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Just when any dreams of deep powder days had diminished to a fool's hope, January has delivered with over a foot of snow over the last week. Here's our breakdown of which winter trails activity is best suited for these wonderland conditions. Let's kick this off with an undeniable truth: winter is the most polarizing season. No, that's not a nod to the north and south poles existing in a state of perpetual, Narnia-like winter. Despite the abundant love that us Midwesterners have for living in our "four season climate," there's also a common joke that Florida is Michigan's "lower-er peninsula" due to the annual snowbird migration from our region. We've already covered this topic at length, but the mid-November to mid-March evaporation of recreationists on Michigan trails demonstrates just how cold-averse humans truly area. Then there's the other faction of outdoor enthusiasts - the "Winter Believers." The Expedition Detroit archetype of recreationist. One who hits the trail regardless of the conditions, seizing on an opportunity to fully experience our natural environment during heat, rain, sleet, darkness, and certainly the freezing cold. For this adventure seeker, each fresh layer of snow represents a blank canvas, a pristine trail just waiting to be explored. Who cares if its your favorite local out-and-back - that spotless blanket of powder represents a clean slate and fresh opportunity for first tracks, re-establishing you as the first trailblazer to embark on its route. That's why we love winter. Beyond the open trails, crisp air, and beauty of a snow-covered landscape, our coldest season provides daily opportunities for new recreational opportunities. Snow is the only natural phenomena that transforms your ability to engage with and explore terrain literally overnight. The powder dump that Mother Nature finally blessed us with over the past few days proves that theory in spectacular fashion. Winter Believers do tend to struggle with one decision in these powder conditions, however: what is the best way to experience our snow-covered trails? Should I bust out the snowshoes for the first time this season or lace up the hiking boots? Is this the season to finally give cross-country skiing a go? Which activity fits within my budget or fitness goals? We dive into each of these questions and more ahead as we breakdown a winter trail's three most popular winter recreational sports: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snow hiking. SNOWSHOEING Best Conditions: Any quality snow; accumulation of at least 6 inches Equipment Required: Snow shoes and trekking poles Thrill Factor: 🤟🤟 Skill Factor: Minimal skill acquisition required. Cost Factor: 💵 💵 💵 ($100-250 for snow shoes and trekking poles) Why You Should Snowshoe As "long-time" Expedition Detroit readers know (and hopefully appreciate), we don't like to hide information behind the proverbial 8 ball in our articles. What I mean by that statement is that if we believe that a piece of equipment, trail, or advocacy cause is good or valuable to our readers, we declare that statement as straightforward as we can. The opposite is obviously true for any aspects of Detroit's outdoor ecosystem that we strongly disagree with. For the purposes of this article, snowshoeing will check almost every box as the best-suited winter recreational activity for the vast majority of readers. For starters, as long as the snow quantity - not quality - metric of at least 6 inches is hit, then you have the climate's green light for snowshoeing. Yes, that means even in icy, somewhat slushy, or very deep powder conditions, snowshoes will easily and efficiently guide you through the least hospitable of Great Lakes trail winter conditions. Snowshoeing also attracts most winter recreationists due to the minimal amount of equipment required, the relative affordability of that equipment, and the negligible amount of skill required for proficiency on snowshoes. Beyond obviously acquiring a sturdy pair of snowshoes, we strongly recommend acquiring multi-sport trekking poles for additional stability. Otherwise, always remember to dress appropriately for the conditions, but note that your body temperature will warm up dramatically as you engage the trail. You will burn noticeably more calories snowshoeing vs. hiking, especially given the additional weight on your feet. Opt Out of Snowshoeing There's really only two reasons why you may want to leave the snowshoes at home for wintry trail outing: (1) the snow accumulation is too low or (2) you are looking for an especially high or low-intensity workout experience. For snow accumulation, snowshoeing should be your default activity if there's more than 6 inches of powder on the ground; conversely, you will most likely have a miserable time on the trail if you're snowshoeing over 3 inches of light snow. Likewise, if you're looking for a high-intensity workout, complete with fast downhills and heart-thumping climbs, snowshoeing will leave you wanting in comparison to cross-country skiing. Hiking is on the other end of the spectrum - especially if you're only looking to ease into winter recreation with