Friday, November 22, 2013

New APP release Version 1.3

Version 1.3 is now available for "The iShiawassee" APP
at the Apple iTunes Store in time for the holidays of 2013
 https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ishiawassee/id639131766?mt=8

a.) enhanced social media capabilities
like Email, Facebook, and Twitter.
b.) proudly displays the Pure Michigan log,
full official endorsement  from MEDC
c.) updated look for The iOS7 Platform
d.) reduced the overall "size" under 60 MB
e.) displayed on Michigan's Water Trail website
 http://www.michiganwatertrails.org/assets.asp?ait=cv&cid=134

Requires iOS 7.0 or later.
Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.























Friday, October 18, 2013

Shiawassee River Watershed and MSU


MSU Grant Awarded to the Friends for Water Quality Enhancement

 http://www.shiawasseeriver.org/content/water-quality-enhancement-project

 http://www.landpolicy.msu.edu/modules.php?name=Pages&op=viewlive&sp_id=672

The Michigan State University Planning and Zoning Center has contracted
Friends of the Shiawassee River to undertake an 18-month, water-quality enhancement project
 for the entire Shiawassee River Watershed, with funding provided by the Environmental Protection Agency’s
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Program.
The project aims to empower local communities and their governments to address
an array of water quality issues.

Targeted water quality issues might include:
- Assessment of drinking water supplies;
- Evaluation of ecosystem diversity;
- Management of storm-water runoff;
- Identification of methods for flood prevention; and
- Assessing how the river can better support recreational opportunities.

MSU partnered with the Friends for this work because it believes that local conservation organizations,
such as the Friends, have a keen awareness of how to generate action on water quality issues
at the local level - among local government planners, elected officials, and associated agencies.

Project efforts will be launched with the Inaugural Shiawassee River Watershed Summit,
scheduled for October 17th, 2013 at the Baker College of Owosso Welcome Center.
This first step aims to bring many watershed stakeholders together to initiate a dialogue
for water-quality enhancement. MSU staff and the Friends built a stakeholder list of more
 than 800 individuals affiliated with organizations and agencies that can play a lead role
 in the betterment of our watershed. Invitations to the Summit were offered to those on
 the list, in addition to active members of the Friends. At the Summit, stakeholders will be
 introduced to several approaches to watershed management, and given an opportunity
 to network with each other and conservation professionals regarding watershed topics.

Experienced presenters will address the following:
-  Best management practices for promoting water health;
-  Implementation of green infrastructure;
-  Development of ordinance powers;
-  Planning initiatives;
-  Special watershed projects already in place; and
-  Enhancement of recreation and fisheries.

Additionally, MSU staff will be surveying the stakeholders on their perspectives on
water quality and preferred actions in the watershed,
to enable more personalized assistance in the future.
Initial survey results will be reported at the Summit.

Following the Summit, attendees will have access to opportunities for meeting as a watershed,
 and receive updates related to watershed projects. Some assistance might be available
to participating localities seeking water quality enhancement.
Additionally Summit participants will be informed about the development of two projects
 funded by the grant : a small, green infrastructure project; and a larger watershed-enhancement project.

By approaching issues of water quality at a watershed level, the collective impact of localities
 will maximize positive impact on the river’s health.
Remember, what happens upstream, flows downstream.
If we wish to make a significant impact on the cleanliness of our rivers and the beauty of their shorelines,
then we must work together. If you are a local government official, an employee of a locally focused
conservation agency, or an inspired community member, please contact Friends of the Shiawassee River
for more information on the MSU/Friends Partnership and learn what you can do to help.

P.O. Box 402, Owosso, MI 48867
 Ph: 989.723.9062
Email: info@shiawasseeriver.org
Web: ShiawasseeRiver.org
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Tuesday, October 08, 2013

Michigan dam info

In Michigan, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says
most of the state’s almost 2,400 dams—74 percent of them under private ownership
—“were built decades ago and many have deteriorated due to age, erosion,
poor maintenance, flood damage and poor designs.
Those dams that no longer make sense, that stand in disrepair,
or are not removed are at significant risk of failure,
 particularly during high flow events.”
The state’s Dam Management Program has provided grants for
some dam removal projects, including ones in  
Shiawassee (Shiawassee River) .


Removing dams improves fish migration, improves water quality and habitat,
and enables the distribution of sediments such as silt and sand downstream
as “part of the natural process of rivers,” according to Gerrit Jobsis
of the advocacy group American Rivers.
Removal also reduces the risk to human safety from dams
that may collapse and creates recreational opportunities for anglers and kayakers.

Via -  Eric Freedman 
The director of Michigan State University’s Knight Center for Environmental Journalism.
http://greatlakesecho.org/2013/10/07/bigfoot-dams-and-environmental-newsworthiness/ 

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Saturday, October 05, 2013

Friday, October 04, 2013

2013 Storm Water Summit

Hoping to see great things come out of (POW) Pure Oakland Water
and the Water Resource Offices as The 2013 Regional StormWater Summit
gets underway today at Lawrence Technological University

 - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pure-Oakland-Water-POW/464126110348905

http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=5jb6bgfab&oeidk=a07e7x871p1070864cc&oseq=a0196gnswpiee

- https://www.candgnews.com/news/stormwater-summit-challenges-region-%E2%80%98what%E2%80%99s-coming%E2%80%99

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Thursday, September 26, 2013

Help us gather INFO , quickie survey

Looking for feedback, comments, perceptions, ideas, etc.
from paddlers in Michigan - The Shiawassee River is a great
Water Trail starting near Holly,MI -

 https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/shiawassee

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Friday, September 20, 2013

Official Movie Release "Come Paddle With Us"

- Official movie release - shown to 500+ members Michigan Municipal League Convention
 #MMLCONV downtown Detroit Mariott this week in September 2013





Come Paddle With Us from Hover Shots APV on Vimeo.


