Crystal River Initiative Improves Three Sites for Both Wildlife and Paddlers

new Crystal River bridge (photo from the CRA)

a news release of Conservation Resource Alliance

Led by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB) and Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA), in partnership with the Leelanau County (Michigan) Road Commission and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and supported by numerous additional project partners, the Crystal River Initiative has transformed four critical stream crossings along one of Michigan's most treasured waterways. Together, these partners have improved recreational access, restored natural river function, reconnected aquatic habitat, and strengthened cultural connections to the landscape.

For decades, aging and undersized crossings disrupted the river's natural processes and forced thousands of paddlers to portage along County Road 675. Today, those barriers have been replaced with modern, fish-friendly structures that allow the Crystal River to flow more naturally while creating a safer and more seamless experience for paddlers.

Over 15,000 paddlers recreating on the Crystal River annually have been forced to repeatedly cross a busy county road rather than go through three deteriorating culverts, known colloquially as "the Tubes." The other three sites were less constrictive, but were constantly collecting debris, degrading river habitat and also forcing paddlers to portage.

See Crystal River Initiative


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Vision for Great Lakes Waterfront Trail

potential trail route fromthe National Park Service

from Fox 2

For over 30 years, Canada has been working on a non-motorized trail that follows the edges of the Great Lakes in that country. Now students in the School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) at the University of Michigan, in collaboration with the National Park Service and state governments are working to create an unbroken, non-motorized route that follows the shores of the Great Lakes for over 6000 miles.

Currently only a patchwork of usuable trails exist. On the map, green lines show off-road existing routes, yellow are designated bicycle routes on road, and dotted lines are gaps that need to be filled. Blue lines are ferry crossings.

International crossings are expected to be via the Gordie Howe Bridge in Detroit, at Sault Ste. Marie and Port Huron, Michigan, Messina, NY, and near Grand Portage Minnesota.

SEAS plan is being tested in Erie County, Pennsylvania.

See SEAS Starter Guide


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Onekama 30-Day Activity Challenge- Open to Anyone

Onekama Challenge graphic

a news release of Onekama Township

The Onekama (Michigan) 30-Day Challenge is an energizing community adventure built around non-motorized outdoor activity! Sign up, set your personal goals, and spend 30 days getting outside with family, friends, and neighbors. Want to learn something new along the way? Optional safety and skill-building clinics are offered throughout the Challenge, including open-water swimming, lake kayaking, bicycling, balance & agility, and walking. Join as an individual, a team, or a family-- check the webpage for full details. Registration is required.

Dates for the challenge are: Thursday, July 9 - Saturday, August 8, 2026

Participate as an individual or team/family
Choose the activity categories you like: Strength and Wellness, Land, Water, Wheels
Set your goals -All goals should be entered as your TOTAL activity for the entire 30-Day Challenge, not your daily goal.

Track your activity on Activity Tracker provided by email on July 6. Get active when you choose & where you choose - in Onekama or anywhere else - it all counts
Optional: Participate in Free Clinics
Visit at least one Onekama Township Park between July 9 and August 8

The first 60 participants to turn in their Activity Sheet to parks@OnekamaTwp.org (in person during Onekama Days or by email to OnekamaTwp.org) will win a Limited Edition 2026 Onekama 30-Day Challenge towel.

All participants who complete their goals are invited to participate with the Onekama Township Parks & Recreation in the Onekama Days Parade
The first 60 participants who submit their final 30-Day Calendar by Saturday, August 8 between 9:30AM and 4:30PM in the Onekama Village Park at the Parks and Recreation Tent will receive an Official 2026 30-Day Challenge Towel with beautiful Lake Michigan photo by local professional photographer, Valerie Harmon.
No shipping available, pick up only - we can hold if arrangements are made

FUN BONUS ACTIVITIES!
Visit ALL Onekama parks during the challenge - get a special decal!
Share your photos (email to parks@OnekamaTwp.org-- we may feature you!)
Participate in the Onekama Days Fun Run or 5K on August 8th it’s a GREAT way to finish strong!

Register here

See more at Onekama Township


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Construction on Davis Bridge on Dragon Trail

Davis Bridge (graphic from Michgian Dragon Trail)

from Michian's Dragon Trail

Those crossing Davis Bridge at the north end of Hardy Dam Pond, and the north end of the Dragon Trail in Newaygo County, Michigan, should be aware that the bridge is currently restricted to a single vehicle lane, with traffic alternating directions through the construction zone using temporary traffic signals on each side of the bridge.

Important notice for Pedestrians, Hikers, and Bicyclists:

MDOT is requesting that all non-motorized traffic use the closed portion of the bridge and remain inside the construction barrels while crossing. Both eastbound and westbound pedestrian and bicycle traffic should utilize the closed lane for their safety.

Please use caution when traveling through the area and follow all posted signs or directions given from construction personnel.

