Category: General

USCG Seeks Info Regarding Laser Strike

SEATTLE — The Coast Guard is seeking information from the public in locating a suspect or suspects who pointed a blue laser light at a Station Seattle boatcrew conducting search and rescue operations Monday night near Point Wells.

The crew aboard a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium initially reported they were fit to complete their assigned search and reported no immediate injuries from the laser strike. However, several minutes later, multiple crew members reported experiencing pain and discomfort in their eyes as a result of the exposure.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound received the initial report from the Station Seattle crew that a blue laser struck the response boat’s cabin. The laser strike reportedly came from the general vicinity of the Point Wells area.

“Laser incidents are incredibly dangerous, put the safety of our boatcrews in jeopardy and degrade our ability to navigate and respond to search and rescue,” said Lt. Alex Cropley, commanding officer of Station Seattle. “We ask the public to understand the dangers associated with playing with lasers and how they disrupt search and rescue assets from responding to mariners in distress.”

Laser pointers can cause danger to Coast Guard air and boatcrews due to glare, afterimage, flash blindness or temporary loss of night vision. If a laser is shined in the eyes of an aircrew member, Coast Guard flight rules dictate that the aircraft must abort its mission.

Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft or vessel is a felony crime under 18 U.S. Code Section 111, which states whoever forcibly assaults, resists, opposes, impedes, intimidates, or interferes with any person – a U.S. government officer – (in this case, a Coast Guard member) engaged in performance of his/her official duties, is in violation of 18 U.S.C. Section 111.

Coast Guard Investigative Service agents are working with local law enforcement to investigate the incident. Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact investigators at 206-220-7170 and visit: https://www.uscg.mil/Units/Coast-Guard-Investigative-Service/.

For more information about laser safety and the effects of a laser incident, visit the Federal Aviation Administration’s Laser Safety Imitative webpage at: http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/lasers/

General

Customize Your Ugly Gunstock

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association

When it comes to gun stocks, nothing’s more attractive than black walnut.  Some enthusiasts call it furniture and fine firearms are still being manufactured with the old time look and feel of the select hardwood that’s more stable than lesser quality wood.  However, to keep costs down, synthetic stocks are in common use today, but they’re just as ugly as they’ve always been.

As I pondered what to do with just such a crude example of modern technology, I kicked around the idea of upgrading with either walnut or a wood laminated stock made by a CNC machine.  The walnut option was too expensive and I’ve never got excited about the appearance of wood laminated furniture.  Then I discovered hydro dipping.

Also known as hydrograpics, water transfer, cubic printing, aqua printing, etc., it can be as unique as one’s fingerprints without the excessive cost of replacement upgrades.  What I’ve discovered is that the process is as easy as it appears to be on the various YouTube videos.

Printed, ready-made designs are available, but require some added techniques to properly apply them.  Instead, a few spray cans of paint can be used to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that’ll dazzle onlookers with a unique look.

To start, remove the stock and anything attached to it.

Browning A-Bolt Stock Before Hydro Dip

Masking tape is used to keep paint off anything that may negatively alter the fit or function of the firearm.  It’s good the wear some disposable gloves, too.  This is a process that should be done outdoors for safety reasons!

You’ll also need some type of tub large enough to completely submerge the stock.  I used a wheel barrow and lined it with painter’s plastic.

Stock Immersed in Water

The stock should be thoroughly cleaned and degreased with alcohol or paint thinner or mineral spirits, which is the thinner for clean-up, as well.

Select desired colors and purchase Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X paint and primer in spray cans.  It’s good quality paint that can be applied to wood, metal, plastic and more for about $4 per can.

Rust-Oleum Spray Paint

First, I sprayed a coat of flat black onto the water’s surface that was to be a base coat to completely cover the original finish of the stock.  Then, I sprayed some gray and metallic chrome-like silver colored paint in small spots onto the existing black paint.  With a stick, the paint was swirled lightly together.  How patterns are sprayed and stirred is part of the uniqueness of the operation.