The ""Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail"" starts near Holly, Michigan, USA
 and flows 100 miles to Bay City, Michigan, USA.
 
 

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Detroit exposure of Shiawassee River

About 20 paddlers made it downtown Detroit to the Renaissance Center
on Wednesday Sept. 18 '13 to lend support for the "Come Paddle With Us"
video presentation at the Michigan Municipal League Conference.
-Michigan Municipal League Convention 2013 in Detroit - Day 2, Parade of Flags, Food Trucks Lunch, Education Sessions

Shiawassee River and 2013 MML Detroit

Michigan Municipal League Convention 2013
Opens with Community Excellence Presentations, Parade of Flags
-- September 18, 2013 -- by author Elizabeth Shaw

Welcome to the Michigan Municipal League 2013 Convention in Detroit!

The first day officially began with the Welcome General Session
on Wednesday morning, featuring the ever-popular Parade of Flags
and the welcoming words of League President David Lossing
and Detroit City Council President Saunteel Jenkins,
who described the Convention as
“an opportunity to learn from each other, exchange ideas and build resources”
that will hopefully continue on long after the Convention
as we all work together for a better Michigan.

The long-awaited presentations of the Community Excellence Award nominees.

 Region 1  
Fenton, Holly, & Linden—Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail
The Shiawassee River Heritage Water has seen increased recreational activity
on the Shiawassee River over the last decade through intergovernmental
and public partnership efforts including promotional signs in
Holly, Fenton, Linden, and Argentine and Holly Townships;
mile markers along the river to inform paddlers of their location,
promotional brochures, annual cleanups, canoe and kayak races
from Holly to Fenton, and moonlight paddle events.

 ~~~snip~~~

 http://www.mml.org/events/blog/post/League-Convention-2013-Opens-with-Community-Excellence-Presentations-Parade-of-Flags.aspx

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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Owosso DDA seeks improvements


Posted: Tuesday, September 17, 2013 11:15 am
OWOSSO — Council Monday gave its nod of approval to the Downtown Development Authority to seek 
a grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation that would help redevelop several aspects 
of  the area along the Shiawassee River near the former National Guard armory.

Assistant City Manager and DDA Manager Adam Zettel presented the plan, which would include expanded
parking on Curwood Drive, the demolition and relocation of the Shiawassee Chamber of Commerce 
building on North Water Street, reconfiguration of parking at the armory, additional kayak launches,
a Clinton-Ionia-Shiawassee trail head and more if the potential $700,000 Downtown Infrastructure Grant
is received.

With potential matches from DDA ($200,000), the city ($125,000) and others,

 the total project cost could be closer to $1.5 million, Zettel said.


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Saturday, September 07, 2013

2013 Michigan Municipal League in Detroit


























Community Excellence Award finalistsSeptember 18, 2013 - Detroit Marriot

Region 1 - Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail – (Come Paddle With Us ! )
Region 2 - Silver Beach Development (St. Joseph)
Region 3 - Belding Community Garden (Belding)
Region 4 - Community Showcase (DeWitt)
Region 5 - Economic Gardening in Imlay City (Imlay City)
Region 6 - Dancin’ Downtown (Rogers City)
Region 7 - Depot Park (Ironwood)

 http://www.mml.org/events/regional/location.htm

Michigan Municipal Leaders to Descend on Detroit in September 18, 2013:
Hundreds of city, village and township leaders from throughout Michigan
will descend on Detroit for the 2013 Michigan Municipal League Convention.
Registration for League members and non-member is now open for the Sept. 17-20, 2013

Convention taking place at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center.
The last time the event was held in Detroit was 2003.
 It was on Mackinac Island in 2012, Grand Rapids in 2011 and Dearborn in 2010.
At the Convention, officials will learn strategic lessons in placemaking, 

civic engagement, entrepreneurism, urban planning and socioeconomic development
 that can translate to communities of every size.
 There will also be a series of mobile workshops to explore key Detroit sites 

and see the work of the doers and dreamers who are redefining 
what it means to be a city in today’s global village.

 I had a  chance to "preview" a 7 minute video snippet entitled  "Come Paddle with Us!"
which will be submitted to the Michigan Muncipal League's  - Community Excellence Award program

The video is a collaboration of 3 cities - Holly, Fenton and Linden
and the video is their effort at PlaceMaking.
Mayors and council members from all 3 cities are behind this effort
to showcase their world to the rest of Michigan.
The common thread running thru all three - The Shiawassee River


  - http://placemaking.mml.org/ -- https://www.facebook.com/MMLeague

People need to be reminded - the river starts in Oakland County - 

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/ee/8c/96/ee8c96ee17d922ed4924cf5a2d0d292e.jpg

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/75/48/26/7548268e95acd22b92348c4875297f8c.jpg 


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Sunday, August 11, 2013

2013 Flotilla Holly Fenton Linden

On Saturday, August 10, 2013 numerous kayakers from local communities
near the Shiawassee River put-in on the Linden Mill Pond and paddled upstream
 into Lake Ponemah to rally near Spoonz's Restaurant.

Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIVaCs2jSQA

Thursday, August 01, 2013

Shiawassee River article in Oakland Press

Jonathan Schechter wrote a great article about the Shiawassee River in the Oakland Press Newspaper









































Saturday, August 10, 2013
Be part of the largest flotilla in southeastern Michigan.
Put in times from Noon-1:30pm on the Linden Mill Pond.
Paddle upstream into Lake Ponemah and rally near Spoonz's Restaurant.
Video taping takes place from 2-3pm.
Shuttle service for vehicle parking is available.
Canoe/Kayaks are available to rent by calling
Heavner's Canoe and Kayak Rental at 248-685-2379.
Additional info at
https://www.facebook.com/events/281282305351726/



