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Help create a roadmap for future planning at Van Buren State Park; online survey available through Nov. 24
October 29, 2024
To help ensure Van Buren State Park continues to meet the needs of visitors and the community, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking for public input on a new general management plan for this park in southwest Michigan's Van Buren County.
Visitors, community members, stakeholders and others interested in sharing their opinions, ideas and experiences are encouraged to participate in an online survey, available through Nov. 24. Links to both the online survey and the project website are available at Michigan.gov/VanBuren.
The DNR uses general management plans to define a long-range planning and management strategy that protects a park's natural and cultural resources, while also addressing recreation and educational needs and opportunities.
"The public's input is crucial to the development of the draft general management plan, which will be informed by the valuable insights gathered during the public input process," said Debbie Jensen, park management plan administrator for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. "We will also host a public meeting in spring 2025, providing opportunities for people to review and provide comment on the new draft plan for the park."
Located on Lake Michigan near South Haven, Van Buren State Park features 1 mile of sandy beach, towering dunes, a modern campground, wooded trails and a day-use area. Visitors can also explore the 4-mile Van Buren State Park Spur Trail, which leads to the city of South Haven. Along the way, they can connect to the 12-mile Van Buren Trail State Park and the 33.5-mile Kal-Haven Trail State Park.
Additional information on the DNR’s general management planning process is available at Michigan.gov/ParkManagementPlans.
For more about the public survey or proposed plan, contact Debbie Jensen at JensenD1@Michigan.gov or 517-230-6837.
Accompanying photos are available below for download.