With more than 1,000 miles of the national North Country Scenic Trail, continuing development along the Detroit-to-Ironwood Iron Belle Trail, and a 12,500-mile system of state-designated trails enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts of all types, Michigan is cementing its reputation as the nation’s Trails State.

We’re boosting our trails resumé on the water, too, as stand-up paddle boarding and other paddlesports, including kayaking, are among the fastest growing forms of outdoor recreation. A newly opened water trail – the Beaver Island water trail in northern Michigan – offers the unique experience of paddling around an island. The water trail wraps 42 miles around the island in Lake Michigan, sitting about 30 miles off the coast near Charlevoix.

“The island contains an extensive system of hiking, biking and birding trails, making it a great destination for adventurous visitors,” said Jon Allan, Office of the Great Lakes director. Read more

On Monday, President Trump announced that the U.S. and Mexico reached an agreement to revise the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Free trade between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada is a top priority for the recreational boating industry, and NMMA is encouraged by this development.

In response to the breakthrough, NMMA’s President, Thom Dammrich, stated, “President Trump’s announcement on a tangible NAFTA agreement with Mexico is welcome news and an important step toward modernizing and preserving the trade pact. Maintaining the trilateral agreement is critical for the continued health and success of American manufacturing, including the recreational boating industry. To that end, we urge the administration to capitalize on this momentum and immediately bring Canada – our industry’s largest export market – back into the fold, finalize the deal, and send it to Congress for approval. Read more

Fishing from a SUP will never be the same. The new Sea Eagle®super stable, inflatable FishSUP™ FS126 is for serious SUP anglers. Heavy duty .90 drop stitch material covers top, bottom and sides for superior protection against punctures. The 90”x18” thick camo EVA pad not only adds extra protection against sharp fins and hooks, it provides a non-slip, comfortable footbed. The SUP is a full 12’6” long and 40” wide making standing and casting stable and secure. There’s multiple d-rings and an elastic cord to keep gear in place and easily accessible. With the Sea Eagle Swivel Seat Fish Rig attached you get a high view of the water. There’s a large d-ring at the back for a leash and two small ones to tie down a battery box for your optional electric motor or other gear. Oh yes, this SUP includes a motormount that can take up to a 34-lb thrust electric motor but can be removed quickly if you want to use good, ol’ fashioned man power and paddle with either a SUP paddle or double ended kayak paddle. Getting to that secluded fishing spot will be easier than ever. The hunter green bottom & sides will blend into the surroundings and the grey top will stay cool even on the hottest days. Read more

Walleye are one of the most popular sportfish in Michigan, but most people already knew that. What most people don’t know is the process the Department of Natural Resources uses to rear walleye and stock them in public waterbodies throughout the state. It’s vastly different then our traditional fish rearing methods.

After the DNR’s Pacific salmon program kicked into high gear in the late 60s and early 70s, the focus shifted toward intensive culture of trout and salmon rather than coolwater species – like walleye. Michigan’s state fish hatchery facilities didn’t really have the means to rear those types of species, but some fisheries managers were interested in what could be done to jump start walleye populations, particularly in Saginaw Bay.

“We had some key staff, Leo Mrozinski and Bill Deephouse, who worked together to develop this idea of using ponds to rear walleye that we could stock,” said Ed Eisch, the DNR’s fish production manager. “They started by using old borrow pits located along the highways that had filled with water.”

As if by magic it was discovered this extensive rearing process – one where not much labor or financial resources was needed – was effective and could be replicated throughout the state.

“It’s kind of a cool concept,” Eisch explained. “You basically take these walleye fry, put them in the ponds, and let them do their thing, which is foraging on plankton. All you really have to do is keep track of the plankton and harvest the fish before the system crashes.” Read more

One of Central California’s most ancient fish, the green sturgeon, now has a plan that will steer it toward recovery. NOAA Fisheries released a final recovery plan under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on August 21, 2018. The plan is non-regulatory and identifies steps that will guide state and federal actions to promote recovery of the green sturgeon’s threatened southern population.

Federal Protection

NOAA Fisheries biologists divided the green sturgeon into two distinct populations segments based on what we know about the species. In 2006, the southern population – covering Central California – was listed as threatened under the ESA. The northern population was more abundant so ESA-listing was not warranted at the time.

As part of the ESA protection for the southern population, NOAA Fisheries has been working with the states of California, Oregon, and Washington, other federal agencies, and non-governmental organizations to identify actions that will aid in the recovery of the southern population of green sturgeon.

