Izaak Walton League Winterfest Jan 23

Winterfest activities 2009 (photo from the Michigan Ikes)

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from the Dwight Lydell Chapter of the Izaak Walton League Dec 2009 newsletter

The Dwight Lydell Chapter of the Izaak Walton League will host its annual Winterfest on Saturday January 23, 2010. The event is held at the group's clubhouse at the Conservation Center in Cannon Township, Kent County. Activities are staged between 10 am - 3 pm.

The event is open to the public, and has activities geared for families. These include ice-fishing, sledding, cross country skiing, candle-making, snow games and sculpture, and bird-feeder crafts. Equipment for fishing, sledding and skiing will be available for those who need it.

From 11:30 am - 2 pm a lunch of chili, hot dogs, hot cocoa, and all the fixings will be served.

See Izaak Walton Winterfest Attracts 350
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Free Conservation Coloring Book

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a news release of US Fish & Wildlife Service

What is wildlife habitat? What kind of habitat do certain animals need? How can children help? Youngsters can learn the answers to those questions and many more in the pages of a new National Wildlife Refuge System Coloring Book, designed for children in grades 2-3.

Illustrated by a student from the Art Institute of Washington, D.C., the coloring book contains simple pictures of crocodiles, bears, eagles and other wildlife, as well as images of a variety of habitat types. On each page, children can find fun facts about wildlife species and the refuges they call home. The youngsters can also learn about the employees that protect these special places.

Children will want to hunt for the blue goose, the emblem of the National Wildlife Refuge System, which is hidden on many of the book’s pages. The blue goose, created in the 1930s by conservationist and award-winning political cartoonist J.N. “Ding” Darling, can be found on most entry signs of National Wildlife Refuges.

The book seeks to connect children to the natural world and foster a new generation of conservationists, as well as introduce them to the National Wildlife Refuge System. “If we’re serious about environmental protection and protecting the many wild creatures that depend on wild places, then we have to teach youngsters to make that special connection to nature,” said Sam Hamilton, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “A coloring book is a good first step. But nothing replaces the real thing — getting outdoors and visiting a National Wildlife Refuge.”

The National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the Service, represents the world’s premier system of public lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife and plants. Established in 1903, the Refuge System spans more than 150 million acres and 550 National Wildlife Refuges. There is at least one refuge in every state and one about an hour’s drive from most major metropolitan areas.

The Refuge System welcomes more than 40 million people annually to participate in wildlife-dependent recreation, including wildlife observation, wildlife photography, fishing, hunting, environmental education and nature interpretation programs.

The Refuge System has more than 2,500 miles of land and water trails.

Download the NWRS Coloring Book for free in English
Download the NWRS Coloring Book for free in Spanish
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Snowshoe Making Classes at Ludington State Park

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a news release of Michigan DNR

The Department of Natural Resources has added three snowshoe-making classes at Ludington State Park, located at 8800 W. M-116 in Ludington, as part of its winter season schedule:

• Sunday, Jan. 10, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Friday, Jan. 22, 6:30 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 23, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Monday, Jan. 25, and Tuesday, Jan. 26, 6:30 to 10 p.m.

All classes will be held at the Ludington State Park's Warming Shelter. Please note that some of the classes are split over two days.

Led by DNR park interpreter Allen Wernette, the classes will instruct participants in how to weave a pair of traditional wooden snowshoes that will last for generations.

"These classes are a great opportunity to learn firsthand about a Great Lakes tradition and, once the class is over, to walk away with a unique, usable keepsake for yourself or a hand-crafted gift for someone else," said Wernette. "Snowshoeing is an easy way for nature enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy the winter outdoors. If you can walk, you can snowshoe."

The class fee is $160 and includes all materials and equipment needed to make one pair of snowshoes. Class size is limited and reservations are required. Because this is an activity that requires concentration over long periods of time, the class is recommended for participants ages 16 and older.

A motor vehicle permit is required when entering the state park. Cost is $24 for a resident annual permit or $6 for a resident daily permit. For nonresidents, an annual permit is $29 and a daily permit is $8.

