Dear Neighbors
With the promise of warm weather just around the corner, I know many of us are looking forward to being able to enjoy the outdoors, including a variety of events, festivals, and outdoor recreational activities in our communities and around our great state.
This newsletter provides dates and locations for a variety of events and festivals throughout our district this summer, along with information about other outdoor activities, such as fishing and boating. While you seek a pleasant peninsula and enjoy the beauty of our Michigan spring and summer, I hope that you will continue to stay safe and healthy as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
When you call, email, or write a letter to my office, you are helping me better represent the issues you value. If you would like to share your ideas or if you need help with navigating our state government, you can contact my office by email at SenEGeiss@senate.michigan.gov, or by phone at (517) 373-7800, including a toll-free option at (855) DIST006 (855-347-8006). For biweekly updates, sign up for my e-newsletter and stay apprised of current issues at the Capitol at SenatorGeiss.com.
It’s an honor to continue to serve you in the legislature as your state senator.
Working for You,
Erika Geiss
State Senator
6th District
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Events & Festivals
Please note that events are festivals mentioned in this publication are subject to change or cancellation by even organizers.
PLAN YOUR MICHIGAN ADVENTURE TODAY!
Looking for inspiration to plan your next vacation in Michigan?
Visit Michigan.org/trip-ideas/articles for articles, road trips and itineraries and start planning your next Michigan adventure. Visit Michigan.org/things-to-do for more ideas on places to travel.
Looking For More Fun? Visit Michigan’s Hidden Gem Attractions
The Atlas Obscura Guide for Michigan offers information about a wide variety of unique attractions and activities throughout the state. From the Prehistoric Forest Amusement Park in Onsted to the St. Ignace Mystery Spot, this list is sure to inspire an unforgettable adventure. Visit atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/michigan/places for more information.
Get your 2022 Fishing License
Fishing is one of Michigan’s premier outdoor activities and it’s fun for kids and adults alike. Whether you’ve been fishing your whole life or it’s your first time out, there’s much fun to be had with a rod and reel. You may not catch a fish — but you will catch a new hobby and maybe even add it to your lifestyle.
As of March 1, you can buy a 2022 fishing license, which will allow you to fish through March 31, 2023. Fishing licenses are affordable and can be bought at many stores or online at Michigan.gov/Fishing or Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses. Licenses can be purchased for the whole year for residents, nonresidents, seniors, and even for daily
fishing. The licenses can even be combined with a hunting license to save money.
When out on the water, it’s important that you carry your license and the state ID that you used to buy the license in case it’s requested by a Michigan Conservation Officer, a Tribal Conservation Officer, or any law enforcement officer. If you have an electronic license, make sure you have access to it via a smartphone, tablet, or other device. Young anglers under the age of 17 do not have to have a license, but
they must observe all fishing rules and regulations.
There are several rules and regulations from the Michigan DNR to keep you, the animals, and our beautiful environment safe. They are available in the yearly fishing guide, which you can pick up at many stores around Michigan, or you can find the guide online at Michigan.gov/Fishing. The fishing guide includes all the types of fi sh you can catch in Michigan, their seasonal schedule, how to spot some diseases in fish, how to fight back against invasive species, unlawful activities, dozens of definitions and terminology, and so much more.
Fish for Free
For two days, twice a year, the State of Michigan allows families and friends to enjoy one of Michigan’s premier outdoor activities for free. Mark your calendars for June 11 and 12, 2022, then grab your rods and enjoy some time with friends and loved ones at either an inland lake or one of our state’s Great lakes. This is a great time for young anglers to spend time and learn about Michigan’s beautiful natural resources. If you are taking your first trip out with your tackle box, make sure to check out Michigan.gov/HowToFish to learn more.
This summer’s free fishing weekend will be held in conjunction with multiple other state activities, creating the “Three Free” weekend. Residents and nonresidents can fish, ride off-road trails, visit state parks, and access boating sites all weekend for free. During this time, you will not need a fishing license, Recreation Passport, or an ORV license or trail permit.
