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July 15, 2026
To help ensure W.C. Wetzel State Recreation Area meets the needs of visitors and the community, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with Macomb County, is asking for public input on a new general management plan for this largely undeveloped park in southeast Michigan.
Visitors, community members, stakeholders and others interested in sharing their opinions, ideas and experiences are encouraged to participate in an online survey, available through Sunday, Aug. 16.
Links to both the online survey and the project website are available at Michigan.gov/Wetzel.
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. Macomb County’s Department of Planning and Economic Development has partnered with the DNR to facilitate this planning initiative, continuing a long-established interest in the only state park in Macomb County.
This new plan will replace a Phase 1 general management plan completed in 2008.
"The public's input is critical 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, DNR park management plan administrator. "The DNR will also host a public meeting once the new plan is drafted, providing opportunities for people to review and provide comments."
Spanning 913 largely undeveloped acres, W.C. Wetzel State Recreation Area offers a rugged escape highlighted by 3.3 miles of hiking trails, expansive wetlands and a dedicated radio-controlled airplane field. The landscape, bisected by the winding East Branch of Coon Creek, provides a scenic backdrop for hunting, fishing, bird-watching, cross-country skiing and more. The park is named in honor of Walter Cline Wetzel, a WWII U.S. Army soldier and Medal of Honor recipient.
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 DNR-PRD-Planning@Michigan.gov or 517-230-6837.
Note to editors: Accompanying photos of sites at W.C. Wetzel State Recreation Area are available below for download.
Contact: Debbie Jensen, 517-230-6837
Conservation groups, K-12 students and landowners across the Upper Peninsula will improve hundreds of acres of white-tailed deer habitat this year after receiving state grants generated from deer hunting license revenue.
Public ceremony/signing set for Friday, July 17
At its July meeting in Escanaba, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Western Upper Peninsula Citizens’ Advisory Council is scheduled to learn practical tips for a safe and enjoyable state park experience, receive an update on charter boat captain requirements and consider several resolutions addressing bat research, fishing and climate change and guiding on the Great Lakes in winter months.
Nearly 100 parcels available; sale proceeds will be used to acquire land that better fits the department’s outdoor recreation, conservation goals
A 33-year-old man from Flint who was tubing the Au Sable River through Roscommon Thursday afternoon was located later that evening in good condition walking through the woods after family members reported him missing.
Recent research suggests gray foxes may be harder to find than previously thought, and the DNR is asking the public to help locate them
Looking for outdoor fun? Ways to help your favorite places? We've got you covered!
Michigan’s 10 Forest Legacy projects range from 160 acres in size to more than 147,000 acres and include important ecological spots in the northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula. All of these projects are now on display in a new, interactive story map.
A Mecosta County jury unanimously agreed that Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Ryan Cox is innocent of charges stemming from an officer-involved shooting that occurred three years ago.
