Repeal of "America the Beautiful Pass" would allow for return of affordable National Parks Pass
For Michigan's users of the America the Beautiful Pass for access to the three National Forests in the state this story could raise concerns. - editor
The nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association praised the introduction of legislation on December 11, 2007 by Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) and Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID), which would repeal the controversial, multi-agency "America the Beautiful Pass." This pass replaced the popular national park pass when Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act in 2004.
"We strongly support the reinstatement of the national parks pass. This pass is a terrific value for park visitors and enjoyed strong public support," said Vice President for Government Affairs Craig Obey. "We also appreciate the bill allowing the National Park Service to continue to retain monies collected from park pass sales, entrance fees, and other fees."
The $80 America the Beautiful Pass was made available to the public on January 1, 2007, as one of the requirements of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004. The legislation addressed fees for recreation opportunities on public lands managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Reclamation. It also provided permanent authority for collecting and retaining fees in the national parks, but eliminated the $50 National Park System pass. Prior to 2007, the National Park System pass gave park visitors unlimited entry to national park sites that charged entrance fees for one year from the date of purchase. Fees from the sale of park passes provided a valuable source of revenue for national parks; S. 2438, the Fee Repeal and Expanded Access Act of 2007, would continue to allow the National Park Service to retain fee revenue.
Given the organization’s singular mission around national parks, the National Parks Conservation Association takes no position regarding fees for agencies outside the National Park Service or the effect of the Baucus bill on those fees.
a news release of the National Parks Conservation Association, Dec 11, 2007
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Saturday, December 22, 2007
Hungerford Bike Trails - Lots to Do
The fourteen miles of bicycle trails at Hungerford Lake near Big Rapids, Michigan, need a lot of work. The Michigan Mountain Biking Association (MMBA) has pledged to supply that.
Hungerford is within the Manistee National Forest and includes ski trails, bike trails, and a well-used system of horse trails. The horseback riders are currently the only group that uses the area regularly.
But the MMBA would like to re-vamp the bike trails and make the area a destination ride. Located only 45 minutes by car from Grand Rapids, it has the potential to become a highly popular day trip. Camping is even allowed for those who want to add that to their itinerary.
Hungerford is really known as a horse-riders destination. Poor signage and low use by the other groups has led to a lot of incursion of equestrians on the bike trails. Volunteers from the horse rider's community are responsible for most of the work done at Hungerford to date. They created a campground, expanded the horse trail system and planned three future group campsites.
All such volunteer activities must be done under the supervision of Manistee National Forest staff.
The MMBA had hoped to accomplish more this past year, but only got as far as identifying the problems and proposing some soluntions. They report that their first priority for 2008 will be to re-sign the trails so that the mountain biking trail will be identifiable.
see the whole article from The Grand Rapids Press, "Mountain bikers to try again at Hungerford", by Howard Meyerson, Dec 21, 2007
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Hungerford is within the Manistee National Forest and includes ski trails, bike trails, and a well-used system of horse trails. The horseback riders are currently the only group that uses the area regularly.
But the MMBA would like to re-vamp the bike trails and make the area a destination ride. Located only 45 minutes by car from Grand Rapids, it has the potential to become a highly popular day trip. Camping is even allowed for those who want to add that to their itinerary.
Hungerford is really known as a horse-riders destination. Poor signage and low use by the other groups has led to a lot of incursion of equestrians on the bike trails. Volunteers from the horse rider's community are responsible for most of the work done at Hungerford to date. They created a campground, expanded the horse trail system and planned three future group campsites.
All such volunteer activities must be done under the supervision of Manistee National Forest staff.
The MMBA had hoped to accomplish more this past year, but only got as far as identifying the problems and proposing some soluntions. They report that their first priority for 2008 will be to re-sign the trails so that the mountain biking trail will be identifiable.
see the whole article from The Grand Rapids Press, "Mountain bikers to try again at Hungerford", by Howard Meyerson, Dec 21, 2007
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Friday, December 21, 2007
The Science of Shivering
Research reveals the body's wiring for sensing, responding to cold is more complex than one might think
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University's Neurological Sciences Institute have uncovered the system that tells the body when to perform one of its most basic defenses against the cold: shivering. The scientists have discovered the brain's wiring system, which takes temperature information from the skin and determines when a person should start shivering. Their findings are published in the advance online edition of the journal Nature Neuroscience.
