Michigan DNR to propose closing 23 State Forest Campgrounds - theoaklandpress.com

Michigan DNR to propose closing 23 State Forest Campgrounds - theoaklandpress.com

I admit that I have never camped in a state forest campground, and I understand the state must make budget cuts because the revenue simply is not available. But that doesn’t mean I have to like this. I also question the timing of the release, which was made available Thursday, and the cynic in me insists that budget cuts are not equitable among every state department.Is this the first step down a slippery slope? Are more recreational opportunities going to be eliminated? Will user fees be increased so dramatically that the cost will be out of reach for many of us?

Ironically, at this very same meeting we are supposed to hear an update on the state’s Recreation Passport program. Instead of spending $24 for an annual motor vehicle permit or boating access permit, Michigan residents are now being asked to support the Recreation Passport with an optional $10 fee when renewing their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State. If only 1 out of every 4 motorists voluntarily choose to purchase a Recreation Passport, $18 million will be generated, which would be $7 million more than the previous system.

Dettloff said officials was expected to announce that the Recreation Passport is falling short of its goal of 25 percent participation. She said 20 percent — 1 in 5 people — are buying the $10 Recreation Passport. One reason for this is the fact that there has been no paid advertising campaign to support it — they don’t have the money, Dettloff said. They are hoping social media and word-of-mouth will help spread the news.

So here’s one person spreading the news: Michiganders, buy the Recreation Passport and get your friends and family and co-workers to do the same.

The future of our recreational opportunities, literally, hangs in the balance.

Rick Kessler of The Oakland Press has a blog about camping called the GR8 Lakes Camper found on TheOaklandPress.com."See Full Article - theoaklandpress.com