Spring Lake Township Begins Trail Extensions

a portion of the Spring Lake non-motorized trail (photo from Spring Lake Plan)

compiled from several sources

Spring Lake, Michigan, has begun construction on two trail extensions that will create additional connections with the Spring Lake Township Non-Motorized Path.

The newest sections are along Rannes Road from Leonard to 152nd Ave., and along Hickory Street from Fruitport Road to 148th Ave.

The Rannes Street path connects directly to the 152nd Avenue bike path—a multi-million dollar expansion project designed to connect surrounding neighborhoods to the township's continually growing pathway system. It also serves as a feeder to nearby recreational areas like Rycenga Park, which is situated just off the main Spring Lake loop.

See Spring Lake Non-Motorized Trail plan which includes maps


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New York to Try Novel Approach to Control Spotted Lanterfly

adult spotted lanternfly (photo from Gardenia.net)

compiled from several sources

Although Spotted Lanternflies have so far been confirmed only in six southeastern Michigan counties, they are certainly on the spread. This relatively new invasive pest has been in the United States since 2014 when it was found in Pennsylvania.

They do not bite or sting, but they can damage plants. They exude a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts other insects such as wasps or bees. The honeydew can also mold.

A large infestation of them can restrict the ability of plants to photosynthsize. Of particular concern are vinyards.

Watkins Glen, in western New York, is in the heart of wine and fruit country. The Finger Lakes Land Trust is trying a novel approach to control the pests. The lanternflies came from Asia, as did the invasive Ailanthus, or Tree of Heaven. This tree is the primary food source of the lanternfly larvae.

Tree of Heaven is being agressively removed from the park with a few exceptions. A few male trees (Tree of Heaven has male and female trees) are being allowed to live, but are being injected with an insecticide that will kill the lanternfly larvae.

See NPR article


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Boat Washing Stations Help Stop Aquatic Invaders

mobile boat washing station (photo from Crystal Lake Watershed)

compiled from several sources

To stop the spread of aquatic invasive species the advice for several years has been "Clean, Drain, Dry." (CD3) If boats and trailers are cleaaned properly after removing them from lakes, it can stop such species as Zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, and Asian apple snails.

In March 2019, a law was passed in Michigan that requires thorough cleaning of all watercraft and trailers whether motorized or not, emptying of all water from the craft, and it also restricts disposal of fish and bait.

There are now thousands of washing stations throughout Michigan on many popular boating and fishing lakes and waterways. No comprehensive list yet exists, but web searches can find these stations in local areas.

The Michigan State University "Clean Boats, Clean Waters" program will also work with local organizations to increase awareness of aquatic invasive species and boat cleaning practices by hosting a free Mobile Boat Wash event in their community. The MSU trailer-mounted boat cleaning systems use heated high-pressure water that is effective in cleaning most invasive species from boats and trailers. A containment mat prevents runoff back into lakes and rivers.

In some locations a waterless solar-powered kiosk provides tools like vacuums, brushes, and pullers for watercraft.

See Stop Aquatic Hitchikers


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Howell to Open "Fire and Ice" Depot District

Howell Fire and Ice District (photo from City of Howell)

compiled from several sources

Howell, Michigan, county seat of Livingston County will open its "Fire and Ice" Historic Depot District on July 13 at 4 pm. The new public gathering place is designed for year-round use and includes an ice-skating pavilion, and fire and water features.

The area around the Howell Depot, west of Michigan Avenue and north of Grand River Avenue, will become a hub of recreation, activity, and community events.

There will be a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony. Tours, refreshments, photo ops and short speeches will be on the agenda.

Located just north of Grand River Avenue and west of Michigan Avenue on land surrounding the historic Howell Depot, the multi-million dollar development will serve as a centerpiece for recreation, community events, and downtown activity.