a leisurely stroll in low-snow conditions, lace up your trusted boots and leave the big ones in the closet. Photo courtesy of Crystal Mountain Resort CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING Best Conditions: Groomed or maintained trails; accumulation of less than 3 inches Equipment Required: Cross-country or nordic skis, ski boots, poles; ski goggles also recommended Thrill Factor: 🤟🤟🤟 Skill Factor: Notable skill acquisition required for turning, stopping, balance, and maintaining momentum Cost Factor: 💵 💵 💵 💵 💵 ($350 - $1,000 for skis, boots, and poles) Why You Should Cross-Country Ski In one word, "Adrenaline." You should cross-country ski if you are looking to pack in as much adrenaline as you can into your winter trail experience, especially if you the wallet and determination to learn a new and intense sport. Let me pause by addressing the elephant in the article: yes, fellow downhill skiers and snowboarders, describing cross-country skiing as "adrenaline-inducing" and "intense" may have caused you to spit out your Red Bull. I had the same initial reaction when researching this article, but it turns out that cross-country skis get the heart pumping. As in a full-body, 700 calories per hour, continuous aerobic burn fest of a sport described famously as "the best cardiovascular exercise known." Cross-country skiing still provides some of the thrill of downhill, resort-style skiing, but the main draw of the sport is based less in the speed factor (cross-country skis have an average speed of 7-10 mph) and more in the versatility of terrain that you can traverse. All across southeast Michigan, state, community, and certain Huron-Clinton MetroParks offer a variety of maintained and natural trail options of cross-country skiers, ranging from beginner cross-country skiing courses to the untamed berms and hills of mountain biking trails. Put differently, cross-country skiing easily provides our most intrepid outdoor enthusiasts with access to thousands of miles of trail exploration during the winter months - trails that otherwise may not be accessible due to heavy equestrian, mountain biking, or general hiking use. Opt Out of Cross-Country Skiing Sorry, cross-country skiing advocates - you knew that this section was coming. There are unfortunately several reasonable reasons to opt out of a day spent burning trails (and calories) all over the Detroit region on your skis, some of which are entirely out of your control. To kick this downer topic off, cross-country skis are only effective in low-ish snow conditions - no more than 3 inches of powder, and ideally on groomed or well-trodded trails. Cross-country skis lack the width of their downhill or alpine touring cousins, and certainly snowshoes, thereby rendering them immensely ineffective in deep powder conditions. Second, cross-country skiing has two significant barriers to entry: cost and skill. Even though cross-country skiing equipment is significantly cheaper than downhill skiing equipment, a quick glance at its "Cost Factor" indicator compared to snowshoeing and hiking will illustrate that this is perhaps not the activity for the cost-conscious recreationist. Mobility on cross-country skis may also not come as naturally to most winter adventurers, especially when snowshoeing takes all of roughly 30 seconds to adjust to. If you feel like a newborn giraffe just learning to walk while on cross-country skis for the first time, then you're probably doing it right. The sport certainly has a learning curve, but it's extremely rewarding for those who persevere through the initial growing pains. Last, cross-country skiing provides a bona fide kick-ass workout. You will sweat. Your legs, lower back, and triceps will likely ache. Don't get us wrong, you will certainly grow to love this intensity of a workout experience if you stick with the sport, but if your idea of a blissful few hours spent in the woods doesn't involve a borderline-masochist calorie burn, then please opt for the hiking boots. SNOW HIKING Best Conditions: Fresh snow; accumulation of less than 6 inches Equipment Required: None other than waterproof hiking boots Thrill Factor: 🤟 Skill Factor: None - if you can walk, you can hike Cost Factor: 💵 💵 ($125-175 for waterproof hiking boots) Why You Should Snow Hike As many a wise person have said, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Hiking - which we are aptly dubbing "snow hiking" for the purposes of this article - fits squarely into that sage advice. Especially if you're a recreationist on a budget, looking for relaxed trail exploration, in relatively tame winter conditions. Snow hiking should always be your "snow trail" default recreational activity. Why? Well, if you're an avid consumer of our content, I'd be willing to bet that you already own a pair or two of sturdy, waterproof hiking boots. You may want to acquire snow spikes and trekking poles for icier conditions, but for an average winter day's trail conditions in the Detroit region, your normal hiking boots should be well-qualified for the trail. Standard hiking boots can also provide mobility advantages when compared to snowshoes in "cusp conditions" - let's say 5-7inches of snow