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For just $11 (or $6 for motorcycles) a year, Michigan's Recreation Passport enables Michigan-registered vehicles access to more than 100 state parks, hundreds of miles of trails, historic sites, boat launches and other state-managed destinations. That's just 3 cents a day for a years' worth of outdoor exploration.
Starting Jan. 1, 2018, the Michigan DNR will add a $5 convenience fee for resident Recreation Passport purchases made at state parks. This is the same fee Secretary of State charges when a resident adds a Recreation Passport to a vehicle outside the annual registration renewal cycle.
To avoid paying the convenience fee, customers can buy the Recreation Passport online at expressSOS.com, by mail, at a self-service station or in person at a branch office at the time of registration renewal. If a customer wants to add a Recreation Passport to a vehicle after it's registered, they can return to Secretary of State or visit a state park and have it issued for $16 ($11 Recreation Passport plus $5 convenience fee for vehicles) or $11 for motorcycles ($6 Recreation Passport plus $5 processing fee).
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DNR Gets $180,000 Donation for Arctic Grayling Project
Philanthropy continues to have a prominent role in the historic reintroduction of the Arctic grayling to Michigan, with the award of an $180,000 gift from the Henry E. and Consuelo S. Wenger Foundation to the Michigan DNR.
The funds will support a research project as part of Michigan’s Arctic Grayling Initiative.
DNR Fisheries Chief Jim Dexter shared news of the gift at today's Michigan Natural Resources Commission meeting in Lansing.
This initiative is a statewide partnership effort focused on restoring self-sustaining populations of this native fish and was founded by the DNR and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians in June 2016. The partnership includes more than 40 organizations.
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The Michigan DNR recently acquired 355 acres of land adjacent to the Barry State Game Area in southwest Michigan. Known as the Schoneboom property, this land parcel will provide increased wildlife-related recreation and habitat management opportunities at the game area.
The property, the largest addition to the Barry State Game Area in its history, consists of a mix of farmland, forest and wetlands and a segment of the Glass Creek. The Glass Creek, recognized as the highest-quality stream in the Thornapple River watershed, flows north through the game area and into the Thornapple River.
Strategic acquisition of land in priority areas is a critical component of the DNR Wildlife Division land acquisition strategy. Access to lands for hunting, trapping and other outdoor recreation is an important factor influencing participation in these activities. Research shows that individuals are more likely to pursue hunting activities if available lands are within 15 miles of their residence. In southern Michigan, only 3 percent of the land is publicly owned.
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West Nile Virus Found in Michigan Ruffed Grouse
For the first time, the Michigan DNR recently confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus in the states ruffed grouse population.
Five birds collected from August through October, including two found dead and three that were shot by hunters, were submitted for testing to the DNRs Wildlife Disease Laboratory in Lansing, where the confirmation of West Nile Virus was made.
West Nile Virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Most people infected with the virus do not show symptoms.
There is no evidence of human infection from eating properly cooked game that has been infected with West Nile Virus. As a general precaution, wild game meat should be cooked thoroughly, to an internal temperature of 170-180 degrees. Hunters should wear gloves when handling or cleaning game.
"We've had West Nile Virus in Michigan since 2002," said Thomas Cooley, a DNR wildlife biologist and pathologist at the Wildlife Disease Laboratory. "It's the first year that we've seen it in grouse."
In addition to five ruffed grouse testing positive for West Nile Virus at the disease lab, five grouse were tested that did not have the virus.
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The Michigan DNR is seeking volunteer campground hosts in Michigan state parks, recreation areas and rustic state forest campgrounds for the 2018 camping season.
In exchange for 30 hours of service per week, including duties such as helping campers find their campsites, answering camper questions, planning campground activities and performing light park maintenance duties, campground hosts enjoy waived camping fees.
Both individuals and couples may apply for volunteer positions that begin as early as April and last through October. Volunteer hosts must be 18 years of age and provide their own camping equipment, food and other personal items.
"For many visitors, the camping experience wouldn't be the same without campground hosts," said Miguel Rodriguez, promotional agent for the DNR. "These dedicated volunteers engage with park visitors by helping out around the campground, answering camping and park questions and even hosting kids' crafts and fireside activities. All of this is accomplished while they are enjoying some of Michigan's most beautiful outdoor destinations."
Interested volunteers can click on "campground host" at www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers to learn more about the volunteer host campground program, download an application and waiver and view a vacancy host campground report, which is updated regularly and indicates when and where hosts are needed in specific parks.
Hosts are screened and interviewed by park managers and selected based on familiarity with the state park system, camping experience, special skills, availability and knowledge of the area. Hosts must participate in a two-day host training session within the first two years of being selected as a host. The 2018 training will take place June 6-7 at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon.
For information, contact Miguel Rodriguez at 517-284-6127 or rodriquezm2@michigan.gov.