Michigan state parks news - April 2024

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, incredible coverage is predicted at the following locations (plus viewing events are taking place there):

• Erie State Game Area in Erie - 99.98% totality.
• Sterling State Park in Monroe - 99.8% totality.
• Lake Hudson Recreation Area in Clayton?- 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 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.

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 ? 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.

We're hiring passionate educators and nature lovers to provide Nature Awaits programming 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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

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.