accumulation. Especially after a fresh snowfall when a boot's ability to grip the terrain is enhanced, your feet will greatly benefit from the decreased weight and range of mobility of your hiking boots vs. snowshoes. Opt Out of Snow Hiking By this point in the article, you can probably guess when you shouldn't disturb your hiking boots' winter hibernation, opting in favor of your snowshoes or cross-country skis. We'll state the reasons here anyways, regardless of how obvious they may appear. To start with, if you're looking to recreate during a true powder day - 6+ inches of fresh snowfall, on top of whatever else may already have accumulated on the ground - then don't give your hiking boots (or cross-country skis) a second thought. Grab your snowshoes. Grab your trekking poles. Hit the trail knowing that you have undoubtedly selected the most efficient and enjoyable means of wintry trail recreation, because any alternative would result in agony-inducing muscular pain from your lower back to your calves. Even in low-snow conditions, the other reasons to select cross-country skiing over hiking involve the desired intensity of your trail experience. Simply put, hiking is undeniably underwhelming as an adventure activity when compared to cross-country skiing. On average, you will be traveling three times faster on cross-country skis than even an elevated hiking pace, thereby enhancing your capacity to cover more terrain via an exciting mode of transport. Similar to snowshoeing, you will also burn noticeably more calories cross-country skiing vs. hiking. What are your favorite snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or snow hiking trails? Do you have any special recommendations for beginners in any of these sports? Let us know in the comments!

In recognition of this winter's inaugural snow storm, this edition of our #ExpeditionEssentials Series focuses on five essential survival skills to learn prior to venturing into the snow-blanketed backcountry. Mother Nature over-delivered on our collective wishes for a "White Christmas." The Detroit a rea received not only 3-7 inches of fresh snow (much to the delight of our ski resorts ), but was also hammered by wind gusts dropping the real-feel temperature to 20 degrees below zero. The high winds blew as strong as 50 to 55 mph during evening hours, which when combined with the snowfall produced near white-out conditions. While most outdoor enthusiasts opted to move their recreational talents indoors during these conditions, I know that I was not alone in choosing to make a few brazen ventures to the wintry and windy trails. Fortunately, we in the Detroit region can make such borderline rash decisions with diminished risk. Compared to our out west cousins or Yooper brethren, even the most remote areas of Detroit's backcountry are still within range of a cell tower, regularly-maintained trail, or major roadway. Put differently, if shit hits the fan while on a winter hike, an outfitted extraction force will most likely not be necessary for getting you out unscathed. That being said, storms as powerful as this Christmas' " Winter Storm Elliot" should never be disregarded just because you're trekking in Pinckney vs. Denali. Across the United States, Elliot has left at least 62 people dead - most of which in Buffalo, NY, a Great Lakes city with a similar climate as our own (although admittedly more in the direct fire of lake-effect snow). Elliot represents an extreme example of the deadly consequences of underestimating the power of winter, and these cold-weather survival skills can greatly reduce your risk of facing a life-or-death scenario if white-out conditions strike. Fortunately, Elliot's extreme conditions are forecasted to steadily improve, including slightly warmer weather later this week. In other words, now is the perfect time to review and practice these five essential skills for winter survival . 1. DRESS FOR THE CONDITIONS When it comes to wilderness survival, the single most important, universal tactic may be to expect the unexpected. To accept that you can never be prepared for every situation that you could encounter in the backcountry. Understanding that hiking your favorite 5 mile loop could turn dangerous if a few variables like temperature, precipitation, gear failure, and diminishing daylight are introduced into the equation. Outdoor wilderness education is an initial step towards preparing yourself for the unknown, but a more tangible action includes simply dressing appropriately for the conditions - especially in winter. You can't control the natural elements, but you can properly outfit yourself in anticipation of any inclement weather that Mother Nature may throw your way. As the famous Norwegian saying goes, " There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing ." Beyond properly layering for cold to freezing conditions , we specifically want to highlight the necessity of proper footwear and wind protection: Winter Footwear . For proper winter footwear, the name of the game is insulation and circulation . A good pair of winter hiking boots - which, yes, should be a different pair from your three-season hiking boots - should be waterproof