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Friday, July 26, 2013

Pedestrian bridge over Shiawassee in Chesaning

Funding complete for Chesaning pedestrian bridge
 
Posted: Thursday, July 25, 2013 12:00 pm
 
CHESANING — It’s been more than four years since the last person walked across the historic foot bridge that once spanned the Shiawassee River, but a three-year fundraising campaign to replace the bridge washed away by an ice floe in 2008 has finally reached its goal.
Wednesday, the Department of Environmental Quality awarded the River Rapids Pedestrian Bridge Committee a $30,000 grant, which brings the group to its more than $400,000 goal to build a new foot bridge.
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Friday, July 12, 2013

Recreational Tresspass in Michigan

DNR and EPA
NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT
(EXCERPT)  Act 451 of 1994
RECREATIONAL TRESPASS

324.73101 Definitions; F to P.
Sec. 73101. As used in this part:
(a) “Farm product” means that term as defined in section 2 of the Michigan right to farm act, 1981 PA 93,
MCL 286.472.
(b) “Farm property” means land used in the production of a farm product and all lands contained.
(c) “Fish” means game fish or nongame fish as those terms are defined in section 48701.
(d) “Fur-bearing animal” means that term as defined in section 43503.
(e) “Game” means that term as defined in section 40103.
(f) “Hunting dog” means a dog allowed to range freely to engage in or aid in hunting on the day the dog
enters the property of another person.
(g) “License” means a hunting, fishing, or fur harvester's license or, in the discretion of the court, any
combination of such licenses. License does not mean a certificate, license, or permit under part 445 or 473.
(h) “Protected animal” means that term as defined in section 40103.

History: Add. 1995, Act 58, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995;¾Am. 1998, Act 546, Eff. Mar. 23, 1999.
Popular name: Act 451
Popular name: NREPA
Popular name: Recreational Trespass Act
324.73102 Entering or remaining on property of another; consent; exceptions.

Sec. 73102. (1) Except as provided in subsection (4), a person shall not enter or remain upon the property
of another person, other than farm property or a wooded area connected to farm property, to engage in any
recreational activity or trapping on that property without the consent of the owner or his or her lessee or agent, if either of the following circumstances exists:

(a) The property is fenced or enclosed and is maintained in such a manner as to exclude intruders.
(b) The property is posted in a conspicuous manner against entry. The minimum letter height on the
posting signs shall be 1 inch. Each posting sign shall be not less than 50 square inches, and the signs shall be
spaced to enable a person to observe not less than 1 sign at any point of entry upon the property.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (4), a person shall not enter or remain upon farm property or a
wooded area connected to farm property for any recreational activity or trapping without the consent of the
owner or his or her lessee or agent, whether or not the farm property or wooded area connected to farm
property is fenced, enclosed, or posted.
(3) On fenced or posted property or farm property, a fisherman wading or floating a navigable public
stream may, without written or oral consent, enter upon property within the clearly defined banks of the
stream or, without damaging farm products, walk a route as closely proximate to the clearly defined bank as
possible when necessary to avoid a natural or artificial hazard or obstruction, including, but not limited to, a
dam, deep hole, or a fence or other exercise of ownership by the riparian owner.
(4) A person other than a person possessing a firearm may, unless previously prohibited in writing or orally
by the property owner or his or her lessee or agent, enter on foot upon the property of another person for the sole purpose of retrieving a hunting dog. The person shall not remain on the property beyond the reasonable time necessary to retrieve the dog. In an action under section 73109 or 73110, the burden of showing that the property owner or his or her lessee or agent previously prohibited entry under this subsection is on the plaintiff or prosecuting attorney, respectively.
(5) Consent to enter or remain upon the property of another person pursuant to this section may be given
orally or in writing. The consent may establish conditions for entering or remaining upon that property.
Unless prohibited in the written consent, a written consent may be amended or revoked orally. If the owner or his or her lessee or agent requires all persons entering or remaining upon the property to have written consent, the presence of the person on the property without written consent is prima facie evidence of unlawful entry.

History: Add. 1995, Act 58, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995;¾Am. 1998, Act 546, Eff. Mar. 23, 1999.
Popular name: Act 451
Rendered Friday, June 28, 2013 Page 1 Michigan Compiled Laws Complete Through PA 76 of 2013
Ó Legislative Council, State of Michigan Courtesy of www.legislature.mi.gov
Popular name: NREPA
Popular name: Recreational Trespass Act

324.73103 Discharging firearm within right-of-way of public highway abutting certain
property; consent; “public highway” defined.
Sec. 73103. (1) A person shall not discharge a firearm within the right-of-way of a public highway
adjoining or abutting any platted property, fenced, enclosed, or posted property, farm property, or a wooded
area connected to farm property without the consent of the owner of the abutting property or his or her lessee or agent.
(2) As used in this section, “public highway” means a road or highway under the jurisdiction of the state
transportation department, the road commission of a county, or of a local unit of government.

History: Add. 1995, Act 58, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995.
Popular name: Act 451
Popular name: NREPA
Popular name: Recreational Trespass Act
324.73104 Removing, defacing, or destroying sign or poster.
Sec. 73104. A person shall not remove, deface, or destroy a sign or poster that has been posted.

History: Add. 1995, Act 58, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995.
Popular name: Act 451
Popular name: NREPA
Popular name: Recreational Trespass Act
324.73105 Posting or enclosing property.
