Free Fishing Weekend Feb. 18-19

As a way of encouraging folks who don't normally go fishing (especially in the winter) the state has once again made it possible to try fishing without having to purchase a license. The Free Fishing Weekend coincides this year with another DNR project, Go-Get Outdoors. The Go-Get Outdoors program is to encourage people to see what recreation opportunities and activities our state has to offer. So the during the weekend of Feb. 18-19 all 97 state parks and recreation areas will allow vehicles free entry. This represents a great time to break out of the winter doldrums and get outside to fish, hike, snowshoe, and explore.

For the Free Fishing Weekend list of events, check out Free Fishing Weekend Events.

Go-Get Outdoors Events

GO - Get Outdoors, Get Hooked on Fishing!

Mountain Biking Association Gives Michigan Trails a B+

Michigan received a B+ on it's 264 miles of mountain biking trails. That was good enough to only rank behind Virginia, West Virginia, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Southern Michigan is home to many great trails at Island Lake, Fort Custer, Pinckney, Brighton, and Highland recreation areas. For more information on mountain biking trails in Michigan check out the Michigan DNR website trail search.

Mountain Biking Association Gives Michigan Trails High Marks

Is This March or January?

We are to expect a high temperature today in the 50s with plenty of sunshine. It has been warm enough lately for the ground to thaw and yesterday I spotted a farmer plowing his field. We had January weather in December and now it looks like we are having March weather in January. At least for now. One year ago today, January 12, 2005, the high temperature in southwest Michigan was 59 degrees. The day before saw cold temperatures and some snow accumulation. If you have lived in Michigan for any period of time you should know by now that this is typical Michigan weather.

WWMT - Digital Channel 3

Are You Wishing For The Snow to Return?

If you can't stand the warmer temperatures of late and the lack of snow and slippery roads – just wait a minute or two. We are in Michigan and the weather will change before you know it. Although, it is sad for the winter outdoor enthusiasts and for the merchants and businesses that depend on the snow and cold to stay in business. My son has a book called Snow Dance that he loves to have read to him at least once a day. It is about these kids dancing to make it snow and then school is canceled the next day. My wife (a school teacher) likes to read it to him when there is a snowstorm expected and she is hoping for a snow day.

Whether you believe you can make it snow by dancing or not, there are some people (mostly kids) who go to great lengths to make the snow start falling. Check out the article “Let It Snow! Rituals abound in Michigan's U.P., other cold climes” as it appears on the Detroit News website. I laughed out loud at the kid who flushes ice cubes down the toilet to encourage a snowstorm.

Also, for all of you snow enthusiasts or amateur meteorologists out there – you might want to head on over to the National Snow Analysis on the NOAA website. They have all kinds of stats and maps that will enable you to have all kinds of fun avoiding work.