Parks Will Remain Open on State Furlough Days

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
based on a news article at Flint Journal

One method the legislature has devised to help balance the state budget is that six furlough days will be mandatory, on which state employees will not be paid. The Michigan DNR says that all state parks, recreation areas, boating access sites and forest campgrounds that were open at the time of the furlough will remain open. Employee schedules will be staggered to cover the staffing. The furlough dates are June 10, July 6, July 24, Aug. 7, Aug. 21 and Sept. 4, 2010.

Conservation and fire officers will remain on duty, also with staggered schedules. Ten visitor centers will be closed, as well as DNR-owned shooting ranges, the Wildlife Disease Lab, and the state fish hatcheries.

Hunting and fishing licenses may be purchased on furlough days.

DNR Director, Rebecca Humphries, noted that the department does have an emergency call-back plan that will be activated in the event of an emergency, such as a wildfire, on furlough days. "We hope that the public will not be greatly inconvenienced by this unfortunate, but necessary, occurrence," Humphries said. "DNR employees will do their best to make sure that our guests and customers are not impacted as they enjoy Michigan's great outdoors."

See Michigan DNR
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
See Get Off The Couch

Are e-Readers the Next Hot Outdoor Gift?

Kindle reader

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
from a news release of the Outdoor Industry Association

The Outdoor Industry Association believes that the electronic reader may become the hot holiday gift for outdoor lovers.

In July, Forrester Research predicted the number of e-book users in the United States would grow from approximately 1 million to 13 million by 2013, as prices drop from the current $250 to $400 range to the $99 price point.

Amazon's Kindle has led the field, but Barnes & Noble, Sony, and the new Spring Design are not far behind. Other large electronics names are likely to enter the market, which will help drive prices down.

Even with the battery, readers generally weigh less than 3/4 of a pound. Of the 136,000 books available for Kindle, there are 1,452 with outdoor and nature titles. Another 364 are available on water sports, 154 on mountaineering and102 on winter sports, according to Amazon.com. Titles include several hiking guides, such as “The Ultralight Backpacker: The Complete Guide to Simplicity and Comfort on the Trail” by Ryel Kestenbaum. The digital price is even less expensive than the paperback.

With a more rugged case, and the availability of maps, the e-reader could easily go to the woods.

E-books have the same potential as the iPod to shape outerwear and pack design in coming years. Amazon has contacted outdoor brands to encourage them to develop Kindle 2 accessories. This year Patagonia began shipping a water-resistant nylon case for the Kindle 2.

College bookstore managers expect that e-books will become standard issue at universities over the next five years. and JanSport research suspects that this will influence backpack design, although the standard daypack design will probably persist because college kids carry so much more than books in their daypacks.
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
See Get Off The Couch

Trailnote- Free, Easy, Peace of Mind

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
from the Trailnoteweb site

Trailnote is a free messaging service for all outdoor adventurers. The basic idea is to provide a way to send an emergency message to people of your choice.

To use this service you simply create a message about your trip. Give a description of your hiking (canoeing, sailing, climbing, etc) plans. Enter a start and end time for the trip, and mark the location on a digital map. Then create a list of people to be notified if you do not check in my a certain time. These messages can be relayed by email or text messaging.

If you return as scheduled you simple use the web site or a web-enabled phone to cancel the emergency message. You will receive a reminder warning notice if you do not check in. If you do not cancel the message, it will be sent to the people on your list, alerting them that you are overdue. It will be up to those people to contact emergency personnel or take other action.

Trailnote says, "Whenever you or a group hikes, bikes, kayaks, climbs, skis, surfs, jogs, walks, drives, rock crawls, 4x4s, boats, sails, flys, dives, cross countrys, camps, spelunks, or just plain roam about... make sure you are protected!"

See Trailnote
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
See Get Off The Couch

First Michigan Human Rabies Death Since 1983

Electron micrograph of the Rabies Virus (photo by CDC, public domain)

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
based on a report from UpNorthLive.com

Few details are being released, but Region #10 Department of public health has reported that a man has died from rabies. This is the first known human death from the virus in Michigan since 1983. Region #10 covers Crawford, Kalkaska, Lake, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Newaygo, Oceana and Wexford Counties, so one can assume that the death occurred in this area.

The disease was contracted by contact with a bat, although it has not been stated whether the man was actually bitten. Bats are the most frequent carriers of the virus in Michigan, although fewer than 1% of the animals are infected. Other common carriers are foxes, skunks, raccoons and coyotes.

Only 55 cases of rabies have been diagnosed in the United States since 1990. By the time symptoms appear in a human, the virus has probably reached the brain, and no treatment is possible. However, if contact is made with a wild animal that is acting strangely, one should always seek treatment immediately so that vaccine can be administered in time to prevent the disease from spreading, and ultimate death. Infected animals may lose their fear of humans, act aggressively or in an agitated manner. They may drool or be unsteady on their feet if the disease has progressed.