"Shivering, which is actually heat production in skeletal muscles, requires quite a bit of energy and is usually the last strategy the body uses to maintain its internal temperature to survive in a severe cold environment. Other strategies to defend against the cold, such as reducing heat loss to the environment by restricting blood flow to the skin, also appear to be controlled by the sensory mechanism that we found," explained Kazuhiro Nakamura, Ph.D., an OHSU Fellow for Research Abroad. "One fascinating aspect of this study is that it shows the sensory pathway for shivering, which can be thought of as brain wiring, is parallel to but not the same as the sensory pathway for conscious cold detection. In other words, your body is both consciously and subconsciously detecting the cold at the same time using two different but related sensory systems."
Shivering is one of the many automatic and subconscious regulatory body functions, often called homeostatic functions, that the brain regulates. Other examples include the adjustment of breathing rates, blood pressure, heart rate and weight regulation. Throughout the day, all of these important functions take place in the body without conscious thought. Without these important functions, humans and other animals could not survive.
"There are conditions, such as hypothermia and hyperthermia, in which thermal sensory pathways come into play and knowledge of the brain's wiring can provide important clues to locating dysfunction in patients with abnormal thermal sensation. In addition, our ability to sense and respond to temperature changes degrades as we age," explained Morrison.
from a news release of Oregon Health & Science University , Dec 17, 2007
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Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University's Neurological Sciences Institute have uncovered the system that tells the body when to perform one of its most basic defenses against the cold: shivering. The scientists have discovered the brain's wiring system, which takes temperature information from the skin and determines when a person should start shivering. Their findings are published in the advance online edition of the journal Nature Neuroscience.
"Shivering, which is actually heat production in skeletal muscles, requires quite a bit of energy and is usually the last strategy the body uses to maintain its internal temperature to survive in a severe cold environment. Other strategies to defend against the cold, such as reducing heat loss to the environment by restricting blood flow to the skin, also appear to be controlled by the sensory mechanism that we found," explained Kazuhiro Nakamura, Ph.D., an OHSU Fellow for Research Abroad. "One fascinating aspect of this study is that it shows the sensory pathway for shivering, which can be thought of as brain wiring, is parallel to but not the same as the sensory pathway for conscious cold detection. In other words, your body is both consciously and subconsciously detecting the cold at the same time using two different but related sensory systems."
Shivering is one of the many automatic and subconscious regulatory body functions, often called homeostatic functions, that the brain regulates. Other examples include the adjustment of breathing rates, blood pressure, heart rate and weight regulation. Throughout the day, all of these important functions take place in the body without conscious thought. Without these important functions, humans and other animals could not survive.
"There are conditions, such as hypothermia and hyperthermia, in which thermal sensory pathways come into play and knowledge of the brain's wiring can provide important clues to locating dysfunction in patients with abnormal thermal sensation. In addition, our ability to sense and respond to temperature changes degrades as we age," explained Morrison.
from a news release of Oregon Health & Science University , Dec 17, 2007
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White House Chooses National Parks Christmas Theme
America's national parks are the focus of this year's elaborate White House holiday decorations. The remarkable displays of "Holiday in the National Parks" highlight the majesty, history, and diversity of the country's 391 National Park Service sites.
"It is an amazing honor for the National Park Service to be selected as the theme for the White House holiday decorations by the President and Mrs. Bush," said National Park Service Director Mary A. Bomar. "Mrs. Bush is the best champion for our national parks, and the beautiful decorations in each state room showcase the natural and historical treasures found in parks throughout the country."
The holiday displays incorporate the wide variety of natural, cultural, and recreational features preserved by the National Park Service. Models of icons such as the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Statue of Liberty share space with paintings of scenic vistas from Grand Canyon, Zion, and Rocky Mountain National Parks. Holiday garlands intertwined with park objects including seashells, pine cones, and gold aspen leaves add to each room's festive feel.
The official White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room is adorned with hundreds of handmade ornaments depicting national parks. "Each ornament on the magnificent 18-foot Fraser fir was designed by an artist selected by the park," said Bomar. "The ornaments tell the stories of our parks, just as our parks tell the stories of our nation."
