While the fall season has us thinking about cooler weather, the DNR is already gearing up for next year?s summer season by seeking business partners in Michigan state parks. If you have a concession business, now is a great time to bid on two opportunities.

?This year is special because two of our largest concession operations are up for bid: Tahquamenon Falls and South Higgins Lake state parks,? said DNR Parks and Recreation's Lori Green, who oversees commercial land use in state parks, trails and waterways for the east side of the state.

In 2021, Tahquamenon Falls State Park welcomed more than 575,000 visitors, and the concession generated more than $1 million in revenue. The concession building was reconstructed this year and will reopen in 2023 with a brand-new, 3,600-square-foot-facility perfect for food trucks, rowboat rentals, a gift shop and more.

South Higgins Lake State Park welcomed more than 162,400 campers and 80,000 day-use visitors in 2021, who generated more than $500,000 in sales for the beach store on-site.

Concessionaires have until Nov. 2 to bid on Tahquamenon Falls and South Higgins Lake, but other opportunities are also posted for Tawas Point, Maybury, Sleepy Hollow, Van Riper and Wilson state parks, as well as Pontiac Lake Recreation Area. Other locations will be added throughout the month of October, including Warren Dunes and Muskegon state parks.

?Tahquamenon Falls and South Higgins Lake are two of the many great opportunities available this year. From RV rentals and a horse livery and guide services to beach shops and restaurants, there are many opportunities to establish a small business within state parks and harbors,? said DNR Parks and Recreation's Elissa Buck, who oversees commercial land use in state parks, trails and waterways for the west side of the state.

Currently, there are several business opportunities up for bid, including food trucks, a riding stable, beach concessions and more. Visit Michigan.gov/StateParkConcessions to see a list of current opportunities.

Questions? Contact Lori Green or Elissa Buck.

Planning on spending the cold-weather season around a cozy, crackling campfire or gazing at glowing coals through the windowpane of a woodstove? Then it?s time to get to work collecting wood!

Gather dead and downed wood from designated state forest areas, primarily in the northern two-thirds of Michigan, with a $20 fuelwood permit. Permits are valid for a maximum of 90 days and all expire Dec. 31. Purchase permits online through DNR eLicense or in person at select office locations.

Plan to harvest firewood from the location closest to where you live to reduce the chance of spreading forest pests or diseases.

Fuelwood permit details:

• One permit per household each year.
• Permits are for personal use only.
• Up to five cords of wood may be gathered under the permit.

See available state forest collection locations, learn about collection rules and find related information at Michigan.gov/Fuelwood. Get tips and tricks for safe and efficient wood burning from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency?s Burn Wise program.?

For fuelwood collection in federally managed forests, find details on your local national forest website: Hiawatha National Forest, Huron-Manistee National Forest or Ottawa National Forest.?

Questions? Contact fuelwood program coordinator Doug Heym, 517-930-4248, or timber program forester Jake Reid, 517-284-5908.

We all know the importance of keeping the outdoors clean ? whether that?s packing out trash on a trail or picking up litter at a state park beach. The move toward clean energy is just as important, and the DNR recently earned recognition for efforts in this area.

At the Michigan Energy Innovators Gala Sept. 28 in Detroit, the DNR was presented with the Project of the Year award for its partnership with Utopian Power to bring clean, renewable energy to Michigan state properties.

After careful planning and installation ? making sure not to negatively affect the outdoor experience of visitors ? solar arrays and electric vehicle charging stations were set up at several state properties. The solar arrays will generate clean, renewable energy and create opportunities for visitors to learn more about innovations in clean energy while they enjoy their time in the outdoors. The EV charging stations keep Michigan at the forefront of the changing automobile landscape.

With this project, Michigan continues to be a leader in sustainability and renewable energy, ensuring our natural resources are here for future generations to enjoy. ?