Great American Backyard Campout 2010

a news release of National Wildlife Federation

Remember summer evenings catching fireflies, star-gazing and sharing campfire stories? Create lasting memories and happier, healthier children by connecting with family and friends in the great outdoors. Join National Wildlife Federation’s Great American Backyard Campout.

Kids today spend half as much time outside as their parents did, missing out on the simple pleasures of daily outdoor time. Here at the National Wildlife Federation, we know that kids are healthier and happier when they spend time outside every day. NWF programs like Green Hour, Nature Find, Trees for the 21st Century, Certified Backyard and Schoolyard Habitats are bringing kids back into the great outdoors. Your support will help us keep these initiatives going!

Last year, 90,000 people across the country gathered to spend the night under the stars. Don’t miss out. Join us on Saturday, June 26, for a night of fun, friendship, family, fresh air and fundraising.

Register online today at www.backyardcampout.org. As soon as you register, you’ll get a link to your online Participant Center so you can start planning your campout while providing you the option to fundraise for the mission. You’ll also gain access to tons of creative ideas for recipes, crafts and activities to make your c

Thank you for your interest in the National Wildlife Federation and our mission to make outdoor time a priority for our children. We hope you’ll join the Great American Backyard Campout this year.

See backyardcampout.org
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79-Year-Old Rides Bike 250 Miles

Lyle White

based on a news article in the Grand Haven Tribune

Lyle White of Grand Haven, dismayed over the large number of his friends who were moving to nursing homes, determined that he would keep active for as long as possible. He prayed about this situation often.

When his good friend Chuck also ended up in a home, he believed that God told him the only way to prevent the same fate for himself was to ride his bike to Mackinac City. He began getting in shape with rides near home, but was pretty sure that his family wouldn't understand.

So on the morning of April 1, he headed north. He made it as far as Coopersville before a family member called his cell phone, and tried to convince him to turn back, which he declined to do.

He rode 47 miles the first day. His wife was the most upset, but with frequent phone calls he convinced her that he would be all right, and he kept going. Stops were Newaygo, Baldwin, Mesick, and Kalkaska. Next came Boyne City, and Petoskey, but when he reached Pellston winter had one last word for Michigan and he was snowed in for a day.

The final 17 miles, to Mackinac City were ridden in wind, and on ice. White admits that the journey was difficult for someone his age. He ached every day and took numerous rest stops beside the road. When he was a mere 65 years old, he rode from Grand Haven to Marquette. He knows the the effects of age are impossible to hold off forever, but White says that you can't argue with God when he tells you to do something.
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Free Feather Atlas On-Line

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from the Feather Atlas

The National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory has released the online Feather Atlas. The website is designed to assist feather identification by providing high-resolution scans of flight feathers of major groups of North American birds. This is an ongoing project that will continually add new species.

The images typically illustrate the dorsal surfaces of 12 wing flight feathers (remiges) or six tail feathers (rectrices) from an individual bird. If the ventral surfaces of the feathers reveal distinct patterns not visible in the dorsal view, then a ventral scan is also provided. There is a glossary to aid in understanding of technical words.

Keep in mind that it is illegal to possess feathers of any migratory bird without a permit. All species of native North American migratory birds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty. The only exceptions are the feathers of legally-hunted waterfowl or other migratory gamebirds, which may be possessed by hunters. This prohibition extends to molted feathers and to feathers taken from road- or window-killed birds.

Permits may be acquired from the Fish and Wildlife Service for research and institutions.

See the Feather Atlas
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Grayling Skate Park is Small but Important Rec Option

Grayling Skate Park (photo by Harry Brumer)

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based on a news article at Up North Live

The Grayling Skate Board Park is a real effort of love by the youth of the city. Skaters have always faced problems with business owners when they try to skate on sidewalks and in parking lots. Sixteen-year-old Trey Townsend said, "I just would like to have a place where we can just go there and not have any problems or anything."

Trey is now 21, and thanks to his efforts, and many other people, there is now a place for skateboarders and BMXers in Grayling. His idea was to use the city ice skating rink, only change its purpose in the summer when the large concrete area sat empty.

