Closing of Michigan Campgrounds

[rodro123]

http://www.rvbusiness.com/2011/05/mi...RV+Business%29

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is taking another look at its plan to close 23 state forest campgrounds, according to an Associated Press report.

The campgrounds are in the northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula and aren’t used much. The DNR proposed closing them to save money at a time of budget cutbacks.

Director Rodney Stokes had planned to sign a closure order Thursday.

But spokeswoman Mary Dettloff says it was delayed so the department can talk with local governments interested in running some of the campgrounds.

Officials also will consider having state park officials take over maintenance of certain forest campgrounds, which are more primitive than those at the parks. Dettloff says the parks division has already agreed to operate the Lime Island campground.

But she says some forest campgrounds probably will close.

[Rustic Eagle]

There has been talk about these cuts in the works for a couple of years ever since the Michigan General Fund doesn't contribute to the State Park system like it use to. Michigan State Park managers have been complaining for a couple of years now about not having any money to maintain or up-grade their respective campgrounds.

I hope some of my of my favorite off-the-grid spots don't get shut down....time will tell.

Bob

[rodro123]

Good news from the state of Michigan regarding its proposal to close 23 state forest campgrounds: it’s not gonna happen … well, not yet, anyways.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Rodney Stokes recently tabled a director’s order to close 23 state forest campgrounds until the June 9 Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting. The order was eligible for Stokes’ signature at Thursday’s NRC meeting in Flint.

My story publicizing the original proposal to close the campgrounds can be found by clicking here.

Stokes said he was tabling the order to give DNR staff more time to work on two plans to keep more of the campgrounds open. First, he wants to give DNR staff more time to discuss leasing agreements with local units of government that have expressed an interest in some of the campgrounds targeted for closure.

Stokes also wants to give the DNR’s Forest Management Division staff time to work with the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division staff on a joint management agreement for some of the campgrounds. He also announced that the Lime Island State Forest Campground in the St. Marys River near Sault Ste. Marie, on the list for closure, would be transferred to the DNR Parks and Recreation Division to manage.

“It is always unfortunate when we have to close campgrounds due to budget cuts and low revenues,” Stokes said. “However, by tabling this order until the June NRC meeting, we buy some time to keep discussing options with local units of government and within the Department to keep some of these campgrounds operating this year.”

In May, the DNR announced it would be closing 23 of the 133 state forest campgrounds in the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula. State forest campgrounds are rustic camping sites located within state forest land – they are not state parks. Reasons cited for the closures are a 63 percent reduction in General Fund support for the State Forest Recreation Program over the last three years and declining use and revenues.

The June 9 NRC meeting is scheduled for the Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health in Lansing near the Michigan State University campus.

From the companion blog: Among other items, River Ridge Campground in Breckenridge (Mich.) will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary the weekend of May 20-21; 10 great reasons why camping during the springtime most anywhere in the Great Lakes region is a wonderful experience; a handy-dandy list of Pittsburgh area festivals and events; and Ohio going all out with a bunch of deals and discounts to lure summer travelers.

[wiscampsin]

Hope things work out for you, Michigan has alot of beautiful and enjoyable SP's.

[Seann45]

Have you ever noticed how they never cut their pet do nothing for you programs but always put cuts on the ones people want and like...