Please join the Hiawatha National Forest, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and Hiawatha Interpretive Association as they host the Greater Munising Bay Partnership for Commerce Development February Business-After-Hours networking social event on Monday, February 8th. This months event will be held at the Inter-agency Visitor Center located at 400 E. Munising Avenue (junction H-58 and M-28).

Please make plans to attend this event for the video premier of the new visitor video “Welcome to HiawathaLand”. The video will be shown at both 5:oo and 5:30 PM.  This video is a beautiful and professional depiction of the area in which we live.

Refreshments will be provided.

I’ll be there and I hope to see you there also.

~ Leif

Okay, you’ve probably read in the Munising News that am1400 – WQXO  is now building up new local programming, starting with a morning show from 6a – 9:30.  Well, that is just the beginning.

We’re looking for a weather, news, events, and other on-site eReporter/iReporter volunteers for am1400 WQXO Radio in Alger County.  We are interested in better serving each community in Alger county.

If you are in or near Au Train, Limestone, Wetmore, Eben Junction, Christmas, Melstrand, Grand Marais, Shingleton, Trenary, Sundell, Chatham, Rumely, South Bay, Steuben, Doty, Juniper, Sand River, Seney, Hiawatha National Forest, Shelter Bay, Deerton, Federal Highway 13, Grand Island, Rock River Township, Munising Township, Mathias Township, Kiva, Skandia, Limestone Township, Burt Township, Onota Township, On Tribal Lands, Part of Any Villiage, Town, City, or County Organization, and so on, that is perfect.

Weather, Fishing, Hiking, Camping, Arts, Music, non-profit activities, charities, Local Politics, Road Conditions, Snowmobile Conditions, Authors, Schools, Bake Sales, Fund Raisers, Outdoors, Flowers, Snow shoeing, Cross Country Skiing, basically any topic.  Only requirement of reporter is over 13 with parents permission or over 18 with an item to bring to attention of our listeners or on line readers.

You don’t have to go on air, but by phone is a breeze if you’d like.  You can just call it in or email it if you want too.

If not you, perhaps you know of someone near you?

Anyone with a phone,  cell phone (and hopefully a cheap digital camera), or even just an email account can be of help.  We want to really help people promote local community interests, capture more news, and promote opportunities throughout Alger County as we move over next 6-24 months to a full-fledged community radio station.

By the way, we are VERY serious about trying to put together a few school/student-produced shows, where the kids create a 1-5 minute daily segment and/or write, produce and direct their own weekend show.  Our goals include bringing greater attention to locals school sports, school events, clubs, and arts is very important to WQXO.  Similarly, organizations like the Boy Scouts, Lions, Moose, VFW, Legion, Historical Societies, Libraries, 4-H, and so on can also become welcome partners in helping develop programming, promotional enhancements for organizations, while developing simple skills  that can help promote local organizations and  non-profits.  (Merit badge support and technical training help is available for the more intensive efforts but most people need only know how to talk  or use an email/)

WQXO is part of a 5 station network that includes everything from Hit Country and Classic Rock to Talk Radio.  Many things initially broadcast on am1400 – WQXO are also rebroadcast across the U.P. on our sister stations, expanding the range of impact for any cause or community promotion.  While we are only seeking volunteers and organizational participation right now, the future may expand any efforts impact well beyond this initial modest outreach.

We are also looking to increase our Sunday programming and have an open ear to rebroadcasting services.

Really, if you have an idea, related to community interests, music, arts, news, entertainment, schools, sports, and want to talk about how that could be turned into something that could become a feature – regular or one-time – on community radio, we’d like to talk to you.   Most of the time, we deal with the technical stuff, sponsorship and other boring details, you or your organization can keep focused on the community content.

So, if you want to help, or know somebody might want to get involved in this community outreach effort, just email media@wqxo.com or call 387-4000 any weekday afternoon.

Forest Service Seeks Greenhouse Volunteers

The Hiawatha National Forest needs volunteers to help with a variety of projects this winter at the Forest Greenhouse located at 1030 Wright Street in Marquette, MI.

Volunteers are needed in support of the American Recover Act project for native plant restoration on Grand Island National Recreation Area.  The Grand Island project is a multi-partnership project with USDA Forest Service (Hiawatha National Forest and Northern Research Station) and Superior Watershed Partnership.

Volunteer opportunities consist of seed cleaning on January 11^th and 13^th, tray preparation on January 19^th and 20^th, and the first of at least four scheduled planting on February 11^th and 23^rd.  Volunteer work days run from 10am through 3pm including potluck lunches.

