Volunteers Needed for Stewardship Workdays in Southern Michigan

The Department of Natural Resources announced today the schedule of volunteer stewardship workdays to be held in November throughout southeastern Michigan state parks and recreation areas.

Volunteers are needed to help collect native plant seeds and cut invasive shrubs in natural areas within state parks and recreation areas. These activities will help protect and restore the unique natural areas in these southeast Michigan state parks. Volunteering for these workdays is a great way to “GO-Get Outdoors,” breathe some cool fall air and get a little bit of exercise. Volunteers will also be able to experience Michigan’s lovely fall colors and harvesting tradition.

Dates, times and locations of the workdays are as follows:

• Saturday, Nov. 1 - Island Lake Rec. Area (Livingston Co.), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 2 - Highland Recreation Area (Oakland Co.), 1 to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 8 - Bald Mountain Rec. Area (Oakland Co.), 9 a.m. to noon
• Saturday, Nov. 8 - Highland Recreation Area (Oakland Co.), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 9 - Algonac State Park (St. Clair Co.), 1 to 4 p.m.

Volunteers should dress appropriately for the weather and outdoor work, including long pants, boots, gloves, sunscreen, and their own drinking water. For seed collecting, volunteers should also bring a clean, empty milk jug.

For information about the specific tasks at each location and to obtain directions, visit the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers and link to the “Calendar of Volunteer Stewardship Workdays.” All volunteers are asked to register using the forms available on the Web site. A special form for all seed collecting activities is available at the top of the calendar listing. Any questions should be directed to Laurel Malvitz at 248-359-9057 or malvitzl [at] michigan [dot] gov.

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Florida Fish Busters’ Bulletin - Fishing remains a fun, healthy tradition available to everyone

Freshwater fishing is one of the many outdoor recreational activities encouraged by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

The FWC views outdoor recreation as a tremendously beneficial opportunity that should be available to all residents and visitors, and it strives to provide quality fishing, hunting and wildlife-viewing opportunities. 

Cheryl Charles, president of the Children and Nature Network, points out, “People throughout the world are increasingly connected by a resonance and passion, to create a new common sense for the good health of children today and generations to come.” 

Dr. Andrew Lepp, assistant professor of recreation, park and tourism management at Kent State, said the benefits from outdoor recreation are varied and plentiful. Outdoor recreation has psychological benefits, including the prevention or reduction of stress and improved self-esteem, confidence and creativity. Lepp also contends it adds to spiritual growth and leads to an increased sense of exhilaration, adventure and challenge from life. Getting outside provides physical benefits, such as aerobic, cardiovascular and muscular fitness, as well as improved functioning of the immune system.

It even offers benefits for the social life. The great outdoors affords social benefits, such as bonding with like-minded people who also enjoy outdoor activities, and feeling an increased pride in your community and nation.

The economy benefits from all of this activity as well. Outdoor recreation creates job opportunities for others, which leads to economic growth and preservation of the natural areas needed for outdoor recreation increases property values. The workplace wins because people who regularly participate in outdoor recreation tend to be more productive at work, Lepp said.

The list continues with positive outcomes for the environment. People who participate in outdoors activities usually have increased environmental awareness. This awareness translates to increased involvement in environmental issues.

Specific activities such as fishing can add to the enthusiasm and provide a fun challenge to become increasingly skillful.  In Florida, the abundance of natural waters (7,700 named lakes, 12,000 miles of fishable rivers and canals) means the opportunity is available to everyone.  From digging worms and making your own cane pole, to casting a lure, you develop a connection with nature that comes naturally and has been an American tradition since long before Mark Twain’s tales of the adventurous Huck Finn.

Every year the FWC works with the Florida Disabled Outdoor Association at its Sportsability event, and this year we joined them at the Family Café event in Orlando.  These opportunities reinforce the pure fun of experiencing nature, and we redouble our commitment to making fishing accessible for everyone. 

Clay Dyer - a professional bass fisherman who was born without lower legs, no arm on the left and a partially developed arm on the right - inspired hundreds of individuals with physical and mental challenges during his motivational presentation at the Family Café event.  Clay is a hero and inspiration to virtually everyone he touches with his life story, which he calls “The View from Down Here is Just Fine.” He is also a spokesperson for the C.A.S.T. for kids program.

The FWC is doing its part by teaching kids to fish, sponsoring Becoming an Outdoors-Woman events, helping create bank-fishing access and building accessible boat ramps, courtesy docks and fishing piers.  Most importantly, the FWC is dedicated to conserving and enhancing fisheries habitat and fish populations for everyone. 

