Ionia State Recreation Area Does More to Welcome Equestrians

photo from michigan.gov

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based on a news article in the Grand Rapids Press

Ionia State Recreation Area has plans for the year which should please equestrians. Heading the list is a change of heart concerning transforming half of the horse campsites to regular full-service sites. The original decision was made for purely financial reasons. The horse camp only fills on three weekends a year, but there is a continual demand for traditional campsites.

However, after communicating with the Michigan Horse Council and Ionia Horse Trails Association the state has decided to back off and re-consider the plan.

Other changes for the year include:

• A new bridge within the equestrian trail system.
• Creating an exclusively equestrian group campground
• Building and designating a 1 1/2-mile horse and cart trail.
• Improving some equestrian campsites.

Ionia State Recreation Area has 15 miles of horse trail, a 3.5-mile hiking trail and a nine-mile mountain biking trail.

See Ionia State Recreation Area
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Equestrian Trail Access Bill Passes MI Senate

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based on a news article in the Spinal Column

If House Bill 4610 passes, it would be the last step in a process which will require the state Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) to restore access for horse riding to all state owned land that was open to that use on May 7, 2008. Existing trails must be kept open and accessible.

There has been a lot of question about how this will affect $25 million of federal funding. As originally written the federal wildlife and sportfish restoration funds would have been withheld from Michigan after passage. Language which includes management control standards must be added to the bill.

Compromise language which would accomplish this has been created by the Michigan United Conservation Clubs. Nine revisions of the bill were necessary before an acceptable version was found.

Spinal Column concludes, "As it stands now, the bills outline a process for trail closures by the DNRE and create an Equine Trail Advisory Council to help the DNRE identify additional trails that should be opened for access to equestrian trail riders."

The bill remains extremely controversial. Bicycle trail groups have expressed concern that trails they have built may be opened to horseback use, and some foot paths may be similarly affected.

See MUCC policy letter (a pdf)
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Workshops- Connecting Communities with People & Trails

photo from West Michigan Trails & Greenways

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a news release of West Michigan Trails and Greenways

A series of one-half day workshops are being planned for West Michigan and Southwest Michigan on specific trails topics. There are a series of 4 workshops, (funding, liability and maintenance, connecting the dots, and getting started on a trail project) being offered twice each, once in Southwest Michigan (Lawrence) and once in West Michigan (West Olive).

This workshop series is for trail enthusiasts, community and county government leaders, community planners, and anyone who wants to develop their communities’ natural, cultural, and historic assets and provide healthy lifestyle, recreation, and alternative transportation options. We encourage everyone with an interest in trails, wildlife habitats and wetlands, land preservation for the future, and enhancing communities and property values to attend these workshop

Dates are March 30, June 30, August 23, and October 27, and each workshop is only $10 or $30 for the set of 4.

See West Michigan Trails & Greenways
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Free Ice Skating Again At Parslow Park, Muskegon

skating at Parslow Park, Muskegon Township (photo from MTORC)

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submitted by Michael Golliver, one of the founders of MTORC

Some of you may be old enough to remember that Muskegon Township once boasted one of the finest outdoor skating programs in West Michigan, up until its demise sometime in the 70's.

It was a source of pride to the community and created many fond memories for the children and adults who remember skating from the time they got home from work or school until they where driven inside by hunger.

Today much of the infrastructure still exists at many of the township parks which still have the old paved rinks with raised edges and buildings once heated for skate changing.

This year a handful of volunteers from the newly formed Muskegon Township Parks & Recreation Committee worked with the township government to get water turned on at Parslow Park and began building an ice skating rink. They call themselves the MY Township Organized Recreation Coalition (MTORC)

The ice rink is complete and was opened on February 12th and is open to the public free during regular park hours.

"We've had a lot of fun making the ice rink", says one of the volunteers, Michael Golliver, "It's great to have a reason to meet with friends outside and get some exercise and fresh air in the middle of winter!"

He stated, It's a small rink this year, and all of us would like to see skating in the parks return to its former glory and this can happen with some organization and commitment from a few more volunteers.

We need to recognize it's a different world than it was in the past. Today, schools, local and state governments are strapped for cash and so many programs are being cut.