In addition to the ice rink, features include:
• Playable fountain that is programable with LED lights for visual appeal.
• Three fire features for outdoor warming stations.
• Artistic pergolas that will provide shade for our seating areas.
• A beautiful frame that highlights the Historic Train Depot.
• Several planting areas including a plaza with patterned and colored concrete.

See Howell Depot Fire and Ice Project


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Bat in Emmet County Positive for Rabies

bat (photo from Michigan Field Guide)

compiled from several sources, primarily the Michigan Health Department

A bat in Emmet County, Michigan, has tested positive for rabies. This comes hard on the heels of a boy who died of rabies in an exposure from a bat in Ontario, Canada. The fatal encounter was the result of a bat landing on the boy's face. There did not appear to be any broken skin, but no medical attention was sought, and although rabies can be stopped from developing with prompt treatment, once the disease develops, it is almost always fatal.

There have been no human cases of rabies associated with the Emmet County incident.

“Typically, less than 1% of wild bats in Michigan carry rabies,” says Dr. Josh Meyerson, Health Department of Northwest Michigan Medical Director. “While the infection rate is low, bats are the primary source of rabies in the state, making up about 90% of all reported animal rabies cases. If you believe you or a family member may have been exposed to a bat, it's important to have the bat tested whenever possible. Prompt testing can help determine whether preventive treatment is needed.”

Bat bites and scratches can be small and difficult to detect, and an exposure may have occurred if a bat is found:
• In a room with a sleeping person
• Near an unsupervised child
• With a person who is mentally impaired or intoxicated
• In direct contact with a pet or person

If any of these situations occur, do not release the bat. Keeping the bat for testing may prevent unnecessary rabies treatment. Although rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, it is entirely preventable with prompt medical care after an exposure.

See Health Department pdf concerning bat exposures


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Public Input Sought for Long Bicycle Routes

potential bicycle route (photo from EXPLORE act)

from EXPLORE Act Section 121

The Departments of the Interior (DOI) and Agriculture (USDA) are seeking public input to assist with implementing provisions of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act related to long-distance biking trails.

EXPLORE Act Sec. 121, Biking or Long-Distance Trails requires identification of no fewer than 10 long-distance biking trails and no fewer than 10 future trails/areas across public lands managed by DOI and USDA where there are opportunities to recognize or develop long-distance biking trails.

Recognition as a Biking on Long Distance Trail does not in and of itself change federal policy, land use designations, or authorize any new on-the-ground activity or disturbances. Any new trails or related facility construction will require site specific National Environmental Policy Act consideration.

Follow the link below to nominate existing or potential new long-distance bicycle routes. Input accepted between July 2 and August 3, 2026

Nominate trails


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West Michigan Underwater Preserve

West Michigan Underwater Preserve

from the West Michigan Underwater Preserve

The West Michigan Underwater Preserve extends along the western shore of Lake Michigan from Grand Haven, past Muskegon, Whitehall and Pentwater to Big Sable Point at Ludington.

The Preserve is home to several ships lost in storms on Lake Michigan. The shoreline is similar to the Southwest Preserve in that there are limited safe harbors, but there was active shipping traffic. Consequently over time, many ships foundered before they could reach safety.

Local divers buoy some of the wrecks in the area. However, divers should be prepared to locate shipwrecks they plan to dive.

The West Michigan Preserve is also home to the Hamilton Reef, also known as “The Rock Pile” near Muskegon. It is a snake-like formation of broken cement rubble just south of the Muskegon Channel in about 30 feet of water. It provides a home for interesting game fish. Near Port Sheldon, divers frequent the “bubbler” near the piping for the Port Sheldon power plant. It too provides a home for game fish. Divers also salvage anchors and other artifacts left by fishermen and boaters.

The communities bordering the Preserve house many museums of interest to divers.