To make a reservation, call (231) 843-9261 or e-mail Allen Wernette
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Does Michigan Have a Split Personality?

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commentary based on several sources

Michigan simply can't seem to get its head together when it comes to tourism. The "Pure Michigan" campaign, to woo visitors to the state has won national Mercury Awards from the Travel Industry Association of America for both its radio and television advertisements. This campaign has been funded at unprecedented levels by the state, to allow for national advertising, beginning with $45 million dollars in 2008

Just this week, The state House of Representatives passed a bill to continue to campaign, to the tune of $30 million. I guess the budget went down because times are tough. The bill now goes to the Senate.

So, the state wants desperately to pull people into the northland where they will spend money, creating jobs. Tourism has been credited with supporting 193,000 jobs in the state.

But I guess the state only wants tourists who like to stay and play in the places where they will spend the most money. For lack of $100,000 dollars, just 0.03% of the cost of the advertising, all but 8 DNR run state ski trails will remain un-groomed this year. Last year the state groomed 23 trails. "The trails are a non-revenue producer," explained Jim Radabaugh, the trails coordinator for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

This is simply the winter component of the same problem that closed 10 state forest campgrounds last summer. The DNR's money comes from the General Fund, and the General Fund is not doing very well.

Meanwhile, the state is going to plow the parking areas at all 23 ski trails. What? Very few people like to ski on un-groomed trails. Those of us who snowshoe might find this an appealing choice, but skiing is generally more popular. Might it have made more sense to both plow and groom maybe 12 trails?

At any rate, once again, no one seems to have applied any common sense to this issue. If only 1% of that $30 million dollars ($300,000) could have been transferred to the DNR specifically for campgrounds and trails, then there would be a guarantee of great places for the tourists who wish to get off the beaten path to visit and recreate.

See Michigan DNR for a list of the areas that will be groomed.
See Grand Rapids Press
See PR News Wire
See Pure Michigan Wins Awards
See Pure Michigan
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Michigan Tech Designs Human Powered Trail Wheelchair

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based on a news article at Michigan Tech News

A student team at Michigan Tech University has designed a wheelchair that can navigate uneven ground, climb 28 degree slopes, and be taken safely downhill as well.

The chair is geared similar to a bicycle, and is propelled with a rowing motion by the user. The projects John Beard, team sponsor, and his students have seek to create vehicles that the disabled can use on natural surfaces.

Issues addressed by the designers are ease of getting in and out, weight of the chair, stability, and comfort of the seat and harness. Other features include one-way bearings to prevent rollback, a suspension seat to minimize pressure points, and adaptability for different sized users. The team stayed within the $3000 budget.

Josh Dorr, an engineering student who worked on the project said, "It could be produced more cheaply, and it would work for getting people out hiking, hunting and fishing."

See Grand Rapids Man Builds Ski Wheelchair
See Strong Arms, High Speed
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Ottawa Parks May Provide Free Services to Low Income Familits

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based on a news article in the Holland Sentinel

If the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners gives final approval, holders of Michigan Bridge Cards may be eligible for free admission to the county parks. Low-income persons receiving assistance through Family Independence, Supplemental Security, Food Assistance and State Disability may hold these cards.

Ottawa currently charges an annual fee for entrance into all lakeshore parks: Tunnel, Kirk, Rosy Mound, North Beach and the Riverside Park boat launch. That fee is $12 for residents, and double that for non-residents. Those with Bridge cards will now be able to enter at no charge.

The motivation isn't completely altruistic. The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants are awarded partly on the basis of a point system to assess the quality of the application. Those who can provide services in urban areas and to those who may have less access to outdoor recreation, will score higher on this portion of the application.

Commissioner Dennis Swartout said that low-income people who may not qualify for Bridge Cards may also be considered for free admission, “If it’s good for these people, hopefully we can take the time to look for other low-income people,” he said.

See Ottawa County Parks
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Keweenaw Mountain Lodge - First Winter Season

Keweenaw Mountain Lodge (photo from the Mountain Lodge web site)

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based on a news article at Cross Country Skier

For the first time in its 75-year history, the Mountain Lodge at Copper Harbor will be open for winter. Although this blog primarily focuses on lower West Michigan, this would be an extraordinary value for a mid-week winter vacation, with prices as low as $75 a night Sunday- Thursday.

Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, a toboggan run, an ice rink, snowboard Terrain Park and weekend events are all available to create opportunities for everyone.

Keweenaw Mountain Lodge is surrounded by hundreds of wooded acres, with 13 km of professionally groomed ski trails. Snowshoers have not been neglected or simply pushed to the side of the ski trails. There are 25 km of additional trails, just for snowshoeing. The trails were designed by the International Mountain Biking Association this past summer.

The snowboard terrain park is fully lit for night use, as well as daytime. The park enhances the recreational value of the whole area, as it will draw additional winter sports enthusiasts.

See Keweenaw Mountain Lodge
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Free Nordic Lessons- Winter Trails Day

Nordic walking (photo from Ski-Walking)

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a news release of Ski Walking

Winter Trails Day offers children and adults new to snow sports the chance to try Nordic walking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing for free, and to discover the great fitness and social benefits with these easy-to-learn winter sports. The American Nordic Walking System and SkiWalking.com will offer Free Nordic Walking Classes and free Nordic Walking Pole Rentals on Winter Trails Day, Saturday, January 9, 2010.

Free Nordic walking lessons and free Nordic walking pole rentals will be hosted in celebration of Winter Trails Day on January 9, 2010, in Glen Arbor, Michigan. Winter Trails Day is a national snowsports day. The free Nordic Walking Lessons and pole rentals will be provided by Glen Arbor’s www.skiwalking.com and the American Nordic Walking System.

The focus in Glen Arbor will be on Nordic Walking, while other supporting locations across the country will be promoting other Nordic Sports – including Nordic Skiing (cross country) and Nordic Snowshoeing. Nordic Walking, Nordic Skiing and Nordic snowshoeing (snowshoeing with poles) are all wonderful ways for children and adults to discover the many healthy fitness and social benefits of enjoying winter.

Nordic Walking is unique in that walking with specialized Nordic Walking Poles can be done in any climate and any time of year. Currently over 8 million Europeans are walking with poles – in the cities, out in the country and up in the mountains. Nordic Walking poles are equipped with durable metal tips for off-road use – grass, trails, the beach snow and ice. Nordic Walking poles are also designed to accept rubber tips/paws for use on pavement and other hard surfaces.

Walking with poles has been proven to burn up to 40% more calories than walking without poles. When using the perfect length poles and the correct technique the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back are radically reduced. Balance, stability and gait are also hugely improved.

Edwards has been teaching Nordic Walking classes all across the country and has received positive feedback from thousands of individuals of all ages and all fitness levels. Many participants in his classes refer to his user-friendly one-piece poles as "miracle sticks", but in reality, the success is all about biomechanics. Hosting Nordic Walking classes is extremely enjoyable for Edwards and he especially enjoys hosting Nordic Walking clinics for MS, Parkinson’s and Diabetes support groups, plus Wounded Warrior Programs. Edwards has proven that Nordic Walking is no longer just for expert skiers deprived of snow during the summer.

Edwards has proven repeatedly that his quality one-piece poles are safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap twist-locking and flip-locking adjustable length/telescoping/collapsible poles. Almost daily Edwards hears stories about the many shortcomings of twist-lock and flip-lock poles. According to Nick Mahood, SWIX USA Nordic Walking Director, "Pete Edwards, The American Nordic Walking System and skiwalking.com's owner/founder/coach, has single handedly introduced thousands of Americans to Nordic Walking through his enthusiastic Nordic Walking clinics! I have no doubt that Edwards is the #1 retailer of Nordic Walking Poles in the USA! You can quote me on that!"

The free Nordic Walking lessons and pole rentals will be available from 10am –2pm on Saturday, January 9th. The home office of skiwalking.com and the American Nordic Walking System is located at 5873 South Lake Street in Glen Arbor. Advance reservations are not required, but appreciated.