These traffic patterns will remain in place until bridge repairs are completed and the bridge is fully reopened.

See Dragon Trail Map


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Do Atmospheric Water Generators Work?

generalized diagram of an atmospheric water generator (Creative Commons license, by Fred the Oyster)

compiled from several sources

You may have seen ads recently for devices that claim to pull clean water from the air, making clean water possible in remote locations. Are these machines a gimmick or useful?

They do work, but you have to trade energy to get the water. Thus, most require electrical power although some come with solar panels. And, of course, the initial cost can be significant.

But, yes, Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs) absolutely work. They draw moisture from invisible water vapor in the air, condense it into liquid, and purify it into clean, safe drinking water. Most of them work on the same principle as a dehumidifier. Ambient air is drawn through a filter, passed over a cooling coil where the water vapor condenses into liquid.

Generators for potable water then include one or more types of filter before the water is dispensed.

They are excellent for home emergency preparedness (keep the electric requirement in mind), or for providing water for a short period of time at remote locations such as a basecamp. Battery operated units are available, but the energy requirement is high.

They work best when atmospheric humidity is above 30%, and the temperature is at least a few degrees above freezing. A residential unit can produce 2 to 12 gallons of water a day, depending on conditions.

Specialty units have been developed for extreme conditions, but these advanced technologies are less available to the general public.

Prices range from a few hundred dollars to thousands- depending on quality and efficiency.

See Atmospheric Water Generators on Wikipedia


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Pere Marquette, Pentwater, White Rivers to Be Treated for Sea Lampreys

sea lamprey in an aquarium (photo by jhy)

from a news release of US Fish and Wildlife Service

US Fish and Wildlife Service personnel will apply lampricides to the Pere Marquette River (Mason and Lake Counties) to kill invasive sea lamprey larvae burrowed in the stream bottom. Applications will be conducted between July 6 and 10, 2026, in accordance with State of Michigan permits. Application dates are tentative and may be changed due to either stream or weather conditions.

Sea lampreys are native to the Atlantic Ocean, but invaded the Great Lakes through shipping channels in the early 1900s. They attach to fish with their circular mouths lined with teeth and suck body fluids. Each lamprey can consume about 40 pounds of fish, and each spawning pair can produce 100,000 eggs. They must be controlled regularly in the larval stage.

Although the lampricide is not applied in a concentration high enough to harm humans, it is recommended that people stay out of the water during treatment. The water should not be used for agricultural purposes on the day of treatment. By implication, using river water for camping needs on these days would also be unwise.

The Pentwater and White Rivers will also be treated this summer.

For more information, call 1-906-226-6571.

See Great Lakes Fisheries Commission


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E-Bike? E-Moto? Class 1,2, 3?

E-bike (photo from Unsplash)

compiled from several sources

Laws governing electric-assisted bicycles on Michigan trails are fairly clear, but how people interpret them leads to confusion and conflicts.

First of all, here are the definitions of the electric-assisted bicycles.

Class 1 e-bike: Pedal-assist only, maximum speed of 20 mph, limited to 750 watts or less

Class 2 e-bike: Pedal-assist and throttle-assist, maximum speed of 20 mph, limited to 750 watts or less

Class 3 e-bike: Pedal-assist only, maximum speed of 28 mph, limited to 750 watts or less

E-motos: Not defined by the Michigan law, but these electric motorcycles, dirt bikes and mopeds may not need to be propelled by pedals and can exceed speeds of 30 mph

In 2024, Michigan lawmakers expanded the legal use of e-bikes. In addtion to being allowed on hardened trails they also became legal on dirt mountain bike trails and other bicycle trails. This is supposed to allow only Class 1 e-bikes.

People with mobility disabilities affecting their lower extremities may also get a permit to ride those trails on Class 2 e-bikes.

According to Michigan state law, all three classes of e-bikes are allowed on streets and bike lanes where traditional bikes are permitted. Class 1 e-bikes are generally allowed on non-motorized paved paths like rail-to-trail routes, unless restricted by a local authority, whereas class 2 and 3 e-bikes may be allowed on such trails if a local authority approves their use.

Electric bikes of any class or e-motos (essentially electric powered motorcycles since they have no pedal drive) are not registered, nor is any kind of license required to operate them.

But there are an increasing number of cycle/vehicle collisions, with two deaths in recent weeks. E-moto riders often use pathways where they are not allowed, disregarding regulations and harassing slower users.

Cities and counties are wrestling with how to define and regulate use, and how to police their final decisions.

See Bridge Michigan


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Availability of Life Rings Saves Two More Lives

Holland pier (photo from Holland Public Safety)

from TV 13

Stong currents in Lake Michigan caught two Otsego area teenagers swimming near Holland on Jun 22, 2026. They were being pulled toward the Holland State park pier.

Two girls were heard screaming for help, and an unidentified bystander threw them a life ring. The rings are located along the pier. By the time official rescue units arreived, both girls were out of the water. With the aid of the life ring, the girls had been pulled close to the rocks, and they were able to climb to a safe location.

