses, Inc. of Allegan, Michigan, is scheduled to be completed by season opening.

Also available at the park are favorites that have been enjoyed throughout the years, including the 18th-century, authentically reconstructed Millwright's House, sawpit and water-powered sawmill.

"Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park will continue to focus on the historic and natural themes that have characterized the site since it opened. As a discovery park, however, these themes will be presented in new and dynamic ways to meet the expectations of today's visitor," said Mackinac State Historic Parks' Chief Curator Steven Brisson. "All new programs and hands-on, interpretive exhibits will be family-friendly and designed to encourage active learning."

Since Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park's opening in 1984, there have been many improvements to the park, including the reconstruction of the British Workshop and American Millwright's House, the creation of an audiovisual program, and the construction of a 3.5-mile nature trail system.

Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park is the site of northern Michigan's first industrial complex. Its history dates back to 1790 when, due to the demand in sawn lumber on Mackinac Island, an entrepreneur obtained use of 640 acres along Mill Creek to build a sawmill. The property eventually contained the sawmill, a gristmill, many buildings, a large orchard and 40 acres of cultivated land. The sawmill ceased operation in 1839, and over the next century the land reverted to wilderness. Through the efforts of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, an operating water-powered sawmill was reconstructed, and the site opened on June 15, 1984.

a news release of Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park, "High Ropes Nature Experience to be Offered at Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park", Dec 20, 2007
See www.MackinacParks.com
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Ottawa County Parks Township Millage Vote January 15

The parks and recreation millage is up for renewal in Park Township of Ottawa County. On January 15, voters will be asked if they want to move ahead with the plans to expand parks and preserve such specialty areas as a disc golf course, a dog park and Ashwood Reserve for kayakers on Lake Macatawa. There are twelve township parks in the system. Two community centers operate recreation programs for about 3000 people each year.

The township would also like to construct a skate park at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds.

If the millage is approved it will renew the township's park tax for another 10 years at the rate of half a mill. This translates to about $50/ year on a $100,000 home.

Barb Burmeister, township parks and recreation department director, said, "We are pretty proud of our park system. By renewing our parks millage, we will continue to provide and preserve parks and open spaces that enhance the desirability of Park Township as a place to live and work."

from the Holland Sentinel, "Renewal of parks millage on Jan. 15 ballot", by Jeremy Gonsior Dec 26, 2007
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Leelanau County Township Receives $5000 DEQ Grant

Bingham Township has received word through the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality that it will receive a $5,000 grant to develop plans for the improvement of the township's Hendryx and Boughy parks on West Grand Traverse Bay.

The chairman of the township’s parks and recreation committee, Robert Walton, said his committee had considered bids from engineering firms to prepare site plans for the parks, and recommended that the Traverse City firm Gosling-Czubak be selected.

Township officials came under fire from DEQ and Army Corps of Engineers officials last year for “improving” Hendryx Park below the ordinary high water mark without the appropriate permits in violation of state and federal laws. The issue was one of the factors that led to the recall early this year of township supervisor Robert Foster who authorized the work without discussing it with the rest of the township board.

Acting at its regular monthly meeting Monday evening, the Bingham Township Board authorized clerk Peggy Core to sign a contract with Gosling-Czubak subject to the availability of grant funding and a final review of the contract by the township attorney.

Parks and recreation committee member Kathy Heil noted during Monday’s meeting that completion of site plans for the waterfront parks will put the township in a position to apply for additional grant funding from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources that will help pay for actual improvements at the parks.

from the Leelanau Enterprise, "Grant to aid 2 Bingham parks", Dec 21, 2007- see FAIR USE notice
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SAD Depression Still Not Well Understood

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) manifests itself in a seasonal depression that sets in with the shorter days of fall and continues through the spring.

Although many people seem to suffer from such an actual cycle of depression, the January 2008 Harvard Health Letter reports that how the darker days cause depression is still not understood.

There are three theories concerning the connection:

1. Insensitivity to light may cause most people to stay emotionally even through the winter under artificial lighting, which boosts the weaker natural light of the season. But SAD sufferers may be more sensitive to light and thus need extra light to remain emotionally healthy.

2. Neural connections from the eyes to the brain may be part of what keeps us on a daily rhythm. But lower light in winter may put people with SAD out of phase with their biological clocks. Thus they find themselves alert and awake when their own internal clocks tell them it's time to be sleeping.

3. The processing of brain chemicals which affect moods, serotonin and dopamine, may be disrupted by low light.

Some SAD sufferes are helped by sitting in front of a strong light source for periods of time each day. But the Harvard Health Letter suggests that medication may be another solution.

from Harvard Health Letter, "A SAD story: Seasonal affective disorder", January 2008 issue, subscription required
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Reopens Comment Period On National Wildlife Refuge Draft Mosquito Control Policy

Responding to numerous requests from the public for more time to comment, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has opened an additional 60-day public comment period on a draft mosquito management policy. The document outlines consistent guidance for determining the conditions under which national wildlife refuges will control mosquitoes. Notification of the public comment period was published in the Federal Register December 19, 2007.

The Service received 35 comments during the original 45-day comment period, which closed on November 29, 2007. Mosquito Control Districts in several states as well as members of the public asked for more time to respond.

The Service currently allows some form of mosquito control by state or local vector control agencies under Special Use Permits on approximately 40 national wildlife refuges, most of them in coastal areas. An interim Director's Order, issued in May 2005, provided guidance and consistency for mosquito management on refuges while a permanent policy was being developed.

The draft policy states that the Refuge System will allow populations of native mosquito species to exist unimpeded unless they pose a specific wildlife or human health threat. The draft policy also establishes guidelines for determining when mosquito populations occurring on national wildlife refuges pose a significant enough health threat or health emergency to either humans or wildlife that pesticides may be used on Refuge System lands to control them. When practical, the Service may also reduce mosquito populations on refuges using management actions that do not involve pesticides. All mosquito management regimes on Refuge System lands must use effective means of control that pose the lowest risk to wildlife and habitat, according to the draft policy.

"Mosquitoes are a natural component of most wetlands. Therefore, the Service will control populations of native mosquitoes on refuge lands only when they pose a threat to animals or humans," said Service Director H. Dale Hall. "Control measures on refuge lands must comply with Federal laws and be compatible with the purposes and mission of the refuge."

The Service allows pesticide treatments for mosquito population control on National Wildlife Refuge System lands when local, current mosquito population monitoring data have been collected and indicate that refuge-based mosquito populations are contributing to a human or wildlife health threat. Before any pesticides are applied on refuge lands, an approved pesticide use proposal must be in place.

The draft policy requires that refuge-specific mosquito management plans be developed in coordination with federal, state and/or local public health authorities that have expertise in vector-borne diseases, vector control agencies, and state fish and wildlife agencies. The plans will identify the specific conditions under which mosquito populations would be managed on the refuge, taking into account the local environment as well as current and historical mosquito-associated health threats.

The Service would also, where appropriate, collaborate with federal, state and/or local wildlife agencies, public health authorities, agriculture departments and vector control agencies to conduct education and public outreach activities to protect human and animal health from threats associated with mosquitoes.

a news release of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Dec 19, 2007 Comments on the draft policy can be submitted by mail to: Michael J. Higgins, Biologist, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Room 670, Arlington, Virginia 22203; by fax to 703-358-2248;
or by e-mail to refugesystempolicycomments@fws.gov
A copy of the draft policy can be found at www.fws.gov/refuges/policyMakers/NWRpolicies.html
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Mulligan's Hollow Ski Bowl Opens Ahead of Schedule

The ski bowl at Grand Haven's Mulligan's Hollow opened Dec. 8, two weeks ahead of schedule, thanks to a cold snap and plenty of snow. Artificial snowmakers produced a thick base, which should help officials keep the facility open -- even if there's a break in the weather.

Matt Deater, 16, of Grand Haven, said he enjoys the skiing. "Having it open has been good," he said. "We're having a lot of fun."

from The Grand Rapids Press, "News Briefs", Dec 24, 2007- see FAIR USE notice.
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Canton Township Girl Dies in Ski Accident at Schuss Mountain

A 13-year-old girl from Canton Township, Michigan died as the result of head injuries in a skiing accident on Christmas day.

The Antrim County Sheriff's Department said that the girl went off a ski slope and struck a retaining wall. She was not wearing a helmet. Serious head trauma resulted. The girl was pronounced dead at Kalkaska Memorial Hospital.

A group of snowboarders discovered the accident and summoned help. The resort's ski patrol responded and emergency crews transported the victim to Kalkaska.

Jon Stultz, vice-president of sales and marketing for Shanty Creek Resorts, said that he was not aware of any previous fatalities at Schuss Mountain. "Our heart goes out to the family in this very tragic incident," he added.

from The Detroit News, "Canton Township girl, 13, killed in northern lower Michigan ski resort", by Paul Egan, Dec 25, 2007
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Suttons Bay Township Herman Park Funding Moves Forward

The Suttons Bay Township Board took steps last week to establish a formal relationship with the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation to help manage funds that will be used for the township's Herman Park project and other parks and recreation efforts.

At its regular monthly meeting last week, the board heard from community foundation representative Jeanne Snow, who explained how the foundation can assist the township.

In setting up a "Suttons Bay Regional Parks and Recreation Fund," the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation can accept private donations for the Herman Park project and other related projects as well invest the money and disburse it as required.

A year ago, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund announced that the township is slated to receive some $394,200 to help acquire about 120 acres of land along County Road 633 at Herman Road across from Suttons Bay Public Schools for use as a township park. The total project cost is expected to be around $600,000, with the township needing to raise funds to match the state grant and other grants it may receive.

At its Dec. 12 meeting, the township board voted 5-0 to authorize supervisor Rich Bahle to sign an agreement with the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation.

read the full story in the Leelanau Enterprise, "Parks fund to get foundation help", Dec 25, 2007- see FAIR USE notice.
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Strap On Some Power

Arizona State University students have developed a backpack strap that generates power from the motion of the wearer. No motion other than ordinary walking is required.