See WMUP booklet


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Pentwater-Hart Trail Receives Additional Funding

Pentwater Hart Trail logo (graphic from Facebook)

from the Ludington Daily News

The Pentwater Hart Trail that seeks to connect the Hart-Montague multi-use trail to Pentwater, Michigan, has received grant funds of $888,861 from MDOT and the Safe Routes to School program.

Local matching will be $307,397, and the recent Tacos and Trek event was a fundraiser to help with that effort.

Claudia Ressel-Hodan, the President of the Friends of the Pentwater-Hart Trail Committee, announced that the City of Hart has also contributed to the project including educational components.

The Friends group has made a big effort to provide safety and education to young people about trail use that has qualified the group for some additional funds.

The 8.2 mile trail has been in the planning stages since 2015, and Ressel-Hodan says that the planning and engineering phases are nearing completion and that construction should begin in the spring of 2027.

See Tacos and Trek


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Grand River Dam Removal Begins

work begins in the Grand River (photo from Fox 17)

compiled from several sources

Removal has begun of four low-head dams that were contructed in the Grand River, Michigan, about a century ago. The four dams essentially smoothed the rapids for which the city was named.

Now, after 20 years of planning, the rapids will be restored. Work is beginning with the placement of barriers called turbidity curtains to control sediment. The entire project will take approximately two years. Boulders will be added to recreate the actual rapids.

Also, the machines are using plant-based hydraulic fluid to help protect the environment.

The end goal is to restore a more natural waterway which is safer for recreation, better for fish passage and more closely resembles the rapids that gave Grand Rapids its name.

For now, a downstream dam at Sixth Street will remain in place. It serves as a barrier to keep lamprey from traveling up the waterway. The design of a new structure to restrict the lamprey has not been selected, and that part of the project will probably not be undertaken until at least 2028.

See more at Fox 17
See Grand River's Rapids to be Restored


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Porter Legacy Dunes Opens to Public

Lake Michigan from Porter Legacy Dunes (photo from Southwest Michigan Land Conservanty)

from News Channel 3

Porter Legacy Dunes in South Haven, Michigan, is now open to the public. It is located adjacent to Pilgrim Haven Natural area, and the two properties result in two miles of natural shoreline stretching from Pilgrim Haven to Van Buren State Park.

In 2020, a partnership of Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy (SWMLC) and the South Haven Area Recreation Authority (SHARA) purchased the land through state grants and other donations. Since then, planning and construction of trails has been ongoing, thanks to grants from Entergy Corporation and the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.

Part of the Porter Legacy Dunes trail system features a boardwalk that winds along a rare forested backdune ecosystem. There is also a half-mile long ADA accessible loop trail, and an elevated Lake Michigan overlook.

The property is owned by SHARA, but they have signed a 20-year memorandum with SWMLC to preserve and maintain the natural habitat.

Access the preserve via the parking at Pilgrim Haven. Visitors are asked to stay on the trails.

See more at Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy


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Destructive Rains Close Locations on Tunnel of Trees

tunnel of trees (photo by Ami Woods)

from M-Live

The popular 22-mile stretch of M-119 in Emmett County, Michigan, often called the Tunnel of Trees has suffered significant damage in the recent heavy rains. The route is popular for sightseers and bicyclists as it closely follows the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Up to six inches of rain fell in a very short window of time this past month, and drainage structures were overwhelmed.

The following sections are severely affected:
• M-119 at Middle Village Drive: MDOT advises avoiding this area, but it remains open
• Just south of Middle Village Drive: Closed due to a washout
• Devil’s Elbow: Closed due to a washout
• M-119 at South Lamkin Road: Closed due to a washout
• Horseshoe Bend: Closed due to a washout

All the above places are concentrated in a small area between Middle Village Drive and Stutsmanville Road.

A section just south of Stutsmanville road has been closed since April, and has been named the "southern slope failure." And at Division Road between Good Hart and Cross Village a washout has closed another section since April.

The Federal govenment has pledged $32 million in disaster relief to help with repairs.

See Detroit Free Press


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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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