We invite you to get outdoors and take someone with you, so you can enjoy all the benefits of getting back to nature.

Instant licenses are available at MyFWC.com/License or by calling 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356). Report violators by calling *FWC or #FWC on your cell, or 1-888-404-3922. Visit MyFWC.com/Fishing/Updates for more Fish Busters’ columns.

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Bredesen Awards $11.9 Million in Tennessee Parks and Recreation Grants

87 LOCAL PARKS AND RECREATION FUND AND RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM GRANTS ANNOUNCED TODAY

Nashville, Tenn. – Governor Phil Bredesen and Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke today announced more than $11.9 million in parks and recreation grants will be awarded to recipients across Tennessee. The announcement includes nearly $9.7 million in Local Parks and Recreation Fund grants and more than $2.2 million in Recreational Trails Program grants.

“These grants will enhance and expand special places like parks, greenways and recreational facilities that are set aside for the enjoyment of our state’s citizens and visitors alike,” said Bredesen. “I’m extremely pleased that this year’s grant awards will allow us to help make 87 important projects a reality across the state of Tennessee.”

The Local Parks and Recreation Fund Grant Program was established by the General Assembly in 1991 to provide local governments with funds to purchase land for parks, natural areas, greenways and recreational facilities. The funds also may be used for development of trails and projects in parks, natural areas and greenways. All LPRF grants require a 50 percent match by the recipient. Funding for the LPRF program has been generated by the real estate transfer tax.

The Recreational Trails Program is a federally funded program established to distribute funding for motorized, non-motorized and diverse recreation trail projects. The funds are available to state, federal and local government agencies as well as private organizations that partner with government agencies. RTP funds may be used for planning, maintenance, construction, acquisition, development and rehabilitation of trails or trailside facilities. The maximum federal share for each project is 80 percent, so all RTP grant recipients must provide a 20 percent match.

“These awards will help fund some very exciting projects,” said Fyke. “From the acquisition of property for the development of new municipal parks to the renovation of recreational facilities to make them ADA compliant to the construction of new athletic fields and walking trails, these projects run the gamut of recreational opportunities for Tennesseans and will be great assets to their communities.”

Grant recipients were selected through a scoring process with careful consideration given to the projects that met the selection criteria and expressed the greatest local recreation need.

A complete list of the grants awards announced follows.