Another visitor highlight is a scaled-down, but architecturally accurate, gingerbread reproduction of the south view of the White House, a unit of the National Park Service. Bush family pets Barney, Miss Beazley, and Willie can be seen frolicking on the lawn with moose, elk, raccoons, and other animals found in national parks.
"National Parks commemorate the people, places, and events that define the American experience," said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. "I am so appreciative of President Bush's efforts to recognize the important role of national parks in American society. Our country will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016 and the President has been instrumental in establishing a Centennial Initiative to prepare the parks for the next century."
news release of the National Park Service, Nov 29, 2007
See ViewImages for some photos of the decorations
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"It is an amazing honor for the National Park Service to be selected as the theme for the White House holiday decorations by the President and Mrs. Bush," said National Park Service Director Mary A. Bomar. "Mrs. Bush is the best champion for our national parks, and the beautiful decorations in each state room showcase the natural and historical treasures found in parks throughout the country."
The holiday displays incorporate the wide variety of natural, cultural, and recreational features preserved by the National Park Service. Models of icons such as the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Statue of Liberty share space with paintings of scenic vistas from Grand Canyon, Zion, and Rocky Mountain National Parks. Holiday garlands intertwined with park objects including seashells, pine cones, and gold aspen leaves add to each room's festive feel.
The official White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room is adorned with hundreds of handmade ornaments depicting national parks. "Each ornament on the magnificent 18-foot Fraser fir was designed by an artist selected by the park," said Bomar. "The ornaments tell the stories of our parks, just as our parks tell the stories of our nation."
Another visitor highlight is a scaled-down, but architecturally accurate, gingerbread reproduction of the south view of the White House, a unit of the National Park Service. Bush family pets Barney, Miss Beazley, and Willie can be seen frolicking on the lawn with moose, elk, raccoons, and other animals found in national parks.
"National Parks commemorate the people, places, and events that define the American experience," said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. "I am so appreciative of President Bush's efforts to recognize the important role of national parks in American society. Our country will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016 and the President has been instrumental in establishing a Centennial Initiative to prepare the parks for the next century."
news release of the National Park Service, Nov 29, 2007
See ViewImages for some photos of the decorations
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Limited Edition Ski Michigan Gold Card
Did you know that the U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame offers 50 Michigan Gold Ski Cards on a first-come-first-served basis? The cards cost $500, but can be used at eighteen of Michigan's finest ski areas. They are transferable; you can share your Gold Card with family, friends, customers and clients. But the card may only be used once per day at any one resort.
Purchase of a card enters you in a drawing (and the odds are only 1 in 50) to win a Ski and Stay Holiday at Crested Butte, Mountain Resort in Colorado.
Michigan Resorts where the card may be used are:
from U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame
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Purchase of a card enters you in a drawing (and the odds are only 1 in 50) to win a Ski and Stay Holiday at Crested Butte, Mountain Resort in Colorado.
Michigan Resorts where the card may be used are:
- Apple Mountain, Freeland
- Big Powderhorn, Bessemer
- Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs
- Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls
- Caberfae Peaks, Cadillac
- Cross Country Ski, Roscommon
- Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville
- Homestead Resort, Glen Arbor
- Indianhead Resort, Wakefield
- Marquette Mountain, Marquette
- Mont Ripley, Houghton
- Mount Brighton, Brighton
- Norway Mountain, Norway
- Pine Mountain, Iron Mountain
- Shanty Creek, Bellaire
- Ski Brule, Iron River
- Snow Snake, Harrison
- Swiss Valley, Jones
from U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame
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Manistee County Recreation Plan- Two Public Input Oppportunities
open space along the Manistee Riverwalk
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Over one-third of the land in Manistee County is publicly held.
Some quick facts:
- Over 91,000-acres are under federal ownership,
- About 29,000-acres owned by the State of Michigan, and
- 2,600-acres are owned by local governments
- In total, Manistee County occupies an area of about 357,000-acres.
To capitalize on the emerging trend of silent sports, the recreation planning process will engage all county interests, promote community-wide participation, and incorporate this input into a final action plan. Part of the challenge will also invlove developing the best strategies to connect the dots between Manistee County’s tourism industry and its public outdoor lands.