and include synthetic insulation suitable for below-freezing conditions. Pair your boots with a thick set or two of wool or wool-blend hiking socks . Do NOT wear pure cotton socks, which are prone to getting and staying wet from sweat. Boots vs. Snowshoes . A few years ago, my wife and I decided to take a break from a ski trip out west to go snowshoeing in Glacier National Park. Well, by the half-mile marker on the trail, we found ourselves drenched in sweat and ditching our snowshoes behind a trailside snowbank to continue in just our boots. We found out the hard way that snowshoes are only optimal for certain snowy conditions: traversing through 12+ inches of snow . Below this benchmark, the added weight and awkwardness of snowshoes will greatly diminish your snow mobility. Above this mark, snowshoes will prevent the agonizing pain that normal hiking in deep powder will unleash on your lower back and legs. Wind Protection . As we all recently experienced, high winds in cold conditions can transform a normal winter's stroll into a polar expedition real quick. Even in moderately cold conditions, windburn skin injuries can occur whenever your skin is exposed to cold, dry winds for a long period of time. Fortunately, windburn can be prevented through applying sunscreen to exposed skin and lip balm to your lips and nostrils. The more life-threatening risk comes from frostbite: real-feel temperatures at negative 20 degrees Fahrenheit can cause frostbite to set in within minutes from prolonged skin exposure. To prevent frostbite, dress in l ayers of warm, breathable clothing and intentionally limit the amount of time that you are exposed to extremely cold wind chills. More on frostbite treatment below. 2. KEEP YOUR WATER WARM I have a confession to make: a significant portion of my initial wilderness training comprised of watching episodes of "Man vs. Wild" with Bear Grylls back in high school. Don't worry, I have since gained well over a decade of outdoor knowledge through first-hand experience and conventional research, but I still remember little nuggets of verified, potentially life-saving knowledge that Bear demonstrated in the show. One of which directly applies here: " When you're on the trail, always drink water before you get thirsty - if you get thirsty, then you're already dehydrated. " That golden rule of trail hydration is relatively easy to follow during the warmer months, especially if you have ample access to fresh water sources to keep your water bottle or hydration bladder full. Winter introduces another variable to the equation: y our water freezing within its container . As you probably know, you should never eat snow in a true survival situation due to the calorie-burning work that your body must put in to heat and melt the snow once it is eaten (which leads to further dehydration). The best practice for keeping your water in its liquid form is to carry your water bottle within your backpack while trekking in freezing conditions. Yes, your natural instincts prefer to carry your water in a readily-available location - or even within the nozzle of a Camelbak -esque reservoir - but such locations expose your water to wind chill while depleting it of your body heat. You should also consider filling your water bottle with warm or hot water before hitting the trail on those especially frigid days. 3. KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ICE Spoiler alert: we live and recreate in a fresh water oasis . While that's a huge bonus for our warmer-weather water recreation activities , our abundant lakes, rivers, ponds, and creeks also provide recreational opportunities - and dangers - for winter adventures. While walking on frozen water typically evokes a primal fear of finding yourself trapped in a freezing, claustrophobic death trap, there may be times that traversing a frozen body of water may be advantageous or necessary in a survival situation. Yes, the default rule is to always avoid crossing ice if possible , but for this article let's assume that you have one choice and one choice only: you must cross. The two key considerations for ice safety are quality and thickness . For quality, the best ice for walking on is dark but clear. "White ice" forms when there is either bubbles and/or frozen snow in the ice, which diminishes its composition. For thickness, there should be at least three feet of quality, frozen ice to adequately support a human adult - six feet for a vehicle like a snow mobile or ATV. A third consideration to remember when deciding whether to cross ice includes remembering that ice is virtually never uniform over an entire body of water. Particularly for rivers and creeks, the innermost channels of fast moving water are often the final areas of water to freeze, therefore providing the weakest ice and greatest chance of falling through. Always keep your distance from others when traveling on ice (at least 10 feet apart), and travel in a single-file line so that the group is walking on tested ice and you're accessible for assisting with pulling a fallen comrade out of the water. 