General 48 - ThinkingAfield.org

Michigan DNR approves nearly $2 million in recreation grants for local park and trail improvement, development

November 25, 2020 Glen Wunderlich

Recreation Passport program’s 10-year grants output tops $12.7 million

A program that started 10 years ago with the goal of boosting visitation and funding for Michigan state parks also has created another important benefit: more funding for local, community parks and trails enhancement throughout the state. Today the Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced that 18 communities will share $1,926,000 for projects including trailhead development in Marquette County, recreation center renovation in Oakland County and park improvements in Crawford County.

The DNR introduced the Recreation Passport in 2010, replacing the traditional window sticker system for state park access with a purchase program tied to the renewal of license plate registrations. Support for the Recreation Passport has steadily grown since the program’s start – more than a third of Michigan registered vehicles now have the Recreation Passport on their license plate tabs – and that means more available funding for grants. With the announcement of this year’s recipients, the Recreation Passport grant program (established by Public Act 35 of 2010) has awarded just over $12.7 million statewide.

View a full list and descriptions of this year’s Recreation Passport grant awards. Counties where funded grant projects have been approved include Alcona, Alpena, Barry, Chippewa, Clare, Crawford, Genesee, Isabella, Lapeer, Manistee, Marquette, Monroe, Montmorency, Oakland, Ogemaw, Osceola and Shiawassee. Read more

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Michigan DNR recommends $5.4 million in Land and Water Conservation Fund grants to support park projects

November 25, 2020 Glen Wunderlich

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has recommended 14 community and state parks, trails and sports facilities across the state to share $5,441,600 in Land and Water Conservation Fund grants.

“The Land and Water Conservation Fund is pivotal in supporting projects that improve the quality of outdoor recreation for communities across Michigan,” said Dan Lord, DNR grants manager. “This fund is an excellent example of successful collaboration among federal, state and local government partners who are focused on bringing real-world health and social benefits to residents and visitors.” Read more

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Monolith Discovered By Utah Wildlife Researchers

November 25, 2020 Glen Wunderlich

DPS Aero Bureau Encounters Monolith in Red Rock Country

On November 18, 2020, the Utah Department of Public Safety Aero Bureau was working with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to conduct a count of big horn sheep in a portion of southeastern Utah.

While on this mission, they spotted an unusual object and landed nearby to investigate further.

The crew members found a metal monolith installed in the ground in a remote area of red rock.

The crew said there was no obvious indication of who might have put the monolith there.

The exact location of the installation is not being disclosed since it is in a very remote area and if individuals were to attempt to visit the area, there is a significant possibility they may become stranded and require rescue.

It is illegal to install structures or art without authorization on federally managed public lands, no matter what planet you’re from.

The Bureau of Land Management will be determining if they need to investigate further.

https://dpsnews.utah.gov/dps-aero-bureau-encounters-monolith-in-red-rock-country

Photos and Videos – credit Utah Department of Public Safety

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Plenty of reasons to #OptOutside this holiday weekend

November 24, 2020 Glen Wunderlich

These days, everyone could use a little more fresh air and a whole lot of green space. Not only does time outdoors provide a variety of activities that are easy to do while practicing proper social distancing, but it also does wonders for your mental, physical and spiritual health.

Not sure where to start? For ideas and places to hike, fish, hunt, bike and just explore Michigan’s out-of-doors closer to home, visit the DNR’s Michigan.gov/YourLocalOutdoors website.

It’s also the last weekend for regular firearm deer season, so if you’re ready to hit the woods, go to Michigan.gov/Deer for info on check stations, regulations, public land for hunting and more.

No matter what you do this holiday weekend, give thanks for Michigan’s forests, lakes, trails and other welcoming natural places – get out there and give yourself some space!

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NRA Settles New York Insurance Law Suit

November 20, 2020 Glen Wunderlich

In a year where it seems nothing is ever settled, the NRA’s battle with the State of New York Financial Services Department over insurance sales there has apparently come to a close. According to a release from the New York State Department of Financial Services, the state has entered into a consent order with the NRA.

According to that release, the case is resolved via a consent order that includes a civil monetary penalty of $2.5 million for violations of New York insurance laws. Under that agreement, the NRA is also banned from marketing insurance in the state or receiving any compensation in connection with any New York insurance policies for five years, even if the NRA obtains a license.

It’s important to note that there is no admission of wrongdoing by the NRA in the settlement.

In fact, on its NRA Legal Facts website the NRA says “no NRA money is being used to fund the payment to the Department of Financial Services.” And NRA counsel William A. Brewer III called the order “a resounding win for the NRA and the members it serves.”

The NRA Legal Website also points out the settlement has no bearing on the Association’s ability to procure insurance for its own corporate operations.

