Despite frigid temperatures, the Upper Peninsula was the place to be this past weekend for snowmobile enthusiasts, with the International 500 Snowmobile Race in Chippewa County and plenty of good snow elsewhere for riding.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers teamed up with U.S. Forest Service officers, Michigan State Police and local sheriff’s office deputies to conduct “Ride Right” snowmobile safety patrols, which in total contacted more than 700 snowmobilers.

The Ride Right campaign emphasizes the importance of riding sober, at a safe speed and on the right side of the trail.

The patrols will continue for another anticipated busy weekend ahead. Read more

Lightweight and compact handheld adds Garmin Explore app capability and navigation features so you can explore with confidence

OLATHE, KS – Garmin® International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN), today announced the inReach® Mini 2, a compact satellite communication device with two-way texting and SOS capabilities1. Purpose-built to support outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels, the lightweight inReach Mini 2 communicator provides up to 30 days of battery life2, as well as integrated location and situational awareness features such as TracBack navigation and Garmin Explore™ Mobile app compatibility. Explorers will feel confident knowing the inReach Mini 2 provides two-way text messaging, location tracking, and weather updates thanks to the global Iridium® satellite network. Additionally, should an emergency occur, inReach Mini 2 users can trigger an interactive SOS message to the Garmin IERCC, a 24/7 staffed professional emergency response coordination center.

“Whether on a casual afternoon hike or climbing a mountain on an extended expedition, inReach Mini 2 is the perfect choice for a rugged, ultra-light tool to help you stay connected with friends and family around the clock. Its compact size, robust location features, and significantly increased battery life add peace of mind to any trip without adding weight to your pack,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “Moments of communication can become critical on any adventure and the best plan is to always be prepared, which is why Garmin satellite communicators, like inReach Mini 2, have become trusted tools for anyone who ventures outdoors.” Read more

Contact: Bill Scullon 906-250-6781 or John Pepin 906- 226-1352

The application period for the Upper Peninsula’s Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Initiative competitive grant program is now open.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources initiative is a cooperative grant program designed to enhance deer habitat on private lands in the U.P.

“There are three primary goals applicants should strive to meet,” said Bill Scullon, DNR field operations manager and administrator for the grant initiative. “The projects should produce tangible deer habitat improvements, build long-term partnerships between the DNR and outside organizations and showcase the benefits to the public.” Read more

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources invites businesses and organizations to get involved as sponsors and partners in taking care of the state’s natural and cultural resources, while connecting with the millions of people who enjoy them.

With less than 15% of the DNR’s annual budget coming from general tax dollars, new and creative revenue sources are vital to fulfilling the department’s mission.

“We are open to a variety of sponsorships and partnerships to help people enjoy and appreciate Michigan’s natural and cultural resources and, at the same time, highlight the many businesses that are growing the outdoor recreation industry and the state’s economy,” said Kristin Phillips, DNR Marketing and Outreach Division chief. Read more

Several state parks in southern Michigan will host volunteer stewardship workdays in January. Volunteers are needed to help with removing invasive plants that threaten high-quality ecosystems in the parks.

Please note that registration is required for all volunteer workdays.

Workdays will take place:

• • 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 8, at Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County).
  • 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 8, at Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon County).
  • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 9, at Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson County).
  • 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 15, at Belle Isle Park (Wayne County).
  • 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 15, and Saturday, Jan. 29, at Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien County).
  • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16, and Sunday, Jan. 30, at Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry County).
  • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16, at Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County).
  • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, at Muskegon State Park (Muskegon County).
  • 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Jan. 23, at Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan County).
  • 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 29, at Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County).
  • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30, at Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw County).

More details about each workday and how to register can be found on the DNR volunteer events calendar.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will host a virtual public meeting 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, to gather public feedback on a new draft phase 2 general management plan for Algonac State Park in St. Clair County.

General management plans are used to define a long-range planning and management strategy that protects a state park’s resources while addressing recreation and education needs and opportunities.

The virtual meeting will include a review of the draft plan, proposed improvements and planning process, followed by an opportunity for people to share feedback and questions with DNR staff. Advance registration is required.

“Public input is a critical part of the planning process,” said Debbie Jensen, park management plan administrator for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “We hope visitors, local community members and everyone interested in the future of this park can take part in the public input phase.”

Project website, post-meeting survey

Additional opportunities to provide feedback via a public input survey will be available immediately following the meeting. The virtual meeting will be recorded and posted online approximately one week after the event. Read more

Grand Island, NE – Savvy gun owners lock handguns and other everyday essentials when not in use. The SnapSafe® Keypad Vault is a compact security container perfectly suited for protecting these valuables. The rugged steel vault opens easily using either an integrated keypad or a metal key. And the Keypad Vault’s compact size allows mounting almost anywhere.

A digital lock uses a user-programmable four-to-six-digit access code set to one of over 12 million possible combinations. Keypad Vaults open with a push-button keypad or metal key. The ability to assign multiple vaults and household safes with the same code means there’s only one number to remember; this feature ensures quick access in a stressful situation! Read more