Category: General

Michigan DNR releases new ‘Ride Right’ snowmobile safety video

Jan. 8, 2024

New initiative helps snowmobilers learn about the importance  of “leading right”

Button for Lead Right videoThe Michigan Department of Natural Resources, in cooperation with several partners, including the Michigan Snowmobile & ORV Association, has released a new Ride Right safety campaign video.

The new video was created to help instruct snowmobilers about the importance of “leading right.” The DNR encourages snowmobilers to view the video and share it with others. (Click on the image to check out the video.) Read more
General

Resident Recreation Passport fee to increase slightly Jan. 1

GW: Another subtle reminder of how reckless spending by government translates into inflation.

Starting next year, Michigan residents will pay $14 for the Recreation Passport – just a dollar more for a year’s worth of vehicle access to state parks and recreation areas and a host of other state-managed outdoor destinations.

The moderate fee change is the result of a statutory provision that ensures Recreation Passport funding keeps pace with the economy. Basically, the law says that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources does not determine the cost of the Recreation Passport; instead, adjustments are based on the Detroit Consumer Price Index, as determined by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.

New fee, program support

Effective Jan. 1, 2024, the resident Recreation Passport vehicle fee increases from $13 to $14, while the cost for motorcycles will not change.

The Recreation Passport is valid for 12 months when purchased at time of license plate registration renewal through the Secretary of State. Although some residents have already received their registration renewal notices (reflecting the old fee), the new rate takes effect Jan. 1 for all in-person and online transactions. Read more
General, Wildlife

Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund board Recommends $27.3 Million to Boost Outdoor Recreation

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board recommended Wednesday to the Michigan Legislature that 53 recreation development projects and land acquisitions totaling $27,339,100 be funded in 2024.

The board this year considered a total of 123 applications seeking over $51.9 million in funding. In a competitive process, all eligible applications were evaluated based on scoring criteria approved by the Trust Fund board.

The Trust Fund board recommends funding to both state and local agencies for development projects and land acquisitions that will further access to public outdoor recreation. Read more

General

New Claims Filed Over SpaceX Launchpad Explosion

Piping Plover by Ray Hennessey.

BROWNSVILLE, Texas, December 15, 2023)— National and local environmental groups and the Carrizo/Comecrudo Nation of Texas, Inc., filed additional legal claims today against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

Today’s filing focuses on the agencies’ failure to fully analyze and mitigate environmental harms from the April 20 explosion of the SpaceX Starship/Super Heavy rocket and launchpad at Boca Chica in south Texas.

The April 20 launch resulted in the ejection of concrete and metal thousands of feet into the surrounding lands. This included sensitive tidal flats and other habitat for migratory birds and federally protected species covering an approximate 385-acre area, nearly 3 acres of which were sensitive dune vegetation that was severely burned. A plume of dust also blanketed a residential area more than six miles from the launchpad. Read more

General, Wildlife

Rogue Ridge’s RG1000 E-Bike Boasts Incredible Speed & Power

Rogue Ridge’s fastest fat tire e-bike, RG1000 can carry outdoorsmen an impressive distance on a single charge.

Equipped with a 1,000-watt motor and 13 amp hour battery, the RG1000 has plenty of power to blast up the steepest hillsides. It can reach up to 30 mph with five different power levels, with a range of up to 50 miles and a charge time of just 2.5 hours.

With high-quality fat tires that easily tackle any terrain from sand and rocks to snow and mud, the RG1000 is a reliable workhorse for all outdoor adventures. The 6061 aluminum hardtail frame is load-rated for 350 pounds.

The e-bike comes off-road ready with a rear pannier rack, 48v 2a charger, mud fender, tire liners, and a 1-year warranty. With a Dark Earth finish, the RG1000 is available at an incredible value of $4,499.99. Read more

General

NEBO Power Presents the Assist 800 Jump Starter

Nothing can leave a person feeling more helpless than finding a dead battery in a car when needed. Whether in a dark, empty parking lot or on a lonely back road, a flat car battery is unexpected, inconvenient, and can lead to a dangerous predicament. Even if there’s a set of jumper cables in the trunk, they are of little use unless there’s another vehicle nearby to provide a boost. And if there’s no cell coverage, no rescue number in the world will help. So how can such a situation be prevented?