Win or not, the consent order states that, despite lacking a license to conduct insurance business in New York, the NRA violated various New York insurance laws and regulations by acting as an insurance producer without a license in participating in efforts to solicit and market the sale of insurance products, including the NRA’s Carry Guard insurance program. Read more

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Pelican to Launch 14Qt Cooler w/ Separate Wet/Dry Storage

November 20, 2020 Glen Wunderlich

TORRANCE, CA – The new Pelican™ 14QT Personal Cooler is the first on the market to separate wet and dry storage, and it will be available at www.pelican.com on Black Friday 2020. It features a dry-box section in its lid to separate electronic devices and flat personal items from internal ice and the elements outside. It also boasts an easel slot for smart phones and tablets.

“Designed for either every day carry or weekend adventure, the Pelican 14QT personal cooler features will enhance your journey,” said Stephan Corti, Pelican’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Its industry leading wet/dry storage separation will keep your meal and drinks at the right temperature for a day and a half.” Read more

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Boone and Crockett Club Releases Updated Position Statement on Climate Change

November 20, 2020 Glen Wunderlich

MISSOULA, Mont. – The Boone and Crockett Club today released its policy position statement on climate change, outlining recommendations to reduce carbon emissions, promote natural climate solutions, and invest in carbon reduction technologies. The position statement updates a previous position developed in 2009 and was developed by a core team of regular and professional members of the Club with input from experts representing a wide spectrum of political perspectives. Data in the United States shows that sea level is rising, heat waves and storm events are growing in severity, and various timing cues or ranges for vegetation and wildlife are shifting. Hunters are attuned to fluctuations in and stresses on big game populations and their habitat, and are seeing significant impacts to our forests, streams, and coastlines. The Club is concerned that wildlife and its habitat may not have the ability to adapt to these observed rapid changes unless action is taken soon. In accordance with its mission to conserve and sustain abundant wildlife populations and their habitat for future generations, the Boone and Crockett Club is committed to policies that reduce greenhouse gases and combat their effect on climate.

“Those of us who spend time in the field hunting have seen firsthand the effects of changing weather patterns through catastrophic wildfires, severe coastal storms, and extremes of droughts or floods. Habitat is destroyed or changed in these events, limiting the ability for wildlife populations to be resilient. The Boone and Crockett Club has been a leader in conservation for over 125 years and we recognized the need for our organization to play a role in the growing discussions on climate change,” commented Club president Tim Brady. “We hope that our recommendations will ultimately result in policies that reduce atmospheric carbon and ensure that natural systems are able to provide for our wildlife resources, while ensuring a robust economy and strong job growth.” Read more

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Give a piece of Michigan history with a gift from Michiganology

November 20, 2020 Glen Wunderlich

‘Tis the season for finding that perfect gift for the Michigan lovers in your life!

Our puzzles, prints, mugs, and apparel are family-favorites for anyone who is curious about Michigan, past and present. Read more

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Hatch Debuts Friskmaster MAX Gloves

November 17, 2020 Glen Wunderlich

Jacksonville, Florida – Hatch®, a brand of The Safariland Group (“Safariland”), a leading global provider of safety and survivability products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets, announced today that it has released the new standard in needle puncture and cut resistant gloves: The FMN500 – Friskmaster™ MAX – Cut & Needle Puncture Resistant Glove.

Built for those who need a glove that provides maximum protection without impeding the ability to complete routine tasks on the job, the new FMN500 (Friskmaster MAX) glove is tested to ANSI Cut Resistance A9, the highest rating for cut resistance, and provides Level 5 ANSI Needlestick Puncture Resistance, the NIJ’s highest-rated level of protection.

“The Friskmaster MAX gloves are a lifesaver for public servants who come into regular contact with cut and needle threats,” said Vince Abrams, Category Manager at The Safariland Group. “Safariland® has drawn on our success with PROTECH™ Armor to bring PROTECH Resistance Layer Technology to our Hatch gloves. The FMN500s provide robust protection from daily cut and needle threats and maintain superior dexterity. With the FMN500, you can complete all of your routine daily tasks and still be protected from the unexpected.” Read more

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Woox Introduces New FORTE Axe

November 16, 2020 Glen Wunderlich

Hickory, North Carolina – November 13, 2020 – WOOX continue to set new standards in outdoor gear with the introduction of the new FORTE axe.

Following the success of the AX1, WOOX have continued their pursuit of developing the best quality outdoor gear with the new FORTE axe. Combining classical American and Italian axe designs, the WOOX FORTE is another great example of “old world” craftsmanship meeting the modern age of high-performance gear.

The American hickory handle adds strength and durability, while the anti-slip coating offers a superior grip in any condition. Each head on the FORTE axe is individually hammered into shape, hand finished and made of tempered carbon steel (c60/1060). With a length of 22 inches and a weight of only three pounds, the FORTE axe can easily be packed into the backcountry for your next great adventure. Read more

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