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Michigan's preeminent hunting event - firearm whitetail deer season - is in full swing, meaning that generations of hunters are making their annual pilgrimage to the woods. With the spotlight of the outdoor community on us, we as hunters must especially align with Leave No Trace's "Seven Principles" as we aim to set a positive example of conservation in action. On first glance, the title of this article may jump out as a blatant contradiction. A union of two concepts that have historically been at odds with each other. Hunter vs. Bird Watcher, the “REI crowd” vs. the “Cabelas crowd,” Angler vs. Paddler, and so on. That being acknowledged, we confidently advocate that these two "camps" of recreationists have a lot more in common than what may appear on surface level. Casual hunters and hikers share a broad range of interests across the spectrum of outdoor enthusiasts - an unquenchable love for pristine wilderness, preservation of habitat, conservation of endangered species, and most importantly, an authentic and primal connection to the natural world. Another similarity between these groups, unfortunately, includes their immense capacity to damage our natural environment if careless or apathetic towards the impact of their recreation. This is where hunting especially is a double-edged sword; the recreational activity constitutes Michigan's foremost tool for conservation at its best, while simultaneously representing a source of irreparable environmental harm at its worst. What can hunters do to align their actions with the former, constructive description rather than the latter? Well, allow us to introduce Leave No Trace ("LNT") and its universally-acclaimed Seven Principles. What is Leave No Trace? For the uninitiated, LNT is a nonprofit whose mission is to “ensure a sustainable future for the outdoors and the planet.” While LNT provides several valuable resources and services, such as important research regarding human waste and its impact on wild lands, LNT’s most prominent objective includes educating the general public on its Seven Principles for minimizing one’s impact while enjoying the outdoors. LNT also provides its own “Leave No Trace Certification,” which is a common hiring requirement for wilderness guides and similar outdoor employment opportunities. Here are LNT’s Seven Principles: 1. Plan Ahead & Prepare. Adequate planning and preparation helps backcountry travelers accomplish trip goals safely and enjoyably, while simultaneously minimizing environmental damage. Poor planning results in miserable experiences and unnecessary damage to natural and cultural resources. 2. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces. Travel damage occurs when surface vegetation or communities of organisms are trampled beyond recovery. The resulting barren area leads to soil erosion and the development of undesirable trails. 3. Dispose of Waste Properly. “Pack it in, Pack it out” is the mantra to remember. Any visitor to the outdoors has a responsibility to clean up before they leave. Proper disposal of human waste is also important for avoiding pollution of water sources and minimizing the spread of disease. 4. Leave What You Find. Leave all rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts and other objects of interest exactly as you found them. 5. Minimize Campfire Impacts. Use a stove if available, and otherwise use only dead and down wood in existing fire rings. Camp in areas where wood is abundant if building a fire. Don’t make a fire in areas where there is little wood at higher elevations, in heavily used areas, or in desert settings. Put out all fires with water until thoroughly extinguished. 6. Respect Wildlife. Learn about wildlife through quiet observation. Do not disturb wildlife or plants just for a “better look.” Observe wildlife from a distance so they are not scared or forced to flee. 7. Be Considerate of Others. Always follow the “Golden Rule” of “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Excessive noise, uncontrolled pets, and damaged surroundings take away from the natural appeal of the outdoors for everyone. Is Hunting Compatible with Leave No Trace? Spoiler alert, the answer is a definitive “Yes,” but with several, reasonable contingencies. LNT has affirmed that hunting is a “great American pastime that helped shape many of our first public lands.” Nonetheless, LNT noted that hunting has “the potential to be very impactful on the environment if individuals are careless with their actions.” Any outdoor experience can quickly violate the Seven Principles if completed irresponsibly. We agree that hunting is no different, especially given the severe consequences that result from irresponsible hunting in the woods. For that reason, LNT provided a tailored version of the Seven Principles for every ethical hunter to adhere to as reverently as basic gun safety principles. Here are the principles that a “Leave No Trace Hunter” should incorporate into every hunt: 1. Plan Ahead & Prepare. Take a hunter safety course and familiarize yourself with your firearm. Read and follow all hunting regulations. Obtain and display proper tags and licenses. Obey bag and possession limits. Gather information about or scout your hunt area before heading into the field with your firearm. Get permission to hunt on private lands. Respect all road closures. 2. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces. Protect private and public property and livestock. Leave gates as found. 3. Dispose of Waste Properly. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and spent brass and shells. Drag any gut piles away from trails, water sources, and highly-visited areas. 4. Leave What You Find. Do not use rocks, signs, trees, or non-game animals for target practice. Use manufactured blinds rather than constructing them out of tree branches or other native vegetation. 5. Minimize Campfire Impacts. Use established fire rings and do not burn trash within them. 6. Respect Wildlife. Hunt only in-season animals. Show respect for wildlife by taking only clean, killing shots, followed by retrieving and properly handling game. Protect other wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely. 7. Be Considerate of Others. Be aware of your “field of fire.” Do not shoot near developed areas, campsites, or roads. Yield to other users on the trail. Always be conscientious of your firearm, especially around non-hunters. Expedition Detroit proudly stands with the Detroit region's hunting community that has held a leading role in conservation efforts for generations. As we all know, however, the merits of hunting are not universally celebrated. Hunters will inevitably cross paths with hikers, trail runners, birdwatchers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who hold wildly different and often condemning views of the utility of hunting. Is this bias fair? No, of course not. Regardless, this is the society that we have inherited, so hunters must especially be mindful of the impact of their actions - both long before and after a shot is taken. The Seven Principles for hunting provide a simple playbook that exemplify an ethical hunter’s respect for our region's wealth of outdoor resources. Aiming to "Leave No Trace" demonstrates that hunters continue to lead conservation efforts, fundamentally respect the game that they hunt, and actively support the preservation of our natural environment for generations to come.

