June 9, 2011

The Department of Natural Resources invites women to learn the basics of kayaking on Tuesday, June 28, and Thursday, June 30, in Milford. Kayaking provides fun outdoor exercise and is a great way to get an up-close look at wildlife and take in the scenery. The two-part class is being offered through the department's Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program and will be held on both weeknights from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Proud Lake Recreation Area, Heavener Canoe Livery in Milford.

Introduction to Kayaking is comprised of two segments, one on land and one on the water. During the land segment, participants will learn kayaking safety, tips on comfortable clothing and shoes, types of kayaks and paddles, weather awareness and other potential hazards.

During the water segment, participants will be introduced to proper entry and exiting a kayak, proper paddle grip, the "total body kayak stroke" concept and a full set of strokes suitable for beginners. Time and weather permitting, the class will take a relaxing paddle around the lake.

The class is offered in cooperation with Black Parrot Paddling, LLC and Heavener Canoe and Kayak Livery, Inc. The class will meet at 2775 Garden Rd. in Milford.

The registration deadline is June 23, and the cost is $65 per person. For registration forms and information on this and other BOW programs, visit www.michigan.gov/bow, call 517-241-2225 or email dnr-outdoors-woman@michigan.gov.

BOW is a noncompetitive program for women, in which each individual is encouraged to learn at her own pace. The emphasis is on the enjoyment, fun and camaraderie of outdoor activities, and sharing in the success of one another.

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. To learn more about the Recreation Passport, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport, or call 517-241-7275.

Non-resident motor vehicles must still display a valid Non-Resident Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) to enter a Michigan state park, recreation area or state-administered boating access fee site, which can be purchased at any state park or recreation area, or through the Michigan estore at www.michigan.gov/estore.

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.