Fortunately, we have proven that with a little elbow grease and less than an estimated 50 dollars of townships water, volunteers can build a skating rink in a park which everyone can use!

We have been amazed at the outpouring of support we have received from the community, when a local business heard of the difficulty we were having with lumps due to a snowmobile crossing our rink early on, they donated resources to remedy it.

We also have received donations of hockey equipment from individuals and it's really been wonderful.

Although this rink is a success in its own right, we are really looking forward to next year.

Early planning is the key, if you would like to get involved or just to learn more please contact this year's volunteers on the web.

See MTORC
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Volunteer for Karner Blue Butterfly Surveys 2010

male and female Karner Blue butterflies (photo from the National Forest Service)

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from Heather Keogh District Wildlife Biologist, USDA Forest Service, Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District

The Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District, Manistee National Forest, is looking for volunteers to assist with monitoring and management activities for the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly in 2010. Volunteers are needed to help conduct surveys between July and August to assess the status of Karner blue butterfly populations, and evaluate the effectiveness of different management strategies for restoring Karner blue butterfly habitat. In addition, volunteers are needed to collect native plant seed between July and September, and plant seeds and plugs between September and October. There are opportunities for individuals of all skill levels to participate. Training will be provided. Interested parties can volunteer during weekdays, for a few days, or a week or more. Reimbursement for mileage and housing may be available. Paid internships also are available.

Volunteer participation has allowed the Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District to dramatically increase its management and monitoring activities for the Karner blue butterfly. The volunteers, partners, and U.S. Forest Service personnel that have made the KBB recovery program a success were recently recognized for their achievements with the receipt of the prestigious Wings Across the Americas Award for Butterfly Conservation. To those who volunteered during past field seasons, thank you and congratulations! Your participation made this award possible!

The assistance of volunteers is vital to meeting our recovery goals! Please choose to volunteer this year and help conserve a locally endangered species. If you or someone you know is interested in participating in the 2010 field season, please contact me. Also, please distribute the attached notice to anyone you think might be interested in volunteering. Thank you.

See Karner Blue Butterfly 2010 Survey Info
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Help Count Lower Peninsula Wolves

Gray wolf Credit: Gary Kramer / USFWS

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a news release of the Michigan DNR

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment today announced it will conduct a survey in the northern Lower Peninsula Feb. 16 through March 12 to detect the presence of gray wolves in this area of the state.

Survey teams will be searching areas where the public reports observing a wolf or wolf tracks during the survey period. Priority will be placed on the most recent reports and reports with potential wolf evidence.

"The purpose of the survey is to both verify the presence of wolves where we have previously confirmed animals and to detect new occurrences in other areas," said DNRE Wildlife Biologist Jennifer Kleitch. "Given the low probability of observing a wolf or tracks in the Lower Peninsula it's helpful to have as many eyes looking as possible. That's why public reports are important."

"It's imperative that observations are reported in a timely manner so we can work with fresh evidence. If the public finds what appear to be wolf tracks, they should preserve the physical evidence and disturb it as little as possible or take a photo of the tracks with a ruler," Kleitch said. "If someone has a photo or video of a wolf in the Lower Peninsula, we're interested in that as well."

Wolves began naturally returning to Michigan's Upper Peninsula via Canada and Wisconsin in the early 1990s. Since that time populations have increased and continue to expand their range. Evidence of range expansion into the Lower Peninsula came when a gray wolf was accidentally killed in Presque Isle County in 2004. More recently, the DNRE verified two wolf observations in 2009 in the northern Lower Peninsula as a result of a video and trail camera photo taken by Michigan citizens.

The DNRE is partnering in this survey effort with USDA Wildlife Services, the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, and Central Michigan University.

The DNRE is asking the public to report wolf sightings that occur during the survey period to the Gaylord Operations Service Center at 989-732-3541, ext. 5901. Observation reports can also be submitted online year-round. The Web site also contains identification information for wolves.

See Michigan DNR- Wolves
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Big M Purchases New Track Truck

Dave Martus, president of Manistee Cross Country Ski Council, poses beside the "new" track truck (photo by JHY)

by JHY

The Manistee Cross Country Ski Council has recently purchased another track truck from the Corsair Ski Trails of Tawas, along with two extra tracks. This truck is a 1989 model, built in Brainerd, Minnesota. Dave Martus, President of the Council, explained that this is the same model and year of track truck as the one already owned by the association. The new truck has had good care, and has been stored inside, making it look newer than its counterpart.

cleated track (photo by JHY)

At the present time, the new truck is fitted with a regular track, while the old truck has a cleated track. This allows the truck to safely navigate the steep trails of the expert runs.