Once a victim of egregious pollution, Le Rouge's recovering waterways that connect the core of the Detroit region present a once-in-a-generation opportunity for activism and creation of our next premiere outdoor destination. Growing up in the northern borderlands of Wayne County, there was a little creek that ran through my family's backyard. That small but steady stream of water originated just north of us in Oakland County, but continued flowing to the far south and well out of my community. I always wondered where that stream led to - what larger creeks, rivers, or even lakes would eventually adopt this waterway as one of their own. Thanks to the advent of Google Maps, these questions were readily answered. The small creek that ran through our backyard eventually empties into Waterford Pond. The drainage from Waterford Pond marks the official starting point of the Middle Rouge River, one of three principal tributaries to the main Rouge River. The Upper Rouge joins the Main Rouge on the western border of Detroit, the Middle Rouge follows suit in Dearborn Heights, and the Lower Rouge finally concedes its autonomy to the main river just south of the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Just to conclude this geography lesson, the Rouge River succumbs to the Detroit River just south of Zug Island, which further feeds into Lake Erie, over Niagara Falls into Lake Ontario, and eventually through the St. Lawrence River into the freezing expanse of the North Atlantic Ocean. For you visual learners, check out this detailed map of the Rouge and its tributaries. Aside from confirming that I am an outspoken geography nerd (my trivia team can attest to this), this overview aims to demonstrate that even our backyard creeks eventually evolve into profound, region-defining ecosystems. From its humble beginnings as hundreds of miles of tributaries, the Rouge River watershed forms the core of the Detroit region - an interconnected waterway network of approximately 570 miles flowing through Wayne, Washtenaw, and Oakland Counties. An ecological labyrinth filled with environmental habitats, state and community parks, and a lifetime of recreation opportunities. Now, here's the most mind-blowing aspect of all of this: only 27 miles of the Lower Rouge River have been designated as a part of the Lower Rouge River Water Trail (the "LRRWT"). Newburgh Lake along the Middle Rouge River is also technically a part of the LRRWT, but there is currently no maintained connection between the lake and the primary route of the LRRWT. While the length of the LRRWT pales in comparison to the larger Huron River National Water Trail or Clinton River Water Trail, the Huron and Clinton Rivers have not faced the same extent of grotesque over-development and pollution that the Rouge River has endured. The fact that we can even paddle along the Rouge River is a near-miracle - the thankless gift of unimaginable volunteer hours and organizational collaboration. Fortunately for all of us, the criminally under-appreciated work force of Friends of the Rouge has already started the heavy-lifting. And they are absolutely crushing it. It Takes a Village to Restore a River For recreationists of a certain age, the thought of even entering the Rouge River most likely comes with a healthy dose of apprehension. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA"), the river was first designated as an "Area of Concern" under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement of 1987 due to its location within the oldest and most heavily-populated and industrialized area in Michigan. Decades of urban pollution led to sediment and water contamination from industrial development and discharge, including sewer overflows. Contaminants within the watershed include heavy metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), mercury, oil and grease. The last 20 years have included a significant comeback story for the health of the river, thanks largely to the tireless efforts of governmental and volunteer organizations like Friends of the Rouge. Since its formation in 1986, Friends of the Rouge has mobilized nearly 63,000 volunteers at over 1,000 work sites along the greater Rouge River. The organization's projects have focused on the restoration of the river's vitality, including the removal of invasive plants, installation of native plantings, and stabilization of stream banks to improve the health of the Rouge. Other EPA-affiliated projects have also steadily focused on habitat restoration, removal of logjams and debris, eradication of invasive species, and removal of contaminated sediments. On top of their restorative projects. Friends of the Rouge has taken the lead on the development of the LRRWT. While the current prominent segments stretch from Wayne to Inkster and Melvindale to the Detroit River, ongoing volunteer efforts are connecting