4x4Wire

Special Recreation Permits are authorizations which allow specified recreational uses of the public lands and related waters. They are issued as a means to manage visitor use, protect natural and cultural resources, and provide a mechanism to accommodate commercial recreational uses. Authorized by the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, there are five types of uses for which these permits are required: commercial, competitive, vending, individual or group use in special areas, and organized group activity and event use.  In short, if you are going to use public lands and revive a financial gain from that use, a special event permit is required.  The various land management agencies have specific permit requirements such as groups size and application time frames and deadlines.  However, all agencies subscribe to the same basic criteria for defining type of permit required.  The below is a general description for the Special Recreation Permit requirements employed by Bureau of Land Management.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers in Gaylord are seeking tips from the public regarding three adult cow elk poached in Otsego County – the third elk poaching case in northern Michigan in roughly a month.

“This is the worst year we’ve had as far as elk poaching,” said Lt. Jim Gorno.

Area residents found the three elk about 50 yards north of Hardwood Lake Road near Bobcat Trail, in the Pigeon River State Forest, east of Vanderbilt. Officers believe that the three elk were shot either Saturday or Sunday while they were bedded down near each other.

"This is a loss for everyone who appreciates our state’s natural resources. It’s a true shame,” said Gorno. “If you or anyone you know has information that can help us solve this crime, we want to hear from you.”

Gorno said that the public tips received regarding a bull elk poached in November helped identify a suspect in that case. 

What Is The Rubicon Trail? 

If you enjoy off-roading in the western U.S., then you have probably heard of the Rubicon Trail.  If you haven't heard of it, or you're interested in more details, then you need to continue reading. Simply put, the Rubicon Trail is one of those Bucket List destinations for American overlanders. The 22-miles of alternating 4x4-trail and road has something for everyone.

Where Is The Rubicon Trail?

Located in California's historic gold rush territory, the trail snakes its way through parts of the Sierra Nevada range.  Approximately 63-miles east of Sacramento, on Interstate 50, is the junction with Ice House Road. Traveling on this road north out of Riverton will put you at Loon Lake after 23.4-miles. The Loon Lake trailhead sits at an elevation of 6,331 feet. The trail continues to climb in this section and it is here that overlanders will experience many of the legendary obstacles.

Last month I impressed upon you the importance of storing the winch controller near the driver’s seat. This month I offer an even more important reminder: Buy at least two additional copies of the ignition key. Carry an extra copy when you’re out. Whether four-wheeling or just enjoying the great outdoors, there are numerous ways to lose a key or lock yourself out. Without a spare, you’re up a creek of a different sort. Until you experience it, you can’t imagine the sense of helplessness.
 
Where to store the keys

Keep one copy at home. When in need, you can ask a friend to drive you home. Alternatively, he could fetch it himself, or have a good friend bring it to you. (If you’re uncomfortable allowing others to enter your home, consider leaving the key with a trusting neighbor.)

Another key is on you, of course.

Mt. Patterson was our destination that beautiful autumn day. Part of the Sweetwater Range and located on the western edge of the Great Basin, Mt. Patterson’s summit offers a commanding view of that area.

The drive entails a slow climb on a one-lane shelf road. I was leading a group of seven vehicles up the long switchback. The road can be a little dicey if you encounter anyone coming down. There aren’t too many places to pull off.

At one point a party of six motorcycles came up from behind. Being courteous folks, we let the cyclists slip past. To create additional room, one driver decided to back up. His intention was to aim for the trail’s edge. But he almost went too far, dropping two wheels off the side.