Sec. 73105. A person shall not post a sign on property owned by another person or enclose the property of
another person to prohibit hunting, fishing, trapping, or other recreational activities on that property without
the written permission of the owner of that property or his or her lessee or agent.

History: Add. 1995, Act 58, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995.
Popular name: Act 451
Popular name: NREPA
Popular name: Recreational Trespass Act
324.73106 Prosecution generally; seizure and enforcement by peace officer.
Sec. 73106. (1) A prosecution under this part shall be in the name of the people of the state, shall be
brought before a district court of competent jurisdiction in the county in which the offense was committed,
and shall be brought within 1 year from the time the offense charged was committed.
(2) A peace officer may seize property and otherwise enforce this part upon complaint of the landowner or
his or her lessee or agent.

History: Add. 1995, Act 58, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995.
Popular name: Act 451
Popular name: NREPA
Popular name: Recreational Trespass Act
324.73107 Action for injury to person on property of another; exception.

Sec. 73107. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a cause of action shall not arise against the owner,
tenant, or lessee of property for an injury to a person who is on that property with oral or written consent but
who has not paid the owner, tenant, or lessee of that property valuable consideration for the recreational or
trapping use of the property, unless the injury was caused by the gross negligence or willful and wanton
misconduct of the owner, tenant, or lessee.
(2) A cause of action shall not arise against the owner, tenant, or lessee of property for an injury to a
person who is on that property with oral or written consent and has paid the owner, tenant, or lessee valuable consideration for fishing, trapping, or hunting on that property, unless that person's injuries were caused by a condition that involved an unreasonable risk of harm and all of the following apply:
(a) The owner, tenant, or lessee knew or had reason to know of the condition or risk.
(b) The owner, tenant, or lessee failed to exercise reasonable care to make the condition safe or to warn the
person of the condition or risk.
(c) The person injured did not know or did not have reason to know of the condition or risk.

Rendered Friday, June 28, 2013 Page 2 Michigan Compiled Laws Complete Through PA 76 of 2013
Ó Legislative Council, State of Michigan Courtesy of www.legislature.mi.gov
History: Add. 1995, Act 58, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995.
Popular name: Act 451
Popular name: NREPA
Popular name: Recreational Trespass Act
324.73108 Enforcement and prosecution.

Sec. 73108. The prosecuting attorney for a county shall enforce this part and prosecute all persons charged
with violating this part in that county. The attorney representing a municipality may enforce this part in that
municipality and prosecute all persons charged with violating this part in that municipality.

History: Add. 1995, Act 58, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995.
Popular name: Act 451
Popular name: NREPA
Popular name: Recreational Trespass Act
324.73109 Violation of part; cause of action by property owner.

Sec. 73109. The owner of property on which a violation of this part is committed, or his or her lessee, may
bring a cause of action against a person who violates this part for $250.00 or actual property damages,
whichever is greater, and actual and reasonable attorney fees.

History: Add. 1995, Act 58, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995;¾Am. 1998, Act 546, Eff. Mar. 23, 1999.
Popular name: Act 451
Popular name: NREPA
Popular name: Recreational Trespass Act
324.73110 Violation as misdemeanor; penalties.

Sec. 73110. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a person who violates this part is guilty of a
misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 90 days or a fine of not less than $100.00 or
more than $500.00, or both.
(2) A person convicted of a second or subsequent violation of this part occurring within 3 years of a
previous violation of this part shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than 90 days or a fine of not
less than $250.00 or more than $1,000.00, or both. In addition, the court shall order the person's license
revoked if the person is licensed to hunt, fish, or trap in this state, and shall order the person not to seek or
possess a license for the remainder of the calendar year in which the person is convicted and during at least 1
succeeding calendar year. This subsection does not apply after September 30, 2001.
(3) This subsection applies beginning October 1, 2001. A person convicted of a second or subsequent
violation of this part occurring within 3 years of a previous violation of this part shall be punished by
imprisonment for not more than 90 days or a fine of not less than $100.00 or more than $1,000.00, or both. In addition, the court may order the person's license revoked if the person is licensed to hunt, fish, or trap in this state, and may order the person not to seek or possess a license for not more than 3 succeeding calendar years.
(4) The court may order a person convicted of violating this part to pay the costs of prosecution.
(5) The following may be seized and forfeited in the same manner as provided in chapter 47 of the revised
judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.4701 to 600.4709:
(a) A protected animal, a fur-bearing animal, game, or fish taken while committing any violation.
(b) Property in the possession of the defendant while committing a second or subsequent violation of this
part occurring within 3 years of a previous violation of this part. This subdivision does not apply to either of
the following:
(i) Electronic hunting-dog-retrieval equipment.
(ii) A living or dead animal of any kind not described in subdivision (a).
(6) The court shall order a person convicted of violating this part to make restitution for any damage
arising out of the violation, including, but not limited to, reimbursing this state for the value of any protected
animal, fur-bearing animal, game, or fish taken while violating this part as provided in section 40119.
However, the value of fish shall be determined as provided in section 48740.

History: Add. 1995, Act 58, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995;¾Am. 1998, Act 546, Eff. Mar. 23, 1999.