Paint on Water and Lightly Stirred

Before beginning the spray painting, I attached a wire through openings in the stock, so that it could be immersed below the surface of the water and pulled upward through the creative artwork.  (Stocks can also be pushed through the top side, as well, and then pulled back through the surface.   But, surface paint should be moved aside before pulling the stock upward to avoid catching unwanted paint.)

In advance, prepare a place to hang the work to dry.  Then, simply pull the stock through the paint and hang it up.  Even though the process may seem counter-intuitive with water and mineral-based paint, don’t worry; chemistry takes over.

Hydro Dipped without Clear Coat

To finish the project and to protect the art, a clear coat of Rust-Oleum matte finish is required.  Although the sprayed colors will dry to touch in 20 minutes and will be ready to handle in one hour, it is not fully dry for 24 hours.  The clear coat should be applied after 48 hours to be on the safe side relative to any reaction with water still present.  On plastic (or, on a synthetic stock) maximum paint adhesion and durability is reached in 5-7 days, so don’t rush things.

Hydro Dipped without Clear Coat

Don’t be surprised if you start looking for other items to customize.

Firearms, General

200+ parcels of Michigan-managed land available via online auctions in September, October

Surplus land sales are a regular part of the DNR’s public land strategy

Lake frontage, trail access, small lots to extend a neighborhood lot – these types of acreage and more are available in the next round of surplus land auctions from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The department is busy preparing 225 such properties for sale via online auction in September and October.

Land is available in counties mainly in central/northern Lower Michigan and in the Upper Peninsula. Counties include Allegan, Antrim, Bay, Crawford, Gladwin, Gogebic, Houghton, Lake, Lapeer, Missaukee, Newaygo, Oscoda, Otsego, Schoolcraft and Shiawassee. Several of the largest parcels are in Allegan, Antrim, Newaygo, Oscoda and Otsego counties.

Ten online auctions will be offered, featuring available land parcels by county:

    • Sept. 8 – Shiawassee County.
    • Sept. 9 – Clare and Gladwin counties.
    • Sept. 10 – Lapeer County.
    • Sept. 17 – Allegan and Ottawa counties.
    • Sept. 24 – Lake and Newaygo counties.
    • Sept. 28 – Kalkaska, Missaukee and Wexford counties.
    • Oct. 1 – Crawford, Oscoda and Otsego counties.
    • Oct. 2 – Antrim County.
    • Oct. 3 – Bay County.
    • Oct. 5 – Gogebic, Houghton and Schoolcraft counties.

Read more

General, Wildlife

Michigan Gov. Whitmer approves $28 million in outdoor recreation development and acquisition grants

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday signed legislation creating more opportunities for quality outdoor recreation by authorizing $28.7 million in Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants.

“Over the past months as Michigan continues to combat COVID-19, we’ve seen just how important having access to public land, developed parks, trails and outdoor recreation is for all Michiganders,” said Gov. Whitmer. “In communities throughout the state, the Natural Resources Trust Fund grant program provides essential opportunities for people to continue to get outside and recreate safely.”

Senate Bill 145, sponsored by Sen. Jon Bumstead, approves funding for 78 recreation development projects and land purchases recommended by the board. It is now Public Act 145 of 2020.

The Trust Fund board recommends funding to both state and local agencies for development projects and land acquisitions that will increase the quality and quantity of public outdoor recreation opportunities. This round of grant funding reflects continued support of:

    • Acquisitions of high-quality, unique wildlife and fishery habitat for conservation and public access.
    • Trail systems, specifically those – like the Dragon Trail in Newaygo and Mecosta counties – that have broad regional and statewide impact.
    • An extensive range of development projects that expand opportunities across Michigan for outdoor recreation, including development of urban parks and playscapes, sports field enhancements and river access.

Read more

General

Hunter Safety Systems Introduces the Shadow

DANVILLE, Ala. (August 3, 2020) — Known for its premium line of treestand harnesses, Hunter Safety System is now entering into a new price-point category with the introduction of its Shadow harness. This new harness is the latest in affordable treestand safety. Simple by design yet comfortable and extremely rugged, the Shadow is a great harness at an incredible value, priced at just $49.99.

