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"*Michigan state parks news - April 2024*"

Eclipse chasing in Michigan state parks, game areas

The moon sitting on top of sun with rays peeking out

Get ready! A rare solar eclipse is set to pass over North America Monday, April 8, and people everywhere are making plans to experience this astronomical phenomenon.?

While the path of totality is predicted to touch only the southeastern-most corner of the state, most state parks and wildlife areas offer prime viewing for the partial eclipse due to their open skies and minimal light pollution.

According to NASA's Eclipse Explorer [ [link removed] ], incredible coverage is predicted at the following locations (plus viewing events are taking place there):


* Erie State Game Area in Erie [ [link removed] ] - 99.98% totality.
* Sterling State Park in Monroe [ [link removed] ] - 99.8% totality.
* Lake Hudson Recreation Area in Clayton [ [link removed] ]?- 99.3% totality.?

There's plenty of shadow chasing in other areas of the state, too, from Belle Isle Park in Detroit (99.4% totality expected) to Fort Wilkins Historic State Park in Copper Harbor (75.3% totality expected). You can use NASA's Eclipse Explorer to find the percentage estimate [ [link removed] ] in your part of the state.

"No matter where you are when the eclipse occurs, remember to never look directly at the sun with your naked eye, even during a partial eclipse; always use certified eye protection. For more details and safety tips, check out NASA's eclipse safety page [ [link removed] ]."



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E-bikes may soon be allowed on state park trails

two bikers on paved trail surrounded by trees

Class 1 e-bikes may be allowed to operate on natural surface, nonmotorized trails on state park-managed land open to bicycles ? explained in this recent news release [ [link removed] ] ? under a proposed DNR land use change.

Under current Michigan law, only Class 1 e-bikes ? those that are pedal-assisted and can go up to 20 miles per hour ? are allowed on improved surface trails. These are paths that are paved or consisting of gravel or asphalt. Current law also allows for local entities to expand or further regulate e-bike usage in their communities.?

Results from a public survey, which was open throughout March, will be shared during the April 11 Michigan Natural Resources Commission meeting. The proposed policy change will go before DNR Director Scott Bowen for action at the commission's May meeting, with any approved change going into effect immediately thereafter.

Learn more about the current e-bike policy at Michigan.gov/DNR/Ebikes [ [link removed] ].



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Hiring Nature Awaits educators

Nature Awaits logo with leaf, tree and print

We're hiring passionate educators and nature lovers to provide Nature Awaits programming [ [link removed] ] to fourth-grade students at state parks throughout Michigan!

These positions are part-time (eight to 29 hours per week), with flexible scheduling and pay starting at $15 an hour. Learn more about these positions and how to apply [ [link removed] ].

"*And, there are more job opportunities!* There are also current postings for short-term, part-time and full-time positions, such as summer park workers, conservation officers, seasonal park rangers, seasonal park interpreters and more. Visit Michigan.gov/DNRJobs. [ [link removed] ]"



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Dreaming about Michigan's boating season?

Boaters and leashed dog standing on skid pier waiting to load boat

Before you cast off, make sure you're ready to hit the water. Here are some key reminders:

Now is the time to renew your watercraft decal [ [link removed] ] with the Michigan Secretary of State. Registrations expire every three years on March 31.

Turn your boat shrink-wrap into something new! There are easy options to recycle your shrink-wrap [ [link removed] ] and fishing line.

Many harbors offer seasonal slips and all harbors offer "transient" slips, available for boats more than 11 feet long staying two weeks or less. Explore harbors and reservations opportunities [ [link removed] ].



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Ready to ride? Buy your ORV license and trail permit today

ORVs riding along trail in woods

This month marks the start of the 2024-25 off-road vehicle [ [link removed] ] season in Michigan, and now is a great time to purchase your license and trail permit [ [link removed] ].

You'll be able to access thousands of miles of state-designated ORV trails and scramble areas, eligible county/national forest roads, state forest roads open to ORV use and more. ORV licenses and trail permits are valid for one year, from April 1 to March 31 of the following year.

"Your dollars make a major impact: Fees generated through ORV licenses and trail permits are reinvested into the ORV system, benefiting trail expansion, grant funding for annual trail grooming, infrastructure improvements and more uses."









park here

*Michigan.gov/StateParks [ [link removed] ]*

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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Department of Natural Resources ? Constitution Hall, 525 W. Allegan St., PO Box 30028 Lansing MI 48909 ? 1-800-439-1420