Plan for Recovery

The recovery plan identifies a number of research, monitoring, and outreach actions for the southern population aimed at restoring fish passage and habitat, reducing sources of mortality, and addressing known threats including climate change, predation, and contaminants. Most recovery efforts focus on threats to freshwater and estuarine spawning and rearing habitats — the areas that are considered the greatest impediments to recovering the species.

“The recovery plan is a key step in promoting public awareness of green sturgeon and encouraging participation in restoring the southern population,” says Joe Heublein, a NOAA Fisheries biologist who coordinates the multi-agency recovery effort. Read more

Curious to learn more about one of Michigan’s most interesting fish species? Drop by the Black River sturgeon hatchery Saturday, Aug. 25, for a tour and the opportunity to hear from fish research experts.

The tours, coordinated by the DNR, Michigan State University, Tower-Kleber Limited Partnership and Sturgeon For Tomorrow, are free of charge. They’ll run from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the hatchery facility, northwest of Onaway in Cheboygan County on the Upper Black River adjacent to the Kleber Dam. (From M-68 2 miles west of Onaway, take Black River Road (F-05) north to Twin School Road, then west a little over 3 miles to the hatchery, which is on the north side of the road just before the dam.)

Researchers from the DNR and MSU will be on hand to talk about lake sturgeon biology, reproductive ecology and the current year’s research. Sturgeon for Tomorrow representatives will discuss work being done to restore sturgeon spawning habitat, sturgeon conservation and outreach programming. Read more

Florida Governor Rick Scott has issued Executive Order 18-221 declaring a state of emergency due to impacts of red tide in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. Red tide is a naturally occurring algae that has been documented along Florida’s Gulf Coast since the 1840’s and occurs nearly every year.

Governor Scott said, “As Southwest Florida and the Tampa Bay area continues to feel the devastating impacts of red tide, we will continue taking an aggressive approach by using all available resources to help our local communities. Today, I am issuing an emergency declaration to provide significant funding and resources to the communities experiencing red tide so we can combat its terrible impacts. This includes making additional FWC biologists and scientists available to assist in clean-up and animal rescue efforts, more than $100,000 for Mote Marine Laboratory and $500,000 for VISIT FLORIDA to establish an emergency grant program to help local communities continue to bring in the visitors that support so many Florida families and businesses. Read more

FLIPPIN, Ark. – Since the initial venture into the aluminum boat market in 2013, Ranger Boats quickly became the industry’s fastest growing aluminum boat brand. Value-packed and feature-laden, the lineup of the 2019 RT Aluminum Series brings a fresh, new look along with additional features built specifically for bass and multi species anglers.

“We have received an overwhelmingly positive response to our RT Aluminum series boats since they hit the market,” said Ranger Boats Sales Manager Mark Zwicker. “Staying consistent with our tradition of maintaining the leading-edge in design and features, we’re excited to unveil the new changes to the 2019 RT Series lineup. Our aluminum designs continue to deliver an affordable, durable product paired with the Ranger name and the long list of Five Star advantages that come with it.”

Featuring an all-new, fully enclosed console that can house up to a 12-inch graph, the RT Series sports a fresh look with redesigned hullside graphics, chrome badging, and chrome foil model designators. Each RT Series model is also available in three new color packages – Carbon Metallic, Midnight Blue Metallic and Fusion, which features lime green accents. Along with the new look, Ranger also brings added comfort in the form of new premium color-matched, side-bolstering seating with enhanced knee room under the console.

The flagship of the series – the RT198P – not only carries the new look and styling, but has been upgraded with added features such as enlarged rear storage boxes and an Aqualon custom boat cover. Also new for 2019, the RT198P includes the option to mount twin Power Pole anchors for even greater versatility in shallow water.

Read more

List includes diverse bodies of water across the U.S.

ALEXANDRIA, VA (August 9, 2018) – The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and its Take Me Fishing™ campaign announces the Top 10 Mom-Approved Places to Fish and Boat. The full list of 50 – nominated by state fish and wildlife agencies and curated by moms –- was further whittled down to the Top 10 by nearly 32,000 votes from across the United States. The list represents a full spectrum of the nation’s diverse bodies of water, from a river in Alaska to a lake in the heart of the Midwest and the shores of Hawaii.

Each Top 10 Mom-Approved Place features family-friendly amenities such as recreation areas, picnic shelters, nearby parking, boat launches, safe water access and of course, plenty of fish to catch.

“The list of Top Mom-Approved Places to Fish and Boat is a great guide for moms, kids and everyone looking to get out on the water this summer,” said RBFF VP of Communications Stephanie Vatalaro. “Creating awareness and facilitating access to resources for young anglers and their families is a key component to achieving our 60 in 60 goal.”

Top 10 Mom-Approved Places to Fish and Boat: Read more