Popular name: Act 451
Popular name: NREPA
Popular name: Recreational Trespass Act
Rendered Friday, June 28, 2013 Page 3 Michigan Compiled Laws Complete Through PA 76 of 2013
Ó Legislative Council, State of Michigan Courtesy of www.legislature.mi.gov
324.73111 Adoption of part as ordinance; effect of contradicting or conflicting ordinance,
regulation, or resolution.

Sec. 73111. (1) A local unit of government may adopt this part as an ordinance, except that a penalty
imposed for a violation of that ordinance shall not exceed the penalty authorized by law for the violation of an
ordinance enacted by that local unit of government.
(2) A local unit of government shall not enact, maintain, or enforce an ordinance, regulation, or resolution
that contradicts or conflicts in any manner with this part.

History: Add. 1995, Act 58, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995.
Popular name: Act 451
Popular name: NREPA
Popular name: Recreational Trespass Act
PART 733
LIABILITY OF LANDOWNERS

324.73301 Liability of landowner, tenant, or lessee for injuries to persons on property for
purpose of outdoor recreation or trail use, using Michigan trailway or other public trail,
gleaning agricultural or farm products, fishing or hunting, or picking and purchasing
agricultural or farm products at farm or “u-pick” operation; definition.
Sec. 73301. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a cause of action shall not arise for injuries to
a person who is on the land of another without paying to the owner, tenant, or lessee of the land a valuable
consideration for the purpose of fishing, hunting, trapping, camping, hiking, sightseeing, motorcycling,
snowmobiling, or any other outdoor recreational use or trail use, with or without permission, against the
owner, tenant, or lessee of the land unless the injuries were caused by the gross negligence or willful and
wanton misconduct of the owner, tenant, or lessee.
(2) A cause of action shall not arise for injuries to a person who is on the land of another without paying to
the owner, tenant, or lessee of the land a valuable consideration for the purpose of entering or exiting from or
using a Michigan trailway as designated under part 721 or other public trail, with or without permission,
against the owner, tenant, or lessee of the land unless the injuries were caused by the gross negligence or
willful and wanton misconduct of the owner, tenant, or lessee. For purposes of this subsection, a Michigan
trailway or public trail may be located on land of any size including, but not limited to, urban, suburban,
subdivided, and rural land.
(3) A cause of action shall not arise against the owner, tenant, or lessee of land or premises for injuries to a
person who is on that land or premises for the purpose of gleaning agricultural or farm products, unless that
person's injuries were caused by the gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct of the owner, tenant,
or lessee.
(4) A cause of action shall not arise against the owner, tenant, or lessee of a farm used in the production of
agricultural goods as defined by section 35(1)(h) of the former single business tax act, 1975 PA 228, or by
section 207(1)(d) of the Michigan business tax act, 2007 PA 36, MCL 208.1207, for injuries to a person who is on that farm and has paid the owner, tenant, or lessee valuable consideration for the purpose of fishing or hunting, unless that person's injuries were caused by a condition which involved an unreasonable risk of harm and all of the following apply:
(a) The owner, tenant, or lessee knew or had reason to know of the condition or risk.
(b) The owner, tenant, or lessee failed to exercise reasonable care to make the condition safe, or to warn
the person of the condition or risk.
(c) The person injured did not know or did not have reason to know of the condition or risk.
(5) A cause of action shall not arise against the owner, tenant, or lessee of land or premises for injuries to a
person, other than an employee or contractor of the owner, tenant, or lessee, who is on the land or premises
for the purpose of picking and purchasing agricultural or farm products at a farm or "u-pick" operation, unless the person's injuries were caused by a condition that involved an unreasonable risk of harm and all of the following apply:
(a) The owner, tenant, or lessee knew or had reason to know of the condition or risk.
(b) The owner, tenant, or lessee failed to exercise reasonable care to make the condition safe, or to warn
the person of the condition or risk.
(c) The person injured did not know or did not have reason to know of the condition or risk.
(6) As used in this section, "agricultural or farm products" means the natural products of the farm, nursery,
grove, orchard, vineyard, garden, and apiary, including, but not limited to, trees and firewood.


Rendered Friday, June 28, 2013 Page 4 Michigan Compiled Laws Complete Through PA 76 of 2013
Ó Legislative Council, State of Michigan Courtesy of www.legislature.mi.gov
History: Add. 1995, Act 58, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995;¾Am. 2007, Act 174, Imd. Eff. Dec. 21, 2007.
Popular name: Act 451
Popular name: NREPA
Rendered Friday, June 28, 2013 Page 5 Michigan Compiled Laws Complete Through PA 76 of 2013
Ó Legislative Council, State of Michigan Courtesy of www.legislature.mi.gov

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Some actual river distances (GPS recordings)

I have snippets in various posts with actual mileage from my Garmin GPS 60 model.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTu_13OTKdYYv9Sw9wdDctFQa_InKZsPgo-8AcBqtpUmOrX_4QnXAyvzblCyOL04OmsK-ovOz3CA2JUWsb5Og0SvkMgegirmgHg3PylUj9iSXVXLKrMpPDLHwvMysQAetSfnHEg/s1600-h/Fenton_Linden_ALLMotionBase.jpg
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https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_b7dT5L2sXPm6DpWiu4QCZxwJkMRO9vRHB7e637RP2BOs4nGA8ynG9dX38XK6o3VAqasguHuTzc38L1CwEZc-cXmStfx6Z0UV4sZnR6GiXi3bzhkzWyZWYUC-XZk5h6V5VTFNEQ/s1600/Fenton_Linden_MAP.jpg
a.) Distance from Community Center or Fire House in Fenton by the gazebo/dam --- to Hogan Road = 9.6 miles

b.) We all know that Waterworks Park -- to Strom Park = slightly under 7 miles

c.) Going from the backwoods of the Shiawassee, starting at Davison Mill Pond ---- to Stiff Mill Pond by Waterworks Park = 8 miles
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/28782873

d.) Start at Waterworks in Holly - to McCaslin Lake Road = 22 miles