Space age elastic metallic polymers are used in the generating mechanism. The project was undertaken for military applications. Soldiers often must carry 15-20 pounds of batteries to power such things as "GPS units, radios, satellite links, laptop computers, infrared goggles and lighting — not to mention cell phones and i-Pods."

The straps produce between 20 and 100 volts of electricity using the piezoelectric effect. "Piezoelectric" is the term for material that produces electric current when pressure is applied to them. Familiar devises which use this technique are gas grill lighters and cheap microphones.

Henry A. Sodano, a researcher in ASU’s Adaptive Intelligent Materials Systems Center, added that in civilian applications, someone hiking all day could store enough energy to power a highly efficient LED lighting at a campsite each night.

read the entire article in the Arizona Daily Star, "ASU research team develops power generating backpack strap", by Dan Sorenson, Dec 23, 2007
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Michigan Recreation and Park Association Conference

Traverse City will be the site of this year's "Grand Experience," the theme of the Michigan Recreation and Park Association 2008 conference and trade show. Grand Traverse Resort and Spa will host the conference. A Pre-conference forum will focus on the "Grand Scheme to Connect Michigan's Trails."

The Trails, Greenways & Blueways Committee is proud to announce its first state-wide Trails Forum. Following months of discussion and planning, agencies such as Oakland County Parks, Downriver Linked Greenways Initiative, Michigan Sea Grant, Hamilton-Anderson, the State of Michigan, the National Park Service, Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance and many others, have joined forces.

This day-long Forum will focus on an update from all trail disciplines across Michigan, a report on Governor Granholm's Plan: Trails at the Crossroads, and the Michigan Trials and Greenways Alliance "Connecting Michigan" plan. In addition, concurrent break-out sessions will focus on trail building, managing, maintenance and programming topics. The closing remarks will address trails and eco-tourism, a topic of interest to all.

Desiree Sorenson-Groves, Vice-President of Government Affairs for the National Wildlife Refuge Association, Washington D.C., will be our plenary lunch speaker. Ms. Sorenson-Groves will provide us with a great overview of the National Wildlife Refuge Program "Taking Flight." This is a nationally acclaimed program to help organizations create and sustain a successful "Friends" group.

In addition, the lunch break will provide an opportunity to have "lunch with the experts." All of the guest speakers will be available for some great networking time. This is a unique time in history for Michigan and its trail movement. You are cordially invited to be a part of the excitement.

go to Michigan Recreation and Park Association, click on the PDF Brochure to see all the seminars and activities
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We've Been Skating for 5000 Years!

Archaeological evidence shows that bone skates (skates made of animal bones) are the oldest human powered means of transport, dating back to 3000 BC. Why people started skating on ice and where is not as clear, since ancient remains were found in several locations spread across Central and North Europe.

In a recent paper, published in the Biological Journal of the Linnean Society of London, Dr Formenti and Professor Minetti show substantial evidence supporting the hypothesis that the birth of ice skating took place in Southern Finland, where the number of lakes within 100 square kilometers is the highest in the world.

"In Central and Northern Europe, five thousand years ago people struggled to survive the severe winter conditions and it seems unlikely that ice skating developed as a hobby" says Dr Formenti. "As happened later for skis and bicycles, I am convinced that we first made ice skates in order to limit the energy required for our daily journeys."

Formenti and Minetti did their experiments on an ice rink by the Alps, where they measured the energy consumption of people skating on bones. Through mathematical models and computer simulations of 240 ten-kilometer journeys, their research study shows that in winter the use of bone skates would have limited the energy requirements of Finnish people by 10%. On the other hand, the advantage given by the use of skates in other North European countries would be only about 1%.

Subsequent studies performed by Formenti and Minetti have shown how fast and how far people could skate in past epochs, from 3000 BC to date.

news release of Wiley-Blackwell, "Where and why humans made skates out of animal bones", Dec 23, 2007
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Calling All Girl Scout Roundup Attendees

Colorado Sign

If you were one of the 36,000 Girl Scouts who attended one of the four international Roundups, you're invited to a reunion in Colorado in July 2009.

The first Roundup was held in Milford, Michigan in 1956 with 5000 Scouts. 1959 was in Colorado Springs, with 10,000 girls. Button Bay, VT followed in 1962 with 9000 attendees, and the final Roundup was in 1965 at Farragut, Idaho. 12,000 Scouts traveled to Idaho.

These Roundups spawned lasting friendships and indelible memories to last a lifetime. The girls who attended the Roundups are now in the autumn of their years. But the memories and friendships are still clear. In 2002 over 200 "girls" were "rounded up" for the first Roundup Reunion held at Button Bay, VT. Alumni from all four Roundups were in joyful attendance, to re-live some of the memories we hold so dear. Word spread, and in 2006 yet another reunion was held at Button Bay. Friendships were renewed, new friends made, memories shared, songs sung together, and activities enjoyed. Some still camped out in tents and RV's, while others retired from the rough and stayed at hotels and B&B's.

Spread the word -- at the 2009 reunion we will re-visit the Garden of the Gods, the Air Force Academy, and the Flying W Ranch. Dorm rooms have been reserved at Colorado College in Colorado Springs. Buses are being arranged to take everyone to their chosen activities. Enjoy the wonders of Colorado -- the splendor of the mountains, the incredible climate, and meet up with old friends.

If you are a Roundup Alum, follow the link below to register for more information as the planning continues.

from Girl Scout Roundup Reunion
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Public Provides Input on Accessibility Guidelines for Federal Outdoor Sites

Over 80 organizations, agencies, and individuals provided feedback to the Board during a four-month comment period on accessibility guidelines it proposed for Federal outdoor developed areas. In addition, almost 40 people provided testimony at a series of public hearings on the proposal held in Denver, Washington, D.C., and Indianapolis.

The Board received comments from professional and trade groups, including the National Recreation and Park Association and the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association, individuals with disabilities, disability groups such as the American Council of the Blind and Paralyzed Veterans of America, the National Center on Accessibility and other organizations involved in outdoor recreation, trail and park operators, Federal agencies, including the Department of Interior and the U.S. Forest Service, and state and local parks and recreation agencies.

The proposed guidelines address access to new or altered trails, beach access routes, and picnic and camping areas on sites managed by the Federal government. They specify where compliance would be required and provide detailed technical criteria for achieving accessibility. Many comments endorsed the structure and application of the guidelines, including limited exceptions based on terrain and other conditions, and provided recommendations for further clarifying coverage. Pointing to the strong need for the guidelines, respondents encouraged the Board to promptly complete this rulemaking, to follow-up with similar guidelines for non-Federal sites, and to develop supplementary guidance and training materials.

Most comments addressed trails and outdoor recreation access routes and called attention to compliance concerns and areas where further guidance is needed, such as in determining adequate surface firmness and stability. Information was provided on trail signage and map systems and other subjects in response to questions posed by the Board in its published proposal. Commenters also provided input on access to beaches, including proposed criteria for access routes and compliance and maintenance concerns, picnic areas, and camp sites. The Board is analyzing issues and will finalize the guidelines based on its review of the comments and hearing testimony

from American Trails, Dec 14, 2007
see Public Comments on Proposed Guidelines for Federal Outdoor Developed Areas
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Northern Lights Fed by Magnetic "Ropes"

Giant magnetic "ropes" between Earth and the sun are one of the forces that cause the northern lights, as recently discovered by NASA spacecraft.

"We're coming up on a new era in space physics," said Vassilis Angelopoulos, researcher at the University of California at Los Angeles

In March of this year a display of northern lights was monitored from below by cameras while five satellites overhead collected data.

"The auroras surged westward twice as fast as anyone thought possible, crossing 15 degrees of longitude in less than one minute," Angelopoulos said. "The storm traversed an entire polar time zone, or 400 miles, in 60 seconds flat."

A magnetic rope is a twisted bundle of magnetic fields organized much like the twisted hemp of a mariner's rope. These ropes which appear to connect the upper atmosphere of our planet to the sun may serve as conduits for waves of charged particles, known as the solar wind.

There have been hints that these ropes existed, but it required more that one spacecraft to map the ropes in three dimensions.

"These substorm processes are really helping us to understand and predict space weather," Angelopoulos said.

read the entire article from NASA, "NASA spacecraft make new discoveries about Northern Lights, Dec 11, 2007
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Seven Snow Sports Safety Tips

photo by Julia Freeman-Woolpert, stock.xchng

Winter sports may be especially fun for kids, but serious injuries can happen all too quickly, say pediatric trauma experts at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.

"We see a startling number of injuries among children, from sledding accidents to snowmobile crashes and beyond," says Amy Teddy, manager of the pediatric injury prevention program at Mott.

Take precautions to prevent serious injuries.

Helmets should be worn when snowboarding, sledding, snowmobiling and skiing. This is especially true for children under the age of 12. Often, the degree of severity of a head injury is directly related to use of a helmet or not. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports over 70,000 head injuries from winter sports each year.

Dress safely. Wear layers of clothing for warmth. Make sure that small children have on enough layers. The layers will prevent hypothermia, and can pad skin from bumps and cuts. Wearing a hat is important to stay warm. Keep loose clothing tucked in when around machines, or moving fast downhill.

Always have a companion. Even children can watch out for each other, and one person can run for help if there is a problem.

Don’t play on the ice. Injuries that occur on ice are worse than those on snow. Avoid routes across ice. For ice skating, use designated areas, and check for debris and cracks before skating.

Check for a clear path before heading down a hill. Many injuries come from collisions with obstacles. Ski, sled, snowboard only after checking to make sure there are no obstructions. This includes trees and people.

Don't play in the dark. Winter sports after sun-down can be fun, but take part in activities in well-lit areas.

Wear sun block and goggles if you will be outside a long time. UV rays can be intense in the winter as they bounce off snow.

Follow posted warning signs at outdoor recreation areas.