the entirety of the LRRWT from Canton to the Detroit River. Once fully-implemented, the LRRWT will provide recreational connections to several non-motorized trails throughout the Detroit region, including the Lower Rouge River Recreation Trail, I-275 Metro Trail, Hines Park Trail, Rouge River Gateway Trail, the Downriver Linked Greenways, and the Detroit Heritage River Water Trail. The Opportunity of Le Rouge For us at Expedition Detroit, we view the success of the Rouge River's remediation efforts and completion of the LRRWT as one of our region's greatest recreation and conservation opportunities. Take a quick look back at the map posted above, especially in comparison with our Destinations map. The greater Rouge River criss-crosses numerous parks and recreation hotspots that are located outside of the "outer rim" of Detroit's primary destinations for outdoor adventure. Similar to the Huron River's amplification of recreational value for the parks and trail towns that the river flows through, Le Rouge represents a unique frontier for creating outdoor value within several of Detroit's most populated and recreationally-disregarded communities. Could you imagine launching your canoe in Canton, Northville, West Bloomfield, or Troy, and being able to paddle along an expanded LRRWT to the mouth of the Detroit River? Complete with established canoe campgrounds dotting the route to enable a continuous thru-paddle? Yes, such a dream is possible; conservation pioneers have executed similarly ambitious projects throughout the country, although these dreams take an unfathomable amount of volunteer activism and hours to see them across the finish line. The Huron and Clinton River Trails provide premiere examples of the results from such effective allocation of our collective resources. We sincerely hope that the LRRWT will eventually be expanded into a greater "River Rouge Water Trail" covering all 127 miles of the river's principal tributary rivers. That being said, we also recognize that such a vision can (and should) come after our full allocation of resources and efforts towards the completion of the ongoing LRRWT. As such, we strongly support lending your time and muscle towards volunteering with Friends of the Rouge during one of their work days. The organization has specifically called for volunteers to assist with opening logjams along the LRRWT route - sounds like an awesome, active way to spend a Saturday. Looking ahead, we are immensely excited about the future of the Rouge River and the unprecedented trail access that its remediation, conservation, and development will entail. Aside from untapped paddling and fishing opportunities, the land-trail networks being developed in tandem with the LRRWT further evidence that our region is investing heavily in outdoor recreation opportunities and synergies across the Detroit area. The Expedition Detroit team plans on doing everything within our means to facilitate and expedite the development of those resources, starting with volunteering with impactful organizations like Friends of the Rouge. We hope that you will join us in that mission. We can't wait to see you out there.

Michigan House Bill 4314 will hold polluters accountable for their pollution of our beloved and fragile natural resources - unless our representatives continue to ignore it. On July 29, 2022, an employee at Tribar Manufacturing’s Wixom plant made a series of terrible decisions. The employee overran Tribar’s on-site alarms 460 times between 4:59 and 7:46 p.m. that night, all during a period when the plant was not in production. Those actions allowed 10,000 gallons of hexavalent chromium solution - a highly toxic carcinogen - to empty out of a tank and into disposal channels that lead into Wixom’s sewers and the Huron River. Regulators initially feared that 4,100 pounds of hexavalent chromium contamination had been dumped into the Huron River. This fear prompted a two-week “no contact” advisory; fortunately, only 20 pounds made its way downstream into the Huron. The Detroit region absolutely dodged a bullet with the limited extent of this leak. However, this is unfortunately not Tribar’s first violation with polluting the Huron. In 2018 , Tribar was identified as the primary polluter of polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAs”) - toxins capable of affecting the growth and behavior of children, lowering a woman's chance of pregnancy, interfering with the body's natural hormones, increasing cholesterol levels, affecting the immune system, and increasing cancer risk. Most concerning of all is that PFAs are “forever chemicals” that break down very slowly over time. Unsurprisingly, a "do not eat" advisory has remained in effect for over four years now for fish caught in the Huron River and its connected streams, lakes, and ponds. How Habitual Polluters are Currently Punished under Michigan Law

