Clear State Park is hosting its second Annual "GO Get Outdoors" Photo Contest with the winners to be announced at the park's Fall Festival on Saturday, Sept. 26.

"We are looking for striking images of nature-on land, in the air and beneath the water's surface-from anywhere in Clear Lake State Park or the surrounding area. These images may show animal behavior, portraits of wildlife in natural habitat, plant life, natural landscapes, or people interacting with nature, and may be taken at any time of the day or night," said DNR Park Supervisor Greg Kinser.

The categories include:

- Mammals-Portraits and Behavior
- Birds-Portraits and Behavior
- Other Wildlife-Portraits and Behavior (includes underwater life, reptiles, amphibians, insects, spiders and more)
- Connecting People and Nature-People Enjoying the Outdoors
- Landscapes and Plant Life-Scenic Views and Native Plants in Wild Settings

The deadline for submitting photos is Sept. 10. Each participant may submit up to 10 photographs total. Images may be mailed or hand delivered to the park office. Mail submissions to Clear Lake State Park, 20500 M33, Atlanta, MI 49709. Prints submitted by mail must be postmarked or dated by Sept. 10, 2009. Obtain the rules and submission forms from the park by calling 989-785-4388. Prints will be returned upon request.

Winners will be announced at the park's Fall Festival on Sept. 26, 2009 at 12 noon. You must be present to win. During the festival, many events are planned including a chili cook off, pie eating contest, horse shoes, scavenger hunt and other fun activities, in addition to announcing the winners of the photo contest.

Participants are invited to come for the weekend and enjoy fall colors, fishing, hiking and area events like the Atlanta Elk Festival which is Sept. 25-27.

For more information about the Fall Festival, photo contest, accessibility, or persons needing accommodations to participate, contact the park supervisor of at 989-785-4388 (or TTY/TDD711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired). Reservations for camping may be made by calling 800-447-2757 or on line at www.midnrreservations.com.

All motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation are must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for the purchase at the entrance. Cost is $24 for resident annual and $6 for resident daily. A non-resident annual is $29 and a non-resident daily is $8.