Additional volunteer dates will occur throughout the various phases of this project including tranplanting native wildflower plugs on site at Grand Isalnd National Recreation Area beginning in June and running through September, 2010.  If you are a MSU Master Gardener and need hours for certification, these events will qualify toward your certification.

Please call either Deb at the USFS at (906) 387-2512 or Vicki at Superior Watershed Partnership (906) 228-6095.  You may also contact Sue Rabitaille at (906) 226-8507.  Sue is the Forest greenhouse manager and will be in charge of raising nearly 35,000 native plant seedlings for the Grand Island ARRA restoration project.

Saturday, January 9th – 4th Annual Valley Spur Ski Bash
Valley Spur Ski Trails, Munising Cross-country ski racing featuring 12K Classic, 24K Classic & 24K Freestyle

More Information: http://www.valleyspur.org/html/ski_bash.html

For Immediate Release
Holiday Trees from
Hiawatha National Forest

Escanaba, MI –

Did you know that holiday trees are available for cutting on Hiawatha National Forest land?  If you are one who likes the “thrill of the hunt,” — the excitement of trudging through the snow in search of the perfect tree — then we have the perfect opportunity for you!  For the price of a “tree tag” ($5) and a little sweat, you can cut your own tree from National Forest land!

To obtain a permit, in the form of a “tree tag,” stop at your local Ranger District office.  Along with your permit you will receive tree cutting guidelines, information regarding cutting areas, and suggestions for flame-proofing your tree.

For more information, contact the US Forest Service at Manistique (906) 341-5666, Munising (906) 387-2512, Rapid River (906) 474-6442, St Ignace (906) 643-7900, or Sault Ste Marie (906) 635-5311.

For Immediate Release
Permits Help Ensure Safely
Plowed Forest Roads

It’s that time of year again, and winter is just around the corner!  The Hiawatha
National Forest reminds you that if you plow a road within the Forest’s
boundaries, you are required to obtain a free permit in order to legally remove
snow.

“Given the multiple uses that occur on Forest roads, snow removal can pose
serious safety risks,” notes Forest Supervisor Thomas Schmidt.  “A primary
purpose of the permit system is to minimize that risk.”

Individuals who are planning on plowing snow on roads within the jurisdiction
of the Hiawatha National Forest are required to obtain a permit before
beginning work.  The permits are free and will provide guidance and
specifications – including provisions for safety- that need to be followed when
plowing roads on the national forest.

To obtain a permit, or if you are not sure who has jurisdiction over a road that
you plow, please contact your local Forest Service engineer, who can help you
determine whether a permit is needed.  Please contact your local Ranger
District contact as soon as possible:

• Munising Ranger Districts – Dick Anderson (906-387-2572 ext. 30)
• Rapid River/Manistique Districts – Greg Gardner (906 474-6442 ext 124)
• St Ignace/Sault Ste. Marie Districts – Ken Guillard  (906-643-7900 ext
141)-

At Munising Artisen and Farmer’s Market just before the free concert by Evergreen 7, Marney and John Weting are enjoying a break from their duties as National Forest Service Volunteers.

NFS Volunteers

As it says at the National Forest Service website for Hiawatha National Forest: “Volunteers contribute their time and expertise in many ways on the Hiawatha National Forest. Whether you’re interested in fisheries or environmental education, mountain bike trails or native plants — or many things in between! — there is likely a volunteer opportunity awaiting you here!”

Check out more information about the Munising Ranger District:

Volunteer Opportunities on the Hiawatha

Hiawatha Culture Tour Program 7p July 18th, 2009

Hiawatha National Forest is pleased to host Matt Watroba, as part of the Hiawatha Campground Culture Tour program.  This free program will begin at 7:00 PM on Saturday, July 18^th at Bay Furnace Campground in Christmas.

Many know him as the voice of folk music in Michigan for his work in public radio. As producer and host of the Folks Like Us program, Watroba has come in contact with every aspect of folk music and culture. This has helped shape a repertoire and presentation that is unique on stages across the state and country. Back for a second time, please Join us for a special musical presentation from Matt!

Rain location: In the event of rain or strong winds, we’ll move the concert to the Alger Heritage Center on Washington Street (near Munising Falls and the Hospital.)

The 2009 Campground Culture Tour is sponsored by the Hiawatha National Forest and the Hiawatha Interpretive Association. For a complete list of programs, please contact the Hiawatha National Forest at 906-387-2512.