GO-Get Outdoors

Many GO-Get Outdoors events are planned this summer. Our calendar at http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10365_41665-156969--,00.html is updated weekly, so be sure you check back before planning your next visit to a state park or recreation area. 

June 9-10 is Michigan's annual summer Free Fishing Weekend. For these two days, residents and nonresidents can fish without purchasing a fishing license, though all other fishing regulations still apply. More than 50 parks and harbors have activities planned for this weekend (most related to fishing), so all you need is a motor vehicle permit and a desire to have fun. Put the paint brush and shovel away, postpone those errands and head for your favorite state park or recreation area.

No Planned Fee Increases for Michigan State Parks in 2007

Although there was some confusion when new fees recently were announced for Michigan's 143 state forest campgrounds, camping fees for all Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas did not increase this year.

The rustic state forest campgrounds, which were first developed in the 1920s as a fire control initiative and have since grown to offer 3,361 designated and group campsites, are managed by the DNR Forest, Mineral and Fire Management Division.

There are no planned fee increases for Michigan State Parks in 2007.

We are trying very hard to keep costs down. In fact, following the recommendation of the Citizens Committee for Michigan State Parks, DNR Director Rebecca Humphries approved a Director's Order that eliminated the $5 registration fee paid by those who visit our campgrounds without a reservation.

But we continue to need your support. Michigan State Parks do not receive any money from the state's general fund (tax dollars). And with the high cost of gasoline, we realize your reluctance to drive a long distance for vacation. So instead of taking that longer trip, why not come out and camp closer to home on the weekends. Look at our "GO" calendar to see if there is an activity that appeals to you or your family. Or just come out to enjoy a picnic or relax on the beach. Please support Michigan State Parks.

Strategic Planning

Parks and Recreation Division is still looking for your input on the long-range goals and objectives for the division. Whether you use a park, harbor or access site we are looking for your answer to the following questions:

1.     What is the one thing about Michigan boating or park programs/facilities you most enjoy?

2.     What is the one change you would like to see at access sites/harbors or parks?

3.     Do you have any comments or suggestions on our programs or facilities?

Survey cards are available at all parks and harbors or you submit your response online at    

DNR-RecreationFeedback

Stewardship -- Volunteer Stewards Update

Volunteers contributed almost 500 hours this spring protecting native wildflowers by removing garlic mustard, an invasive, nonnative plant, from natural areas in seven southeast Michigan parks and recreation areas. Native species, including the round-lobed hepatica, wild geranium, may-apple and trillium, all were in full bloom, providing volunteers a great opportunity to appreciate the beauty they were helping to preserve. 

Fifteen volunteers also helped us to map patches of garlic mustard that will be pulled in the future and release beetles, a biological control that eats purple loosestrife.

Thank you to all who have helped improve these high-quality ecosystems!  

Volunteers currently are in full swing planting native wildflowers and grasses and will start cutting invasive shrubs at the end of June. There are plenty of opportunities for you to get involved. For a list of upcoming events, visit www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers and click on the "Calendar of Volunteer Stewardship Workdays" link. Our fall schedule of native seed collecting workdays will be posted soon. If you have any questions, please contact Laurel Malvitz at (248) 359-9057 or e-mail her at malvitzl@michigan.gov.

GTS = Green Toilet/Shower Building

Parks and Recreation Division is designing a new "green" toilet/shower building, featuring enhanced accessibility, for use in our campgrounds. Integrated Architecture, of Grand Rapids, is assisting us in developing an environmentally conscious toilet/shower structure. The building design will complement a park's natural setting, while reducing energy consumption through the use of recycled building materials and ultra-efficient mechanical features. The project is another example of our commitment to sustainable design and stewardship. The first structure is planned for Grand Haven State Park.

F.M. White Pine Trail -- Paving Begins

A segment of the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail from Russell Road to Sand Lake is scheduled for paving this summer. Bids for the project were accepted in late May. The project is a partnership of the Friends of the White Pine Trail Group, MDOT and DNR. DNR monies include contributions from the Snowmobile Fund, and are being provided to put down a new paving mix that is more tolerant of snowmobile use.

MichiganClean Marina Program

Eighteen harbors have been certified as "Clean Marinas" by the Department of Environmental Quality. They are: Port Austin State Harbor, Lexington State Dock, Harbor Springs Municipal Marina, Petoskey Marina, Village of Port Sanilac, New Buffalo Municipal Marina, South Haven Municipal Marina, City of St. Ignace, Copper Harbor State Dock, Eagle Harbor State Dock, Lac LaBelle State Dock, Boyne City Marina, Manistee Municipal Marina, East Tawas State Dock, Cedar River State Harbor, Hammond Bay State Harbor and Mackinac Island State Harbor. 

This voluntary program was initiated to preserve and protect Michigan's Great Lakes and its connecting waterways. Marinas can do their part by reducing and eliminating releases and discharges of harmful pollutants, sediments, nutrients and general refuse that can damage aquatic environments. In order to receive designation as a Clean Marina, participants must complete a 10-step process, which includes training, a self-evaluation checklist, and a site visit and evaluation.

Twin   Lakes   State Park and Alanson Lock

Twin Lakes State Park in Houghton County has received improvements that upgrade electrical service at all campsites in the park. Thirty-one sites now have 50/30 amp service and 30 sites offer 30/20 amp service. In addition to the electrical upgrades, Twin Lakes also has a mini-cabin and a modern lodge available for rent.

The Alanson Lock on the Crooked River is back in business. This lock connects homes on Crooked Lake and Pickerel Lake, as well as two marinas, to the Inland Waterway. Last summer, the motors that move the 200-pound gears that lift large gates at each end of the lock burned up twice, forcing the lock to close early. Since then, workers have made the much-needed repairs, which is good news for those who use the waterway. Last year, more than 10,500 boats passed through this lock. 

Important Reminders

Anglers and boaters can help prevent the spread of VHS (Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia) and other viruses or bacteria that cause disease in fish. Do not move fish or fish parts from one body of water to another or release live bait into any water body. Dispose of minnows in the trash or garden when you're done fishing. Clean boats, trailers and other equipment thoroughly between fishing trips. Using a light bleach solution of one half cup of bleach to five gallons of water to clean vessels and live wells is very effective against VHS and other viruses and bacteria that cause disease in fish.

Also, when pulling your boat out of the water, be sure to check for Eurasian Milfoil. Always drain your bilge water and empty the water from the live well.

Have a safe, enjoyable summer. Join in the fun in Michigan's Great Outdoors.