Ludington State Park Skyline Trail Will Be Rebuilt before Next Season

view from the Skyline Trail (photo by Steve Benoche- used with permission)

from the Ludington Daily News

Beginning in September, the Skyline Trail at Ludington State Park (Michigan) will be under reconstruction. A contract has been awarded to MIHM Enterprises for the large project.

The Skyline Trail is an elevated walkway that overlooks the southern dune portion of the park. It was originally built it 1979-80, and was constructed entirely of wood. The new trail will have steel support posts, and some sections will be even higher to allow the natural movement of sand.

Friends of Ludington State Park say this is one of the biggest projects they've undertaken. Over $350,000 was raised by the Friends. Another $50,000 came from Pennies From Heaven. The total cost of the project is $3.5 million, with the DNR picking up the bulk of the cost.

The project has been delayed from the original timetable, mostly due to engineering difficulties to bring the new trail up to current code standards while preserving the aspects that have made it a park favorite.

As pictured above, the trail has an En-Chroma viewer to enable color-blind persons to better enjoy the view, and that will be installed on the new walkway

The rebuilt trail is expected to be open in 2027.

See Friends of Ludington State Park


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What to Expect for Upcoming Air Quality

smoky haze in lower Michigan today (photo by jhy)

from Apostle Islands Facebook page

Almost every location in the United States east of Minnesota is experiencing air quality issues ranging from "Unhealthy for sensitive groups" to "Hazardous." This is due to smoke from wildfires in Canada and northern Minnesota. The fires were caused by lightning strikes. The entire Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is currently closed.

The downwind air quality may affect your decisions to recreate outdoors even in Michigan. In some cases, the smoke is so thick the air temperature is actually dropping.

There is unlikely to be any relief on Thursday with calm winds and still no rain.

Some chance of rain in the burning areas is in the forecast for Friday, but it may not be enough to put out the fires. However, it should scrub the air to some extent.

Only sustained rain will extinguish these fires, and until this happens, smoke will continue to affect Michigan off and on as winds shift and either carry smoke away or bring in even more.

See the link below for real time air quality anywhere in the U.S.

See real time air quality


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Hundred-Acre Wood Will Make 180 Acres Public

Hundred Acre Wood (photo from Little Traverse Conservancy)

from an article by M-Live

A 160-acre tract of land near Harbor Springs, Michigan, will be purchased by the Little Traverse Conservancy. They are currently raising the $3 million to make this a reality. An additional 20 acres will be donated by the Jeff Ford family, who has always called the property the "Hundred-Acre Wood," as in Winnie the Pooh.

The fundraising is already approaching $2.5 million, and if all goes well, the property could be open for skiing and snowshoeing this winter.

The West Traverse Township public trails abut the property on the west. All together, this will be 260 connected acres that will be available for public recreation and for wildlife. The ecosystem is primarily upland hardwoods.

Future plans could include a parking area, signage, and additional trails.

See maps of West Traverse Township Trails


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DNR Plans Auctions of Unnecessary Land

typical forested property (photo from Michigan DNR)

a news release of Michigan DNR

August land auctions help the DNR meet its mission to boost public recreation and protect natural resources. Nearly 100 parcels are available; sale proceeds will be used to acquire land that better fits the department’s outdoor recreation and conservation goals

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is busy preparing 97 properties for sale via online auctions later this summer. River frontage, lake frontage and forested acreage surrounded by private ownership — these characteristics describe some of the parcels that will be available Aug. 4-28.

Kerry Heckman, DNR forest lands and special projects administrator, said though it might seem counter-intuitive for the DNR to make any land available for sale, it’s important to note that the public benefit of some properties is severely limited. That’s due to factors such as lack of legal public access, size limitations that prevent appropriate public use, and development on adjacent privately owned land that negatively affects public use such as hunting.

"More importantly, the proceeds from our surplus-land sales are deposited into the Land Exchange Facilitation Fund,” Heckman said. “Those dollars are specifically used to acquire other properties that are more usable by residents and visitors, protect important natural resources and provide accessible, quality recreation opportunities throughout the state.”

Many of these properties are located in West Michigan. See complete listing and dates below.

See details of parcels


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Teamwork Leads to Finding Man Missing on AuSable River

footprint of missing man (photo by Michigan DNR)

mostly from WZZM TV

A man who had been on a tubing adventure with his family on the AuSable River, Roscommon County, Michigan, decided to stay on the water after the rest of his family got off the river.

Several hours later, when no one had heard from the 33-year-old, he was reported missing at 7:23 pm. The tuber had no shoes, no clothing except swim trunks, and no cell phone.

A DNR Conservation officer found footprints at the next take-out point, about an hour's float time downstream. However, the tracks ultimately led back to the river. The officer continued to the next landing, where he again found the same footprints. He radioed for additional personnel who began walking toward the first officer's position.

The missing man was found after dark at 11:15 pm, unharmed except for scratches and bug bites. He had walked approximately 4.5 miles all together.

This is a good example of an adventure-gone-wrong story that ended well but should not have happened in the first place. Poor decisions led to anxiety, stress, and the cost of using public resources to locate someone. Although it's a great joke- "Bad Decisions Make Good Stories" - it would be better for all concerned to make the good decisions.


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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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