See Ski-Walking
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State Park Passport Legislation Held up In House of Representatives

2008 Michigan State Park sticker

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from Nancy Krupiarz, Executive Director, Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance

It’s fantastic that the state park passport bill to create a new source of revenue for state parks has finally moved through the Legislature to the last station in the process, that of being voted on by the House of Representatives. Senate Bills 388 and 389 have passed the Senate and have passed through the House Committee within the last few days. BUT, we have a problem. The Speaker of the House, Representative Andy Dillon (D-Redford), is holding up the bills from entering the House Floor for a vote. Why??? It is because there is a move to tie-bar these bills to other legislation which would double the vehicle registration rate to produce money for roads.

We believe the two issues should stand on their own. Our state parks and state trails are desperately in need of this new source of revenue. And it would actually lower the cost of a state park entrance fee and get more people enjoying these natural resource assets that Michigan has in these tough economic times. It is good for the state’s tourism and good for the people.

Please contact the Speaker of the House, Rep. Andy Dillon and urge him to let these bills go without a tie-bar to a vote in the House. We believe there is enough support from the House of Representatives to actually pass these bills and send them to the Governor. But it will take your voice to help them get there. Speaker Dillon’s office phone number is 517-373-0857. Please give him a call, and if you want to read up on the bill one more time before doing so, go to www.michiganlegislature.org and plug in the bill number, 388 and then 389 to see the bill information. Thank you and if you know of any of Speaker Dillon’s constituents in Redford and Dearborn, please also take the time to contact them and have them call as a constituent in support of sending these bills for a vote.

See Michigan Legislature plug in bill 388 and 389
See New State Park Funding on Brink of Passage
Contact Nancy Krupiarz
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Michigan Man Rescued from Ill-Advised Arizona Adventure

Old Siphon Draw Trail (photo by Thee E. Aldriches)

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based on a news item from KOLD TV

A Michigan man who spent the evening of Dec 3, 2009 stranded in the Tonto National Forest of Arizona, was rescued at about 10 pm by the Pinal County Sheriff's Department. He had taken a cell phone with him, and used it properly to summon help when he found that he was trapped between two cliffs and unable to get back to the trail.

Ian Sredersas, Michigan city not indicated, went on a hike in the Lost Dutchman State Park which adjoins the Tonto National Forest. He hiked up the Old Siphon Draw Trail, which is relatively easy, but then ventured off-trail to explore some of the many nearby formations. This trek was beyond his skill level, and he realized near dark that he was not going to be able to hike out.

Pinal county's newly re-organized Search and Rescue division responded to the call at 6:10 pm that Sredersas was uninjured but lost. The 20-year-old appeared to be under a great amount of stress. Once Sredersas was located, then attention shifted to his rescue. He was flown out by the Maricopa County Aviation/Rescue Unit.

The Sheriff's report focused on the actions of his team. "Their attention to detail and skill provided critical information and coordination service to the responders in the field," commented Sheriff Paul Babeu. "This rescue was a big success for our newly organized SAR team. I am extremely proud of all the PCSO SAR Posse volunteers and employees from my office who dedicated themselves to the success of this mission."

Although it was good that the young man had his cell phone, and was able to be located, this is another story which illustrates the need to plan ahead. Know your limits, be prepared for emergencies. With even just a bit of planning the entire rescue would have been unnecessary.

See Tonto National Forest
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Accessible Fishing Piers to Be Built on Manistee River

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a news release of the Manistee National Forest

The Manistee Ranger District of the Huron-Manistee National Forest is working in partnership with several Manistee County Agencies to develop universally accessible fishing piers at two Manistee River Access Sites on forest property: Rainbow Bend and Bear Creek.

As part of a larger "Envisioning" process 2 to 5 accessible piers will be installed at Rainbow Bend, and 1-2 at Bear Creek, including walkways. Anglers with mobility problems will be able to reach the piers from handicap parking sites. Universal access benefits not only people in wheelchairs, but those with walkers, and also families with strollers and small children.

The entrance road and parking area at Rainbow Bend will be paved. That area will be plowed in the winter. Work is scheduled to begin spring 2010.