At a mere 27 oz., the new Shadow is the lightest harness in the Hunter Safety System line. Like all Hunter Safety System harnesses, the Shadow features a comfortable fit design and tactical release buckles so that it goes on easy and has no dangling straps or weave-through buckles. It can be worn over lightweight clothes or underneath cold weather gear for all season use. Whether you are a seasoned hunter or just entering the market, the Shadow is a great harness.

“The Shadow harness is our most economical harness, but it still retains the quality customers have come to expect from Hunter Safety System,” said Joe Laseter, sales manager. “We believe it is the best harness available at this price point.” Read more

General, Hunting

Great American Spending Agreement

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association

It has been termed a win for public lands, as the U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Great American Outdoors Act with a 310-107 vote.  The Senate passed the bill in a 73-25 vote on June 17, with a broadly bipartisan group on the yeas and an entirely Republican group on the nays.  With gleeful exuberance Republicans and Democrats have finally agreed on something:  more spending.  Yippee!  President Trump is poised to seal the deal when he signs a bill to amend title 54 of the U.S. Code.

The bill is to establish, fund, and provide for the use of amounts in a National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to address the maintenance backlog of the National Park Service, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service, and the Bureau of Indian Education, and to provide permanent, dedicated funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and for other purposes.

The Act will provide $9.5 billion over five years to address the crumbling infrastructure on America’s public lands and waters, with $6.5 billion in funding going to the National Park Service and an additional $3 billion in funding to repair and maintain infrastructure on public lands overseen by the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and U.S. Forest Service. These funds will be used to repair roads, build trails, and improve access for hunting and fishing on public lands and waters across the country.

The Act will also provide full and permanent funding – $900 million annually – for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The LWCF was established by Congress in 1964 to support conservation efforts across the country by purchasing land, implementing easements, and leveraging funding through various federal, local, and state partners. The LWCF has funded almost 50,000 projects to date, spanning nearly every county in America, from vast National Forests to small, local parks. Ensuring full and permanent funding for future land acquisition efforts will continue to make immediate impacts on wildlife conservation efforts and increase access for hunting and fishing across the country.

Said Representative Michael Simpson (R – Idaho),  “Not only does this bill support hundreds of thousands of jobs, but it protects and maintains our public lands for generations that aren’t even born yet.”

It all sounds so promising but it also portends something else for “generations that aren’t even born yet”:  more debt.  Yet, nobody ever wants to address this most precarious  sword of Damocles.

Consider the following reality in terms of what we owe.  In year 2020 the interest on our national debt is projected to be $376,000,000,000. And, that’s 7.8 percent of the national budget.  By year 2026, which does not take into account any COVID 19 costs, the interest on the debt will be $543,000,000,000 and whopping 9.6 percent of the budget.

And, that’s just the interest!  And, that just plain incomprehensible, when one stops to consider that one billion is one thousand million.

And, here we all are enjoying the fruits, much like the Emerald Ash Borer has enjoyed our once-prolific hardwood trees’ succulent juices beneath the bark.  Of course, the operative words are “once-prolific.”

So, let us rub our collective hands together.  Just don’t look up.

Fishing, General, Hunting

IWI Adds Comprehensive Riot-Control Solution

Providing Versatile Methods to Keep Public Order and Safety

Aiming at minimizing the use of force the solution integrates top-level methodology with cutting-edge technologies, defensive and offensive equipment, and tailored training

IWI – Israel Weapon Industries, an SK Group Member and a leader in the production of combat-proven small arms for military forces, police units, law enforcement agencies, and governmental entities around the world – announces the expanding of its portfolio with a comprehensive riot-control solution. The newly offered solution uses versatile methods to maintain the public order and safety with minimum force application. These qualities make it – as intended – perfectly suitable for the operational use of Law Enforcement Agencies, Military Personnel, Police Units, Prison Services, and riot-control Special Forces.

IWI’s riot-control solution, tailored to client’s needs, includes conceptual and operative methodology, defensive products such as tactical anti-stab uniforms, anti-stab and bulletproof vests, tactical helmets, shield, multipurpose grenades and more, offensive tools such as multi-shot 12 gauge shotguns, 37-38mm launcher, 40mm launcher, ammunition, drones, and tactical courses for all levels.

