Michigan State Park crisis delayed, plan put into effect to offset debt
From Howard Meyerson, Outdoors Writer for the Grand Rapids Press (March 14, 2008):
Sitting still doesn’t sit well with the members of the Citizens Advisory Committee for State Parks. And so they don’t. You gotta love ‘em.
They were convened by the legislature to advise it on long-range state park funding matters. The committee developed a smart, forward-thinking proposal last November that is now languishing.
It does away with the $24 annual and $6 daily entry fees at 98 state parks, as well as 1,007 state-run boating access sites. It replaces the higher fees with a $9 fee added to license plate renewals for everyone. Those who do not want to support parks can opt-out and get their $9 back.
Best of all, it would provide funding for state parks, local parks and state forest recreation programs — all which need it badly.
Their very viable proposal is one the legislature should take seriously. It belongs in a portfolio of long-range funding options for the DNR.
You can read the entire article on-line.
Tags: funding, Grand Rapids Press, Howard Meyerson, Recreation Passport
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