"Playing in the snow is fun for all ages, but make sure to keep sight of common sense. Many of these injuries are entirely preventable," Teddy adds.

from Health News Digest, "Preventing Winter Sports Injuries: 7 Tips to Safely Play in the Snow", by Krista Hopson, Dec 20, 2007
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See Playgrounds (sledding hill locations)

$54,421 for Recreation Projects from Manistee Community Foundation

Manistee Community Foundation awarded several grants in 2007 which will directly enhance recreation in Manistee County.

• The Manistee County Recreation Plan received $17,000
• Casman Academy of Manistee received $6600 for development of a Community Fitness Trail
• Arcadia Township Parks and Recreation received $10,416 for Grebe Park Pavilion at the foot of Arcadia Dunes
• Pleasant Valley Community Center received $6800 for its recreational facility
• The Village of Bear Lake received $13,605 for the Village Park to convert a vacant Village space into a multi-use visiting area

"The Community Foundation is about enhancing the way we give and improving the way we live in Manistee County," said Foundation Board member Beth McCarthy. "These [and other] grants respond to documented needs and will spread benefits countywide. As a Foundation, we want to encourage giving, whether it is the donation of time or funds, to address needs identified through the community-driven Envision Manistee County process."

Funding for these projects was made possible by grants to the Manistee Community Foundation from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation based in Kalamazoo, Michigan the Oleson Foundation, based in Traverse City, Michigan, and private donations.

"Manistee County has deservedly gained our attention and support by using community driven visioning and goal-setting to chart a course for the future," said Dr. Gail Imig, Program Director of the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. "Rural communities like Manistee County have special challenges as well as opportunities. This effort is resulting in a positive transformation of Manistee County and serves as a working model for other rural communities."

Members of the Envision Implementation Team that reviewed the applications included Manistee high school students Analise Johnson and Anna Veverica; County Commissioner Erv Kowalski; business owner/operator Suzanne Riley; Dick Hitchingham and John Hoch who served as co-chairs for Envision Manistee County Work Groups; and Mike Acton and By Lyon, members of the Board of the Manistee County Community Foundation. Laura Heintzelman was available through the Manistee Economic Development Office to provide technical assistance to grant applicants.

Projects in three categories received funding during 2007: Envision Implementation, Envision Youth Solutions, and Envision and Small Town Design Initiative.

from a news release of Manistee County Community Foundation
from the Ludington Daily News, Dec 21, 2007
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CMU Student Researching New Bird Flu Monitoring Technique

The Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, just south of Saginaw is on the edge of two avian superhighways: the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways.

Todd Lickfett, a Central Michigan University (CMU) graduate assistant is hoping to find a new way to watch for the bird flu. The lethal strain, H5N1, has killed more than 150 people since 2003. Over sixty species of birds and animals have been affected, in more than 4000 outbreaks of the disease.

The deadly strain has yet to show up in North America, but that doesn't mean that researchers aren't watching for it. The World Health Organization has reported the flu in Asia, Europe and Africa.

Michigan is an important migration stopover sites for 40,000 ducks, 30,000 geese and thousands of other migrating birds. So it only makes sense to watch for the disease here.

Instead of the usual, but costly, method of testing individual birds, the CMU research team is sampling the water where birds gather on their migration routes. While Michigan currently samples about 1000 birds a year, this method will effectively sample all the birds which have stopped at that site.

"If even one infected gull is in the pool," Lickfett said, "you should be able to detect a trace of the disease through a sample of the water."

They will test for a variety of bird flu strains, the deadly one and others which are common and not harmful to humans.

read the AP news story in the Detroit Free Press, "Breakthrough possible in testing for bird flu", by Elizabeth Shaw, Dec 20, 2007
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NPCA Supports National Parks Pass Over America the Beautiful

Repeal of "America the Beautiful Pass" would allow for return of affordable National Parks Pass

For Michigan's users of the America the Beautiful Pass for access to the three National Forests in the state this story could raise concerns. - editor

The nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association praised the introduction of legislation on December 11, 2007 by Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) and Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID), which would repeal the controversial, multi-agency "America the Beautiful Pass." This pass replaced the popular national park pass when Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act in 2004.

"We strongly support the reinstatement of the national parks pass. This pass is a terrific value for park visitors and enjoyed strong public support," said Vice President for Government Affairs Craig Obey. "We also appreciate the bill allowing the National Park Service to continue to retain monies collected from park pass sales, entrance fees, and other fees."

The $80 America the Beautiful Pass was made available to the public on January 1, 2007, as one of the requirements of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004. The legislation addressed fees for recreation opportunities on public lands managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Reclamation. It also provided permanent authority for collecting and retaining fees in the national parks, but eliminated the $50 National Park System pass. Prior to 2007, the National Park System pass gave park visitors unlimited entry to national park sites that charged entrance fees for one year from the date of purchase. Fees from the sale of park passes provided a valuable source of revenue for national parks; S. 2438, the Fee Repeal and Expanded Access Act of 2007, would continue to allow the National Park Service to retain fee revenue.

Given the organization’s singular mission around national parks, the National Parks Conservation Association takes no position regarding fees for agencies outside the National Park Service or the effect of the Baucus bill on those fees.

a news release of the National Parks Conservation Association, Dec 11, 2007
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Hungerford Bike Trails - Lots to Do

The fourteen miles of bicycle trails at Hungerford Lake near Big Rapids, Michigan, need a lot of work. The Michigan Mountain Biking Association (MMBA) has pledged to supply that.

Hungerford is within the Manistee National Forest and includes ski trails, bike trails, and a well-used system of horse trails. The horseback riders are currently the only group that uses the area regularly.

But the MMBA would like to re-vamp the bike trails and make the area a destination ride. Located only 45 minutes by car from Grand Rapids, it has the potential to become a highly popular day trip. Camping is even allowed for those who want to add that to their itinerary.

Hungerford is really known as a horse-riders destination. Poor signage and low use by the other groups has led to a lot of incursion of equestrians on the bike trails. Volunteers from the horse rider's community are responsible for most of the work done at Hungerford to date. They created a campground, expanded the horse trail system and planned three future group campsites.

All such volunteer activities must be done under the supervision of Manistee National Forest staff.

The MMBA had hoped to accomplish more this past year, but only got as far as identifying the problems and proposing some soluntions. They report that their first priority for 2008 will be to re-sign the trails so that the mountain biking trail will be identifiable.

see the whole article from The Grand Rapids Press, "Mountain bikers to try again at Hungerford", by Howard Meyerson, Dec 21, 2007
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The Science of Shivering

Research reveals the body's wiring for sensing, responding to cold is more complex than one might think

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University's Neurological Sciences Institute have uncovered the system that tells the body when to perform one of its most basic defenses against the cold: shivering. The scientists have discovered the brain's wiring system, which takes temperature information from the skin and determines when a person should start shivering. Their findings are published in the advance online edition of the journal Nature Neuroscience.

"Shivering, which is actually heat production in skeletal muscles, requires quite a bit of energy and is usually the last strategy the body uses to maintain its internal temperature to survive in a severe cold environment. Other strategies to defend against the cold, such as reducing heat loss to the environment by restricting blood flow to the skin, also appear to be controlled by the sensory mechanism that we found," explained Kazuhiro Nakamura, Ph.D., an OHSU Fellow for Research Abroad. "One fascinating aspect of this study is that it shows the sensory pathway for shivering, which can be thought of as brain wiring, is parallel to but not the same as the sensory pathway for conscious cold detection. In other words, your body is both consciously and subconsciously detecting the cold at the same time using two different but related sensory systems."

Shivering is one of the many automatic and subconscious regulatory body functions, often called homeostatic functions, that the brain regulates. Other examples include the adjustment of breathing rates, blood pressure, heart rate and weight regulation. Throughout the day, all of these important functions take place in the body without conscious thought. Without these important functions, humans and other animals could not survive.

"There are conditions, such as hypothermia and hyperthermia, in which thermal sensory pathways come into play and knowledge of the brain's wiring can provide important clues to locating dysfunction in patients with abnormal thermal sensation. In addition, our ability to sense and respond to temperature changes degrades as we age," explained Morrison.

from a news release of Oregon Health & Science University , Dec 17, 2007
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White House Chooses National Parks Christmas Theme

America's national parks are the focus of this year's elaborate White House holiday decorations. The remarkable displays of "Holiday in the National Parks" highlight the majesty, history, and diversity of the country's 391 National Park Service sites.

"It is an amazing honor for the National Park Service to be selected as the theme for the White House holiday decorations by the President and Mrs. Bush," said National Park Service Director Mary A. Bomar. "Mrs. Bush is the best champion for our national parks, and the beautiful decorations in each state room showcase the natural and historical treasures found in parks throughout the country."

The holiday displays incorporate the wide variety of natural, cultural, and recreational features preserved by the National Park Service. Models of icons such as the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Statue of Liberty share space with paintings of scenic vistas from Grand Canyon, Zion, and Rocky Mountain National Parks. Holiday garlands intertwined with park objects including seashells, pine cones, and gold aspen leaves add to each room's festive feel.

The official White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room is adorned with hundreds of handmade ornaments depicting national parks. "Each ornament on the magnificent 18-foot Fraser fir was designed by an artist selected by the park," said Bomar. "The ornaments tell the stories of our parks, just as our parks tell the stories of our nation."

Another visitor highlight is a scaled-down, but architecturally accurate, gingerbread reproduction of the south view of the White House, a unit of the National Park Service. Bush family pets Barney, Miss Beazley, and Willie can be seen frolicking on the lawn with moose, elk, raccoons, and other animals found in national parks.

"National Parks commemorate the people, places, and events that define the American experience," said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. "I am so appreciative of President Bush's efforts to recognize the important role of national parks in American society. Our country will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016 and the President has been instrumental in establishing a Centennial Initiative to prepare the parks for the next century."

news release of the National Park Service, Nov 29, 2007
See ViewImages for some photos of the decorations
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Limited Edition Ski Michigan Gold Card

Did you know that the U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame offers 50 Michigan Gold Ski Cards on a first-come-first-served basis? The cards cost $500, but can be used at eighteen of Michigan's finest ski areas. They are transferable; you can share your Gold Card with family, friends, customers and clients. But the card may only be used once per day at any one resort.