County * = multi-county	Grant Type	Name of the Recipient Organization	Grant Amount	Brief Project Description
Anderson	LPRF	City of Clinton	$100,000	Town Springs Park - festival lawn site work, construction of stage structure, electrical
Bedford	LPRF	Town of Wartrace	$10,000	Winette-Ayers Park - playground equipment and safety surface
Blount	RTP	Maryville, Alcoa and Blount Co. Parks and Recreation Commission	$20,000	Master plan to create a regional greenway from Knoxville to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Bradley	RTP	City of Cleveland	$40,000	Leonard Fletcher Park - construction of an 8-foot-wide paved trail
Bradley	LPRF	Bradley County	$400,000	Elrod Park - four-field softball complex, complete with irrigation system, sod, subsurface drainage and infield mix; land acquisition
Bradley	RTP	Bradley County	$20,000	Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway - master plan for extension of Mouse Creek Greenway
*Campbell *Morgan *Scott	RTP	Cumberland Trail Conference	$68,500	12.5 miles of trail to extend the Cumberland Trail
*Campbell *Anderson *Morgan *Scott	RTP	Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency	$723,099	Off Highway Vehicle trail development, renovation and maintenance at the North Cumberlands Wildlife Management Area
Campbell	LPRF	Town of Jacksboro	$50,000	Jacksboro Leisure & Creekside Park - two pavilions, two playgrounds, restroom, walking trail, land acquisition
Carroll	LPRF	City of McKenzie	$47,000	McKenzie Recreation Park - lighting for ballfields
Cheatham	LPRF	Town of Pleasant View	$425,000	Pleasant View Community Park - land acquisition, site preparation, shade structure and paving
Claiborne	LPRF	Town of Tazewell	$60,000	Tazewell Town Park - tennis courts, fencing, bleachers
Cocke	LPRF	Town of Parrottsville	$39,000	Parrottsville Park - land acquisition, basketball and tennis courts
Crockett	LPRF	City of Friendship	$53,000	Friendship Community Center and Park - playground and safety surface, park furnishing, basketball goal, water fountain, park lighting and site work
Davidson	RTP	Friends of Beaman Park	$85,000	Beaman Park - paved ADA accessible trails linking the nature center to existing trails; construction of a boardwalk and observation deck
Davidson	LPRF	Metropolitan Nashville Board of Parks and Recreation	$300,000	Metro Park on Morgan Road in Joelton - renovate community center building, add pavilion, ADA accessible playground and safety surface
Davidson	RTP	Metropolitan Nashville Board of Parks and Recreation	$48,500	New paved trail at Morgan Road Park in Joelton
Dickson	LPRF	Town of Burns	$425,000	Burns Municipal Park - land acquisition, construction of two ballfields, concession stand/restrooms, dog park and site work
Dyer	LPRF	City of Newbern	$48,000	Oakview Park - playground and safety surface City Park - playground and safety surface, restroom renovation, backstop/fence, park amenities
Fayette	LPRF	City of Gallaway	$27,000	Gallaway City Park - land acquisition, playground development, pavilion, picnic area, walking trail, parking and amenities
Gibson	RTP	City of Medina	$60,000	Medina multi-use trail
Gibson	LPRF	City of Medina	$400,000	Medina Sports Complex - land acquisition, ballfield development, concession/restroom facility, parking
Gibson	LPRF	City of Milan	$100,000	Milan City Park - playground equipment and safety surface, parking lot, swimming pool renovation
Giles	LPRF	City of Pulaski	$300,000	Sam Davis Park - bleachers
Giles	LPRF	City of Minor Hill	$44,000	Minor Hill City Park - concession area/restrooms
Greene	LPRF	Town of Greeneville	$425,000	Hal Henard Sports Complex - land acquisition, ballfield development, concession area, restroom
Grundy	RTP	City of Coalmont	$97,000	Lawrence P. Phipps Park - parking lot paving, signage, pedestrian bridge, development of four multi-use trails
Hamblen	LPRF	Hamblen County	$87,500	Cherokee Park - make restroom ADA compliant, new pavilion
Hamblen	RTP	Hamblen County	$93,000	Cherokee Park - paved trail, clearing and grubbing, signage, concrete work
Hamblen	RTP	City of Morristown	$52,000	Wayne Hansard Park - land acquisition and trail construction
Hamilton	LPRF	Town of Lookout Mountain	$150,000	Mountain Maze Playground - playground equipment and surfacing, plus installation and site preparation
Hamilton	LPRF	City of Chattanooga	$225,000	Warner Park - development of a “sprayground” park
Hamilton	LPRF	Hamilton County	$250,000	Enterprise South Nature Park - site work and construction of visitors’ center
Hamilton	RTP	Hamilton County	$76,000	Enterprise South Nature Park - trail construction and equipment
Hardin	LPRF	City of Savannah	$95,000	Harbert Field - replace light poles, overhead wiring, field material, construct press box, replace field fencing
Haywood	LPRF	City of Brownsville/Haywood County	$175,000	ADA playground with rubberized and safety surface, site work
Henry	LPRF	City of Paris	$55,000	Memorial Park - restrooms Ogburn Park - skate park
Jefferson	LPRF	Town of Dandridge	$100,000	Grace Schrader Park/Field of Dreams - Community Center
Jefferson	LPRF	Town of White Pine	$60,000	Lions Park - splash pad, concrete and piping
Jefferson	LPRF	City of Jefferson City	$200,000	Jefferson City Community Center - land acquisition, development of five tennis courts, parking lot construction
