Category: General

Michgan: Silver Lake Park ORV Area Opening Postponed

After careful consideration, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will postpone the opening of Silver Lake State Park ORV Area in Oceana County until Saturday, June 13. The additional time allows for new operational functions associated with COVID-19 public health and safety guidelines to be integrated, as well as significant progress on construction of the new dune entrance ramp. In addition, the opening date coincides with the updated “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order, announced last Friday, which now ends June 12.

One of the department’s biggest challenges was the halting of nonessential work and the need to recruit, hire and train seasonal summer workers. Once the state’s executive order allowed such efforts, after May 15, the DNR began steps toward opening the ORV area. Many of the area’s recurring opening duties and tasks are near completion, but the bulk of construction on the new dune entrance ramp-widening project is still underway and would become more challenging with the number of visitors expected. Additionally, many of the new and evolving COVID-19 safety practices and protocols – building sneeze guards, establishing cash and voucher handling procedures, training new staff and instructing new and returning staff on new COVID-19 safety measures – are still being implemented. Read more

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Michigan: restoration continues at Copper Harbor Lighthouse in Keweenaw County

Standing as a silent guard at the very top of the Upper Peninsula, the Copper Harbor Lighthouse once guided vessels traveling in Lake Superior to safe harbor.

Originally built in 1848, the lighthouse site consisted of a 44-foot stone tower with a lantern room, a detached lightkeeper’s dwelling and landing dock.

By the 1860s, the Keweenaw Peninsula’s harsh winters and Lake Superior’s severe weather had taken their toll on the original buildings. The U.S. Lighthouse Service replaced the stone structures with a brick lighthouse and attached living quarters.

Beginning in 1866, the new lighthouse was manned by lightkeepers and their families until it was automated in 1919. By 1958, the lighthouse had become obsolete, and the U.S Coast Guard sold the property to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Today the lighthouse site, which is part of Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, includes the original 1848 keeper’s quarters and the 1866 lighthouse. While time may have changed the lighthouse’s purpose, the need to protect the historic buildings from the elements is still pressing. Read more

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Michigan: final prep to move Julia and U.S. Grant’s Detroit home is underway

Grant's Detroit Home 1885With the necessary permits secured, the planned move of Julia and Ulysses S. Grant’s Detroit home is underway.

The newlywed couple lived in the home for just over a year when Grant was stationed in Detroit in 1849. Learn more about Grant’s time in Detroit.

The home will move from its current location at the former Michigan state fairgrounds at 8 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue to the corner of Orleans and Wilkins Streets in Eastern Market.

Permits for preparation at the home’s current and new locations were approved in late March 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the state-mandated stay at home order, work could not begin until mid-May. In addition, the state fairgrounds site is a COVID-19 testing site, and proper safety and security protocols for contractors needed to be implemented before work could begin.

Grant Home at form fairgrounds, May 19, 2020Contractors gained access to the site on May 19 and began work to prepare the house. The move will involve dividing the house in two; the second floor will be removed and placed onto one moving truck. Then, the first story will be placed on a second moving truck.

Last fall, contractors installed the steel beams that will be used to lift the second story. On May 22, carpenters began the delicate work of cutting the house in two. To prepare for the cutting, several wooden supports were installed internally to minimize sway. In addition, the house has been lifted off its foundation.

Visit the project website for more photos of move preparation.

In early June, contractors will begin constructing a new foundation and preparing utilities at the home’s new location in Eastern Market. The prep work at both locations is on target for completion by the end of June 2020.

Grant home interior with support cribbing, May 22, 2020Meanwhile, planning for the physical move is in progress. The home must move 15 miles to its new location, which will require relocating traffic signals and utility lines, as well as temporarily closing streets. Every effort is being made to plan for the safest possible route with limited disruptions to the community. At this time, a final move date has not been secured.