“Civil disorder, characterized by extremists violently demonstrating, or even a legal and peaceful demonstration which escalated into an uncontrollable riot, can result in property damage and human casualties. There is a great importance to handle the situation with minimum use of force and lethal equipment to keep the public safe and retrieve order”, says Ronen Hamudot, VP Marketing and Sales at SK Group. “Only a well-structured methodology of proper use of law enforcement techniques, procedures, and tools will ensure the order and reestablish the confidence to the citizens”. Read more

General

Michigan DNR Requests Pledge to Cover Potential Damage by Mackinac Line 5 Dual Pipeline

<>Eichinger asks parent company to assume obligation

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Dan Eichinger sent a letter to Enbridge Inc., requesting that the corporation enter into a written agreement with the State of Michigan to provide financial assurances to cover all damages and losses caused to property or individuals due to operation of the Line 5 dual pipelines through the Straits of Mackinac. Eichinger requested that Enbridge Inc. enter into a written agreement with the State of Michigan to provide sufficient financial assurances to cover any loss, including a catastrophic release from the dual pipelines.

“As recent events have reminded us, we must get these pipelines that transport crude oil out of the Great Lakes as soon as possible,” said Eichinger. “In the meantime, Enbridge must provide full financial assurance to the people of Michigan that the company will meet its obligations in the event there is a spill or some other disastrous damage to the Great Lakes.”

The 1953 Easement allowing placement of the Line 5 dual pipelines in the Straits of Mackinac requires Enbridge Energy Company Inc., the corporate successor to Lakehead Pipe Line Company, to compensate the State of Michigan for all damages and losses caused by the operation of the pipelines, and to provide insurance, bond or surety liability coverage. Read more

General

Trump Administration Launches Inaugural Meeting of the Task Force for Building and Rebuilding Monuments to American Heroes

Photo: Secretary Bernhardt at the inaugural meeting of the Task Force for Building and Rebuilding Monuments to American Heroes. Photo Credit: Department of the Interior Photographer.

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the Trump Administration hosted the first meeting of the Task Force for Building and Rebuilding Monuments to American Heroes (Task Force) at the United States Department of the Interior chaired by U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt.

“President Trump took bold action by signing the Executive Order on Building and Rebuilding Monuments to American Heroes to remind us of the exceptional individuals in our history who produced the greatest country in the world,” said Secretary Bernhardt. “The President recognizes that statues are silent teachers in the form of stone and metal. Yesterday’s inaugural Task Force meeting following the direction of the President was a great kickoff to an exciting undertaking that will recognize our greatest citizens and protect our history for the benefit of all Americans.”

Task Force members as established by President Trump’s Executive Order include the following: Administrator of General Services Emily Murphy, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts Mary Anne Carter, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities Jon Parrish Peede, and Chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Aimee Jorjani.

“GSA is honored to participate in the Task Force for Building and Rebuilding Monuments to American Heroes,” said Administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration Emily Murphy. “Yesterday’s meeting was an important first step as we reinvigorate the essential role art has in civic architecture, expressing the values and identity of our Nation.” Read more

General

Arkansas: Two Visitors Find Large Diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park

One is the 12th- largest found there since 1972

(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) — Confirmation of two large diamonds found at Crater of Diamonds State Park made for a busy week last week at the park, one of the only places in the world where the public can search for diamonds in their original volcanic source.

“This unique park is one of our state’s most popular destinations,” said Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “It’s always exciting for one of our guests to find a gem, and the staff is really great at working with them to confirm what they have found and hear each particular story of how they found it.”

Serendipity Diamond is 12th-largest found since 1972

Dr. Mindy Pomtree of Benton, Ark., was at the park in June and found her diamond near Beatty’s Hill when she spotted a glittering pebble on top of the ground. She put the stone in a zippered pocket and continued searching, not knowing what it was. “I kept feeling of my pocket throughout the day to make sure it was still there. I didn’t know if it was a diamond but thought it looked cool, and it was definitely shiny!” Read more

General
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