Michigan state parks news - July 2022

If you love state parks and trails as much as we do, you might be just as excited to learn that federal relief funding is helping us?address a decades-long backlog of repair and maintenance needs at state parks and trails and build a new state park in Flint.

The funding is available through Gov. Whitmer?s Building Michigan Together Plan, a $4.8 billion infrastructure package signed in March.?That funding stemmed from the federal relief program, the American Rescue Plan.

To help you follow along as state park and trail projects progress, we?ve put together a webpage at Michigan.gov/StateParksProgress.?Here you?ll find FAQs, a photo gallery and an interactive map identifying proposed project locations, details and status of those projects.

During the pandemic, people across the country ventured outdoors, including to our very own state parks, trails and waterways, in record numbers. In fact, visitation jumped up about 30% to Michigan state parks.

With those new ? or not so new ? to outdoor recreation in mind, a new ?Recreate Responsibly? video series highlights "guidelines" and tips to protect not only outdoor resources but visitors, too.

Check out these videos to find out how you can help keep Michigan?s unique outdoor places ? and the people who enjoy them ? safe and healthy.

After you have had a chance to watch and learn, consider sharing your stewardship ideas by using the #RecreateResponsibly, #MiOutdoorIdea and #MiDNR hashtags. View Michigan.gov/RecreateResponsibly.

The DNR is creating a photo mosaic tribute to boating the Great Lakes State later this summer, and we need your help!

Submit your favorite boating memories ? as many as you like ? to help showcase Michigan's freshwater paradise.

Simply find your favorite pics from anytime in the last 75 years, visit Michigan.gov/DNR/CelebrateBoating and click on "Share your photos." Photos from your phone are welcome!

Your photos may be used for future boating marketing efforts sent by the DNR, but will not be sold or shared in any other way.

The Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center is offering a unique way to experience "up north." All-inclusive Lodge and Learn packages?are designed for multiple generations. Think of it much like summer camp with family and friends.

For as little as $184 a person, this stay includes two nights of lodging, all your meals, an evening bonfire with s'mores, access to kayaks (for those over age 16) and your choice of outdoor programming with a nature educator. You'll select the outdoor program of your choice,?such as?birdwatching, fish knot jewelry making and waterbug investigation, when you register.?The cost is $2,200 for groups of up to 12 ? save per person when you invite more to join!

You and your friends are invited to ride Michigan's 4,000 miles of off-road trails and/or the state?s five scramble areas during the second Free ORV Weekend this year.

Both Michigan residents and visitors can ride DNR-designated routes and trails Aug. 20-21 without an ORV license or permit. All other ORV rules and laws still apply, and the Recreation Passport is required where applicable.

Typically, there is an entrance fee at Holly Oaks ORV Park (although no Recreation Passport requirement), but the fee will be waived Aug. 20-21.