Big M logo (photo by JHY)

Martus added that the new truck has yet to have the Big M logo applied. The Council is applying for a grant to purchase another groomer. Currently, although they now own two trucks, there is only one groomer, which will need to be transferred from one vehicle to the other as required.

The Manistee Cross Country Ski Council is a volunteer organization which maintains the ski trails and promotes Big M ski area. Big M is within the Manistee National Forest, which maintains the buildings. This summer, new sineage was installed at trail intersections.

The secondhand truck cost $7400, with the tracks additional. Martus explained that all funds for the ski council come from donations. Suggested donation for a day of skiing is $5. A secure drop box is located at the Big M kiosk at the trail entrance. Big M also boasts a large log warming hut with a wood stove.

See Big M
See Big M Added to Get Off the Couch
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Muskegon Luge Volunteer to be Olympic Flagbearer

Mark Grimette (AP photo)

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based on a news article in the Detroit Free Press

When Muskegon State Park began building what is now the Winter Sports Complex, Mark Grimmette and his friend, Jim Rudicil pitched in and helped to build what is now one of the few public luge runs in the country. Rudicil now directs that complex. Grimmette is a member of the US Olympic Luge Team.

And, this Wednesday, the other American athletes voted Grimmette to be the United States flagbearer, and he will lead the way as the team marches into the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver.

Grimmette, and his partner, Brian Martin, are the most successful American doubles luge team in history. They have won three World Cup titles, an Olympic bronze medal in 1998 and a silver medal in 2002.

See Olympic Luge 2010
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Michigan Free Fishing - Feb 13, 14

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a news release of the Michigan DNR

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment reminds everyone that Winter Free Fishing Weekend is scheduled for Feb 13-14. On that weekend, everyone - residents and non-residents alike - can fish without a license, though all other fishing regulations apply.

Michigan has been celebrating Winter Free Fishing Weekend annually since 2000 as a way to promote natural resources awareness. With more than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 36,000 miles of river and 11,000 inland lakes, Michigan and fishing are a natural match.

"Fishing is a great way to connect with our natural resources," said DNRE Director Rebecca Humphries. "It's a perfect way for families to spend time together while celebrating the bounty of Michigan's wonderfully diverse outdoor heritage."

A number of activities at state parks and state fish hatcheries have been scheduled to coincide with the weekend, while clubs and conservation organizations stage events, too. Many provide free equipment and bait. The events often include experienced anglers willing to introduce novices into the joy of fishing.

See DNR Fishing for a list of Free Fishing Events scheduled across the state
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National Trails Day 2010

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from the American Hiking Society

"Find Your Happy Place!" Since it was begun in 1993, National Trails Day® has come to be recognized as a premier day to celebrate trails throughout the 50 United States, DC, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. There are now usually over 1000 events registered each year.

Officially the first Saturday in June, events include hikes, bike and horse rides, trail dedications, paddlesport events, and trail maintenance. Local sponsors include parks, agencies, local clubs, businesses, trusts and other organizations. This year's date is June 5, 2010.

The theme this year is "Find Your Happy Place." Where do you go to find peace and quiet and make your troubles melt away? Do you bike to a historic site on a rail trail? Or hike to a mountain vista? Maybe you paddle to a swimming hole or walk in your local park? The theme for NTD 2010, Find Your Happy Place ☺, encourages all Americans to get outside, connect with local hiking clubs, outdoor retailers, local parks and recreation departments or federal land managing agencies to experience, appreciate and celebrate the outdoor places that make us happy. "Whether you’re an avid outdoor adventure seeker or new to our nation’s network of trails, American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day connects children and adults with nature so all may experience the joy and happiness that the outdoors elicits in each of us,” said Gregory Miller, American Hiking Society president.

Anyone can register an event with the American Hiking Society. And if your event fits better on a different date, that is no problem!