The Michigan History Foundation is raising private funds for the move, the prep work and the final restoration of the home. Please donate today or contact Erin Burns, Michigan History Foundation Executive Director, at erin@michiganhistory.org

For more information about the Julia and Ulysses S. Grant home, visit the project website at GrantHomeDetroit.org.

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Civilian Conservation Corps Proposed to Put American Back to Work

GW:  I had to check and sure enough, a Democrat wants to relive the past with more government.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and National Wildlife Federation President and CEO Collin O’Mara will host a press call on Wednesday, May 27, at 12:15 p.m. ET to discuss how a 21st Century Civilian Conservation Corps could put Americans back to work, support community resilience in the face of climate-fueled floods and wildfires, restore public lands, and recover wildlife.

Wyden and O’Mara will discuss the senator’s recently introduced the 21st Century Conservation Corps for Our Health and Our Jobs Act. They also will build off O’Mara’s recent New York Times op-ed calling for a new Civilian Conservation Corps.

Please email Nicole L’Esperance (Nicole_LEsperance@wyden.senate.gov) or Mariah Wildgen (Mariah_wildgen@wyden.senate.gov) to RSVP and obtan call-in information.

WHAT: Press call on the need for a 21st century Civilian Conservation Corps

WHEN: Wednesday, May 27 at 12:15 p.m. ET

WHO: Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Collin O’Mara, president and CEO, National Wildlife Federation

* * *

Visit the National Wildlife Federation Media Center at NWF.org/News.

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Michigan: DNR Officers Assist Evacuation during Midland County Flood

LANSING, MICH. Nearly 24 hours before the Edenville Dam in Midland County collapsed Tuesday, conservation officers from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources began evacuating people in homes and businesses positioned downriver of the dam. With historic flood levels expected, the officers remain on scene and are providing emergency response as needed.

Shortly before dark Tuesday, the dam collapsed, creating life-threatening, flash flood conditions that forced a mandatory evacuation for the city of Midland, including residents, businesses, medical facilities and Dow Chemical’s headquarters – all in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We will continue working with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to assist with patrol vessels anywhere we can,” said Lt. Jeremy Payne, the DNR’s district law supervisor in Bay City.

The initial dam breach caused the failure of a second area dam – the Sanford Dam. As a result, the Tittabawassee River is overflowing its 24-foot flood stage and is expected to crest around 38 feet today. At 7 a.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service said the flood stage was over 34 feet and rising.

More than 20 conservation officers from throughout the region responded with 10 DNR patrol vessels and search and rescue equipment to help continue the evacuation of flood victims. Read more

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GoPro’s New Zeus Mini—The World’s Most Versatile Light

Magnetic, Mountable & Wearable Zeus Mini Brings GoPro Versatility to Lights

SAN MATEO, Calif. – Mount it, wear it, love it—GoPro’s magnetic multipurpose waterproof light, Zeus Mini, brings the brand’s legendary versatility to lights. Now available on GoPro.com for $69.99, the rechargeable Zeus Mini features a robust magnetic swiveling clip and is compatible with GoPro’s full line of camera mounts—making it insanely convenient for a wide range of uses. Read more

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CMP Paver Project

Receive Your Lasting Spot on the Firing Line Through the CMP Paver Project

By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer

TALLADEGA, Ala. – With many junior shooting careers reaching an abrupt end this spring, consider the gift of a permanent place for them on the firing line for decades to come through the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Paver Project.

Situated on the grounds of the CMP’s own Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama, the Paver Project offers a collection of engraved granite slats, available for purchase and personalization for an individual, club, company and any other worthy sentiment. The pavers come in 4”x 8” or 8”x 8” sizes, as well as a special 4” x 4” option for juniors.

Each paver is embedded in the concrete areas behind the firing lines throughout the facility, including the practice rifle range, pistol ranges and the sporting clays and trap fields. Individuals or groups may purchase one or up to three pavers.