The virus is transmitted through the saliva of the infected animal. If one is bitten by a wild animal one should wash the wound with soap and water, and seek medical attention. If possible, the animal should be captured and tested. If bitten, also call the local health department and animal control office.

See rabies information from the Michigan DNR.
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
See Get Off The Couch

Legislature to Override DNR on Pigeon River Use?

(photo by Hamilton Conservation Authority

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
based on a news article in the Lansing State Journal

A heated debate is taking place concerning the access for equestrians in the Pigeon River State Forest. Pigeon River is located in Cheboygan, Otsego and Montmorency Counties. The 118,000-acre woodland is home to the state elk herd, and is managed by the Michigan DNR. Over the past few years, the DNR has reduced the number of trails that are open for horseback riders. And therein is the problem.

Horse lovers do not like being restricted to a few trails and gravel roads. Sportsmen say that horses are causing environmental damage and erosion. When quotas for horse use were imposed last year the Pigeon River and Beyond Back Country Horsemen of Michigan decided to take the issue to the legislature.

Bills have been introduced in both houses of the legislature which would override the DNRs decisions and reopen the trails to horses. The opposition is led by the Michigan United Conservation Clubs, who point out that taking authority to manage the forest away from the DNR could jeopardize $25 million in federal funds.

Equestrians say that the closures were not based on any sound science, while the sportsmen maintain that the land was purchased largely with hunter money and must be managed with that use as a priority.

The debate is one which generates plenty of heat. Following the original article are many comments on both sides of the issue.

See Legislature debates horse access in forests
See Pigeon River Country
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
See Get Off The Couch

"Lake Invaders: The Fight For Lake Huron" to Premier in GR

Lake Invaders - 3:00 Trailer from john schmit on Vimeo.

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
a news release of Michigan DNR

"Lake Invaders: The Fight for Lake Huron," a documentary film produced by faculty and students at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, will have its premiere screening at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at the Loosemore Auditorium in DeVos Center, located at 401 W. Fulton in Grand Rapids.

The film explores the threat invasive species have posed on Lake Huron, which has been invaded by more than 180 exotic species in the last century. Two years in the making, the film features Department of Natural Resources staff at the Alpena Fishery Research Station and the DNR research vessel Chinook.

Specialists from GVSU's Annis Water Resources Institute in Muskegon consulted on the project and spoke to students who filmed the documentary. The film, in part, traces the history of the Chinook research vessel, first launched in 1947 when Lake Huron was invaded by sea lamprey.

DNR staff at the Alpena research station has studied invasive species in the lake for more than 60 years, including sea lamprey, alewives, zebra mussels and round gobies.

Jim Johnson, DNR research biologist and manager of the Alpena Fishery Research Station, helped facilitate the filming of the documentary with his daughter, Laura Johnson, who recently graduated from GVSU and conceived the idea for the documentary. Johnson helped connect the students to the Lake Huron Technical Committee, a group of international biologists who share fishery and resource management responsibilities for Lake Huron. Johnson and staff at the research station also took the student film crew on the Chinook to show the work they do on Lake Huron.

See Lake Invaders
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
See Get Off The Couch

Cold is Cool for 4th Michigan Graders

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
from MSIA

The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) is making it possible for every fourth grader in the state to ski for free. The Cold is Cool Passport will provide any applicant with a free lift ticket or trail pass for three uses at 21 participating Michigan ski areas.

MSIA is dedicated to helping to improve the health of children by making outdoor winter activities more affordable for families. Steve Kershner, MSIA chairman and director of skiing at Shanty Creek, says the association wants Michigan kids to have the opportunity to ski or snowboard. "Fourth grade is the perfect age to learn to ski. Nine- and ten-year-old kids have the coordination to pick up the sport quickly," he adds.

Kids must be accompanied by a paying adult, but up to two fourth graders can ski free with each paying adult.

Information about the passport is being distributed through schools. Applications can also be obtained at participating ski shops and on line. There is a $15 processing fee. A copy of the most recent report card or birth certificate must be provided as proof of grade level.



See Cold is Cool Application (a pdf)
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
See Get Off The Couch

New State Park Funding On Brink of Passage

2008 Michigan State Park sticker

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
based on news stories in the Detroit News and M-Live

Since April, Michigan lawmakers have been working on options to fund state parks, since money for their operation has been removed from the General Fund. The State Senate has just approved a plan which would eliminate the annual park stickers and replace it with a system which adds a voluntary charge to vehicle license plates.

When a person renews their license plates they will be asked if they wish to pay an extra $10 which will allow them to enter, by honor system, any state park. Those who choose not to pay the extra $10, will be issued a warning if the vehicle is noted within a park. A second offense will result in a fine. Out-of-state visitors would still pay for daily or annual stickers.

If only 17% of vehicle registrations agree to pay the additional $10 a year, funding for the parks would remain at the same level. For individuals, it is a great deal, because the annual cost is reduced from $24 to $10. Montana uses a similar system and about 60% of vehicle owners choose to pay the extra fee.