Purchase of a card enters you in a drawing (and the odds are only 1 in 50) to win a Ski and Stay Holiday at Crested Butte, Mountain Resort in Colorado.

Michigan Resorts where the card may be used are:

• Apple Mountain, Freeland
• Big Powderhorn, Bessemer
• Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs
• Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls
• Caberfae Peaks, Cadillac
• Cross Country Ski, Roscommon
• Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville
• Homestead Resort, Glen Arbor
• Indianhead Resort, Wakefield
• Marquette Mountain, Marquette
• Mont Ripley, Houghton
• Mount Brighton, Brighton
• Norway Mountain, Norway
• Pine Mountain, Iron Mountain
• Shanty Creek, Bellaire
• Ski Brule, Iron River
• Snow Snake, Harrison
• Swiss Valley, Jones

Cards are available until they are all sold, but the drawing is held January 1, 2008.

from U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame
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Manistee County Recreation Plan- Two Public Input Oppportunities

open space along the Manistee Riverwalk

The Manistee County Planning Commission, in partnership with the Alliance for Economic Success, is developing a 5-year Recreaion Plan. The group invites input from residents to gather ideas, hear comments, and listen to suggestions about recreational programs, facilities, and parks in Manistee County.

Over one-third of the land in Manistee County is publicly held.

Some quick facts:

• Over 91,000-acres are under federal ownership,
• About 29,000-acres owned by the State of Michigan, and
• 2,600-acres are owned by local governments
• In total, Manistee County occupies an area of about 357,000-acres.

To capitalize on the emerging trend of silent sports, the recreation planning process will engage all county interests, promote community-wide participation, and incorporate this input into a final action plan. Part of the challenge will also invlove developing the best strategies to connect the dots between Manistee County’s tourism industry and its public outdoor lands.

There are two opportunities for public input towards creation of the Draft Recreation Plan. The first is an open house to be held Jan 30, 2008 from 4-7 pm at Brethren High School. The second is Jan 31, 2008 from 4-7 pm at the Faith Covenant Church, 475 8th St, Manistee.

Stop in at your convenience to talk with recreation planners and community leaders.

from Manistee County Recreation Plan Blog
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Smell a Snake? It May Be a Squirrel!

Squirrels use shed snake skins to mask their scent from predators, a UC Davis researcher has found. (Barbara Clucas/UC Davis photo)

California ground squirrels and rock squirrels chew up rattlesnake skin and smear it on their fur to mask their scent from predators, according to a new study by researchers at UC Davis.

Barbara Clucas, a graduate student in animal behavior at UC Davis, observed ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) and rock squirrels (Spermophilus variegates) applying snake scent to themselves by picking up pieces of shed snakeskin, chewing it and then licking their fur.

The scent probably helps to mask the squirrel's own scent, especially when the animals are asleep in their burrows at night, or to persuade a snake that another snake is in the burrow.

The squirrels are not limited to the use of shed snake skins, said Donald Owings, a professor of psychology at UC Davis who is Clucas' adviser and an author on the paper. They also pick up snake odor from soil and other surfaces on which snakes have been resting, and use that to apply scent. Other rodents have been observed using similar behavior.

Snake-scent application is one of a remarkable package of defenses that squirrels use against rattlesnakes. "It's a nice example of the opportunism of animals," Owings said. "They're turning the tables on the snake."

from a news release of University of California- Davis, "Squirrels Use Snake Scent", Dec 19, 2007
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North Country Trail Arrowhead Re-Route Moves Closer to Approval

North Country Trail Minnesota Arrowhead map

The Arrowhead Re-route is an effort to officially designate a revised route for the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT) in northeastern Minnesota (see map). This change, which requires the approval of Congress, would replace a 100-mile stretch of trail route identified in the National Park Service’s 1982 Comprehensive Plan for Management and Use of the North Country Trail. The 1982 route lies between Jay Cooke State Park southeast of Duluth and the eastern end of the NCT in the Chippewa National Forest near Remer.

Since the NCT was authorized by Congress in 1980, there have been no efforts to construct trail along this route because it contains extensive wetlands. It also lacks the outstanding scenery found along the Arrowhead Re-route..

On December 5th, Congressman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) introduced the North Country National Scenic Trail Route Adjustment Act of 2007, otherwise known as the Arrowhead Re-Route. This long-awaited legislation provides for official Congressional recognition of the NCT route along the established Border Route, Kekekabic and Superior Hiking trails in northeast Minnesota.

The Trail would extend eastward through Grand Rapids (MN) along the northern border to Lake Superior, and then southwest along the Superior shoreline to Duluth. This would replace the currently authorized and undeveloped route, consisting of about 80 miles of bog and blackflies. The North Country Trail Association (NCTA) has assumed this route for some time; however it will not be included as an official segment until Congress authorizes it and the President signs it.

The bill was assigned to the House Natural Resources committee, where it is expected to see action early in spring 2008. A companion bill in the Senate awaits sponsorship, and is the focus of the efforts of Congressman Oberstar and others.

Congressman Oberstar, recipient of the NCTA's 2008 Vanguard Award, made a commitment upon receiving the award that he would introduce this legislation this year. The NCTA will be tracking progress closely and alerting members when their advocacy is needed. The Re-route will be a top priority for the NCTA's Hike The Hill delegation during their February visit to Washington.

from the North Country Trail Association, Dec 20, 2007
See NCTA Arrowhead Re-Route Advocacy Center
See bill HR 4291
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Mason County Recreation Plan - Public Meeting Jan 14

Maple Leaf Landing on the Pere Marquette River

The Mason County Parks and Recreation Commission has developed a draft Recreation Plan. The plan evaluates existing recreation opportunities, reviews public opinion regarding parks and recreation, and proposes a five-year action plan, and other related items that the county wishes to pursue.

Action Items in the plan include:

• Develop a non-motorized trail system within the county
• Enhance access to Big Sable River on county property in Freesoil Township
• Improve the entrance to Mason County Campground
• Add park amenities to other county-owned property

The draft will be reviewed at a public hearing with the Parks and Recreation Commission on at 7:00 pm on Monday, January 14, 2008, at the Mason County Drain Commission office in Scottville. The drain office is located at 102 East Fifth Street, Scottville, MI, 49454, (231)757-9366. A copy of the draft Recreation Plan can be downloaded from the following link below.

from Mason Country Recreation Plan Blog
read the Mason Country Recreation Plan a 54-page pdf document
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Saugatuck Residents Turn Out in Force to Oppose Development

A large group of interested people attended Wednesday evening's meeting to share their views on the plan of Oklahoma billionaire Aubrey McClendon to build homes on the dune property.

The land was zoned R-4, allowing one house on every five acres, at about the time McClendon completed his purchase. He claims he was not properly notified, and that he has the right to build one house on every 1.5 acres.

Residents support the township's R-4 zoning. They cite the natural beauty of the area as one of the greatest resources for attracting tourists.

The Saugatuck Township Board was scheduled to vote on an agreement with the developer at Wednesday's meeting, but the township board tabled it instead.

from WZZM TV, "Big crowd shows up to oppose billionaire's development plans", Dec 19, 2007
See Wednesday Meeting Critical for Saugatuck's Denison Dunes, Dec 17, 2007
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Oceana Foundation Supports OCCSA

The Community Foundation for Oceana County recently awarded the Oceana Cross Country Ski Association a grant in the amount of $2000. The funds will be used to enhance family recreation in Oceana County.

Specifically, OCCSA will use the monies for signage throughout both local ksi trails, the Pentwater Pathway and Crystal Valley Pathway.

Mike Sorensen and Tom Van Liere were able to save OCCSA a large shipping fee by picking up the poles for the signs in Reed City this fall.

If you would like to help with placement of the signs, call Marijo Bakker at 231-873-4486.

The OCCSA says "thank you" to the local community for its support of the volunteer efforts to provide quality ski trails for the use of everyone.

from the newsletter of the Oceana County Cross Country Ski Association, December 2007
for more information call OCCSA Board President Dennis Gale, 231-873-3245
see Community Foundation for Oceana County
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Mars This Week - Best Views Till 2016

This weekend Mars will be closest to Earth until June 2016. This will be one of the best chances in a lifetime to do some planet watching.

After Venus sets, Mars will be the brighest star in the evening sky. About two hours after it rises (15 minutes after sunset), it will be about "two fist" lengths above the east-northeast horizon.

It will appear as a bright yellowish-orange "star" poised above the constellation Gemini. It will appear to move slowly back from Gemini into the constellation Taurus.

Mars won't be as close to Earth this week as it was in 2003, but the viewing for North Americans might be better because the planet will be higher above the horizon. Mars will be looking good through most of January. So even for those of us in the cloudy north may get a chance to watch it.

from National Geographic, "Mars Closest to Earth This Week; Best View Until 2016", Dec 18, 2007
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Got Fleas? Grab the Hoover!

Homeowners dogged by household fleas need look no farther than the broom closet to solve their problem. Scientists have determined that vacuuming kills fleas in all stages of their lives, with an average of 96 percent success in adult fleas and 100 percent destruction of younger fleas.

In fact, the results were so surprisingly definitive that the lead scientist, an Ohio State University insect specialist, repeated the experiments several times to be sure the findings were correct.

The lead researcher also examined vacuum bags for toxicity and exposed fleas to churning air in separate tests to further explore potential causes of flea death. He and a colleague believed that the damaging effects of the brushes, fans and powerful air currents in vacuum cleaners combine to kill the fleas. The study used a single model of an upright vacuum, but researchers don't think the vacuum design has much bearing on the results.

"No matter what vacuum a flea gets sucked into, it's probably a one-way trip," said Glen Needham, associate professor of entomology at Ohio State and a co-author of the study.