"The Outdoor Industry Association's annual Outdoor Recreation Participation Study for the United States 2006 reports that 72.1% of all Americans 16 and older (or 162 million people) participate in at least one of the 22 outdoor activities they track, which include:76.7 million hiking; 13.5 million backpacking; 40.4 million trail running; and 10 million cross country skiing." (quoted from AHS)

Save National Trails Day for outdoor fun! Watch for local events as they are registered at the American Hiking Society over the next few months.

See American Hiking Society
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Walk for Warmth

walkers (photo from Mid-Michigan CAP)

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from various sources

For 19 years the Walk for Warmth program has raised money to help families pay heating costs during the harsh Michigan winters. It is operated regionally in Michigan by Community Action Programs. Walkers ask for sponsors of their walks and the money is donated to the Walk for Warmth fund.

Most walks in 2010 are scheduled for February 20 or 27. Walk venues may be inside or outside. In Mason, Lake, Manistee and Newaygo Counties, the Walk is organized by FiveCap. Barry, Branch, Calhoun and St. Joseph Counties are under South Central Michigan CAP. Mid-Michigan CAP oversees Midland, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta and Osceola Counties.

See FiveCap
See Mid-Michigan Community Action
See South Central Michigan Community Action
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Outdoor Fun at Pentwater Winterfest in Feb

sledders from a previous Winterfest (photo from Channel Inn)

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based on the Winterfest brochure

Pentwater Winterfest takes place on two February Saturdays, the 13th and 20th. There are activities for the outdoor lovers, and those who prefer to stay warm and relax.

Outdoor events include the following:

Saturday, Feb 13:
From dawn till 3 pm, fish Pentwater Lake for Northern Pike and Northern Perch. First, second and third place prizes for these fish will be handed out at Cenzo's at 3:00 pm. For more information call Joe at 231-869-8681

From 11 am till 4 pm anyone can try cross-country skiing at Pentwater Pathway. This is co-hosted by the Oceana Cross Country Ski Association and Jim Lamie, the founder of Skis for Kids. Skis are provided for all ages- free of charge. If weather is too bad for skiing, alternative date is Feb 20. If you have wanted to try skiing, but couldn't afford to even rent this is the event for you! Pentwater Pathway includes loops for all skill levels. See OCCSA or call Gayle Sorensen 231-873-5247.

At 3:30 pm the first annual Hart vs Pentwater Broomball match will be held. Meet in the parking lot of the Chamber of Commerce. To participate you must be 18 or older, and bring a helmet and a broom.

Saturday, Feb 20:
From 2-4 pm, on the Village Green, there will be sledding races, and a snowman building contest. Hot chocolate and snacks are provided

See Pentwater.org for the complete list of activities
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Girls on the Run Kicks off Mason County Season

Kent County Girls on the Run

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from various sources

Girls on the Run is a life-changing, non-competitive, non-profit prevention program for preteen girls. Their mission is "to educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living." Girls train for a 5K run/walk and are encouraged to develop positive, healthy habits.

In Mason County a training session for this year's coaches will be held February 24. Sign-up forms are expected to be distributed in schools by February 15. The cost is $40 per student, but scholarships are available for families who demonstrate economic hardship.

Girls on the Run was founded in 1996 by four-time Ironman triathlete, Molly Barker. Her interest in adolescent issues, combined with teaching and counseling expertise, led her to develop the curriculum for GOTC.

In Mason County, contact Barb at 231-902-8528
In Kent County, contact Lori Burgess, 616-916-0384

See Girls on the Run
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Muskegon State Park to Host Winter Triathlon

Muskegon luge

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from an article in the Ludington Daily News

Muskegon State Park and the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex have joined together to offer a fun activity billed as a Winter Triathlon on Sunday, February 7, 2010. The event is non-competitive. Sponsors hope that contestants will actually have never before participated in at least one of the sports.

Events will include luge, ice speed skating, and cross-country skiing. This is a family-friendly triathlon. In fact the entry fee is geared for family participation. Adults are $25, children under 12 are $20, but a family with two parents and all children from the same household is only $50. Each sport will be taught in 20-minute instructional sessions, run continuously.

Serious competitors are welcome, but this is not the primary emphasis.

Events begin with registration at 10 am at the warming lodge.

See Muskegon Winter Sports Complex
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