OurMichiganParks.org

From Howard Meyerson’s m-live column:

I typically am not one to write holiday-themed columns, but I do want to say thank you this week to the legislators in the Michigan Senate for having the wisdom to pass the Michigan State Parks Passport legislation last week.

It is a smart idea that has real potential for mitigating, if not solving, Michigan’s state park funding problems.

The legislation is only halfway home. It needs to be voted on by the state House and signed by the governor to take effect.

Read the entire column

[Note that these are state forest campgrounds and are not part of the state park system. However, the Recreation Passport proposal would provide funding to help keep these campgrounds open.]

From Howard Meyerson of the Grand Rapids Press:

Twelve state forest campgrounds are slated for closure this month, according to Michigan Department of Natural Resources officials.

The closures come in response to budget cuts sought by Gov. Jennifer Granholm. Her executive order this week cut state funding by $221,864,600. The DNR’s budget was cut by $572,900. Granholm sought to trim general fund programs. Only 4 percent of the DNR’s budget comes from state tax dollars.

“No one likes to make cuts, but we have to live in our time,” said Brenda Curtis, the DNR state forest campground program manager. “Everyone is impacted.”

Read the entire column

From Howard Meyerson, Grand Rapids Press:

I love it when a good idea gains traction — especially when it is simple and efficient. Better still when it can help protect natural places. All the better when it can save us money.

That’s what’s happening in Lansing with a bill to fund state parks, state forest recreation and local parks.

State parks were set aside to provide a public land legacy for future generations. We might use them, but with our support, they will be there for the next generation.

Those who care not, pay not. It doesn’t get much simpler.

Read the entire Meyerson column

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.