OurMichiganParks.org

From the Grand Rapids Press:

My license plate renewal arrived in the mail the other day. Like most years, I groaned at the prospect of shelling out another 100 bucks.

But, unlike previous years, this package contained something new: the opportunity to get a state park sticker for only $10.

That’s a steal.

Read the full article

From the Detroit News:

Starting today, Michigan residents renewing their car and truck licenses will have the option of paying $10 for a “recreation passport,” granting them access to all of the state’s parks and boat launches for the year.

Officials are gambling that the option will help maintain the state’s aging and deteriorating parks facilities, which receive no general fund dollars

“We’re hoping residents will make an investment in the great outdoors of Michigan when they go to renew their vehicle registrations,” said Mary Detloff, spokeswoman for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

Read the complete article

From the Detroit Free Press:

Desperate for money to fix Michigan’s crumbling state parks, officials are gambling that motorists will chip in a little extra cash when renewing their car and truck licenses.

A new system for funding the parks begins Friday, when residents will have the option of paying $10 for a “recreation passport” in addition to their vehicle registration fee. Good for a year, the passport will grant access to all 98 state parks and recreation areas, plus boat launches.

Presently, park visitors are charged $6 per day or $24 for an annual pass.

Read more: New Michigan park funding program starts Friday | freep.com | Detroit Free Press

From the Grand Rapids Press:

It has taken a year and half of political wrangling, but a smart proposal for funding Michigan state parks finally is law. A four-bill package was signed Wednesday by Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

The bills create a state park passport that will go into effect in October. The passport will do away with daily entry fees for Michigan residents and reduce the cost of annual admission from $24 to $10.

It wasn’t an easy passage. The Chamber of Commerce and transportation lobby opposed it. Speaker of the House Andy Dillon held it up over the holidays, reportedly to help an old college buddy, now a transportation lobbyist.

But in the end, wiser heads prevailed.

Read the entire article