He and other kids raised $2000, mostly by collecting cans, and with bake sales, and the city chipped in $7000. The city is pleased to be able to offer another sports venue, but expects that the users will do most of the maintenance.

The park should be fully open by the end of the school year.

Visitors to the park who have posted comments at the Concrete Disciples web site say that the park is small, and is probably not a destination park for serious boarders. But it's quite likely that the kids of Grayling are happy enough to have the park to themselves.

See Concrete Disciples
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Nordhouse Views Will Not be Marred by Turbines

map of proposed turbine sites

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from the Manistee National Forest

The proposal to build 20 - 28 wind turbines in the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness has been withdrawn. White Pines Wind Farm LLC first submitted an application for a special use permit to the Huron-Manistee National Forest in August 2008. Since that time, a great deal of data has been collected, and public comment was received.

The project has had mixed reception. Although many people favor alternative energy, the placement of these turbines was problematic. The Nordhouse Dunes is the Lower Peninsula's (Michigan) only designated wilderness area. This means that not only are motorized tools/vehicles not allowed, but not even wheeled vehicles such as bicycles, canoe carts, etc. The purpose of wilderness to preserve areas with as little evidence of human interference as possible. The sight of the huge turbines above the trees was simply a hard pill to swallow for wilderness lovers.

White Pines Wind Farm, LLC, a subsidiary of BP has informed the Forest Service that they have reviewed recent wind resource data, and have decided to withdraw their proposal for Nordhouse Dunes. The project would have generated 50-70 MW of power.

See Commentary- White Pine Wind Farm
See Public Comment Sought on White Pine Wind Farm
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AuSable Valley Rec Expo at Grayling, April 24

AuSable Expo (photo from the web site)

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from AuSable Expo

The AuSable Valley Recreation Expo is scheduled for April 24, 25 at the Ramada Inn Conference Center, Grayling, Michigan. Open 9 am to 6 pm on Saturday and 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday.

Events include:

• ATVing for the Young, the Old, the Disabled, For the Family!
• An Introduction to GeoCaching
• Firewise
• Dutch Oven Cooking demonstration
• Nature Journaling Workshop
• Enhancing Riverfront Property
• AuSable Fisheries Habitat Management
• Fishing the Historical AuSable
• The Art of Hand-crafting Fly Fishing Reels
• 75 Years of Hartwick Pines
• Introduction to Disc Golf
• Hands-On Digital Photography Workshop
• Bird Watching in Crawford County
• General Aviation Access to Recreational Opportunities
• Grayling's Historic River Highway
• Lunch with the Legends of the AuSable Canoe Marathon
• Track Casting Workshop
• Michigan Elk Management
• Development of Permanent Wildlife Food Plots

A children's workshop table will be open throughout the entire event.

Dozens of exhibitors will be on hand with booths for information and sales.

See AuSable Expo
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Michigan's Only Wolverine Died of Natural Causes

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a news release of the Michigan DNR

The only wolverine to be seen in Michigan in centuries has died of natural causes in March of this year. The video above is of another wolverine, from Canada.

A necropsy performed at the Michigan DNRE's Wildlife Diagnostic Laboratory and microscopic examinations at Michigan State University showed some heart degeneration and some liver congestion, but no sign of infection or trauma. The wolverine was in fair body condition with small deposits of fat. Metal and pesticide screenings were negative

The female wolverine, first discovered by coyote hunters near Bad Axe in the Thumb on Feb. 24, 2004, was approximately 9 years old, said DNRE pathologist Tom Cooley. Previous DNA analysis indicated the animal's genetic origin was from a vast area of Ontario and Manitoba

The dead wolverine, was found semi-submerged on the downstream side of a beaver dam by hikers Morgan Graham and Todd Rann in the Minden City State Game Area in mid March. The animal was last known to be alive on Feb. 17, 2010.

The carcass was taken to a taxidermist by DNRE personnel. It will be made into a full-body mount to be displayed at the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center at Bay City State Recreational Area.