There are two opportunities for public input towards creation of the Draft Recreation Plan. The first is an open house to be held Jan 30, 2008 from 4-7 pm at Brethren High School. The second is Jan 31, 2008 from 4-7 pm at the Faith Covenant Church, 475 8th St, Manistee.
Stop in at your convenience to talk with recreation planners and community leaders.
from Manistee County Recreation Plan Blog
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Smell a Snake? It May Be a Squirrel!
Squirrels use shed snake skins to mask their scent from predators, a UC Davis researcher has found. (Barbara Clucas/UC Davis photo)
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Barbara Clucas, a graduate student in animal behavior at UC Davis, observed ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) and rock squirrels (Spermophilus variegates) applying snake scent to themselves by picking up pieces of shed snakeskin, chewing it and then licking their fur.
The scent probably helps to mask the squirrel's own scent, especially when the animals are asleep in their burrows at night, or to persuade a snake that another snake is in the burrow.
The squirrels are not limited to the use of shed snake skins, said Donald Owings, a professor of psychology at UC Davis who is Clucas' adviser and an author on the paper. They also pick up snake odor from soil and other surfaces on which snakes have been resting, and use that to apply scent. Other rodents have been observed using similar behavior.
Snake-scent application is one of a remarkable package of defenses that squirrels use against rattlesnakes. "It's a nice example of the opportunism of animals," Owings said. "They're turning the tables on the snake."
from a news release of University of California- Davis, "Squirrels Use Snake Scent", Dec 19, 2007
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North Country Trail Arrowhead Re-Route Moves Closer to Approval
North Country Trail Minnesota Arrowhead map
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The Arrowhead Re-route is an effort to officially designate a revised route for the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT) in northeastern Minnesota (see map). This change, which requires the approval of Congress, would replace a 100-mile stretch of trail route identified in the National Park Service’s 1982 Comprehensive Plan for Management and Use of the North Country Trail. The 1982 route lies between Jay Cooke State Park southeast of Duluth and the eastern end of the NCT in the Chippewa National Forest near Remer.
Since the NCT was authorized by Congress in 1980, there have been no efforts to construct trail along this route because it contains extensive wetlands. It also lacks the outstanding scenery found along the Arrowhead Re-route..
On December 5th, Congressman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) introduced the North Country National Scenic Trail Route Adjustment Act of 2007, otherwise known as the Arrowhead Re-Route. This long-awaited legislation provides for official Congressional recognition of the NCT route along the established Border Route, Kekekabic and Superior Hiking trails in northeast Minnesota.
The Trail would extend eastward through Grand Rapids (MN) along the northern border to Lake Superior, and then southwest along the Superior shoreline to Duluth. This would replace the currently authorized and undeveloped route, consisting of about 80 miles of bog and blackflies. The North Country Trail Association (NCTA) has assumed this route for some time; however it will not be included as an official segment until Congress authorizes it and the President signs it.
The bill was assigned to the House Natural Resources committee, where it is expected to see action early in spring 2008. A companion bill in the Senate awaits sponsorship, and is the focus of the efforts of Congressman Oberstar and others.
Congressman Oberstar, recipient of the NCTA's 2008 Vanguard Award, made a commitment upon receiving the award that he would introduce this legislation this year. The NCTA will be tracking progress closely and alerting members when their advocacy is needed. The Re-route will be a top priority for the NCTA's Hike The Hill delegation during their February visit to Washington.
from the North Country Trail Association, Dec 20, 2007
See NCTA Arrowhead Re-Route Advocacy Center
See bill HR 4291
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Thursday, December 20, 2007
Mason County Recreation Plan - Public Meeting Jan 14
Maple Leaf Landing on the Pere Marquette River
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Action Items in the plan include:
- Develop a non-motorized trail system within the county
- Enhance access to Big Sable River on county property in Freesoil Township
- Improve the entrance to Mason County Campground
- Add park amenities to other county-owned property
from Mason Country Recreation Plan Blog
read the Mason Country Recreation Plan a 54-page pdf document
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Saugatuck Residents Turn Out in Force to Oppose Development
A large group of interested people attended Wednesday evening's meeting to share their views on the plan of Oklahoma billionaire Aubrey McClendon to build homes on the dune property.