The bill will now go to the Michigan House of Representatives, where it is expected to pass.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the road construction industry oppose the bill because they believe all transportation fees should go for road and bridge construction. Environmental groups and the Michigan United Conservation Clubs support it, noting that total revenues are very likely to increase.

See State Parks to Get No Money from 2009 General Fund
See State Park Funding Proposal Would Require No Special Plate
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
See Get Off The Couch

Rockwell Lake Lodge Ski Package Specials

photo from Rockwell Lake Lodge publicity

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
a news release of Rockwell Lake Lodge

Rockwell Lake Lodge, located near Luther in northeast Lake County, opened in June 2008. The 16,000 square foot lodge also has facilities as a conference and retreat facility, operated as a part of Hillsdale College’s G. H. Gordon Biological Station.

photo from Rockwell Lake Lodge publicity

Ten miles of groomed cross-country ski trails surround the lake and wander through the woods. Snowshoers are welcome on or off trail. Return to the lodge and enjoy cocoa and cookies near the fire. For this year's winter season, Rockwell is offering two vacation packages, one for weekdays, and a similar one for weekends. Both offers are for two people, two nights lodging, two breakfasts and two dinners. The Wednesday - Friday plan is just $249 per couple, while the Friday - Sunday plan is priced at $339 per couple.

The Lodge has ten non-smoking guest suites; king rooms include a sleeper sofa. Some rooms overlook the lake, while the others offer a beautiful view of the natural palette of the surrounding woods.

See Rockwell Lake Lodge
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
See Get Off The Couch

Iceman Iceless, but Record Participation

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
based on a news article in the Traverse City Record-Eagle

With temperatures soaring to new records in many northern Michigan cities, there was no ice for the Iceman, or slop for the Slush Cup, but there were over 4,400 riders in the popular bicycle races held this weekend in Kalkaska.

The 28-mile Iceman was won by Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski and Alison Dunlap, both of Colorado. Both are also Olympic riders. Horgan-Kobelski turned in the winning time for the men at 1:34:02, and Dunlap finished in 1:46:41.

In addition to the 28-mile Iceman from Kalkaska to Traverse City through the Pere Marquette State Forest, is an eight-mile "Slush Cup," and the "Sno-Cone" - a race for kids under 12. The event is the largest single-day mountain bike event in the country.

Thanks to the many corporate sponsors, first place men and women earned $3,000. The runner-ups received $2,000. Third-place finishers took home $1,500.

See Fair weather, huge field mark Iceman
See Iceman race draws record field
See Iceman Cometh Challenge
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
See Get Off The Couch

The 500-Mile Summer- An NCT Sampler

Young at overlook on Border Route Trail

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
by JHY

Joan Young will share photos and adventures from her hikes on the North Country Trail during 2009. From May through October she hiked 500 miles, some in Minnesota, Michigan, and Ohio. The trail sections covered included the rugged northern Minnesota Arrowhead, and the long connection from Ely to Grand Rapids, MN. Many of the miles were traveled with friends, but about 175 were hiked solo. Some was backpacked, and some "slack-packed."

She will be giving the program twice in the coming weeks, beginning with the Tuesday (Nov 10) meeting of the Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the North Country Trail Association. Beginning at 6:00 pm, at the Lake Bluff Audubon House, 2890 Lakeshore Road, Manistee, the program will follow a very short business meeting.

The second showing will be at the Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club, Wednesday November 18, 7:30pm. The Conservation Club meets at their Clubhouse north of Brethren, Michigan.

Young is poised to become the first woman to hike the entire NCT. She plans to hike the final mile of her trek on August 3, 2010, at the Boor property near Petoskey, Michigan. She invites anyone who would like to celebrate with her to join her on that date.

Contact Joan Young
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
See Get Off The Couch

Grand Traverse Center Road Natural Area Has New Trails

trail volunteers (photo by JHY)

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
based on a news article in the Grand Traverse Herald

Center Road Natural Area in Peninsula Township near Traverse City has several new trails. Volunteers from the Grand Traverse Hikers Club persevered, and after two rain dates finally were able to work this past Sunday.

Trails were added through the former orchard on the property. A year ago, voters approved the purchase and creation of a park which will be managed by the township. In addition to the orchard the property "includes a bowl-shaped meadow, a climax hemlock forest, varied animal habitat and undeveloped East Bay frontage." Parking has been added, and nearby homeowners have indicated that they will simply walk to the property.

Dick Naparala, familiar in North Country Trail circles, said "Basically, a trail gives people an opportunity for recreation or for exercise. I live on the Peninsula and I think it's a wonderful thing to have another (quiet) area, it's kind of a little oasis in all this busyness."

Thousands of volunteer hours have already been logged putting in fencing and boundary markings. All the volunteer time saves taxpayers money.

The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy has partnered with the township and friends of the project to acquire the land. Other supporters include Hagerty Insurance, TC Rentals, and the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments.

See Grand Traverse Hiking Club
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
See Get Off The Couch