The Department of Natural Resources is celebrating the opening of Michigan's newest and most energy-efficient harbor, Straits State Harbor in Mackinaw City, on Saturday, July 18.

Public tours are scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. to showcase the energy efficiencies and new technologies that turned the former Mackinaw City state ferry dock into one of the most energy-efficient harbors on the Great Lakes. At 6 p.m., an official ribbon-cutting ceremony will occur.

Straits State Harbor features eight on-site wind turbines that generate 60 percent of the harbor's energy resources. Smart design features, such as motion and lumen detectors, will keep energy usage within the harbor buildings to a minimum. Universal accessibility requirements were also a high priority in the design process, said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR's Parks and Recreation Division.

The opening of Straits State Harbor marks a new direction for the Michigan Departments of Natural Resources, Management and Budget, and Energy, Labor and Economic Growth. Through a tri-departmental effort, Straits State Harbor will be open for business on July 18, and this event will commemorate the occasion.

"This harbor will provide a great boost to tourism in the Mackinaw and Straits areas, as well as Mackinac Island, from boaters and anglers from Michigan and visiting from other states," said DNR Director Rebecca Humphries. "We are pleased to have our first 'green' marina, which includes wind turbines to power the facility and other energy conservation features."

This project is funded through the Michigan State Waterways Fund, a restricted fund derived from boat registration fees and a portion of the Michigan marine fuel tax for the construction, operation and maintenance of recreational boating facilities, harbors and inland waterways.

Straits State Harbor is located at 409 S. Huron St. in Mackinaw City. The tours and ribbon-cutting ceremony are open to the public.

For more information about this event, the harbor, accessibility, or persons needing accommodations to attend this event, contact the Cheboygan Field Office at (231) 627-9011 (TTY/TDD 711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired) or visit www.michigan.gov/dnr, under "Recreation, Camping & Boating."

Harbor reservations can be made online at www.midnrreservations.com, or by calling the DNR central reservation system at 800-447-2757.

Join the DNR in celebrating the 90th anniversary of Michigan State Parks (1919-2009) this year. Events are being posted at www.michigan.gov/dnrgogetoutdoors, and memorabilia can be purchased at www.michigan.gov/dnr, through the Michigan e-Store.