While the weekend is free for friends and family alike, there are still state laws, rules, and regulations that must be followed. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, ORV and camping regulations and safety guides available at Michigan.gov/DNR to help guide you through the weekend.
Free Fishing Weekend: June 11 and 12, 2022!
The free fishing dates for 2023 will be on Feb. 18 and 19, 2023 and June 10 and 11 2023.
Stay Safe While Boating
Living in Michigan, you’re never far from a lake. If you’re going out on a boat or personal watercraft to enjoy the Michigan summer or go fishing, then you’re likely going to need a Boating Safety Certificate. Fortunately, they are widely available and easy to get. Boaters born after June 30, 1996 will need a boater education card or boating safety certificate. While it’s not required that all residents obtain the certificate, the Michigan DNR encourages it for all boaters. There are a few ways to earn your boating safety certificate:
Online: Take a boating safety class at BoatEd.com. After you finish the class, you must pay the course fee and pass the final exam to print off your permanent Michigan boating safety certificate.
Classroom/In-Person: The DNR’s Recreational Safety Education Class Database has in-person classes available throughout the year and across the state. The Boater Safety Education classes are a few hours long and you will get your boating safety certificate upon successful completion of the final exam.
Other Options: The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadron (also known as America’s Boating Club) provide fundamental and advanced boating safety classes for residents. Some of the classes will provide the knowledge required to obtain a boating safety certificate. The DNR and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary hosts these classes. Visit cgaux.org/boatinged for more information and to enroll.
SUMMER SAFETY TIPS
While we get to enjoy the sunshine, days at the beach, and time spent at the park this summer, it’s also important to be prepared in case of an emergency. Below are some tips and tricks for dealing with summer emergencies:
Wear sunscreen. Sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin against both UVA and UVB rays from the sun. Make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher and that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
Prepare a first aid kit. First aid kits are essential
for ensuring that a bad situation doesn’t get worse. While you should make sure you have one, you should also include things such as Benadryl for dangerous allergic reactions to bug bites, or such plants as poison ivy and Calamine lotion for skin reactions. Be sure to take any important medications you may need including an EpiPen if you have a prescription for one.
Drink water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Our bodies use sweat to cool down when it’s hot out, so it’s important to replenish your sweat with more water and fluids.
Wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) near water. PFDs and lifejackets are incredibly important tools for preventing drowning when swimming in the pool or boating on the lake. Make sure you have the right type of PFD for you or your child(ren) by looking at the inside label before going out on the water. Make
sure to keep your cell phone charged and have a backup battery pack just in case.
Biking and Hiking Michigan Trails
Michigan’s natural beauty is accentuated by diverse terrain, views, and seasons throughout our entire state. Hiking and biking are ways you can create an unforgettable experience for friends and family.
Michigan has more than 1,300 miles of biking trails to explore. Pedal through lush forests, along coastlines, and even urban trails in Southeast Michigan, or take your bike Up North and enjoy some of our country’s most beautiful trails. If you’re going out on a bike, make sure you have a helmet, ride within your skill level, and use common sense. Visit Michigan.org/Biking to learn more about biking in Michigan.
There are more than 13,000 miles of state-designated trails and pathways in Michigan, which gives our state one of the most interconnected trail systems in the country and ample hiking opportunities throughout our state, including the I-275 Metro Trail.
If you want to travel to another part of the state, visit the more than 220 miles on the Shore-to-Shore trail that connects Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. If you are planning a hike, make sure you stay safe — know your physical limits, bring water and snacks, and have an emergency plan. Visit Michigan.org/Hiking to learn more about hiking in Michigan. If you are hiking, biking, boating, or at the beach, remember to preserve our environment and ecosystems by cleaning up your garbage. Throw trash and recycling in clearly marked garbage and recycling bins. If there are not any bins, please take your trash with you and dispose of it properly at your home.