The Great Lakes Tourism Experience Initiative is actively positioning Detroit as the epicenter of the longest interconnected trail network across Canada and the United States. Here's what you should know about our region's great investment in Detroit's outdoor economy. Detroit is no stranger to vast trail networks. The Detroit Riverwalk provides immediate access to the Iron Belle Trail, a hiking and biking trail network which, once completed, will stretch more than 2,000 miles from Belle Isle Park to Ironwood in the western tip of the Upper Peninsula. The forthcoming Great Lakes Way will also connect over 160 miles of greenways and 156 miles of blueways running parallel to the southeastern coast of Michigan. Oh, and don't forget that the Iron Belle Trail connects directly to the North Country National Scenic Trail - a vast footpath stretching over 4,800 miles maintained by the National Park Service that guides thru hikers from Vermont to North Dakota. Dare I say that the Canadian side of the Detroit River is even more connected. The Trans Canada Trail, the longest recreational trail network in the world that ranges over 15,000 miles, extends directly to Windsor’s Riverfront Trail and greater trail network. The Trans Canada Trail also connects with Ontario’s Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, an impressive regional trail network spanning over 2,237 miles around the Great Lakes region, just east of Ontario’s new Ojibway Prairie National Urban Park. Our region is undoubtedly spoiled with expansive trail networks, but one logistical impediment that bifurcates these two areas is an international border crossing. Fortunately for all of us, on September 9th, meaningful action was taken by several key American and Canadian organizations to diminish this variable. A Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) was jointly signed by representatives from the Trans Canada Trail, the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to collaborate in promoting the Detroit region as a preeminent “binational Great Lakes tourism destination opportunity” by 2024. The MOU stated that, coinciding with the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, efforts will be made to enhance cross-border trail tourism experiences through the promotion and maintenance of the greenways and waterways found within Detroit, Windsor, and other border cities along the Detroit River. The Gordie Howe International Bridge will include a 12-foot wide, two-way path for bikers and hikers, insulated from vehicular traffic by concrete barriers. Trail users will be subject to the same cross-border travel requirements as vehicular travelers (i.e., will need a passport, NEXUS card or other acceptable form of identification), although separate customs booths will process cyclists and pedestrians. But wait, there’s more. In addition to connecting all of these great trail networks, the partner organizations also agreed to further expand these trails for more engaging and enriching international outdoor experiences. The partners agreed to collaborate on marketing strategies, economic development through eco-tourism, conservation, encouraging healthy living, and even using cutting-edge technology to enhance trail experiences (such as a “digital trail mirroring a physical trail” across the bridge). The Binational Great Lakes Tourism Experience initiative (the “Initiative”) just launched a website that provides additional information on each of the partner organizations and an interactive map of the interconnected trail network. If you can’t tell, we at Expedition Detroit are beyond excited for the industry-redefining Initiative. Our core belief is that Detroit is a world-class outdoor destination worth exploring, celebrating, and protecting. Beyond confirming that we are not the only venture holding that belief, the Initiative demonstrates that binational partnerships are actively investing in and effectuating that mission. While we’re chomping at the bit to see the grand opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge and the realization of the Initiative, the next two years present a once in a lifetime opportunity to partner with and expand upon the Initiative’s actions and mission. A quick glance at the Initiative’s map shows that Detroit is strategically placed at the epicenter of these premiere trail networks. In between the colored trail lines, however, there are a lifetime’s worth of world-class outdoor opportunities to explore. Expedition Detroit is passionate about providing the color to the gray areas surrounding both sides of the Detroit River. We will proactively continue to develop outdoor accessibility resources, provide exposure to new adventures, and promote conservation of our natural resources. We hope that you will join us on this exciting venture, and we can’t wait to see you out there.