See Accessible Recreation Areas
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Acme Township (Grand Traverse Bay) Gets Funds to Expand Park

Acme (from Google Maps)

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based on a news article in the Traverse City Record Eagle

Thanks to Michigan's Constitutionally protected Natural Resources Trust Fund funds are provided each year from oil and gas revenues to expand and improve natural areas throughout the state. Acme Township, Grand Traverse County, will receive $2.26 million. This will allow the township add 768 feet of bay frontage to its ongoing park project.

The Mountain Jack's restaurant property is to be purchased. The business closed in 2008. Last year, three small motel properties were purchased and the land incorporated into the plan. The goal is to create over a mile of public property along the beach on the east shore of Grand Traverse Bay. The community park will extend south to Five Mile Road, and will include picnic areas, gardens, volleyball courts and a marina, in addition to swimming beaches.

The township still needs to raise additional funds for their matching portion of the grant, but Acme township Manager Sharon Vreeland said, "Failure is not an option. If we don't provide the match, we don't get the grant and we let a lot of people down."

See a video report at 9&10 News
See Acme Township
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Large Grant Almost Meets Purchase Price for Saugatuck Dunes

Denison Dunes(Photo by kmh1967. The author or licensor of this image does not endorse me or my work and their image is protected under an attribution license)

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based on a news article from the Allegan County News

Although still $2 million dollars short, with the awarding of $10.5 million over the next three years from the DNR Natural Resources Trust Fund, the long disputed Saugatuck dune property is closer to becoming part of Oval Park. The area in question is a 171-acre parcel, formerly known as the Dennison property. Acquired by billionaire Aubrey McClendon, he agreed in July 2008 to sell the southern portion of the parcel to the city. The purchase price was set at 25 million dollars.

One of the biggest single awards in the history of the Natural Resources Trust Fund, the $10.5 million isn't quite enough. The Land Conservancy of West Michigan (LCWM) executive director Peter Homeyer commented, "Due to the terms of the purchase agreement, we have some work to do and have to consider our options. However, this is a major commitment from the state that demonstrates their support of this project."

LCWM signed a purchase agreement in October, but the agreement was contingent on the Trust Fund grant providing a $12.6 million award. It is not certain where the additional money will come from, or if McClendon will agree to extend the offer,

See Saugatuck May Purchase South Dennison Dunes
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Quiet Waters Symposium, March 6, 2010

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based on information from Quiet Waters

The Quiet Water Symposium celebrates non-motorized outdoor recreation and a shared concern for our Great Lakes Environment. It is held each year at Michigan State University as part of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Week.

At the Symposium visitors will find presentations by world famous authors, photographers, and expedition travelers. Other presentations may cover skills, safety, local and distant destinations. There may be presentations on bicycling, sailing, diving, and history.

The Symposium has a wide range of exhibits on the show floor. You will find clubs and nature centers. Handcrafted and historic watercraft will be on display. Biking, hiking and water trails are represented. Conservation and watershed groups are available. A number of outfitters and liveries are represented to support your outdoor adventures. We have a growing selection of outdoor oriented retailers as well.

Programs set for 2010 feature familiar favorites such as Cliff Jacobson and Eric Hansen. New Programs this year include:
Gary and Joanie McGuffin who are renowned adventurers, nature photographers, writers, and conservationists. They have canoed on waterways throughout North America, bicycled from the Arctic to the Pacific to the Atlantic oceans, backpacked the entire length of the Appalachian Trail, sea-kayaked Greenland's fjords and Mexico's Baja Peninsula.
Phil Cotton will present the Crown land canoe routes that lie on the Caribou Forest to the west of Wabakimi Provincial Park provide access to the park from paved Highway 599 as well as strategic links to nearby St. Raphael and Albany River Provincial Parks. Volunteer participants of The Wabakimi Project have spent the past three years exploring, rehabilitating and mapping the canoe routes of this virtually-roadless area.
Jonathan Ahlbrand on the Basic Concepts of Sailing. For thousands of years, sailing vessels such as sailing canoes, clipper ships and modern sailboats have shared the basic physical principles of harnessing the wind. This session will provide a basic introduction to the modern sport of sailing as well as an orientation to the underlying principles of how sailboats work.

This is a very small portion of the offerings at this event which is packed with content.

See Quiet Waters
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