Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend, June 9-10

[Hamilton Reef]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2007

CONTACT: Lynne Thoma 517-373-1280 or Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014

Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend, June 9-10, is a Great Time to GO-Get Outdoors

State recreation officials today announced Michigan’s annual summer Free Fishing Weekend, June 9-10. For these two days, residents and nonresidents can fish without purchasing a fishing license, though all other fishing regulations still apply.

Michigan has offered Free Fishing Weekends since 1986 as a way to promote the state’s diverse natural resources. With more than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 11,037 inland lakes and more than 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, Michigan’s freshwater angling opportunities are among the best in the nation.

“Fishing is a great way to connect with nature, whether you enjoy the solitude of a wooded stream or a day on a lake or pier with family and friends,” said Department of Natural Resources Director Rebecca Humphries. “I encourage all Michiganians to get out and try ‘casting a line’ and discover the many rewards that Michigan fishing has to offer.”

To help new anglers get started, the DNR and a host of federal, state and local partners are conducting clinics, casting contests, fishing derbies and other fun Free Fishing Weekend events throughout the state. Most are designed for families and children. For a list of events in your area, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr and click on “Fishing,” then click on the link for “Free Fishing Weekend.”

“Many seasoned anglers view Free Fishing Weekend as a time to introduce friends or young people to this enjoyable pastime,” Humphries said. “Mentoring others helps ensure Michigan’s conservation heritage is passed along to future generations.”

Many Free Fishing Weekend events are taking place in Michigan State Parks, in conjunction with the DNR’s annual GO-Get Outdoors campaign which celebrates Michigan’s outdoor recreation opportunities and the role they play in improving the quality of life for residents and visitors.

All motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the park entrance. Cost is $24 for a resident annual and $6 for a resident daily. A nonresident annual is $29 and a nonresident daily is $8.

The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural resources for current and future generations

[Hamilton Reef]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2007

Contacts: Marty Williamson 906-842-3341 or Ann Wilson 906-228-6561

Lake Gogebic State Park Announces Free Fishing Weekend Activities on June 9

Lake Gogebic State Park will be hosting activities in recognition of Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend on Saturday, June 9. Free Fishing Weekend is June 9-10 when anglers do not need a license. All other fishing regulations do apply.

Activities at Lake Gogebic State Park will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 noon Central time and include Fishing in the Park, a program is designed to introduce youths and adults to fishing in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. With step-by-step instruction, participants will learn fishing basics, such as knot-tying, setting up your pole, casting, selecting and using bait, and removing fish from the hook. After the program, participants will try their hand at fishing in Lake Gogebic. Fishing equipment and bait will be provided.

There will be a casting contest for children to test their casting skills for accuracy. Prizes will be awarded. Refreshments will be available during the day as well.

Lake Gogebic State Park is located at N9995 M-64 in Marenisco. For more information, on activities at the park, call 906-842-3341.

Lake Gogebic State Park covers 360 acres and nearly one mile of lakefront on the west shore of the largest inland lake in the Upper Peninsula. Lake Gogebic is recognized for its trophy class fishery. There are 30 campsites at the park located directly on the lakefront, with the rest nestled among the trees not more than 100 yards from the lake.

All programs are free; however, all motor vehicles entering a Michigan state park or recreation area must display a valid Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the park entrance. Cost is $24 for a resident annual and $6 for a resident daily. A nonresident annual is $29 and a nonresident daily is $8.

The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural resources for current and future generations.

[Hamilton Reef]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2007

Contacts: Greg Kinser 989-785-4388 or Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014

Clear Lake State Park Offers Activities for Free Fishing Weekend

Department of Natural Resources’ park and recreation officials announced that Clear Lake State Park is hosting a “GO-Get Outdoors” event for Free Fishing weekend on Saturday, June 9.

Have you ever played “Fishing Golf?” Now is your chance to learn. Other contests include guessing the number of worms in a container, casting for distance and accuracy, a scavenger hunt, and a bobber race. Other games and contests for both children and adults will be offered.

Events are scheduled from 9 a.m. until noon and will take place in the park’s day use area. Clear Lake State Park is located on M-33 North near Atlanta. For more information, contact the park at 989-785-4388.

All motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the entrance. Cost is $24 for resident annual and $6 for resident daily. A non-resident annual is $29 and a non-resident daily is $8.

The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural resources for current and future generations.

[Hamilton Reef]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2007

Contacts: Jamie Allen 734-289-2715 or Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014

Tri-Centennial State Park and Harbor Host a Fishing Tournament

Department of Natural Resources’ state park and recreation officials invite the public to participate in a “Project GO - Get Outdoors” fishing contest on Free Fishing Weekend. The contest will be held on Saturday, June 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tri-Centennial State Park and Harbor located at Atwater and St. Aubin in Detroit.

No fishing license is required because it is a Free Fishing Weekend. To obtain applications for the tournament or for more information, call Sterling State Park at 734-289-2715. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the tournament.

The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural resources for current and future generations.

[Hamilton Reef]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2007

Contacts: Nikki Van Bloem 734-475-8307 or Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014

Waterloo Recreation Area Celebrates Free Fishing Weekend

Department of Natural Resources’ state park and recreation officials announced that Waterloo Recreation Area will celebrate “Project GO - Get Outdoors” Free Fishing Weekend with a variety of activities for families on Saturday, June 9, at the Portage Lake Unit.

Bring a child to the Portage Area for “Mentoring Day” to meet Smokey the Bear or to join a Rendezvous Encampment to learn pre-1850 survival skills such as how to throw a tomahawk. A fishing clinic geared toward children and people who have never fished before will be held down by the fishing pier.

Archery will be taught with a modern compound bow but you can also learn how to make a bow, with string and arrows from the Michigan Traditional Bow Hunters.

Aberdeen Bike and Fitness will be at the beach area to introduce visitors to kayaking, and will also be doing bike safety demonstrations. The operators of the Portage concession are offering free pontoon boat rides. If you own your own boat, bring it by and have the Coast Guard do a courtesy safety inspection.

Classroom Critters will do two programs with live snakes, and staff from the Eddy Discovery Center will be conducting a program on the natural world around us. Saturday night, after dark, the Amateur Astronomers of Jackson will have a stargazing session.

Waterloo Township Police will be on hand to provide free child ID kits, Leoni Township Fire Department will bring a fire engine and teach about fire safety, and Consumers Energy will be on hand to teach about safety with electricity and natural gas.

All activities are free and are scheduled to run between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. (except the stargazing). Waterloo-Portage Lake is located off Seymour Road near exit 150 on I-94. Please call Waterloo Recreation Area Headquarters at 734-475-8307 for any additional information.

All motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the entrance. Cost is $24 for resident annual and $6 for resident daily. A non-resident annual is $29 and a non-resident daily is $8.

The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural resources for current and future generations.