DNR - Boating

Boating in Michigan

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• Michigan Waterways Commission creates emergency dredging plan With current water levels in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron at all-time lows - and levels in lakes Michigan, Huron and St. Clair expected to continue dropping - the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that the Michigan State Waterways Commission has adopted an emergency dredging plan that will provide zero-match grant funding opportunities for harbors of refuge, recreational boating harbors, marinas and boat launches most affected by the low water levels.
View documents from the Emergency Dredging Meeting

• Online Boating Safety Classes and ExamMichigan now offers two online boating safety classes and Exam:
BoatEd.com and BoaterExam.com

• Harbor Listing

• Boating In Michigan Is Fun Unmatched recreational fun on the water.

• Download a Copy of the 2013 Harbor Guide PDF icon This publication is designed to offer information, location and amenities of Michigan's many harbors. It provides an aerial photograph and short description of each harbor to offer you a view of what to expect while traveling on Michigan's waters. Please note that this document is nearly 50 MB in size, so a high speed connection is recommended.

• Who Needs to Take a Boater Safety Course? Michigan conservation officers and Michigan county sheriffs encourage all persons operating boats in Michigan to enroll in a boating safety course.

• Welcome to the Water (video)

• The Handbook of Michigan Boating Laws and Responsibilities The Handbook defines the basics of boating, laws and regulations, navigation rules, weather emergencies, encountering other vessels and much more. Safe navigation on Michigan waterways is the responsibility of everyone. NOW AVAILABLE Kindle edition

• Map of Michigan Harbors

• Anglers and Boaters: You are an important partner in preventing the spread of fish diseases and other aquatic nuisance species Anglers and boaters can take some easy steps to prevent the spread of fish diseases and other aquatic nuisance species such as zebra mussels by taking the following steps to help prevent the spread of the virus.

• Waterways Watch Be on the lookout for suspicious activity this summer and help keep Michigan's waterways safe.

• Michigan Recreation Boating Information System (MRBIS) There are over 1,300 public boating access sites and over 80 harbors and marinas throughout the State of Michigan administered by State, county, and local units of government. This website gives you the ability to locate and map boating access sites, harbors, and marinas for your next boating adventure! Use the Fish Finder!!

• Inland Lake Maps Now you can access bathymetry maps from the DNR Web site!

• Boat Rentals in Michigan State Parks Most Michigan State Parks are located on lakes or rivers so that visitors may enjoy boating activities while staying at a state park or recreation area.