The animal was first wolverine ever authenticated in Michigan

See pictures of Michigan's only wolverine
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Guide to Great Lakes Fishes Now Available

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from Michigan Sea Grant

How can you definitively tell the difference between freshwater fishes? Use this handy, waterproof guide for successful fish identification. This full-color guide features 62 beautiful illustrations of the most commonly found fish in the Great Lakes.

The Great Lakes are home to an impressive variety of fishes. The Guide to Great Lakes Fishes describes sixty-two of the region's most commonly found species, from giants like the Lake Sturgeon to minnows and shiners

Each profile includes quick facts about distribution, diet, behavior and conservation status. Informative essays on the natural history, adaptations, and characteristics of Great Lakes fishes are also covered. Also included are detailed diagrams of the Great Lakes food chain.

Both the soft cover (waterproof paper) and a limited edition hard cover are available from Michigan Sea Grant. The waterproof copy sells for $22.

Explore Fishes, Plants, Rocks and More- Choose either the Guide to Great Lakes Fishes (new) the Guide to Great Lakes Coastal Plants or the Lake Michigan Rock-pickers Guide and receive a free invasive species notepad.

See Michigan Sea Grant store
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Last Year for Michigan State Park Stickers

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a news release of the Michigan DNR

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm on Wednesday signed into law the "Recreation Passport" legislation, which creates a new funding source for Michigan's state parks, state recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, non-motorized trails and pathways and local parks.

The new law takes effect Oct. 1, 2010, meaning citizens who want to visit state parks this year will still need a 2010 Motor Vehicle Permit.

"This new method will create a sustainable funding source that will support our state parks and forests, as well as local recreational facilities," said Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) Director Rebecca Humphries. "It also makes accessing recreational opportunities easier and more affordable for Michigan citizens."

The Recreation Passport replaces the traditional state park and boating Motor Vehicle Permit (MVP), or "window sticker," system in place now at state parks, recreation areas and boat launches. Motorists may choose to pay a $10 fee when they renew their vehicle plate registration. This fee will authorize entry into state parks and boat launches for the usual one-year period of the registration. Camping fees will remain in place.

When residents opt to pay the $10 passport fee, they'll enjoy a per-vehicle savings of 60 percent over the current $24 annual Motor Vehicle Permit fee. "It is our hope that the less expensive fee will encourage all Michigan residents to buy the Recreation Passport for every vehicle they register," said Recreation Division Chief Ron Olson. "Supporters will be integral in restoring the infrastructure of an aging state park and forest system, while supporting local parks and recreation systems at the same time."

The DNRE's Recreation Division lost all taxpayer support for its programs in 2004. Since then, park operations have been funded primarily from user fees. Currently, we are able to address less than 1 percent of the critical infrastructure repair needs annually ($38 million needed), and are about $4.8 million short of adequately funding day-to-day park operations. Without an alternative funding structure in place, drastic cuts to park programs and services were inevitable, Olson said.

Revenue generated from the Recreation Passport depends on the level of participation from the public, Olson said.

Projected revenue based on participation includes:
25 percent participation generates $18,060,000
50 percent participation generates $36,120,000
75 percent participation generates $55,180,000
100 percent participation generates $72,240,000

This Recreation Passport initiative grew out of a proposal developed by the Citizens Committee for Michigan State Parks, to provide a more stable, sustainable funding source for state parks, which lost all general taxpayer support in 2004. Since then, state parks and recreation areas have operated primarily on user fees and by borrowing from funds intended for capital repairs and improvements.

For the 2010 calendar year, a Motor Vehicle Permit will still be required for entry to state parks, recreation areas and boating access sites. As citizens renew their vehicle registrations on and after Oct. 1, 2010, they will be offered the option to support state parks and recreation areas, state forests and boating access sites by paying an additional $10 toward their vehicle registration fee.

Out-of-state residents will still be required to purchase a $29 annual Motor Vehicle Permit, or $8 Daily permit.

According to Olson, the signing of this new law is timely. In 2011, all fund balances in the restricted funds that operate state parks will be exhausted. "There are $38 million in annual unmet needs for failing infrastructure at our state parks that the current system cannot generate enough revenue to cover," he said. "This new system will prevent the further decline of the state park and state forest system."
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