June 2, 2011

The Friends of the Porkies will soon offer woodworkers the opportunity to learn the historic craft of timber framing. The hands-on class will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 12-18, at the Porcupine Mountains Folk School at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park near Silver City in Ontonagon and Gogebic counties.

Participants will be guided through design, layout, boring and chiseling mortises, forming and pegging tenons, cutting wind braces and assembling bents while working to complete the 20-foot by 20-foot timber-framed roof for the Peace Hill stage used at the Porcupine Mountains Music Festival.

Ten spaces are open in the class. Cost is $395 per participant and includes a daily lunch, course materials, and a ticket to the Porcupine Mountains Music Festival, held Aug. 26-28, and hosted by the Friends of the Porkies.

The sessions will be taught by David Suutala and Steve Stier, skilled framers with over 40 years of combined experience, and will cover the basics of the timber frame art, use of hand and power tools, and layout. The sessions are for beginning timber framers, advanced wood workers, contractors and graduates of the previous sessions.

"This is an active hands-on workshop, so come prepared to work hard, learn a lot and have a great time," said Jim Bradley, president of the non-profit Friends group that provides support to Michigan's largest state park. To enroll in the class, call Beth Allen, 906-884-4188, or e-mail ontcoedc@charter.net.

The Peace Hill stage located at the Porcupine Mountains ski area is used at the Porcupine Mountains Music Festival, an annual event held in a unique northern wilderness setting. This eclectic musical experience at the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park has been enjoyed by hundreds of music lovers for the last five years.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is located at 33303 Headquarters Rd. in Ontonagon County. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicles entering the park.

The Recreation Passport has replaced motor vehicle permits for entry into Michigan state parks, recreation areas and state-administered boating access fee sites. This new way to fund Michigan's outdoor recreation opportunities also helps to preserve state forest campgrounds, trails and historic and cultural sites in state parks, and provides park development grants to local communities.

Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($10 for motor vehicles; $5 for motorcycles) by checking "YES" on their license plate renewal forms, or at any state park or recreation area. Nonresident motor vehicles must still display a valid nonresident Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) to enter a Michigan state park, recreation area or state-administered boating access fee site; these can be purchased at any state park or recreation area, or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore. To learn more about the Recreation Passport, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport or call 517-241-7275.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.