The land was zoned R-4, allowing one house on every five acres, at about the time McClendon completed his purchase. He claims he was not properly notified, and that he has the right to build one house on every 1.5 acres.
Residents support the township's R-4 zoning. They cite the natural beauty of the area as one of the greatest resources for attracting tourists.
The Saugatuck Township Board was scheduled to vote on an agreement with the developer at Wednesday's meeting, but the township board tabled it instead.
from WZZM TV, "Big crowd shows up to oppose billionaire's development plans", Dec 19, 2007
See Wednesday Meeting Critical for Saugatuck's Denison Dunes, Dec 17, 2007
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The land was zoned R-4, allowing one house on every five acres, at about the time McClendon completed his purchase. He claims he was not properly notified, and that he has the right to build one house on every 1.5 acres.
Residents support the township's R-4 zoning. They cite the natural beauty of the area as one of the greatest resources for attracting tourists.
The Saugatuck Township Board was scheduled to vote on an agreement with the developer at Wednesday's meeting, but the township board tabled it instead.
from WZZM TV, "Big crowd shows up to oppose billionaire's development plans", Dec 19, 2007
See Wednesday Meeting Critical for Saugatuck's Denison Dunes, Dec 17, 2007
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Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Oceana Foundation Supports OCCSA
The Community Foundation for Oceana County recently awarded the Oceana Cross Country Ski Association a grant in the amount of $2000. The funds will be used to enhance family recreation in Oceana County.
Specifically, OCCSA will use the monies for signage throughout both local ksi trails, the Pentwater Pathway and Crystal Valley Pathway.
Mike Sorensen and Tom Van Liere were able to save OCCSA a large shipping fee by picking up the poles for the signs in Reed City this fall.
If you would like to help with placement of the signs, call Marijo Bakker at 231-873-4486.
The OCCSA says "thank you" to the local community for its support of the volunteer efforts to provide quality ski trails for the use of everyone.
from the newsletter of the Oceana County Cross Country Ski Association, December 2007
for more information call OCCSA Board President Dennis Gale, 231-873-3245
see Community Foundation for Oceana County
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Specifically, OCCSA will use the monies for signage throughout both local ksi trails, the Pentwater Pathway and Crystal Valley Pathway.
Mike Sorensen and Tom Van Liere were able to save OCCSA a large shipping fee by picking up the poles for the signs in Reed City this fall.
If you would like to help with placement of the signs, call Marijo Bakker at 231-873-4486.
The OCCSA says "thank you" to the local community for its support of the volunteer efforts to provide quality ski trails for the use of everyone.
from the newsletter of the Oceana County Cross Country Ski Association, December 2007
for more information call OCCSA Board President Dennis Gale, 231-873-3245
see Community Foundation for Oceana County
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Mars This Week - Best Views Till 2016
This weekend Mars will be closest to Earth until June 2016. This will be one of the best chances in a lifetime to do some planet watching.
After Venus sets, Mars will be the brighest star in the evening sky. About two hours after it rises (15 minutes after sunset), it will be about "two fist" lengths above the east-northeast horizon.
It will appear as a bright yellowish-orange "star" poised above the constellation Gemini. It will appear to move slowly back from Gemini into the constellation Taurus.
Mars won't be as close to Earth this week as it was in 2003, but the viewing for North Americans might be better because the planet will be higher above the horizon. Mars will be looking good through most of January. So even for those of us in the cloudy north may get a chance to watch it.
from National Geographic, "Mars Closest to Earth This Week; Best View Until 2016", Dec 18, 2007
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After Venus sets, Mars will be the brighest star in the evening sky. About two hours after it rises (15 minutes after sunset), it will be about "two fist" lengths above the east-northeast horizon.
It will appear as a bright yellowish-orange "star" poised above the constellation Gemini. It will appear to move slowly back from Gemini into the constellation Taurus.
Mars won't be as close to Earth this week as it was in 2003, but the viewing for North Americans might be better because the planet will be higher above the horizon. Mars will be looking good through most of January. So even for those of us in the cloudy north may get a chance to watch it.
from National Geographic, "Mars Closest to Earth This Week; Best View Until 2016", Dec 18, 2007
These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid
Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
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