A State Park and Recreation Area "Management Planning" process was initiated in 2002. For park planning this process establishes a 'Planning Team' that is inclusive of all Resource programs and offices of the Department, key stakeholders, and the public. Within the guidance of the mission of the Department, the Planning Team establishes a unique "Purpose" and "Significance" for each park, and defines "Management Zones" that respect and define the natural and historic/cultural resources of the land while establishing appropriate levels of development and human interaction for education, interpretation, and recreation in each zone.

This is a four phase process that starts with Phase 1, a long-range (20-year) "General Management Plan" that establishes the 'Management Zones' of each park. Phase 2 is a long-range (10-year) "Action Plan", and Phase 3 is a short-range (5-year) "Implementation Plan". Phase 4 of the management planning process is an annual report reflecting performance in meeting the Phase 1-3 Plan objectives, and mapping out desired outcomes for the coming year.

Highlights of the planning process are that it stresses inclusion of all Resource programs of the Department, and strong interaction with park stakeholders and the public in the development of the plan. Additionally, the plan review stream incorporates review and comment from the appropriate Department Eco-Team, the Statewide Council, the Stewardship sub-Committee of the Citizen's Committee for Michigan State Parks (CCMSP), and the CCMSP, prior to approval by the Director of the Department.

A key component to Management Planning is the inventory and analysis work of DNR Stewardship Program staff. This helps to define the resource values of the park and the establishment of the Management Zones. In concert with the Management Zone definitions is the establishment of a Stewardship Plan for each park.