Meade Township (Mason County) Funded for New Park

Meade Township Hall (photo by JHY)

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a news release of based on a news article in the Ludington Daily News

Meade Township Hall was moved in 2006 to a location about 5 miles east of Freesoil, on Freesoil road. Township Supervisor, Lois Krepps, says that the hall is used much more often than it used to be at the old location. Yet, people really would like a few more amenities. Now they will get them, perhaps even this summer.

The Michigan Recreation Trust Fund has awarded $34,000 to the township, and $11,300 local dollars will be added to that. As a result, look for the addition of a picnic shelter large enough for 4 tables, a drinking fountain, and a unisex, accessible rest room on the property.

Krepps said that this is the first phase of a five-year plan. Next on the agenda is the building of a mile-long nature trail.

More recreation options in Mason County are always welcome.

See Michigan's Recreation Treasure Chest
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State Parks Fee Changes Passes Legislatures

2008 Michigan State Park sticker

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from the Associated Press and Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance

Today the State Parks Passport fee structure passed the House of Representatives, and will now go to the governor to be signed. This change allows Michigan motorists to pay an optional $10 annual fee which will provide entry to all state parks.

The bills which set up this state parks passport system were passed by 83-25 and 81-27 votes today in the House of Representatives.

This will do away with the annual stickers and daily passes for residents. Out of state vehicles will continue to pay for entry.

Proponents cite Montana's similar system which has actually increased revenue for the park while decreasing the user fee per vehicle. Opponents say the money should have gone to repair roads.

See Is $10 State Park Passport Off Track?
See State Park Passport Held Up in House
See Michigan Legislature plug in bill 388 and 389
See New State Park Funding on Brink of Passage
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West Michigan Birding Festival

loon (photo from Sable Dunes Audubon)

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from information at Sable Dunes Audubon

Come for an unforgettable weekend or only a day to the charming town of Ludington, on the white, sandy, shores of Lake Michigan. A special opportunity for beginning and advanced birders to get an up close look at migrating birds, such as the endangered piping plover. Interactive programs and field trips guided by expert naturalists and biologists.

The second annual West Michigan Birding Festival will be held May 14-16, 2010. A full schedule of birdwatching trips, seminars, water trips and activities for kids. Activities will be staged at the Ludington Center for the Arts.

Registration covers all activities, and is extremely reasonable at $20 per adult, $5 for teens, and $1 for children 12 and under. Participants are responsible for their own food, lodging and transportation.

See Sable Dunes Audubon for more information
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The Active Community Transportation Act of 2010

Hart-Montague Rail Trail (photo by JHY)

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from the Rails to Trails Conservancy

U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer (Ore.) introduced H.R. 4722, the Active Community Transportation Act of 2010 in the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday, March 2, 2010.

For the past several years, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) has been working closely with local, state and national partners around the country on the Campaign for Active Transportation.

Building on the successes of the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program, the ACT Act would establish a competitive active transportation investment fund, to invest in walking and bicycling improvements in targeted communities around the country.

These resources would enable communities to build interconnected systems—allowing people to travel between the places they work, live, play, learn and shop without needing car.

If the act is passed, the U.S. Department of Transportation will administer a competitive fund, which will invest in communities that best make the case for resources to shift large numbers of trips from driving to walking and bicycling.

The two billion-dollar program, with funds set aside within the Surface Transportation Program, will allow dozens of communities nationally to improve their walking and bicycling networks.

See Rails to Trails
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Will New Hampshire Case Clear More Sidewalks?

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based on a news article in the Concord Monitor

The New Hampshire Supreme Court has recently sided with a Bill Tinker, who needs a scooter/ wheelchair to get around town. He has been battling the town of Tilton for many years.

Originally, he convinced Tilton to install a sidewalk parallel to state route 3. But the pathway was not kept clear in winter. Tinker says that he wanted it cleared for all pedestrians, not just himself. The town says this will cost nearly $20,000 a year. Part of the walkway is on a highway overpass, and snow cannot just be pushed to the sides.

The town argued that by officially declaring the sidewalk closed from December to April that no one could use it. They were, therefore, not required to keep it clear just for Tinker. Tinker's lawyer argued that because there was a curb separating the road from the walkway that without clearing Tinker and others were forced onto the road, creating an unsafe situation.

The New Hampshire Supreme Court ruled that Tilton must clear the walk. Although this case occurred in New Hampshire, it is interesting in light of a lively discussion on the greatlakeshikes newsgroup this week.

The Linear Parkway in Battle Creek is not being plowed. Some people believe that it should be cleared for walkers and the handicapped. Others note that it is a trail, and think the snow cover should be left for skiers. What do you think?
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