DEAR FRIEND:If you love summer in the great outdoors, there’s no place like home!

With shoreline on four of the five Great Lakes, 11,000 inland lakes and 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, Michigan sportsmen and women have access to the greatest freshwater resources in the world. Whether you boat, fish, sail, kayak, waterski or enjoy nature, fun and adventure are truly close at hand.

Boating and fishing not only provide first-class recreational opportunities, the industries contribute billions of dollars to the state economy. So plan your summer trip across our great state and help support our “mom and pop” businesses and local communities.

I am pleased to share this report, including legislative news, safety tips and more. I hope you find it informative.

As always, your comments and suggestions on ways to preserve Michigan’s outdoor heritage are most welcome. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes for a safe and memorable Michigan summer!

Sincerely,

TOLL-FREE 855.347.8036

E-MAIL senjstamas@senate.michigan.gov

VISIT www.SenatorJimStamas.com

S TAT E S E N AT O R

JIM STAMAS

BOATING& Fishing2017

STATE SENATOR JIM STAMAS • TOLL-FREE 855.347.8036

Technology will soon make life a little more convenient for anglers and hunters in the great outdoors.

I supported Senate legislation — now signed into law — that requires the DNR to develop smartphone applications that display an electronic copy of all-species fishing, base hunting and waterfowl licenses for customers by March 1, 2018. Public Acts 461-463 of 2016 also authorize the DNR to expand the mobile app to include information such as guides, maps, upcoming wildlife events and more.

With the app in hand, anglers and hunters won’t have to worry about lost licenses and will have easy access to useful outdoor information.

MICHIGAN OFFERS WORLD CLASS TROUT FISHING Michigan is a top trout fishing destination with nearly 20,000 miles of cold, quality trout streams and hundreds of trout lakes accessible to anglers.

Michigan Trout Trails is a great online tool to help trout anglers plan a memorable fishing trip. The site features nearly 300 locations (with more being added) and includes photos and site-specific information such as trout species available, fishing regulations, presence of stocked or naturally reproducing fish, best times to fish and more. There’s even a link to regional visitor information for places to stay and eat.

Visit www.michigan.gov/trouttrails and start casting!

Anglers can also find more information on Great Lakes and Inland Trout and Salmon Lakes and Stream regulations in the 2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide (www.michigan.gov/fishingguide.)

STAMAS BACKS NEW LAW TO AID ANGLERS

STAMAS: LEGISLATURE FUNDS INVASIVE CARP CHALLENGEAsian carp can grow to over 100 pounds, out-competing native species for food. Once established, they are nearly impossible to eradicate.

Already, juvenile Asian carp have been identified only 47 miles from Lake Michigan. While electrical barriers are in place, it’s not known if these measures are effective at stopping small fish. Should Asian carp breach the Great Lakes system, the impact on Michigan’s valuable fishing, boating and tourism industries,

as well as the very health of the lakes, would be catastrophic.

With so much at stake, the Michigan Legislature has authorized $1 million to launch a global search for ways to keep these invasive fish out of the Great Lakes. The bulk of the money will go to cash prizes for innovative solutions to this threat.

You can sign up for more information, including details on the application process when available, at www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Michigan’s Summer Free Fishing Weekend provides a great opportunity to introduce family and friends to fun and adventure in the great outdoors. The 2017 event runs from June 10-11.

All fishing license fees are waived on these two days, though all other fishing regulations apply. Entry into state public boating access sites and state parks and recreation areas is free of charge. Find more information, including details on sponsored and state park events, at www.michigan.gov/freefishing.

In addition, the June 10-11 date marks one of the summer’s Free ORV Weekends, a time off-road enthusiasts can ride DNR-designated routes and trails without buying an ORV license or trail permit. Find out more at www.michigan.gov/orvinfo.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Boaters born after June 30, 1996, and most personal watercraft operators must have a boating safety certificate. Boaters can earn a certificate several different ways:

1. Take a boating safety class online at www.boatEd.com or www.boaterExam.com; pass the final exam; and then print out the permanent Michigan boating safety certificate once successfully completing the course and paying the course fee.

2. To find a classroom course, go to the DNR’s Recreational Safety Education Class Database at

www.dnr.state.mi.us/recnsearch; select by class type (Marine) and by county in the drop-down lists.

3. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (www.cgaux.org/boatinged/class_finder/index.php) offers boating safety courses and the U.S. Power Squadron website (www.usps.org/index.php/boating-courses) provides

instruction to boaters at all levels, from the fundamental to the advanced courses for

experienced boaters. Some of these classes will give boaters the knowledge needed to obtain a

boating safety certificate.

E-MAIL senjstamas@senate.michigan.gov • VISIT www.SenatorJimStamas.com

• WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET. Always. Close to 90 percent of those who drown while boating are not wearing a life jacket. The number one way to stay safe on the water is to wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD).

• STAY SOBER. It is illegal to operate a boat or personal watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alcohol is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

• MAINTAIN A SAFE SPEED AND STAY ALERT. Most boating accidents are caused by operator error. Be ready for boats, swimmers, skiers or shallow waters, especially in crowded waterways or at night.

• TAKE A BOATING SAFETY COURSE. Know the “rules of the water” and follow them.

• KEEP YOUR BOAT IN SAFE WORKING ORDER. Make sure your boat meets state and federal requirements and is properly equipped. Visit www.vesselsafetycheck.org.

• FILE A FLOAT PLAN. Let someone on shore know where you’re going and when you plan to return.

SAFE BOATING TIPS BOATING SAFETY CLASSES & CERTIFICATE

FESTIVALS ON THE WATERJune 17 Antique and Classic Boat Show

.......................... www.michiganmaritimemuseum.org

July 15-22 Venetian Festival Charlevoix ..www.venetianfestival.com

July 22 Bayview Mackinac Race ............... www.bycmack.com

July 28-Aug. 6 Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival ........................... .......................................... www.coastguardfest.org

July 29-30 Au Sable River Canoe Marathon, Grayling and Oscoda ..............................www.ausablecanoemarathon.org

August 5 Traverse City Classic Boats on the Boardwalk .................................................www.wwcacbs.com

Sept. 14-17 Lake St. Clair Boating and Outdoor Festival Metropark ..............................www.boatingandoutdoorfest.com

Some events may charge admission fee. All events subject to change.