Needham theorized that the vacuum brushes wear away the cuticle, a waxy outer later on fleas and most insects that allows the bugs to stay hydrated. Without the waxy protection, the adult fleas. larvae and pupae probably dry up and die, he said.

He also said the effectiveness of some insecticides is likely to decrease as fleas inevitably develop resistance to the currently available compounds. Because of that, Needham is among researchers seeking other nontoxic ways to kill fleas and other household pests, including studying the use of ultraviolet light.

read the full article from Ohio State University, "Cat Fleas' Journey Into The Vacuum Is A 'One-Way Trip'", Dec 14, 2007- see FAIR USE notice.
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Proposed Hiqhbank Connector to the North Country Trail

The Baldwin/White Cloud District of the Huron-Manistee National Forests is inviting public comment on the following proposed project on National Forest lands:

Hiqhbank Campground Connector to the North Country National Scenic Hiking Trail (NCNST): Located in section 17, T1 6N R1 3W. Lilley Township, Newaygo County, Michigan. The proposed route will utilize National Forest land. The following project is included:

New trail would be constructed through National Forest land for 0.70 miles. Forest Service standards for non-motorized trails would be adhered to when constructing new trail. The proposed connector trail would allow hikers to utilize Highbank Campground and campers from the campground to access the North Country Trail. It would increase user safety, provide a more aesthetic and visually appealing hiking experience, and be tter protect natural resources, while enhancing some of the values associated with the North Country National Scenic Hiking Trail.

The proposed project is partially located along an already existing trail tread. When complete the new trail would include a trail tread 18 to 24 inches wide, with an additional cleared width of 12 inches on both sides of the trail. Where necessary, the tread-way would be cleared of vegetation, trees, and stumps. No trees greater than 5 inches in diameter, at breast height will be removed. The trail would be signed and blazed. All construction would be done in accordance with Forest Service standards for non-motorized trails, the National Park Service Handbook for Trail Design, Construction, and Maintenance, and the North Country Trail Association's Trail Building and Maintenance Manual.

Should you have any questions, concerns, comments, or wish to be directly involved with the planning of this project, please contact Kathy Bietau, U.S. Forest Service, Drawer D, Baldwin, Michigan 49304. You may also comment by phone at (231)745-4631 ext. 3117 or email at kbietau@fs.fed.us. Please submit comments to this office by January 30, 2008.

from Gregory D. Smith, Acting District Ranger
contact Kathy Bietau
See Western Michigan Chapter of the North Country Trail Association
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Sea Grant Regional Fishery Workshop- Jan 5, Ludington

Michigan Sea Grant invites you to attend the annual Ludington Regional Fishery Workshop to be held on Saturday, January 5, 2008. Topics presented will cover current research on issues that affect Lake Michigan fisheries.

Topics to be covered include: Lake Michigan Currents, an Update on Little River Fisheries, the Impact of Natural Reproduction on Salmonine Fisheries in Lake Michigan, Regional Issues Affecting the Lake Michigan Fisheries, Coast Guard policies for Charter Boats, the Status of Bloody Red Shrimp and Opossum Shrimp in Lake Michigan, and Asian Carp in the Great Lakes.

Several of the speakers are very familiar with local issues.

The Ludington Area Charterboat Association will hold its annual meeting in conjunction with the workshop. They also hold a raffle to help fund salmon stocking in the Big Sable River.

If you find salmon fascinating, or want to hear about Lake Michigan shrimp, Asian Carp, or perhaps how DNR funding may affect anglers, then this is the day for you. The Sea Grant program of Michigan State University Extension offers the annual workshop. The fee of $20 also covers lunch. Pre-register by December 28; the form is linked below.

register with Sea Grant, by Dec 28, 2007 (A pdf document)
additional information from the Ludington Daily News, Dec 18, 2007
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Update- Chicago Scouting Council vs Blue Lake Township

An eyewitness account of the December 7 court date

Scouts Rally "United we stand to save Owasippe - intact" photo courtesy Scarlet Sassafras

Friday afternoon, December 7, was the 10th and final court date in Muskegon County Circuit Court presided by the Honorable William Marietti. It went on for approximately three hours. This trial is reportedly one of the longest court cases in Muskegon County circuit court history. It is being watched with great interest by local citizens of North Muskegon County as well as by many other small municipalities and townships within Michigan and surrounding states.

25 people were in court supporting the defense of Blue Lake Township while there was only one person supporting the prosecution by Chicago Area Council (CAC) Boy Scouts of America, Jim Stone, their Scout Executive. Representing CAC Scouters and other Friends of Owasippe were Ron Kulak, Steve and Irene Kantorski, Bob Halston, Bob Kurth, Wayne Schimpf, Dottie Humbert, Wayne Hanson, and Jim Schlichting. The others in attendance were citizens of Blue Lake Township and officials of the township government.

In an alleged conversation with a person prior to the trial, Stone expressed his surprise over the extent of the cost of mounting the lawsuit against Blue Lake Township. He was not asked by this person to quantify CAC's legal cost. However, one can only imagine how expensive this has become, especially in light of what CAC spent in 2006 for professional fees per their IL990 report, ie. more than $460,000.

Detailed testimonies were given by township witnesses Jim Cordray of one of Blue Lake Township commissions and Paul LeBlanc, a professional planning consultant and President of LSL Planning, a professional planning firm hired by Blue Lake Township to assist with amending their master plan. Both witnesses gave good testimony supporting the township's defense of their FR-I zoning (a zoning class for ALL six camps within their township). Both held up very well under cross examination by attorney Doug Dozema

It should be pointed out that Blue Lake Township's Master Plan was previously and unanimously adopted by their township board and further ratified by the Muskegon County Board.

On numerous occasions, both attorneys objected to the questioning by the other. It appeared that Judge Marietti seemed to be fair-handed in dealing with both and did permit additional evidence to be submitted by both attorneys.

The defense and the prosecution rested by 5pm and mutually agreed to submit their final arguments and summaries in writing no later than December 21 to the judge. The judge exclaimed interest in eliminating redundancy and in making their arguments to the point as he already had received many boxes of briefs and submitted evidence from both sides, enough to virtually fill up a small room. In addition, the judge had each trial hearing videotaped and is having the audio portions transcribed. The videos and transcriptions will be available to the public once posted under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act...for a fee.

Everyone is hoping that Judge Marietti will render his decision by the end of December, however the judge can deliberate longer if he feels he needs the time.

So, we wait...hope...pray.

by Ron Kulak, Scouter and Scarlet Sassafras editor

read more at "Oldest Operating Boy Scout Camp Still Fighting for Its Life", Jul 30, 2007
read more at "Bench Trial Continues for Camp Owasippe and Blue Lake Township", Nov 25, 2007
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Search for Michigan Man Missing in Hawaii Called Off

The search for 67-year-old Brian Murphy of Plymouth, Michigan has been called off. Park rangers, the Coast Guard, and a canine team have not found any sign of Murphy. Temperatures have ranged from 20 to 40 degrees throughout the search effort.

Rescuers have been searching the Mauna Kea area, Hawaii, since the evening of December 5 when he did not return from a hike. Murphy set out alone on the Humu'ula Trail. He signed in at the Mauna Kea Visitor Station, and told a ranger that he was going to hike a mile up the trail.

The path climbs 3,800 feet higher than the visitor center to Lake Waiau at 13,020 feet. Two hours later a cold front came through producing a storm which dropped a foot of snow on the mountain, and spawned 70 mph winds.

Murphy is a father of two, and grandfather of five. In an interview with his daughter she reported that he is in good physical condition, being an active skier and a holder of numerous national records for the decathlon. She added that he's very knowledgable about safety and survival skills.

"I see him as a person who would not panic in this a situation, even if he were hurt, he overcomes pain extremely well," she added.

There is some hope that he will survive since he knows how to make a shelter of ice.

see KGMB9-TV, "Missing Hiker is Avid Outdoorsman", by Tina Chau, Dec 10, 2007
see The Honolulu Advertiser, "Michigan visitor missing after hiking Big Isle trail", Dec 10, 2007
see The Honolulu Advertiser, "Search ends with no sign of missing Big Island hiker", Dec 12, 2007
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Wednesday Meeting Critical for Saugatuck's Denison Dunes

view of the Lake Michigan property near Saugatuck photo credit: Dan Irving/The Holland Sentinel

Another west Michigan battle of the preservationists vs the developers is shaping up near Saugatuck. Wednesday's Saugatuck Township Board meeting is a key piece of what will happen next.

A 413-acre tract of land which spans Lake Michigan beach between Saugatuck's Oval Beach on the south and Saugatuck Dunes State Park on the north is the issue. The property formerly belonged to Frank and Gertrude Denison, thus it is often referred to as the Denison property. The Kalamazoo River divides the property into two sections commonly referred to as the north and south parcels.

Now, Oklahoma billionaire Aubrey McClendon has purchased the property and wishes to develop it. He is sueing the township over zoning changes made before his purchase was finalized. Those changes reduced the number of houses which can be built on the property from over 250 to 83.

The township is proposing a settlement which allows the original zoning to be an option for one year. After that time, if no development proposal is approved the newer, restrictive zoning would take effect.

The Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance, a conservation group, has offered free legal services to the township to fight the lawsuits instead of settling them.

The lawyer for the developer says that their plan will preserve conservation set-asides, and that the area will "still look and feel like Saugatuck." The Dunes Coastal Alliance spokesman says that the township is caving in to demands, and asserts that if the township turns down any development proposal the developer will simply sue in a higher court.

For years, local residents and conservation groups have tried to preserve the duneland. It was standing room only at a December 5 township board meeting. The township decided at that meeting to delay its decision in order to give everyone more time to study the issue.

The follow-up meeting is this Wednesday, December 19, 2007. It will be held at Saugatuck High School, 401 Elizabeth St, at 7 pm.

