The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is offering three ways to learn about and share feedback on a new draft general management plan for Silver Lake State Park.
There are three opportunities to get involved and provide feedback:
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In-person meeting: Tuesday, Sept. 24, 6-7:30 p.m. at Golden Township Hall, 5527 W. Fox Road in Mears.
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Virtual meeting: Monday, Sept. 30, 6-7:30 p.m. Advance registration is required.
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Online public input survey: For those unable to attend either meeting, an interactive online public input survey is available through Oct. 13. Additionally, the Sept. 30 meeting will be recorded and posted on the project website.
At each meeting, DNR staff will present an overview of the draft plan, proposed park improvements and the planning process, followed by an opportunity for people to ask questions and provide comment.
The DNR uses general management plans to define long-range planning and management strategies that protect the resources of state parks while addressing recreation and education needs and opportunities.
"The DNR has been working on a general management plan for Silver Lake State Park since the fall of 2023," said Debbie Jensen, park management plan administrator with the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. "More than 5,000 people took the time to share their initial thoughts this past spring, and the feedback has been instrumental in shaping the first draft of this comprehensive plan for the future."
Silver Lake State Park is home to nearly 3 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 2,000 acres of sand dunes, a modern campground, a day-use area, a boating access site and the popular 450-acre Silver Lake ORV Area – the only motorized sand dune riding opportunity east of the Mississippi River – and more. Mac Wood's Dune Rides operates an interpretive, 40-minute dune tour in the summer months, and special fat-tire bicycling and horseback riding seasons take place in the winter months. Little Sable Point Lighthouse provides opportunities to climb the 100-foot tower, an experience facilitated by the Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association.
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