Knox	RTP	Knox County	$50,000	Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Elementary School - loop trail development
Knox	RTP	City of Knoxville	$50,000	Creation of a small loop greenway
Knox	RTP	Town of Farragut	$96,000	Trail construction and fences along Farragut greenway system
Knox	LPRF	Town of Farragut	$100,000	McFee Road Park - playground
Lake	LPRF	City of Ridgely	$118,000	Ridgely City Park - concession and restrooms, utilities, playground and safety surface, walking trail
Lauderdale	LPRF	City of Ripley	$250,000	Ripley Center - renovation of community center
Lauderdale	RTP	Tennessee State Parks	$37,000	Ft. Pillow State Historic Park - update interpretive trails, construct a 50-foot bridge at trailhead, two kiosks, replace signage and landscape timber steps
Lewis	LPRF	Lewis County/City of Hohenwald	$250,000	Memorial Park - land acquisition, site preparation, paving, fencing and lighting
Loudon	RTP	Tennessee Valley Authority	$50,000	East Lakeshore Trail - 80-foot span bridge
Madison	RTP	Tennessee State Parks	$90,000	Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park - paved trail to increase ADA compliance
Marion	LPRF	Town of Powells-Crossroads	$75,000	Crossroads Park - ballfield lighting and playground equipment
Marion	LPRF	Town of Kimball	$175,000	Kimball Park - land acquisition, concession and restroom facility, paving, fencing, bleachers and three soccer goals
Marshall	RTP	City of Lewisburg	$48,000	New Lake - walking trail, steps/guardrails, picnic tables, landscaping, boardwalk, signage
Marshall	LPRF	City of Lewisburg	$30,000	Southside Park - construction of a concession/restroom facility
Maury	RTP	Maury County	$48,000	Maury County Park - trail development, observation deck, benches, signs and parking area
Maury	LPRF	City of Mt. Pleasant	$40,000	Hay Long Walls Rotary Park - ballfield lighting
Maury	RTP	City of Mt. Pleasant	$27,500	Gardenia Clarke Community Park - fitness trail, lights, signage, parking area, benches
McMinn	LPRF	City of Athens	$70,000	Cook Park - 2,300 linear feet of 10-foot wide walking trail, pavilion renovation, playground expansion, tables, benches, trash cans
McNairy	LPRF	City of Selmer	$23,000	South Park - playground and safety surface, concrete walkway and site furnishings
Monroe	LPRF	City of Sweetwater	$125,000	Engleman Park - restroom facility, two pavilions, playground, park signage, paving, benches, trash cans
Montgomery	LPRF	Montgomery County	$440,000	Civitan Park - development of ballfield complex, two concession/restroom facilities, site work
Montgomery	RTP	Montgomery County	$36,000	Rotary Park - ADA compliant paved trail
Morgan	LPRF	City of Wartburg	$31,000	Wartburg City Park - two tennis courts, volleyball court, multi-purpose field
Morgan	RTP	Historic Rugby	$32,320	Rugby State Natural Area - 1.5-mile loop hiking trail, information kiosk
Obion	LPRF	Town of Samburg	$16,000	Samburg City Park - restroom renovations, playground and safety surface
Overton	LPRF	City of Livingston	$25,000	Livingston City Park - safety net for ballfields, swimming pool, playground
Perry	LPRF	Perry County	$27,000	Perry County Veterans Park - construction of multi-use ballfield
Putnam	LPRF	City of Cookeville	$300,000	Development of Dogwood Park expansion, land acquisition
Putnam	RTP	Putnam County	$87,000	Development of Tennessee Central Heritage Trail system
Rhea	LPRF	Town of Graysville	$13,000	Kristopher’s Kingdom Park - playground and safety surface, grills, trash receptacles
Robertson	LPRF	City of Orlinda	$15,000	Orlinda City Park - playground and safety surface
Robertson	LPRF	City of White House	$425,000	White House Municipal Park - renovation of ballfield complex
Scott	LPRF	Town of Oneida	$165,000	Oneida Bear Creek Park - four-field ballfield complex with concession, restrooms and press box
Sevier	RTP	City of Gatlinburg	$20,000	Master Plan for Greenway Development
Sevier	LPRF	City of Pigeon Forge	$225,000	City Park - restroom, concession facility renovation, shelter renovation
*Sevier *Blount	RTP	Appalachian Trail Conservancy	$62,400	Trail rehabilitation in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Shelby	LPRF	City of Germantown	$400,000	Germantown Civic Club Complex - land acquisition
Smith	LPRF	City of Carthage	$30,000	Carthage City Park - land acquisition, walking track, playground equipment
Sullivan	RTP	City of Kingsport	$70,000	Eastman Park - walking trail construction
Sullivan	LPRF	City of Kingsport	$300,000	Eastman Park - field lighting Domtar Park - playground and volleyball court
Tipton	LPRF	City of Covington	$300,000	Cobb Parr Park - land acquisition
Tipton	LPRF	Town of Brighton	$175,000	Brighton Park - site preparation, ballfield construction, concession/restroom facility, bleachers, gazebo, ballfield lighting
Tipton	LPRF	Town of Atoka	$400,000	Walker Lake Park - land acquisition, park development, parking, lighting, playground and safety surface, soccer field development, trails, ADA compliant restroom, park amenities and furnishings
Union	LPRF	City of Luttrell	$36,000	Luttrell City Park - restroom facility
Warren	LPRF	City of McMinnville	$425,000	McMinnville Civic Center - development of indoor aquatics center
Weakley	LPRF	City of Greenfield	$57,000	Callins Field Baseball Complex - ballfield lighting, dugout reconstruction
Weakley	RTP	Tennessee State Parks	$100,000	Big Cypress Tree State Natural Area - boardwalk construction