NEBO has the solution with the NEBO Assist 800 Jump Starter, a 3-in-1 utility that provides jump starting, charging and a light in one convenient, rugged, compact design. With 800 peak amps of power, any 12-volt car, truck, or marine battery, along with 4-liter gas engines, can be jumpstarted. Read more

General

NEXTORCH Introduces the UT51 Red-Blue Flashing Signal Band

NEXTORCH Industries, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of illumination tools and specialized equipment for law enforcement, first responder, tactical, and outdoor applications, is proud to announce the NEXTORCH UT51 Red-Blue Flashing Signal Bracelet. This sophisticated signaling bracelet allows you to be highly visible while wearing the device or to mark potential hazards for other road users. Read more

General

Gov. Whitmer announces funding for park upgrades in nine Michigan counties

GW:  Discover how inflation happens by spending money America doesn’t have.  One common denominator is always through the deceptive use of the word “investing.”

Michigan Governor. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced $6,461,500 in recommended Land and Water Conservation Fund grants to support upgrades in eight community parks, trails and sports facilities, as well as one land acquisition – funding that will help create more opportunities for area residents and visitors to connect with the outdoors.

“Today, we’re investing in parks, trails and outdoor recreation facilities in nine counties across Michigan,” said Whitmer. “Since I took office, we have made the largest-ever investments in Michigan’s state and local parks, powered by funding from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan. By investing in Pure Michigan, we support local economies, our fast-growing outdoor recreation industry, and improve quality of life for Michiganders.

“Today’s upgrades will increase access to rivers and nature parks, create outdoor courts and fields, and renovate parks that people of all abilities can use and enjoy every day. Let’s keep working together to make Michigan a better state to live, work and play.”

See the full story ?

The projects recommended for funding are in Berrien, Clinton, Keweenaw, Macomb, Muskegon, Oakland, Ottawa, Roscommon and St. Clair counties. That funding will support pickleball courts, sport playfield improvements, campground development, trail and park renovations and improvements, and acquisition of approximately 8,000 acres in the Keweenaw Peninsula.

The DNR uses LWCF dollars to help develop public outdoor recreation facilities to give people better, broader access to quality public outdoor recreation opportunities. The program supports Native American tribes, villages, cities, townships and counties and divisions within the DNR in their efforts to give people better, broader access to quality public outdoor recreation opportunities.

Contact: Christie Bayus (DNR Grants), BayusC@Michigan.gov

General

DNR Shares Information on Condition, Options for Belle Isle Boathouse

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is reviewing options for the deteriorated Belle Isle Boathouse, located on the Detroit River in Belle Isle Park, and is inviting the public to learn more about those options and associated costs.

Anyone interested in the future of Belle Isle, broadly, and the boathouse, specifically – visitors, community members, stakeholders and others – is encouraged to visit the project webpage to learn about the options and share feedback by Dec. 31.

Constructed by the Detroit Boat Club in 1902, the 40,000-square-foot boathouse was, for many years, for the exclusive use of its members.

The facility, not to be confused with the Detroit Yacht Club, has been overseen and maintained by the Friends of Detroit Rowing since the mid-1990s under a lease agreement. The lease initially was held with the City of Detroit but transferred to the DNR in 2014 when the department assumed management of the island as a state park. The Friends are responsible for building upkeep, while the DNR handles the park’s overall management. Read more

Fishing, General

Stay Warm for Spectator Sports

Fall sports are underway, bringing big games, great rivalries, momentous excitement and – unfortunately – the possibility of substantial cold temperatures cutting into the enjoyment of cheering on a favorite team.

Few things can dampen team spirits more than sitting on cold bleachers, no matter how hot the action gets on the field. A blanket or a towel just won’t cut the chill when the temperatures drop, and after jumping up a few times to cheer, any built-up heat gets lost. And there’s only so far that hot thermos of coffee or cocoa can go. The bottom line is, when it’s cold outside, everyone wants a warm seat to stay toasty and comfortable in the stands while cheering for the home team.

THAW has just the answer with their Heated Stadium Seat. Perfect for any season, the rechargeable THAW Heated Stadium Seat features multiple heating modes, ranging from a high setting lasting seven hours to a low setting that lasts 16 hours. It’s USB rechargeable, is made from tough nylon that can withstand wear and tear, and it has heat-retaining insulation, so the warmth doesn’t fade away.

The THAW Heated Stadium Seat comes with a storage compartment for a drink or other accessories, and a shoulder strap and padded handle to make it easy to carry. It folds down to a manageable size, so it can be taken almost anywhere it’s needed. It also has a 10,000mAh Power Bank and a USB-A to USB-C charging cable. Read more

General, Hunting
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