The proposed settlement agreement can be seen by following the link below.

see Holland Sentinel, "Saugatuck Township delays decision on former Denison property", Dec 7, 2007
see Holland Sentinel, "Development decision", Dec 16, 2007
read the proposed Settlement Agreement from Saugatuck Township (a pdf file)
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Forest Service Announces Open Space Conservation Strategy

Forest Service Chief Abigail Kimbell announced on December 6, 2007 the release of the Forest Service’s Open Space Conservation Strategy.

"Our vision for the 21st century is an interconnected network of open space across the landscape—one that supports healthy ecosystems, renewable resources, and a high quality of life for Americans," said Chief Kimbell. "We plan to achieve this through collaboration and partnerships—by working with willing landowners, conservation groups and state and local governments to promote voluntary land conservation."

The Open Space Conservation Strategy is the product of extensive public comment and collaboration, with over 22,000 comments received – nearly all supportive. The public also expressed strong support for open space conservation during USDA’s Farm Bill listening sessions.

The Strategy charts a path forward for the Forest Service to conserve forests, grasslands, farms, ranches, and urban greenspaces that provide vital ecosystem services and benefits for society. Open space benefits American citizens by providing clean air, abundant water, outdoor recreation, connected fish and wildlife habitat, scenic beauty, improved human health, renewable resource products, and quality of life.

USDA’s Farm Bill proposals would strengthen and enhance the agency’s ability to achieve the goals of the Strategy. The USDA proposals would provide increased financial and technical assistance to willing landowners to conserve open space, advance ecosystem service private markets to compensate private landowners, enable states to work across boundaries to identify priority forest landscapes for conservation, and help communities protect working forests.

The loss of open space threatens the sustainability of the Nation’s forests and grasslands. We lose approximately 6,000 acres of open space each day across the United States —a rate of four acres per minute. Land development is outpacing population growth, especially in rural areas where the trend is low density, dispersed growth. The new Forest Service report "National Forests on the Edge" projects that over 21 million acres of rural private lands near national forests and 44 million acres of private forest land will undergo increases in housing density by 2030.

Growth and development in wildlands increases the risk of wildfire for people and property, affects the Forest Service’s ability to manage the public lands for healthy forests and public enjoyment, and reduces the capacity of privately owned land to provide water, recreation, habitat, and other public benefits.

news release of the USDA Forest Service
The Strategy can be found at http://www.fs.fed.us/openspace. The site also shares research findings, success stories, and resources for open space conservation.
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Michigan's UP Becoming Less Wild and Free

Michigan's wild UP photo from Michigan Technical University report

Whether Yoopers or Trolls (those who live north of the Mackinac Bridge, or "under" it), Michiganders love the wildness of the vast undeveloped forests of the Upper Peninsula.

Central to all that is the UP are its forests: vast tracts of forestlands that are the linchpins of the region’s economy, natural resources and rugged identity.

Yet in 2005 and 2006 a million acres of privately owned UP forest changed hands. The Upper Peninsula’s unique identity could be changing as commercial forest ownership changes signal a break with the past, according to a report released December 12 by university researchers and conservation groups in Michigan.

For the past century the typical large landowner in the UP was directly tied to forest products industries (vertically integrated timber product companies). Now the largest holders of UP forests are Timber investment management organizations and real estate investment trusts. What this means is that economic considerations will drive use rather than sustainability.

Of particular concern in the report are "higher and better use" forestlands- those in proximity to assets such as lakes, rivers and roads. These locations might become more prone to parcelization than under previous owners.

"Our research shows that the sprawling forest tracts that have long been part of the UP’s allure are already getting smaller and more fragmented," said Robert Froese, of the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science at Michigan Technological University. "Lands along Great Lakes shoreline and along streams and rivers are increasingly owned by small private interests and therefore less accessible to the public." Typically, once ownership patterns head down this path public access becomes more limited.

The report offers 22 recommendations, grouped under four strategies, to maintain sustainable ownership and management of the UP’s forests while encouraging economic, recreational and conservation opportunities. The recommendations range from policy initiatives and education at the local and state levels to economic stimuli for forest products and industries.

The report, "Large-tract Forestland Ownership Change: Land Use, Conservation and Prosperity in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula" is a cooperative venture of Michigan Technological University, Michigan State University, the Michigan Environmental Council, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Upper Peninsula Resource Conservation & Development Council. The project was funded by People and Land, a program of the Kellogg Foundation administered by the Land Policy Institute at Michigan State University.

news release of the Michigan Environmental Council, "Tradition of public access to UP forests threatened by ownership changes", Dec 12, 2007
See the full report: "Large-tract Forestland Ownership Change: Land Use, Conservation and Prosperity in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula", a 54 page pdf document
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DNR Promises... If Legislature Comes Through with $500K

In western Michigan, the Traverse City area in particular, cross-country ski trails are popular and well-used. The recent angst over whether state trails would be groomed has been relieved in the short term.

Joyce Angel-Ling, the DNR unit manager in Gaylord says that grooming will begin early this week on the Muncie Lakes trail system in Grand Traverse County, Pine Baron Trail in Otsego County and Wild Wood Hills trail in Cheboygan County.

But continued grooming, and the future of 20 campgrounds closed last summer, depends on the approval of $500,000 by the Michigan Legislature. If that happens in early 2008, the grooming machines will stay out of mothballs. And campers can expect to see Pinney Bridge in Antrim County; Walsh Road Trail Camp in Crawford County; Forks in Grand Traverse County; Johnson's Crossing in Otsego County; Long Lake in Wexford County; plus three more campgrounds in Cheboygan County reopen for summer.

Northern Michigan lawmakers, including State Representative Howard Walker, R-Traverse City, worked to negotiate the deal for both the cross country trails and the state forest campgrounds.

Now it's up to Lansing, again.

read more in the Traverse City Record-Eagle, Dec 16, 2007
read more: DNR Finds $10 Million! Huh? Dec 12, 2007
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West Shore Community College Recreation Opportunities

West Shore Community College Pond

Trails at West Shore Community College (WSCC) have been added to the Get Off The Couch web site. The college offers two nature trails along the small creek that feeds into the South Branch of the Lincoln River. There is also a 3-mile Cross Country Race Course which is open for walking, jogging, snowshoeing or skiing whenever it is not being used for practices or races. Cross Country Racing is a fall sport.

WSCC is situated at the corner of Stiles Road and Sugar Grove Road, centrally located between Ludington, Scottville, and Manistee, Michigan.

Get Off The Couch is a web site dedicated to providing accurate information about quiet, outdoor, muscle-powered recreation opportunities in west Michigan. It currently has detailed information about 19 activities on over 70 sites in 4 counties.

Additional outside facilities at WSCC include two picnic areas. One is located near the small pond. There is a pavilion, grills, latrines and a small play structure. The other pavilion is in a more level area behind the Recreation Center Building.

West Shore has long been known as a provider of affordable fitness opportunities. There is a large gym with a track around the outside edge, a swimming pool, and racquetball court. Pay by the visit, or buy memberships. There are certain times reserved for groups, classes, etc, and other times when the facility is open to the public. The Wellness Center offers weights and various exercise machines. Membership required.

An ice arena is the newest addition to WSCC's recration facilities. Organized hockey is the primary purpose of the arena, but there is open skating scheduled every day of the week. Skate rental is very reasonable.

by Joan H. Young
See West Shore Community College
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See West Shore Community College open ice skating schedule

Midwest National Wildlife Refuges - $100 Million in Economic Activity

Recreational use on national wildlife refuges generated almost $100 million in the Midwest and nearly $1.7 billion nationally in total economic activity during fiscal year 2006, according to a new report released in November by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The report, titled Banking on Nature 2006: The Economic Benefits to Local Communities of National Wildlife Refuge Visitation was compiled by Service economists.

According to the study, nearly 35 million people visited national wildlife refuges in 2006, supporting almost 27,000 private sector jobs and producing about $543 million in employment income. In addition, recreational spending on refuges generated nearly $185.3 million in tax revenue at the local, county, state and federal level. About 87 percent of refuge visitors travel from outside the local area.

"We’ve always known that national wildlife refuges enrich Americans’ lives," said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director H. Dale Hall. "This report reveals that the Refuge System, while admirably fulfilling its conservation mission, also repays us in dollars and cents. Those economic benefits go far beyond the system’s mandated mission to ensure wild creatures will always have a place on the American landscape."

The National Wildlife Refuge System encompasses 97 million acres and 548 national wildlife refuges. While the primary purpose of the Refuge System is to conserve native fish and wildlife and their habitat, priority is given to hunting, fishing, wildlife photography, wildlife observation, environmental education, and interpretation.

The National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, published every five years by the Service, found that more than 87 million Americans, or 38 percent of the United States' population age 16 and older, pursued outdoor recreation in 2006. They spent $120 billion that year pursuing those activities. About 71 million people observed wildlife, while 30 million fished and 12.5 million hunted.

Midwest Regional Highlights:

• The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 55 national wildlife refuges and 12 wetland management districts in the Midwest Region hosted nearly 7 million visitors during 2006 and supported more than 4,400 jobs in the region.
• Of the 13 Midwest Region Refuges in the report, DeSoto NWR in Iowa reported the most recreational visits (283,781) as well as the most jobs, at 52, and returned $4.26 to the economy for every $1 in budgeted expenditures.
• Many other national wildlife refuges also had marked returns for their budgets. Ottawa NWR in Ohio, for example, had more than 177,000 visits in 2006 and returned $20.79 for every $1 in federal budget expenditures. Minnesota Valley NWR had more than 250,000 visitors in 2006 and was responsible for 21 jobs. Muscatatuck NWR in south central Indiana—spanning just 7,800 acres—returned $21.56 for every $1 in budgeted expenditures and supported 48 private sector jobs.

read the full news release from the US Fish and Wildlife Service
read the Banking on Nature report (a pdf file)
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North Country Trail Adirondack Plan Comments Needed!

an Adirondack Pond

You may know North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT) as a popular place to hike in west Michigan. There are over 100 miles of off-road trail in the Manistee National Forest. But the trail does not end there. It extends across seven states from New York to North Dakota. For years the trail has sought a route through the Adirondack Park in New York State.