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Vibrant Prairie Colors on Display at Chapparal Prairie State Nature Preserve Open House In Ohio

COLUMBUS, OH - A blaze of yellow, white and purple blooms will greet visitors as they experience pre-settlement Ohio– when prairies covered sections of western Ohio with tall grasses and prairie wildflowers. Chaparral Prairie State Nature Preserve will host an Open House, part of the Natural Areas Discovery Series on Saturday, August 2 at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chaparral Prairie is an outstanding example of a cedar barren prairie complete with a variety of common and rare wildflowers and butterflies. Wildflowers such as prairie dock and spiked blazing-star grow in abundance at this preserve, along with 11 plant species considered rare in Ohio including American bluehearts, prairie false indigo and pink milkwort. The prairie also features the state’s most extensive population of rattlesnake-master, an appealing white flower listed as potentially threatened in Ohio. The Open House will feature a guided wildflower walk and prairie presentation beginning at 10 a.m. Because of the preserve’s proximity to other Adams County prairies, visitors are encouraged to ask staff for directions to other nearby sites.

Sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, the Natural Areas Discovery Series features guided hikes, interpretive activities and outdoor programs. The next event will be held Saturday, September 20 at Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve in Erie County.

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Packing For Your Camping Trip? Leave the Firewood at Home

MADISON — Memorial Day weekend is coming and as campers get out enjoying the great outdoors, state officials from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are reminding campers and others that firewood can transport dangerous pests. To help prevent the spread of forest pests, people should avoid moving firewood from more than 50 miles or from out-of-state.

“Many invasive, destructive pests and diseases can travel on firewood,” says Andrea Diss-Torrance, DNR forest health specialist. “Unsuspecting campers can introduce these pests to the places and trees they enjoy.”

To help protect state parks and natural areas, as well as neighborhood trees, state rules prohibit moving firewood from outside of Wisconsin and from more than 50 miles away into all DNR managed properties including state parks and forests.

The rule means that people who camp on state-managed land will need to buy firewood at the campground or from nearby Wisconsin firewood dealers who sell wood cut from less than 50 miles from the campground and within Wisconsin. All other firewood will be confiscated upon entry to the park and destroyed.

“Campers are most likely to obtain safe firewood from within the park, where 60 percent of the concessionaires are park friends groups and most of the wood is obtained from the park itself,” says Peter Biermeier of Wisconsin State Parks and Recreation. “State parks have made great improvements in the quality of their firewood and have kept prices reasonable,” he says.

By purchasing within the park, campers help protect the parks from invasive pests and diseases, and make another contribution. All of the profits made by the friends groups are used to enhance park programs, shelter buildings, and other services.

To find out about firewood availability at your destination, contact the Wisconsin park or state forest directly..

Campers should know that many county and private campgrounds are also restricting firewood on their properties to protect the resource. It’s a good idea to contact these destinations before you leave home too.

“Spring is the season when many forest pests such as gypsy moth hatch and begin feeding on our trees,” says Diss-Torrance. “More importantly, it is the time when pests and diseases such as the emerald ash borer and oak wilt hitch a ride on firewood and are introduced to new areas.”

Once this happens, the effects can be devastating to the area’s forests and urban trees.

“The general rule to remember is that once you are within one hour’s drive of your park destination you can start looking for firewood dealers to supply your campfire fuel,” says Biermeier.

20,000 people who have already reserved a campsite on DNR property for 2008, and 46,000 walk-in campers from 2007 have been mailed a post card reminding them of the firewood rule. Firewood information is also provided twice during the reservation process.

“The idea is to get the word out in as many ways as possible before people plan and pack for their camping trip,” says Diss-Torrance.

Due to the devastation caused in other states by emerald ash borer, federal quarantines have been placed on firewood from Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. Anyone moving firewood out of these states is subject to federal fines of up to $1,000.

People who reserved a campsite on DNR property for 2008, should watch for a post card in the mail reminding them of this firewood rule and plan ahead.

To learn more about Emerald Ash Borer, what’s being done, and what you can do to help, visit [www.emeraldashborer.info] (exit DNR). More about Wisconsin’s firewood rule is available on the DNR Web site or call the firewood hotline at 1-877-303-WOOD (9663).

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Andrea Diss-Torrance (608) 264-9247; Peter Biermeier - (608) 264-6136

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