http://shiawassee-river.blogspot.com/2010/04/gps-geotagging-merged-with-maps.html
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 http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/albumMap?uname=WilliH2O&aid=5459775380877347649#map

e.) Start at McCaslin Lake Road - Shiatown Dam = 32 miles
http://shiawassee-river.blogspot.com/2010/04/kayaking-40-miles-in-one-day-on.html


The app I developed is point-to-point straight line distance between landmarks
---not actual river miles --


Friday, July 05, 2013

New grant for Shiatown Dam removal

Dam to be removed 
New grant to remove Shiatown Dam 
 
Photo
SHIAWASSEE COUNTY -- On Monday, a grant will be announced to begin removing a dam in Shiawassee County, where a Flint girl died.  The Friends of the Shiawassee River and the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network will be announcing a $62,500 grant to help in the restoration of the Shiawassee River as part of the dam removal process at Shiatown Dam.
The event will take place at the former Shiatown Dam site. In May of last year, 12 year old Kyesha Pascal from Flint was crossing the dam and lost her footing, falling into the Shiawassee River. She drowned.
In attendance will be the Friends of the Shiawassee River, and representatives of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, along with other officials.
According to a news release, in the fall of 2012, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources began removal of the Shiatown Dam.

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Shiawassee River Guide via SmartPhone App

Simple guide down the Shiawassee River

By CHRISTINA GUENTHNER 
Argus-Press Staff Writer | Posted: Sunday, June 30, 2013 9:34 am

 http://www.argus-press.com/news/article_4dbd5af0-e125-11e2-9fa5-001a4bcf887a.html
 
SHIAWASSEE COUNTY — Navigating the Shiawassee River is becoming a little easier, thanks to a Warren man with a passion for kayaking.
Willi Gutmann, 49, has put created a smartphone app he describes as a “digital brochure” of the Shiawassee River. The iShiawassee app, available for 99 cents through iTunes, highlights destinations along the river and provides photos and details of different sights. It also allows users to track where they are on the river using GPS and a satellite map.
“It’s kind of like a GPS with pictures,” Gutmann said. “There is nothing else on the market like it.”
























 A resident of Metro Detroit, Gutmann first experienced the Shiawassee River when a friend of his who lives in the Holly area invited him to spend the day kayaking. He fell in love. After years of kayaking on the Shiawassee River, Gutmann realized he had hundreds of photos of landmarks along the river, and he decided to partner with a college buddy from Wayne State University to create the app. Charles Rice, who now lives in Portland, Ore., helped out with the project from afar, doing all of the coding for the app, Gutmann said. “I just had a ton of pictures,” Gutmann said, adding that he wanted to share his knowledge with the public.

























 “I would like to push the Shiawassee River into the forefront of people’s mind as ‘the’ river to paddle upon in Southeastern Michigan,” Gutmann wrote in an email to The Argus-Press. He said there are 100 miles of navigable river starting in Oakland County at Waterworks Park in Holly, going through Fenton, Argentine, Linden, Corunna, Owosso and on to Bay City. The iShiawassee app currently only covers the headwaters to the Parshallburg area, near Chesaning, but he has plans to expand it farther north.

Gutmann recently met with a group from Pure Michigan, at his request, about partnering to expand the app.
“What we’re hoping for is that we can get kind of a quid-pro-quo thing going,” Gutmann said, adding that Pure Michigan could help provide information that he could use in the app, and that the travel campaign would advertise the app on its website. He hopes to one day provide information about nearby businesses on the app.
A Pure Michigan representative confirmed that a group had met with Gutmann, but said it was preliminary to say whether they would pursue a partnership.
“We’re always interested in how we can reach travelers,” said Michelle Begnoche, public relations manager with Pure Michigan.
Begnoche said the group is willing to partner with individuals who can provide travel resources.
“We’re always open to working with some of the local people,” she said. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Of the iShiawassee app, Begnoche said it could be good for the travel industry.
“I think the easier it is to access these kind of resources, the more likely it is that they’ll want to explore all of the great resources Michigan has to offer,” she said.
Gutmann said he also see potential for apps to provide information on other waterways across the state.

“Michigan has more water than almost any other state in the country, but you’ve got diddly-squat on the Internet,” he said. Gutmann would like to see more people out enjoying the water. “I think it’s a lot of fun to paddle and understand how the river flows,” he said. “For me, it’s about getting back to the roots.”




Thursday, June 27, 2013

Linden Michigan and Shiawassee River

Linden seeking redevelopment of properties as part of effort to improve downtown
Shaun Byron | sbyron@mlive.com By Shaun Byron | sbyron@mlive.com
on June 26, 2013 at 4:30 PM 
lindenddameeting2.jpg

LINDEN, MI -- The redevelopment of vacant parcels, marketing the nearby Shiawassee River and attracting new businesses are some of the ideas being discussed as the city of Linden looks to revitalize its downtown.
About 20 people attended a visioning session held Tuesday, June 25, that was put together by Linden's Downtown Development Authority as part of an ongoing effort to develop a single vision and strategy for the community's next 15 years. Wade Trim is also assisting with the project.
The information collected from the meeting, as well as surveys made available to the community, will be compiled and used to attract tier-one and tier-two retailers to the downtown.
The project is intended to help shape and focus on the core downtown, Linden Mayor David Lossing said.
Linden, which has a population just under 4,000, was ranked as one of the top fastest growing communities in Michigan following the 2010 Census, said Lossing, adding that is projected to continue.

~snip~

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2013/06/linden_dda.html