Recently the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released the North Country National Scenic Trail Draft Adirondack Park Trail Plan and Generic Environmental Impact Statement. The DEC is seeking public input on this Plan.

The North Country Trail Association would like to see the NCT planned and integrated into the Adirondack Park and we support the central route of approximately 140 miles that has been proposed within this Plan. We need people to submit supportive comments on this Plan and encourage its implementation.

Outlined here are Key Points you can make to support the creation of the Trail in the Park. Please feel free to copy and paste these Key Points into your comments. We encourage you to submit personal comments as well.

Key Points to Make in Your Comments

• I am supportive of the North Country National Scenic Trail being routed through the central region of the Adirondack Park.
• This Trail Plan has determined the best overall route for the Trail across the Park and requires the least amount of new trail construction of all identified and viable trail alternatives.
• This proposed route will intersect 9 units of public land in the Adirondacks and should be integrated into those unit management plans as appropriate.
• The proposed central route identified in this Plan is a route befitting a congressionally designated national scenic trail and invites the hiker to experience the spectacular central region of the Adirondack Park.

Comments will be accepted until January 4, 2008.

by Clare Cain, Director of Trail Management, North Country Trail Association

Click here to link to the NY DEC website to review the Plan and to submit comments.
See North Country Trail Association
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Good News for Ski Trails... For A While

The Michigan DNR stutters yet again. Last month they announced that sixteen trails in northern Michigan would not be groomed. And not only would they not do the work, volunteer groups would not be allowed to do the work since the DNR did not have the money to properly supervise them.

The latest word from Lansing is that if legislators approve a supplemental budget bill the trails will be groomed through mid-January. The bill provides general fund support for the State Forest Recreation Program. When the supplemental bill runs out, so will the money again, and we'll all be wondering where to ski next week yet again.

One of the strangest sagas comes from the Black Mountain Ski Trail near Cheboygan, Michigan. A volunteer group is being allowed to groom seven miles of trail, but not to clear debris from the remaining twenty miles in the system. The DNR cited dangerous deadfalls, union contracts, and lack of proper training to allow volunteers to do the work. The volunteers, the Thunder Bay Trail Association, countered with an offer from a professional forester to do the tree removal for free. The group has received no response from the DNR.

At Black Mountain the parking lot will not be plowed and users will need to ski in from a nearby restaurant. Yet the annual Black Mountain Classic ski race is still scheduled for March 1. The DNR says they will have the trail open by that date. A skeptical volunteer has asked,"Can you imagine not being able to groom the trails all year and then trying to get them ready in that short a time?"

see "State officials reach deal on ski trail grooming", MLive.com, Dec 14, 2007
see "DNR limits local trail groomers", Cheboygan Daily Tribune, Dec 14, 2007
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DNR Finds $10 Million! Huh?

Michigan's Department of Natural Resources has had a rocky year. In October, director Becky Humphries announced "It's gonna be bodies out the door," in reference to budget shortfalls.

Now, the DNR says that for one particular fund they have made a spectacular "find." The Game and Fish Fund will have a $10 million fund balance because of an unexpected increase in license sales, operational savings and higher-than-expected returns on investments. Huh?

With the appearance of this money fishing and hunting license fees will not take the huge leaps which had been predicted for 2008. In most cases, license fees were set to double in cost. Naturally there has been a huge protest from anglers and hunters.

Other DNR programs and resources are still without a stable source of funding, but for now the hunters and anglers should be happy.

There has been more than one DNR decision this year that brings the agency's common sense into question. Just in time for the summer hiking season they closed Pinney Bridge Campground, north of Mancelona in Antrim County. This is a primitive campsite on the Jordan River Pathway. 14.6 miles of that trail are also part of the North Country National Scenic Trail, and by closing the campsite the DNR effectively closed that section of the 4600-mile NCT to long-distance hikers. Camping is allowed only in designated sites in that section, so there is no longer any way to hike through with an overnight stay. The distances to legal camping or lodging options on either side of the area are too long to cover in one day.

The DNR said that closing this site, and 19 others, would save them a lot of money. However, they also promised that violators would be ticketed. Huh? Such semi-primitive sites require mostly a yearly pumping of the latrine, some seasonal maintenance of picnic tables and fire rings, and occasionally emptying the self-pay registration tube. Now the DNR proposes to save money by paying for enforcement personnel to visit the sites often enough to catch people who are camped either in the sites or within a mile of their borders?

Foot trail users can't even get the DNR to wave an enforcement dollar at controlling illegal ATV use which damages resources much more than the occasional primitive camper.

On the one hand, Michigan has embarked on serious marketing of its natural resources for tourism. But on the other hand, the state can't seem to protect or even continue to provide those resources.

Huh?

by Joan H. Young

see "Mich.: DNR Funds Higher Than Expected" Dec 13, 2007, AP News- The Motley Fool
see "DNR Announces Closure of 20 State Forest Campgrounds" July 6, 2007, Michigan DNR
see "DNR Makes Incredible Find" by Russ Harding, Dec 13, 2007, Mackinac Center for Public Policy
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Older and Out of Shape? It’s Never Too Late

Cornell University's Dr. Richard S. Rivlin says. "Many elderly people feel that it is too late for them to improve their health, but that is simply not true."

A study published in the November issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that adults over age 65 can hold diseases of aging at bay by adding a regular exercise plan to their lifestyle and switching to a more healthy diet.

"Our study reviews and presents the most up-to-date information showing the influence a healthy lifestyle may have on cardiovascular disease, cancer and osteoporosis," says Dr. Rivlin. "I also believe that the risk for other diseases, like diabetes and pulmonary disease, can also be avoided through later intervention. But, the earlier, the better."

By reviewing scientific literature the researchers gleaned the following information:

• lowering high blood pressure with improved diet and exercise had more dramatic health benefits for the elderly than for any other age group..
• older adults who adhered to a low-calorie diet with regular exercise had lower rates of cancer. In one study, risk was reduced by nearly 50 percent.
• weight training increased people's ability to burn calories and helped prevent osteoporosis.

Such simple and realistic lifestyle changes brought huge benefits for people, even over the age of 65. There are dozens of opportunities in West Michigan to walk, exercise, ski, snowshoe, or canoe with other like-minded folks. It's never too late to Get Off The Couch!

read the full report from Weill Cornell Medical College
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Hart Seeking Grant Money to Refurbish John Gurney Park

The City of Hart operates a hydroelectric generating plant at the dam on Hart Lake. Because of this it comes under Federal Energy Regulatory Commission requirements to develop recreation opportunities around the lake.

John Gurney park has operated for years with 90 rustic campsites, but now the city will hire the consulting firm of Gosling Czubak to develop a conceptual plan for the park. This plan will include major changes for the park.

An ad hoc committee was formed to recommend possible improvements. Ideas presented included baseball fields, a pavilion, community bonfire pit, and fewer, but more modern campsites. The ideas received a mixed reaction from the council.

The consultants will develop and present a master plan for the park. A new topographic survey is needed, and the city engineers will work with Gosling and Czubak to complete this.

Costs approved for the planning come to nearly $17,000. The goal is to have a plan ready in time to apply for a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant at the beginning of April.

from the Ludington Daily News, December 12, 2007
also see John Gurney Park- Changes in Store?, Nov 25, 2007
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Dam Sirens to Be Tested Friday

Friday, December 14, at 9 am the siren at Tippy Dam (Wellston area) near High Bridge Road will be sounded. This is a regular test of the emergency public warning siren and speaker system maintained by Consumers Energy. The siren test at Hodenpyl dam (Mesick area) will be tested at 11 am on the same date.

The tests will include a voice message, sounding of the siren, and a second voice message. No action needs to be taken by the public. The system is regularly tested every August and December.

Such tests are required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. If there were an imminent threat of dam failure the sirens would be sounded, and anyone on or near the river should move immediately to high gound.

Consumers Energy operates hydroelectric generating plants at both Tippy and Hodenpyl Dams.

from the Ludington Daily News, December 12, 2007
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Winter Camping Allowed at Ludington State Park

Like to get out year round? Ludington State Park offers winter camping opportunities in the Cedar Loop.

The experience is described by park personnel as "semi-modern." The access road and campsites are plowed, and electricity is available. However the bathroom buildings are closed (closing date around November 1 each year). Winter rest room facilities are limited to latrines. No showers are available. There is a kiosk for self-registration.

In addition the park has three mini cabins which can be rented. Each of the campground loops has one of these cabins. Rental of a cabin in either Pines or Beechwood Loop will include use of the key to open the gate for vehicle access during your stay.

Call the reservation call center at 1-800-447-PARKS or for local information 231-843-2423. A State Park sticker is required year round for entry.

The park offers snowshoe making classes throughout the winter, and guided snowshoe hikes. See the GOTC Calendar of Events for dates and times. There are several miles of trails designated for skiing which are sometimes groomed depending on the availability of staff.

There are a total of 10 Michigan State Parks open for winter camping. Both Mitchell and Traverse City have heated restrooms available in the winter. The others are: Algonac, Bay City State Park, Fort Custer, North Higgins Lake State Park , Rifle River Recreation Area, Tahquamenon Falls and Waterloo Recreation Area-Portage campground.

Many parks have rustic cabins and mini cabins available in winter. And Pinckney and Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State park rent out yurts for winter camping.

by Joan H. Young
See Ludington State Park, Michigan DNR site
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Volunteer River, Stream and Creek Cleanup Grants Available

2008 Grants from the Great Lakes Commission and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality for Michigan’s Volunteer River, Stream and Creek Cleanup Program applications will be accepted through January 25, 2008. $25,000 is available.

The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) are pleased to announce the release of the 2008 Grant Application Package (GAP) for Michigan’s Volunteer River, Stream and Creek Cleanup Program (VRSCCP). A total of $25,000 (plus carryover from FY 2007) is available under the program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2008. This funding is provided by the MDEQ through fees collected from the sale of the State’s Water Quality Protection license plates (Public Act 74 of 2000). The application deadline for Volunteer River, Stream and Creek Cleanup grants is January 25, 2008.