Senate Bill 1191 threatens mountain bike access to Michigan's vast trail network. Here's a breakdown of what's at risk and what we can do to fight back. Expedition Detroit strives to achieve much more than becoming your go-to source for the Detroit region’s best outdoor experiences, trail routes, gear providers, or events. We are passionate about every aspect of our beautiful natural environment - the places we explore, the means by which we experience the outdoors, and creating opportunities for marginalized communities to engage with the wild. We will always advocate for the expansion, inclusion, and protection of outdoor recreation opportunities. Which brings us to this article. A call to arms for resisting a legislative assault on Michigan’s “Right to Bike.” On September 28th, Michigan State Senator Jim Runestad (R) introduced Senate Bill 1191 - the embodiment of the latest and most blatant attack on Michigan’s mountain biking community. This proposed bill represents the latest front of a long struggle between Michigan’s equestrian and other recreational communities, although tensions have flared the brightest between the equestrian and mountain biking communities. Unfortunately, this bill escalates what had been considered a resolved issue. Back in 2010, a number of recreational advocacy groups - including the Backcountry Horsemen of America and the Michigan Mountain Biking Association - worked together in drafting and passing the “Right to Ride Act” of 2010 that served the interests of all stakeholders involved. In summary, the Right to Ride Act established that horseback riders were allowed to ride on designated trails in state parks and recreation areas. The legislation represented a reasonable resolution for all parties: access to trails in a fair, equitable, and sustainable manner in light of the science, sustainability, and volunteer contributions of each interested recreational group. Fast forward twelve years and we’re back in the trenches. Now don’t get me wrong, Expedition Detroit is not anti-equestrian. In fact, a future iteration of this platform may prominently feature horseback riding as an avenue for world-class outdoor experiences and conservation in the Detroit region. I’m personally a fan of the trail and facility maintenance that the equestrian community has provided at beloved destinations like Maybury State Park, Proud Lake Recreation Area, and Kensington Metropark. But this bill…this just ain’t it. To be fair, the majority of the proposed amendments to the Right to Ride Act are intended to lessen the current restrictions placed on equestrian trail access. Reasonable minds may differ on those revisions, and we at Expedition Detroit do not have the firsthand experience to comment on whether such amendments are warranted. We’ll let the legal team at the DNR weigh in there. On the other hand, we’re vehemently opposed to two additional, damning sections that Sen. Runestad has proposed on the final page of his bill. Sections 72115(4) and 72115(5) - without precedent or rationale - prohibit bicycling on any trail that does not explicitly permit bicycling. In other words, the current legal presumption that you may bike a trail unless stated otherwise gets flipped so that you may not bike a trail unless clearly permitted. Additionally, the proposed bill provides the Equine Trails Subcommittee of the DNR, in their sole discretion and without recourse, to prohibit bicycling on any trail where bicycling is currently and expressly authorized. Oh, and don’t forget that fun little aspect of new legislation which authorizes the prosecution of bikers for riding on these now-restricted trails. There are obviously several glaring issues with this bill, but the most obnoxious and discriminatory aspect of the bill is that it solely and purposefully targets only bikers. Sen. Runestad’s bill not only restricts access to a sport that proved so vital in the mental health fight spurred on by the pandemic, but lawfully punishes one of Michigan’s most active trail construction and preservation communities. Better yet, this bill is entirely unnecessary - mountain bikers are already prohibited from riding on marked equestrian-only trails, and trailhead signs clearly instruct bikers and hikers to yield to horseback riders. In conclusion, this bill sucks. No other way to put it. Fortunately, our representatives work for us - even though they sometimes need to be reminded of that fact. Especially if you live in Sen. Runestad’s district, we humbly ask that you join us in writing to him to demand the omission of Sections 72115(4) and 72115(5) from his draft bill. It’s no secret that a key election is coming up next month, so the ears of our elected officials are keenly aware of the voices and preferences of their constituents. Our friends at the Motor City Mountain Biking Association have prepared the following draft communication that you can send to your Michigan State Senator: Dear Senator _________________: I, ____________________, am an avid mountain biker, and I am calling (or writing) to voice my concern over the proposed amendment to the Right To Ride legislation that is being considered by certain Legislators and state Senators. The proposed amendment grants too much influence to a special interest group (the equestrians) at the expense of other trail users. This legislation weakens the DNR’s ability to exercise responsible stewardship over state trails. The proposed amendment would shut access to biking on existing multi-use trails and possibly deny future access. In whole the amendment would provide a mechanism for a particular user group (the equestrians) through the Equine Trails Subcommittee (ETS) to deny access on Michigan trails to other groups such as mountain biking. The amendment is written so vaguely that it can be applied to popular local DNR trails throughout Michigan. Please do not consider this proposed amendment: The DNR can manage trail access without the help of the ETS, and bicyclists should not be unilaterally denied access to Michigan’s grand non-motorized trails at the whim of one user group. Thank You, _______________________ Please join us in our opposition to this poorly-conceived piece of legislation. The great outdoors is not and should not be a zero-sum game - a situation where one group’s benefit must come at another’s expense. Nature is best experienced responsibly, equitably, and sustainably. Senate Bill 1191 represents a mockery of that belief, so we simply will not tolerate it. We hope that you’ll stand with us as we fight for the protection of our Right to Bike.