4. BUILD A SNOW-SMART SHELTER For avid outdoor enthusiasts, this scenario is more of a "when" vs. "if" circumstance. Long story short, something has gone wrong: you've lost the trail, your headlamp and/or cell phone died, white-out conditions blew in, and the undefeated depth of mid-winter's darkness has arrived to dash your hopes of making it back to the car that evening. You're forced to swallow one massive, potentially soul-crushing pill. You will be spending the night in the backcountry. In the winter. Alone. While some recreationists might panic at this revelation, fortunately you're a reader of Expedition Detroit ( shameless plug for ourselves ) and mentally prepared for such a scenario. Depending on the conditions of your wintry trail of choice, we recommend building one of three types of shelters: a lean-to shelter, snow cave, or a tree well . Lean-To Shelter . If hiking in a wooded area - which defines most of the Detroit region's trail networks - a lean-to shelter will likely be your shelter of choice for a worst-case-scenario shelter. First you will need to find a sturdy stick or "ridgepole" that runs at least longer than the length of your body. Next, find two trees roughly the distance apart of the ridgepole that have crooks or other features for supporting the ridgepole 3 to 5 feet off of the ground (you can and should secure the ridgepole with rope or paracord if you have it ). Once your ridgepole is secure, gather poles to make a roof that angles from the ground to the ridgepole. Cover these poles with pine boughs, leaves, moss, and even snow for trapping heat and deflecting water. Covering the snowy ground with leaves and pine needles will also help keep you dry during the night. Snow Cave Shelter . If a lean-to seems impractical due to difficulty in traversing through dense snowpack, then opt not to fight the conditions but utilize them. If the snow is deep (several feet at least) and stable enough to pack and hold some weight (i.e., not fresh powder), then digging a snow cave shelter may be your best option for a somewhat comfortable night's rest. To build a snow cave, excavate a small cave into a large mass of suitable snow. The size of the cave should be just large enough for you to comfortably huddle within and push some of the snow from the inside of the cave to plug up the entrance. Once the entrance is plugged, you should re-dig a small ventilation opening back through the plug. You should also build a raised "sleeping platform" at least 3 inches above the bottom of the plug in order to allow cold air to sink below you. Always take a "less is more" approach to snow cave shelters: the amount of snow that you burrow into should be just enough to make the cave, and the size of the cave should be just to shield you from the elements. No one has time to suffocate under a massive, collapsed cave. Tree Well Shelter . The third and final shelter is somewhat of a combination of the lean-to and snow cave shelters. If you are hiking in thick snow within a wooded area. The base of a healthy fir or pine tree often provides excellent conditions for a tree well shelter , which occur when deeper snow piles up around the circumference of low-hanging branches. The canopy of branches creates a natural small, sheltered, and insulated resting area around the tree's trunk. If conditions permit, you should reinforce the insulation of your tree well shelter through digging out the snow in the well and building up the outside of your shelter. Keeping "Leave No Trace" principles in mind, branches from the tree may also be used to reinforce your shelter. Preferably, you should start building these shelters with ample daylight to adequately construct them - don't wait until the dead of night sets in to abandon your hopes of making it back to the trailhead. And remember, we are writing here about circumstances where a winter day hike went terribly awry and you are forced to spend an unexpected night in the backcountry. The shelters described above are not the fully-outfitted, "Alone" style shelters that a survivalist aiming to spend weeks or months in the wilderness would aim to build. These shelters are 1-night, efficient, and bare-minimum shelters for protecting you from the elements until more hospitable conditions return. 5. TURN THE HEAT UP - RESPONSIBLY Congratulations - you've either escaped the cold entirely or successfully built a fire in the backcountry ( stay tuned for an article on fire-building best practices and techniques ). But let's say that you've returned not entirely unscathed. You suffered from prolonged exposure to freezing conditions, and now you believe that you may be experiencing symptoms of frostbite, hypothermia , or both. You know that you need to warm your body up ASAP, but you also need to do so responsibly or else you may risk further complicating your complicated circumstances. Frostbite . If you are experiencing symptoms of mild frostbite - skin that appears pale or yellow, exhibits blisters, and feels numb - you will be able to warm the affected areas through either skin-to-skin contact or warm water immersion. Avoid friction and dry heat rewarming sources. Serious cases of frostbite - skin exhibiting blood-filled blisters, gray or bluish color, stiffness, and an acute burning sensation - require