For Immediate Release

School is “In” at OUTDOORAMA, Feb. 25 to 28 in Novi;
All questions answered, no tests allowed at four-day show

NOVI — State and federal agencies charged with managing Michigan’s natural resources heartily approve of Outdoorama, February 25 to 28 at Rock Financial Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi.  That’s because Michigan’s biggest outdoor show gives them access to thousands of hunters and anglers, conservationists and lovers of wildlife.  

Each year people spend nearly 25 million days fishing Michigan’s lakes and rivers, and hunters spend almost 12 million days in the state’s forests, marshes and fields.  Wildlife watchers rack up another 10 million days annually.  

They have questions.  The agencies have answers.  The newly combined Michigan DNR/DEQ, for example, expects to have staff on hand from each resource division, including Law Enforcement.  The newest editions of the hunting and fishing guides will be available for free.  Experts can answer questions about the merger, Asian carp, the emerald ash borer, and other natural resource topics on the public’s mind.  Their booth will feature educational displays of animal pelts, skulls and scat for fun activities.  

The Michigan Secretary of State office will feature information about the state's enhanced driver's license, which allows people to return from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean without a U.S. passport. The enhanced license is a great option for sportsmen and women who may travel to Canada for hunting, fishing or other recreational trips. It can be used for border crossings by land or sea, but not for air travel.  Patrons can get their questions answered about other departmental services, such as vehicle registration or voting. The display will have literature and a computer with access to the department's Web site.

The U.S. Forest Service will provide rangers from the Huron Manistee and Hiawatha national forests.  Michigan has nearly 3 million acres of federal forest land.  Habitat improvement programs for the endangered Kirtland’s warbler occur mostly on public properties in the Mio area.  Rangers will also discuss motorized access routes through these expansive forests and will hand out mapped guides.  Children can play an interactive Smokey the Bear Fire Safety Game and may have a chance to meet Smokey himself.  

U.S. Customs and Border Protection will have staff on hand to provide the traveling public with information about how to be prepared to cross the border during their trips.  Handouts and brochures covering "Know Before You Go" tips, “Reporting
Requirements For Pleasure Craft,” and appropriate documents for crossing the border are free.  Officers will answer any questions patrons have about who the agency is and what it does to protect America’s borders at and between ports of entry.

Many other governmental and private sector groups are in the show to dispense information, answer questions and help patrons plan their recreational outings.  These include family vacations and hunting and fishing trips.  

The Ohio DNR, for example, will staff a booth with a lot of literature that relates to boating, hunting, and fishing in northwest Ohio, including the western basin of Lake Erie and Wood, Lucas, Fulton, Williams, Defiance, Henry, Paulding and Putnam counties.

The Ohio Travel Pavilion is in the show to “Borrow Some Tourists,” for a weekend or  long vacation at any time of year.  The agency will have well over 100 different brochures representing all areas of Ohio with things to do for the faint-of-heart tourist to the very adventurous.  

Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership offers information on Ontario’s hunting and fishing opportunities.  Exhibit staffers represent more than 2,000 resource-based tourism businesses in the province and will promote both the Ontario experience as well as encourage patrons to visit the many angling and hunting web sites of their clients.

Among the many non-profit organizations at Outdoorama is the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.  The group will have volunteers with expert knowledge about the laws and safe practices regarding powerboating and sailing.

The show is packed with chambers of commerce and travel bureaus in Michigan and beyond.  Outfitters Expo is a virtual show within the show with scores of outfitters, guides, charter boat captains and destinations offering trips from Alaska to Africa.  Individual lodges, including remote fly-in adventures, in Ontario and Quebec, are well represented.  

The National Rifle Association and the Sierra Club are national organizations that have reserved space in the show.   

Outdoorama, started in 1974 by the Michigan United Conservation Clubs, has a rich tradition of showcasing conservation clubs and organizations throughout the state.  Many of these MUCC affiliates are exhibitors in the show to hand out literature, educate the public, and recruit new members.  Here is a partial listing:  

• Michigan Bass Federation
• Michigan Bear Hunters Assn.
• Michigan Bow Hunters
• Michigan Charter Boat Assn.
• Michigan Darkhouse Anglers Assn.
• Michigan Duck Hunters Assn.
• Michigan Fly Fishing Club
• Michigan Forest Assn.
• Michigan Gun Owners
• Michigan United Conservation Clubs
• Oakland County Pheasants Forever
• Quality Deer Management Assn.
• Western Wayne County Sportsmen’s Club
• Commemorative Bucks of Michigan
• Howell Nature Center
• Huron Valley Chapter of the NWTF
• Huron Valley Chapter of DU
• Huron Valley Sportfishing Club
• Ingham County Pheasants Forever
• MetroWest Steelheaders
• Dads of Foreign Service Veterans
• Operation Injured Soldiers
• Sons of the American Revolution
• Downriver Walleye Federation

If you have questions or need information about natural resources, the environment or recreational pursuits—including travel—then Outdoorama is the show for you.  

Show hours are Thursday and Friday, 2 to 9:30; Saturday, 10 to 9; and Sunday, 10 to 5.  Admission is $10 for adults and $4 for children 6 to 12 (no charge for kids 5 and under).  

Bonus:  Outdoorama patrons receive free crossover admission to the 3rd Annual Cottage & Lakefront Living Show, which runs concurrently at Rock Financial Showplace.  

For more information, call 800-328-6550 or go to www.Outdoorama.com and www.CottageandLakefrontLivingShow.com.