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Saturday, June 22, 2013

Shiawassee River clean water

Michigan’s environment cleanest in 20 years
 tri-county area no exception  

Posted: Friday, June 21, 2013 8:54 pm

 http://www.tctimes.com/news/michigan-s-environment-cleanest-in-years-tri-county-area-no/article_5665f8f6-dad6-11e2-90bb-0019bb2963f4.html
 
 Linden — Rex Mathewson’s chainsaw roared, biting into a fallen tree and spitting
woody froth into the Shiawassee River.
 The river is deep, with an urgent current following the heavier rainfall this spring.
This heavier rainfall and weather also dropped debris into the river, which is the focus
 of the Keepers of the Shiawassee on Saturday morning.
 Aside from removing fallen timber, there’s always the garbage. On Saturday,
a jacket, bottle, plastic bags and a pair of flip-flops were found and bagged by 9 a.m.
“We find quite a bit of junk in here,” said Ian Marsh, of Fenton.
 Jack Hrbek of Linden pulled out a brown glass bottle from near the shore,
placing it into garbage bags and then a kayak. He protects his hands
with rubber gloves. Garbage is a concern, and so is runoff from roads,
septic tanks and farms after heavy rainfall.
 The river is in better shape than it used to be — as many of these
 “keepers” would attest, and the statewide picture in water and air quality
 is also improved. Ambient air and water quality are the best they’ve
been in Michigan in 20 years, according to Brian Wurfel with the
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ).
  Water is much easier to sample and rate.
If water has 300 parts coli per 100 milliliters, the Genesee County
Health Department (GCHD) will recommend closing the attached beach,
as occurred at Clover Beach in Fenton Township three times in 2010.
 “The water quality is very good at Clover Beach on Byram Lake,”
said Shannon Briggs of the MDEQ. “The beach has been monitored in
1999, 2001, and 2003 to 2010 with only three exceedances of the
water quality standard.” She added that the water in Seven Lakes State Park
in Holly Township is also very clean.
  Fenton Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Dan Czarnecki is
proud of how Silver Lake Park Beach — the only public beach in Fenton
— rates in cleanliness. Czarnecki has the lake tested every week by the GCHD,
and it recently tested at 27. The worst the beach has been is 97, which
was July 23 last year.
 “It’s natural water. You’ve got animals, the houses and the geese.
Our water’s in pretty good shape,” said Czarnecki, who said the
water is constantly clean.
 In Michigan, individual parks departments are advised to send in samples
periodically to be tested by the local health departments said Mark Valacak,
health officer of the GCHD.
 The MDEQ is concerned with the Great Lakes and groundwater more
than inland lakes like Lake Fenton or Ponemah. Managing farm runoff and
monitoring residential septic systems are important for groundwater protection.
 “Michigan’s bid for the future is predicated on our water resource,”
said Wurfel. The world of environmental quality is huge in the state.
Countless organizations and local governments are working under the
surface to keep water clean through grants and volunteer work.
 “People care, people who live in Michigan understand that water is
fundamental to our way of life, everything about living in Michigan
eventually comes back to our water, economy and recreation.”
 Statements like that ring true for groups like the Keepers of the Shiawassee,
who regularly meet at 8 a.m. to canoe, kayak and walk the river back to
cleanliness, and witness the connection between people’s habits and the environment.
 To measure air quality, the MDEQ tests for ozone, dust and particulate matter.
Air quality is up — and not in small part to the economic downturn that shuttered
a lot of manufacturing plants, which were heavy polluters.
The remaining manufacturers have become more aware of the
environmental impact they have, as the laws have pushed for cleaner air.
  Wurfel said the MDEQ implements federal Clean Air Act laws inside the state.
Measuring air quality is more difficult. Most of it has to do with manufacturing facilities.
 “We go in and permit and inspect facilities for air quality,” he said.
Air quality in the state is pass or fail, and Michigan seems to be passing.
 Anecdotally, Fenton, Linden and Holly look, smell and feel clean,
with stars you can see at night and safe water. Wurfel said that “small and rural”
don’t necessarily mean “cleaner and greener” when compared to big cities.
“Some cities are more into recycling than other cities, some counties
are more populated,” he said. “People impact the environment, period.”
  Though the picture is improved, Wurfel said the work is never done.
He said in the end, managing pollution is about managing people and their habits.
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Wednesday, June 19, 2013

New Version of The iShiawassee APP

- New and Improved APP - Version 1.1 - 
Officially Released for sale at the iTunes Store tonight June 19th, 2013 
- Enjoy summer on the water - be safe, be smart !

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ishiawassee/id639131766?ls=1&mt=8

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Saturday, June 15, 2013

Version 1.1 of The iShiawassee App

People will really like the newer more detailed view of the river 
available in Version 1.1 of The iShiawassee App
currently under review by Apple.



Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Tweaked iShiawassee App Version coming soon

Expect a tweaked version release of the iShiawassee App with some
enhancements for Summer and the upcoming July 4th Holiday :-)

We've been listening to the feedback you've given us
 Keep the paddles wet and those cockpits dry.
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Tuesday, June 04, 2013

Aerial view of Shiawassee River paddling

Aerial Video of Shiawassee Races and Fun Paddle from Sunday June 2, 2013  in Holly,MI

 - http://youtu.be/yzugZmjQX-k






Saturday, May 25, 2013

Annual Shiawassee River Race Paddle June 2, 2013

Annual Shiawassee River Race Paddle 2013  

- Sunday -June 2

- 10am registration

- Start - Waterworks Park in Holly,MI

 - Finish - Strom Park in Fenton,MI

- Length - 7 miles of twists and turns

- Racers go first, Rec afterwards

 - Shuttle service available

 If you have additional questions,
please call Sue Julian at 248-634-3513

MAP

 - http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7292/2789/1600/race%20course.jpg