professional medical treatment. Hypothermia . Unlike frostbite, hypothermia should always be treated a life-threatening. Symptoms of hypothermia include incessant and intense shivering, drowsiness, confusion, and skin that is cold and red. For treating symptoms of hypothermia, you should remove any wet clothing, concentrate on warming the center of the body (chest, neck, head, and groin), and warm the affected person using skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or any other dry garments that may be available. Chemical hand and body warming packets, heated water bottles, external heat sources like campfires can also be used to warm the affected person. Drinking warm liquids also efficiently warms the core of the body, although never try to give beverages to an unconscious person. Before closing out this article, we want to wish everyone a very happy holiday season! We took a few days offline around Christmas to celebrate with family and friends (and to sneak in a few much-needed hikes). We hope that you were also able to enjoy some time being present with your loved ones. This article references materials original printed in the following exception outdoor survival books: The Meateater Guide to Wilderness Skills and Survival by Steven Rinella (2020) and Surviving the Great Outdoors by Brendan Leonard (2017). Both of these phenomenal books cover not only basic and advanced survival tactics in digestible detail, but also provide instructive information on a broad range of recreational activities. Both of these books receive Expedition Detroit's unsponsored endorsement without reservation, and we recommend that you purchase both as a New Year's gift to yourself. Trust us - your future self inevitably caught up in a survival scenario will thank you.

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 In this instance, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (“EGLE”) has issued violations to Tribar and accelerated enforcement actions related to the July leak. While EGLE’s actions are necessary, advocates for environmental protection around the Great Lakes region, and specifically the Detroit region, agree that the current legal and regulatory framework is insufficient for deterring and reprimanding gross acts of pollution. Enter Michigan House Bill 4314 , first introduced by Michigan House Representative Yousef Rabhi (D-Ann Arbor), on February 23, 2021. Bill 4314 would amend the “Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act,” 1994 PA 451 (the “NREPA”), to require environmental polluters to restore land and water to the highest standard required for residential land use and drinking water. Bill 4314 also provides the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality with the authority to establish and mandate more stringent, remedial actions to be completed by polluters. The NREPA as currently enacted generally only allows for courts to grant preventative relief for stopping the spread of or access to contaminated areas. As such, taxpayer dollars are largely utilized for the clean-up efforts that corporations are largely responsible for. Regardless of the NREPA drafters’ original intentions, the remedies within the Act have unfortunately proven themselves to be insufficient for deterring negligent or reckless pollution. What You Can Do to Advocate for House Bill 4314 In our democracy, the two most powerful tools that citizens can utilize to effectuate change are our dollars and our votes - especially given the upcoming Mid-Term Elections on November 8th . While it’s unlikely that you are a significant customer of a large industrial polluter, any such customers can (and should for ethical and economic reasons) move their business to a more environmentally-conscious partner. The more tenable approach is to contact your representative to demand that they sponsor legislation intended to promote conservation. Several environmental organizations, such as the Sierra Club , Michigan League of Conservation Voters , and FLOW: For Love of Water , have made this action easy via the preparation of online contact forms. Voters often forget that our elected representatives work for us; with enough “reminders” from their constituent bosses, politicians will inevitably align with and advance their interests. As of the date of this article, Bill 4314 has not progressed in any capacity within the Michigan House of Representatives since the day after it was first introduced and shared with the Committee on Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation. While it is undoubtedly true that it takes an immense amount of time and resources to pass meaningful legislation, this total inaction regarding the progression of Bill 4314 is absolutely unacceptable. The July 29th spill further highlights the sense of urgency that all outdoor stakeholders should feel towards the passage of effective and environmentally-protective legislation. The Expedition Detroit team vows to do everything in our power to discourage someone from overriding a contamination warning alarm once, let alone 460 times. We hope that you will join us in doing the same.

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.