DNRE Recognizes Boy Scouts' 100th Anniversary

Photo courtesy Mich. DNRE DNRE officials work with scouts during a duck band session. STATEWIDE — The Dept. of Natural Resources and Environment works closely with its constituents— whether they are citizens, businesses or organizations—on cooperative projects to improve habitat and air and water quality, and to support recreational activities. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts organizations are among the oldest—and perhaps least recognized—of these partnerships. Boy Scouts celebrate its 100th anniversary this year and Girl Scouts' centennial follows closely in 2012.

It is not clear when the first cooperative projects began between the scout programs and the department, but almost any DNRE field staffer can identify some project completed on state land or remember a scouting event that was held using state land or facilities. Conservation projects completed by scouts have touched the lives of this state's citizens in many different ways. The department has supported many scouting activities. The 100th anniversary of Boy Scouts offers an excellent opportunity to celebrate these partnerships.

Here are just a few highlights: DNRE Law Enforcement Officer, Greg Drogrowski, remembers his Eagle project at Oakland County’s Bald Mountain Recreation Area, where he helped identify, brush, sign and map trails. These trails are still use today. Bald Mountain has continued its couting partnership with some local cub scouts constructing and installing chickadee and wren houses as well as bat boxes.

A scout from Ishpeming developed an Eagle project to help clean up discarded monofilament line at several Marquette County fishing areas. He constructed fishing line recycling containers and placed them at popular fishing sites.

Recognizing an erosion problem created by an unauthorized trail in Brighton State Recreation Area, an Eagle Scout candidate developed a plan to clean up the site, construct protective fence, and landscape the area with native plants.

At Mitchell State Park in Cadillac, four recent Eagle Scout projects included an accessible duck blind, wood duck nest boxes, blue bird boxes and a grouse habitat restoration project.

In 2009, an Eagle project coordinated through the Wildlife Division reconstructed and replaced wood duck boxes at Dansville State Game Area. Michigan Duck Hunters Association members have worked with local scout units for several years in annual duck banding activities there.

Local scout councils support and maintain three major trail systems in Michigan.

The Chief Pontiac Trail, established in 1958, runs through the Highland and Proud Lake Recreation Areas. Scouts can earn a medal and other recognition for their activities while hiking the trail. The Great Lakes Council recently completed "Fort Pontiac"a long the trail to heighten the experience. Chief Pontiac Trail Committee members provide programs and assistance with service projects for scouts who use the facility.

The Potawatomi Trail in Pinckney State Recreation Area was conceived in 1957 when a scout could not find any local places to prepare for his troop’s trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Scouts chipped in to develop a trail of about 14 miles through the hilly terrain. DNRE employee Roger Storm remembers being one of the first scouts to hike the trail when it opened in 1964. The trail has since grown to 17 miles and is used not only by hikers but has become a popular destination spot for trail bikers in southeastern Michigan.

The most recent trail to be sponsored by a local scout council is the 210 mile Midland-to-Mackinac Trail that follows an ancient Indian footpath. The trail, which runs across several state forest management areas, was rededicated in 2001 for use by hikers and cross country skiers.

The granddaddy of all scout partnerships with the department is no doubt the Mackinac Island Service Camp, now marking its 81st year. Since 1929 scouts (including a 16- year-old Gerald R Ford) have served as honor guards at Fort Mackinac. A Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) building became the permanent scout barracks in 1937. From May through early September, scouts raise and lower flags, provide assistance at several historic locations, and also conduct other service projects. Visiting scouts now provide more than 30,000 hours of volunteer support and service each summer.

An important partnership with the local scouting council supports the restoration and preservation of Walker Tavern at its state historic site in Lenawee County. In 2007 more than 300 scouts participated in a camporee/service project to build a brick walkway on the site.

As important as the service projects that scouts have completed is the organization’s commitment to getting kids outdoors. Scouting has long encouraged a healthy relationship with the outdoors. In both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, advancement and awards can be earned for many different areas of natural resources stewardship or outdoor-recreation activities. The highlight of most scouts’ year is their participation in one of the many scout camp programs offered across the state. Many programs, whether they are day camps for younger scouts or residential week-long camps, center on outdoor recreation. Scouts can earn awards or recognition for events ranging from hiking to fishing, archery, shotgun and rifle shooting, canoeing and kayaking.

Scouting was an important influence for many DNRE employees. A recent inquiry from DNRE Director Humphries identified more than 75 current DNRE employees who were active in scouting and had earned high honors through Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts. Many shared how important their scouting experience had been to their career choices. Beyond this small group is a much larger cadre of employees who, while not have earning eagle or gold awards, nonetheless were influenced by their time in scouting programs. Many DNRE employees are currently mentors and leaders for local scouting organizations.

Scouting is based on developing citizens who are leaders and are engaged in service to their community and nation. The DNRE and the citizens of Michigan congratulate and thank the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts for their untold hours of service and their commitment to the outdoors and our state’s natural resources. The department looks forward to another 100 years of partnership.

Courtesy MDNRE Outreach Program