DNR seeks public input on the lakefront and beach access at Bay City State Recreation Area

Contact: Debbie Jensen, 517-335-4832 or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014
Agency: Natural Resources

Sept. 27, 2013

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in partnership with Bay County, is undertaking a study of the lakeshore area of Bay City State Recreation Area to identify and prioritize future improvements to the shoreline. The shared goal of the study is to enhance visitation to the shoreline by offering diverse outdoor recreation opportunities and improved public access to the Saginaw Bay. The study will explore avenues by which the park can support the economic vitality of the Bay region, while protecting and preserving the natural and cultural features of the park.

The public is invited to complete an online survey to provide input valuable to the planning team. The survey can be found at www.surveymonkey.com/s/BCSRA_Public_Input_Survey and will be available until Oct. 25, 2013. Survey input will inform the planning team as it develops options and creative, sustainable solutions for improving the shoreline of the park.

This is the first of several opportunities for citizens to be part of the planning process. Area residents and stakeholders are also invited to a public workshop on Monday, Oct. 21, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Riverfront, 1 Wenonah Park Place, in Bay City. Using a small-group workshop format, the DNR and Bay County officials will share additional information on the project and seek participants' active input.

For more information about this survey or the lakeshore and beach access study, contact Debbie Jensen, DNR park management plan administrator, at 517-335-4832 (TTY/TDD711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired).

The Recreation Passport is an easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. By checking "YES" for the $11 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, nonmotorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. In addition, Recreation Passport holders can enjoy real savings at businesses and retailers that participate in the Passport Perks discount program. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($30.50 annual; $8.40 daily) at any state park or recreation area or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.

Learn more about this creative way of sustaining Michigan's outdoor recreation and natural resources at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport. For information on Passport Perks shopping discounts or how businesses and retailers can enroll in the program, visit www.michigan.gov/passportperks.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.