The Michigan VRSCCP provides small grants to local units of government to help implement the cleanup and improvement of the waters of Michigan’s rivers, streams, and creeks. Local units of government may partner with nonprofit organizations or other volunteer groups to carry out the cleanups. There is a minimum local match requirement of 25 percent of the total project costs.

The Volunteer Stream Cleanup GAP and application instructions are available online at http://www.glc.org/streamclean/app08. The GAP contains detailed instructions, including eligibility requirements and other information for developing a proposal, evaluation criteria, and items that should be included with your application. Applications will be reviewed and assessed by GLC and MDEQ staff, with final decisions anticipated in March 2007. Contractual arrangements will be facilitated by the GLC, which is administering the VRSCCP on behalf of the MDEQ.

If you have questions regarding the GAP or your application, please contact John Hummer at the Great Lakes Commission at 734-971-9135 or jhummer@glc.org.

Thank you for your interest in cleaning up Michigan’s water resources!

news release of the Great Lakes Commission
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Manistee to Buy Man-Made Lake Shore, Increase Accessibility

Existing and Proposed Access to Man-Made Lake, Manistee

The city of Manistee recently announced that it has received a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant. The $2 million from this source, combined with $1.1 million which was locally raised will allow the city to purchase almost all of the shoreline of Man-Made Lake on the city's north side. Over 1500 local residents contributed to the fund. "It turned into a groundswell of people saying, 'Let's do this,'" said Bob Strohs, an active member of a citizen group interested in securing the property.

Twenty-two acres will be purchased from Sand Products, the current owner. This will give the city ownership of all the shoreline except for a small area about the size of two city lots. The money has yet to be disbursed, but community development director, Jon Rose, stated that since the money comes from a trust fund, the Michigan Legislature cannot divert the money to other uses.

Plans to upgrade the recreational facilities are numerous:
- expanded paved parking
- a barrier-free fishing dock will be built at the north end of the lake
- a wooden walkway will be built from the parking area, past the dock, to Lake Michigan, and will include an observation platform on a high location
- several additional walkways will be built around the lake, including one which will pass near an area of protected Pitcher's Thistle plants.

The first phase of the project is likely to begin in 2009, and will include the paved parking and dock.

The lake itself has an odd history. Between 1928 and 1970 the lake bed was created by the removal of sand which was sold primarily to the auto industry. The resulting depression filled with water. But the high levels of Lake Michigan in 1985 washed away the barrier between the two lakes, and thus Man-Made Lake was simply a part of Lake Michigan. Since then, sand from dredging the Manistee Channel, and other building projects has been re-deposited to create the barrier again.

read more in the Ludington Daily News
read more in the Traverse City Record-Eagle
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See Manistee County

Night of Dec 13-14 Geminid Meteor Shower Predicted to be Fine

In North America the night of December 13-14 should be the best Geminid meteor shower, with 2 am as the peak viewing time. The show will continue the following night

Bursts of meteors that take place on roughly the same dates every year are given the name of the constellation from which they appear to originate. Thus the December shower has the constellation Gemini as its radiant (the apparent point of origin).

The darker the sky is, the better the viewing. Not since 1996 has the sky been so dark for the Geminids. This year the moon will be a mere sliver on that date, offering a dark backdrop for the shower. In 1996, observers recorded seeing up to 110 meteors in an hour.

When Earth passes through fields of debris left behind by orbiting comets we see the debris burning in our atmosphere. We call these burning rocks shooting stars, or meteors.

Read more at Sky and Telescope
Read more at National Geographic
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Will a License Plate Surcharge Replace State Park Fees?

A plan to charge an additional $9 for every Michigan license plate sold could replace the annual state park stickers if a new proposal comes to fruition.

Entrance to parks, and boat access sites would be covered, but camping fees would not be covered. Out-of-state visitors would still have to pay for daily or yearly vehicle permits.

Unless something is done, there will be a $5.3 million dollar deficit in the 2008 state park budget. Ron Olson, state parks chief at the DNR, says the surcharge would raise $35 million. This would easily cover the shortage.

The state of Montana has a similar plan. Residents there can choose to opt out of the surcharge, but only about 15% of residents actually do so.

One nice feature of the proposal is that 10% of the revenue would be set aside to fund local recreation programs through grants.

So far, this is just in the proposal stage. The Citizens Committee for State Parks is responsible for crafting the idea. The Natural Resources Commission (NRC) will need to work to craft a bill which would be presented to the legislature. A sub-committee of the NRC did discuss the idea on Thursday.

Currently, Michigan State Park vehicle passes are $6 a day, or $24 a year.

from Capital News Service
Read the entire story in the Traverse City Record-Eagle
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See Orchard Beach State Park

Take a Hike - Your Computer is Calling

Stanford study finds computer calls motivate people to exercise

Researchers were surprised at the results of a year-long study which proved that computer-generated phone reminders prompted people to exercise as well as calls from a human being.

Lead Author, Abby King, PhD, of the Stanford Prevention Research Center said, "This is the first study to directly compare the efficacy of a physical activity program delivered by a computer versus humans and found them to work similarly well."

Although over 80% of the people who participated in the San Francisco Bay Area study said that they were sure they would need a real human caller to be successful; in fact there was no difference between the two groups that received calls.

The goal was to motivate people into 150 minutes of medium-intensity physical activity. This was most often divided into 5 30-minute walks at a brisk pace. There were three groups: one received no calls, one received calls from trained health educators, and the third set of calls came from an interactive computer program.

After a year, both groups that were called averaged over 150 minutes a week, and the group which received no call averaged only 118 minutes. Women and men responded equally well to the computer calls.

When the computer called the voice might say, "Hello, Mrs. Jones. Your goal last time we talked was to do 30 minutes per day of brisk walking five days per week. Were you able to reach this goal? If yes, press 1; if no, press 2. What kind of barriers got in your way? If illness, press 1; if weather, press 2."

Participants were allowed to set new goals, and schedule the next phone call.

King plans to do future research on combining the human and the automated touch. She hopes to optimize the motivation and minimize the cost. Messages to hand-held devises and text messages may be employed.

from a news release of Stanford University Medical Center posted on EurekAlert!

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Spirit of the Woods First Snow Outing of the Winter

Three snowshoers and a dog braved the early cold and headed to the Manistee National Forest north of Nine-Mile Bridge on Saturday Morning. We walked on the North Country National Scenic Trail.



The temperatures soon warmed into the twenties, and with the good effort one must put into snowshoeing through pristine snow, all were soon thoroughly warmed.

It was a near perfect day. The snow fell in light, fluffy flakes against the pines, and when we stood still the quiet was profound.

This was no death march. We were all fairly tired after breaking trail for an hour, so we turned around and followed our tracks back to the car. That only took 40 minutes!

Don't be afraid to join us. The club hikes the second Saturday of every month. January 12, 2008 we will meet at the Rec Center at West Shore Community College and snowshoe or ski the Nature Trail (bring whichever you prefer, or just good boots). Afterwards we'll fix popcorn in the fireplace at the picnic shelter.

February 9 is our annual ski/snowshoe outing at Big M Ski Area on Udell Hills Road. Rich and Deb Krieger will bring their famous chili for a good time in the warming shelter afterwards.

All hikes begin at 10 am.

by Joan H. Young
See Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the North Country Trail Association
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Note From Admin

As of December 7, 2007, all Get Off The Couch News will be hosted here.

News posted previous to August 2007 can be accessed from the News Archive for now. Eventually, all the news will be moved here.

The change is being made in order to make it possible for people to comment on news articles and also to allow for Google Adsense advertising to be placed on this page.

Several news items will be posted that are a bit dated at this point. Due to various circumstances the whole Get Off The Couch project was put on hold for about four months, but hopefully it will soon be better than ever! Make this your source for news pertaining to quiet, muscle-powered recreation in West Michigan. Come back soon.

This page is in direct association with Get Off The Couch with information, maps, and locations of recreation opportunities.

by Joan H. Young

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Stearns Park to Have Lifeguards Summer 2008

Ludington City Council has voted to keep lifeguards on duty at Stearns Park in a squeaker 4-3 decision.

The city budget is currently balanced, and $26,700 has been designated for lifeguards. This is $1000 less than in 2007. There is no plan to purchase any new equipment in connection with the lifeguard duties.

Some councilors who oppose the expenditure point out that Ludington is the only community on Lake Michigan with lifeguards. Officials in some cities have received legal advice that if there is a drowning there is actually greater liability for the city if there is a lifeguard present.

Councilors in favor of lifeguards are Pete Engblade, Greg Dykstra, Kaye Ferguson Holman, and David Weston. Opposed are Brent Scott, Paul S. Peterson, and Gary Castonia.

from the Ludington Daily News Dec 4, 2007
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Mullen Retires as Ludington State Park Manager

Ludington State Park Manager for 18 years, Mike Mullen, retired November 30. Mullen began his career in 1969 at Silver Lake State Park and then served at four other Michigan parks before being hired as Park Manager at Ludington in 1989. Mullen says that he always felt that Ludington was a great place to be. He declined to list his own accomplishments, but pointed to the many great people he has been able to hire over the years.

Some of those great people threw him a non-party, since Mullen requested that there be no retirement celebration. Nevertheless, about 30 people showed up to "not" celebrate.

Others stepped up to tell about Mullen's successes. The partnership with the Big Sable Point Lighthouse Association was crafted by Mike. When the state took over the lighthouse property in 2002, Mullen wrote a lease with the Association by which they provide the interpretation of the lighthouse, operate a gift shop, and preserve its history.

Mullen also helped create Friends of the Park. This group is responsible for the warming shelter, and the snowshoe program. The Friends also help repair the park shelters, originally built by the CCC.

Others said that Mike will be remembered for his integrity and his high standards. Mullen and his wife, Colleen plan to retire to the Upper Peninsula.

read more in the Ludington Daily News
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