REGISTRATION

 - http://headwaterstrailsinc.org/2013%20Canoe%20race.doc

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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Shiawassee River App

The Shiawassee River App is now available for download onto smartphones

Officially available at the Apple iTunes Store  May 21, 2013  at 11:00 am

 - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ishiawassee/id639131766?ls=1&mt=8






























Article at MLive and Flint Journal with photos-
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http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2013/05/new_phone_app_guides_paddlers.html
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Tuesday, April 30, 2013

iShiawassee App will Launch May 21, 2013

The iShiawassee App will be available online May 21st, 2013 via the Apple iTunes Store
This allows people to get it on their iPhones before the Memorial Holiday Weekend, 2013

The Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail starts in Oakland County
at Waterworks Park in Holly, MI and flows to Bay City, MI
Facebook 
https://www.facebook.com/shiawassee.app.1?fref=ts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alternate Link
 http://www.michigan-rivers.com/ishiawassee.php
 
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Friday, April 05, 2013

Rare species in Oakland County

Rare Species Explorer
All plants and animals located in Oakland County
99 species 

Scientific Name
Common Name
Taxonomic Group
Acris crepitans blanchardi
Blanchard's cricket frog
Amphibians
Agalinis gattingeri
Gattinger's gerardia
Flowering Plants
Alasmidonta marginata
Elktoe
Mussels
Alasmidonta viridis
Slippershell
Mussels
Ammocrypta pellucida
Eastern sand darter
Fish
Ammodramus henslowii
Henslow's sparrow
Birds
Ammodramus savannarum
Grasshopper sparrow
Birds
Amorpha canescens
Leadplant
Flowering Plants
Angelica venenosa
Hairy angelica
Flowering Plants
Arabis missouriensis var. deamii
Missouri rock-cress
Flowering Plants
Aristida longespica
Three-awned grass
Flowering Plants
Asclepias sullivantii
Sullivant's milkweed
Flowering Plants
Asio otus
Long-eared owl
Birds
Astragalus canadensis
Canadian milk vetch
Flowering Plants
Baptisia lactea
White or prairie false indigo
Flowering Plants
Bouteloua curtipendula
Side-oats grama grass
Flowering Plants
Buteo lineatus
Red-shouldered hawk
Birds
Calephelis mutica
Swamp metalmark
Insects
Carex lupuliformis
False hop sedge
Flowering Plants
Carex richardsonii
Richardson's sedge
Flowering Plants
Castanea dentata
American chestnut
Flowering Plants
Catinella protracta
A land snail (no common name)
Snails
Cincinnatia cincinnatiensis
Campeloma spire snail
Snails
Cirsium hillii
Hill's thistle
Flowering Plants
Clemmys guttata
Spotted turtle
Reptiles
Clinostomus elongatus
Redside dace
Fish
Coregonus artedi
Lake herring or Cisco
Fish
Cryptotis parva
Least shrew
Mammals
Cyperus acuminatus
Cyperus, Nut grass
Flowering Plants
Cypripedium candidum
White lady slipper
Flowering Plants
Dendroica cerulea
Cerulean warbler
Birds
Dendroica discolor
Prairie warbler
Birds
Dichanthelium microcarpon
Small-fruited panic-grass
Flowering Plants
Drosera anglica
English sundew
Flowering Plants
Emydoidea blandingii
Blanding's turtle
Reptiles
Epioblasma torulosa rangiana
Northern riffleshell
Mussels
Epioblasma triquetra
Snuffbox
Mussels
Erynnis baptisiae
Wild indigo duskywing
Insects
Euonymus atropurpurea
Wahoo
Flowering Plants
Eupatorium fistulosum
Hollow-stemmed Joe-pye weed
Flowering Plants
Falco peregrinus
Peregrine falcon
Birds
Flexamia huroni
Huron River leafhopper
Insects
Fraxinus profunda
Pumpkin ash
Flowering Plants
Fuirena pumila
Umbrella-grass
Flowering Plants
Galearis spectabilis
Showy orchis
Flowering Plants
Gavia immer
Common loon
Birds
Gentiana puberulenta
Downy gentian
Flowering Plants
Gentianella quinquefolia
Stiff gentian
Flowering Plants
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Bald eagle
Birds
Hieracium paniculatum
Panicled hawkweed
Flowering Plants
Hybanthus concolor
Green violet
Flowering Plants
Hydrastis canadensis
Goldenseal
Flowering Plants
Jeffersonia diphylla
Twinleaf
Flowering Plants
Lampsilis fasciola
Wavyrayed lampmussel
Mussels
Lepyronia angulifera
Angular spittlebug
Insects
Ligumia recta
Black sandshell
Mussels
Linum sulcatum
Furrowed flax
Flowering Plants
Linum virginianum
Virginia flax
Flowering Plants
Liparis liliifolia
Purple twayblade
Flowering Plants
Meropleon ambifusca
Newman's brocade
Insects
Microtus pinetorum
Woodland vole
Mammals
Morus rubra
Red mulberry
Flowering Plants
Muhlenbergia richardsonis
Mat muhly
Flowering Plants
Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta
Copperbelly water snake
Reptiles
Nicrophorus americanus
American burying beetle
Insects
Notropis anogenus
Pugnose shiner
Fish
Noturus miurus
Brindled madtom
Fish
Oarisma poweshiek
Poweshiek skipperling
Insects
Oecanthus laricis
Tamarack tree cricket
Insects
Oecanthus pini
Pinetree cricket
Insects
Panax quinquefolius
Ginseng
Flowering Plants
Pantherophis spiloides
Gray ratsnake
Reptiles
Papaipema beeriana
Blazing star borer
Insects
Platanthera ciliaris
Orange- or yellow-fringed orchid
Flowering Plants
Platanthera leucophaea
Prairie white-fringed orchid
Flowering Plants
Pleurobema sintoxia
Round pigtoe
Mussels
Poa paludigena
Bog bluegrass
Flowering Plants
Polemonium reptans
Jacob's ladder
Flowering Plants
Potamogeton vaseyi
Vasey's pondweed
Flowering Plants
Prosapia ignipectus
Red-legged spittlebug
Insects
Prosartes maculata
Nodding mandarin
Flowering Plants
Ptychobranchus fasciolaris
Kidney shell
Mussels
Pyrgulopsis letsoni
Gravel pyrg
Snails
Rhynchospora scirpoides
Bald-rush
Flowering Plants
Scirpus clintonii
Clinton's bulrush
Flowering Plants
Sistrurus catenatus catenatus
Eastern massasauga
Reptiles
Speyeria idalia
Regal fritillary
Insects
Sphaerium fabale
River fingernail clam
Fingernail and Pea Clams
Sporobolus heterolepis
Prairie dropseed
Flowering Plants
Terrapene carolina carolina
Eastern box turtle
Reptiles
Toxolasma lividus
Purple lilliput
Mussels
Trichostema dichotomum
Bastard pennyroyal
Flowering Plants
Trillium sessile
Toadshade
Flowering Plants
Utterbackia imbecillis
Paper pondshell
Mussels
Valeriana edulis var. ciliata
Edible valerian
Flowering Plants
Villosa fabalis
Rayed bean
Mussels
Villosa iris
Rainbow
Mussels
Viola pedatifida
Prairie birdfoot violet
Flowering Plants
Wilsonia citrina
Hooded warbler
Birds


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