For more information about the CMP Paver Project, contact Greg Raines at graines@thecmp.org. Order forms can be found on the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/ranges/talladega-marksmanship-park/paver-project/.

All orders are considered charitable gifts to the Civilian Marksmanship Program, a 501(c)(3) organization, and may be tax-deductible. Read more

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POMA Seeks Executive Director

The Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) seeks a new executive director. Resumes will be accepted through June 22, 2020 or until position is filled. The executive director is responsible for the overall management of the organization and for leading and directing the implementation of the organization’s philosophy, mission, and strategic goals and objectives. The POMA executive director reports to the board of directors and shall help enable the board to fulfill its function in governing the organization.

Job Title: Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Read more

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Primary Arms Announces “Make Your May” Shopping Spree Giveaway

Runs from May 4th through May 31st

Awards One Winner with $4,000 in Store Credit

Free Entry with No Purchase Necessary

HOUSTON, TEXAS – Primary Arms has announced a $4,000 Shopping Spree Giveaway, which will run through the month of May. Entry into the “Make Your May” Giveaway is entirely free, and the winner will be able to receive a $4,000 store credit to their account with PrimaryArms.com, giving them access to the latest and greatest firearm products and gear. To join the giveaway, follow the instructions on the giveaway page here: Primary Arms May Giveaway.

While most Primary Arms Giveaways focus on a singular rifle or pistol build, Primary Arms wants to give the winner a fully-customized gift. This $4,000 shopping spree can be used on any item on the website including favorable brands such as Lewis Machine & Tool, Heckler & Koch, Geissele Automatics, and many more! The winner’s selection can include firearms, parts, accessories, or any of the thousands of items available right now on the Primary Arms site. Read more

Firearms, General

Less Than Two Weeks Remain to Enter to Win Outdoor Solutions’ Ultimate Outdoorsman Package

TULSA, Okla. – Less than two weeks remain for hunters to enter to win Outdoor Solutions’ ultimate outdoorsman package, valued at $11,000. The prize package includes professional long-distance shooting training, field-to-table event participation, a rifle, pellet grill, rifle optic, outdoor pack system, apparel package, lifestyle membership, meat processing equipment and ammunition.

Entrants can sign up for their chance to win here. They will also need to post a picture of the person who influenced them to become a hunter or a picture of someone they have introduced to hunting and the outdoors. When posting the picture, entrants need to use the #learnfromfieldtotable hashtag and tag @outdoorsolutionscorp for Facebook and/or @os_fromfieldtotable on Instagram. Three entrants will be selected and asked to submit a video on why they would like to learn about field-to-table. Entrants have until May 15 to enter with the winner being selected by May 22, 2020.

The prize package includes the following products designed to get a hunter directly into the field with all the necessary gear to bring home food and on the dinner table.

  • Outdoor Solutions’ Long-Range School Participation
  • Outdoor Solutions’ Field-to-Table Event Participation
  • $500 Grunt Style Crate
  • Grunt Style Membership
  • Remington Arms Model Seven SS HS Precision rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor
  • ZEISS Conquest V4 4-16×44 Scope
  • Barnes Bullets Ammunition
  • REC-TEC RT-700 Pellet Grill
  • Apparel Bundle from Kryptec Outdoor Group
  • Outdoorsmans Spur 50 Pack System
  • Meat Processing Equipment by MEAT

Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Outdoor Solutions provides expert instruction at long-range shooting schools in Texas, Utah and Michigan and has trained hundreds of shooters and hunters to extend their effective shooting ranges. Outdoor Solutions also provides outdoor enthusiasts access to hundreds of pre-vetted hunting and fishing destinations around the world. The Outdoor Solutions staff has successfully planned thousands of hunting excursions, fishing trips and corporate retreats. Incorporating the culinary event has created a one-stop service for hunting, shooting, butchering and cooking wild game.

For more information about Outdoor Solutions and their services, go online to www.outdoorsolutionscorp.com.

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