Drones are increasingly a part of the environment as people increasingly find ways to use them for commercial and other applications. Government officials struggle with how to regulate them.
Boating
Boaters can get online education but hunters out of luck
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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has canceled its in-person classes for outdoor safety certificates and is now offering only online courses.
hemp
Senate bills could commercialize industrial hemp—with federal approval
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Michigan’s hemp farmers are looking to industrialize the cannabis plant in new ways and beyond its use in marijuana dispensaries.
Homepage Featured
Former hunting TV show host sentenced for violation of Lacey Act
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A federal judge recently banned the Indiana host of a former hunting television show from hunting for 30 months after he illegally shot a trophy buck.
Homepage Featured
COVID-19 could cut millions of dollars of Michigan’s outdoor-related revenue
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Ski resorts are closing early and boating and RV sales could be harmed by an extended economic downturn. Outdoor retailers that rely on face-to-face sales may be especially hurt.
coronavirus
Hike and camp at state parks, but forget big weddings and trail races
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While the state closes indoor public venues like the Michigan History Museum because of the coronavirus, you can still enjoy outdoor recreational facilities. So far.
Catch of the Day
Michigan links trains and bikes
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Strategies include new ways to store bicycles on trains and encouraging more intersections of bike trails with train routes.
Homepage Featured
Warm weather has ice fishing industry on thin ice
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As of Feb. 16, only 14.2% of the Great Lakes had ice coverage, compared to 51.6% the same date last year, according to the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory.
Recreation
Isle Royale trail guide gets digital makeover
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A longtime guide to trails on Michigan’s Isle Royale has been updated with downloadable maps and QR codes.
Climate change
Warm winter changes — but can’t stop — outdoor fun
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From ski slopes to dog sled races to snow carving contests, warmer weather this season has forced Michigan’s winter sports and tourism groups to adapt to keep participants and spectators coming.
Recreation
Commercial fishers, sports anglers, at odds over fishing restrictions
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Michigan’s commercial fishing industry wants the ability to catch and sell game species like trout and perch, while recreational anglers say that change would threaten fish populations and hurt fish-related tourism and spending.