the $3 gallon gas price hike appears to be an unfounded rumor.

Project GO-Get Outdoors, July 23rd
*****An Absolute Michigan Editor's Choice*****

The Department of Natural Resources, together with Michigan's Surgeon General Kimberlydawn Wisdom, M.D., and nearly 90 partnering organizations, invite you to discover the benefits of outdoor recreation this Saturday, July 23.

All across Michigan, state parks, state recreation areas, boating access sites, harbors, metro parks and municipal parks are hosting a series of events at 10 a.m.

to encourage all Michigan residents and visitors to GO-Get Outdoors and experience the benefits of outdoor recreation. More than 90 events are planned, ranging from a boat safety inspection to interpretive hikes. Kite flying, t-ball, trail runs, sand sculpting contests, aerobics, yoga and all sorts of fun, imaginative games for all ages are planned.

Nearly nine out of every ten Americans participate in outdoor recreation. But the study "Outdoor Recreation in America 2003" by the American Recreation Coalition also reports that frequency of outdoor recreation is declining, and overall, these numbers are decreasing.

Most people link outdoor recreation to improved happiness, family unity, health and increased educational opportunities. Being active outdoors also decreases crime and substance abuse. Being physically active is one way to reduce a person's risk for more than 30 chronic conditions; however, three out of four Michigan adults are not getting the recommended amount of leisure-time physical activity. Another benefit is that people who enjoy and experience outdoor recreation also learn a deep appreciation for the natural resources found in our Great Lakes State.

Absolute Michigan encourages you and your family to GO-Get Outdoors this weekend
to enjoy Michigan's treasured natural resources and enjoy the benefits of outdoor recreation.

Gov Granholm Goes to Japan, Hopes to Return with Jobs
The Detroit News reports that Gov. Granholm leaves friday on a diplomatic mission to Japan. The goal: lobby Japan's leading automaker, Toyota, to build its next US auto plant on the home turf of Detroit's automakers. According to a survey by the Consulate General of Japan, Michigan has 347 facilities owned or part-owned by Japanese companies, employing 32,203 people.
Also see TOM WALSH: Carmaker diplomacy -- Mission is for work in the Detroit News

UM Solar Car Running Hot in Solar Race
Renewable Energy Access reports that at the end of the first day of the North American Solar Challenge (NASC), a 2,500-mile cross country solar race that began in Austin, Texas on July 17 and ends on July 27 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, the University of Michigan team and their car Momentum was in first place. The UM Solar Car Team blog reports they were still in 1st place yesterday.
U of M Solar Car blog & web site (great pics too!)
North American Solar Challenge web site

Lightning Starts UP Fires, Technology Helps Stop Them
The Mining Journal reports that dry, windy weather across the Upper Peninsula kept state fire fighters busy Monday as crews worked to combat wildfires in Sault Ste. Marie, Newberry and Stephenson. The DNR uses maps showing lightning strikes from the Canadian Ministry of Natural Resources in Ontario to determine where fires are likely to start.

Southeast Michigan Home Starts Decline
The Detroit News reports that building permits for new single-family homes and condominiums in nine SE Michigan counties declined 13.5% from 2004 to 10,090 for the first half of 2005.

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