State Park staff assisted in getting them where they needed to be after they were evaluated by medical personnel and released.

The girls had been swimming in the designated zone, but conditions began to deteriorate and a current caught them. This happened at the same time as northwest winds were beginning to pick up and generate large waves and hazardous conditions. Park staff were actually in the process of changing the beach warning flags from yellow to red at the time.

The Great Lakes use a beach flag condition system to indicate swimming risk:

Green Flag: Low hazard; calm conditions, though caution should always be exercised.

Yellow Flag: Medium hazard; moderate surf and/or currents. Watch for changing conditions.

Red Flag: High hazard; high surf and/or strong currents. It is highly recommended to stay on the beach.

Double Red Flags: Water access closed. Entering the water is illegal and highly dangerous due to extreme hazards like rip currents.

See National Weather Service Great Lakes Beach Hazards


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DNR Purchase Secures Turtle Lake as Public Land

Turtle Lake (photo from Real Estate One)

compiled from several sources

The Gaylord area was the recipient in May of a huge land purchasing grant of $5,000,000 to buy over 1400 acres southeast of Gaylord. This encludes the entirety of Turtle Lake.

Wondering where the money came from?

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) originated in 1976 as the "Kammer Recreational Land Trust Fund Act" (P.A. 204). It was created as a compromise to dedicate revenue from state-owned oil, gas, and mineral rights (specifically from the Pigeon River Country State Forest) toward purchasing public conservation land-- interestingly enough, in Otsego County, where this purchase is being made.

As one of the 2025 projects recommended for approval, the purchase of this entire parcel will move this historically private property into public ownership. The DNR aims to protect the North Branch of the Au Sable River watershed and expand public access for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. The land is adjacent to several other public lands.

Further information is sketchy at this time.


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Spring Lake Trail Expansion Opens

ribbon cutting (photo from Spring Lake Township)

from Spring Lake Township

A ribbon cutting celebration took place on the afternoon of June 18, 2026, in front of Country Estates on State Road to officially open the new stretch of bike path recently completed.

This 0.5-mile trail connects neighborhoods near the 144th Ave./State Road intersection to the existing bike path system. It also connects to the existing 1-mile pathway on State Road, offering access to many regional bike paths including the North Bank Trail and Lakeside Trail.

Spring Lake Township officials, staff, and community members gathered to cut the ribbon and celebrate the opening of another stretch of paved path for residents and visitors to enjoy.

This extension cost $3.8 million, and was paid for by a millage approved by voters.

See news item on Fox 17


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Support America the Beautiful Act Today

graphic from American Hiking Society

from the American Hiking Society

BREAKING NEWS and ACTION ALERT!

With the support of 63 million hikers across the country, American Hiking Society applauds the unanimous passage of the America the Beautiful Act (S.1547) by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

The leadership of Sen, Daines, Sen. King, Ranking Member Heinrich, and Chairman Lee Chairman to come together in a bipartisan way exemplifies how public lands and the outdoors unify us all.

The original Great America Outdoors Act has been a massive success, generating $4.5 billion in economic impact and restoring 1,500 critical projects. The America the Beautiful Act will expand on that victory — upgrading visitor recreation experiences, funding projects in every corner of the country, and driving economic growth in communities nationwide.

There is no better way to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary this year than by investing in the public lands that unite us all.

TAKE ACTION! Hikers need to make their voice heard by sending a message to urge the Senate and House of Representatives to get this to the President's desk and signed into law by July 4.”

— Tyler Ray, Senior Director for Programs and Advocacy, American Hiking Society

Send a message


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Oak Savannah Research by Grand Valley

prescribed burn (photo from the Land Conservancy of West Michigan)

from Land Conservancy of West Michigan

Grand Valley State University students in Michigan under Professor Priscilla Nyamai have been studying two sites on Land Conservancy of West Michigan nature preserves. Their research is being conducted to determine the best ways to restore Oak Savannah ecosystems.

Oak savannas are open-canopy habitats with larger but fewer trees and shrubs. More sunlight reaches the ground and the plant community on the ground is diverse. Many such areas were common in Michigan, but a century of fire suppression has resulted in denser forests and a change in the ecosystem.

GVSU has been doing research at Bradford Dickinson White and Brower Lake nature preserves to restore oak savannahs. They are comparing prescribed burns with mechanical thinning. Both result in more open areas, and the students are researching which method results in the best savannah ecosystem.

So far their results indicate that treatment by any method takes time to produce the desired results, and seeding the sites with desirable plant materials is often needed.

This collaboration of a college with a land manager is yeilding valuable information for successful future restoration projects.

Ecosystem responses to ecological restoration treatments of prescribed fire and tree girdling reveal mixed outcomes in two degraded oak savanna communities in West Michigan, USA is available, and the abstract can be read at no cost.


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