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Recreation Passport Required at State Forest Campgrounds and Non-Motorized Pathway Parking Areas
Contact: Ron Olson, 517-373-9900
Agency:
Natural Resources
March 12, 2012
A change designed to bolster funding for state forest recreation programs and provide better, more coordinated management of all state-administered campsites and non-motorized pathways was approved at the March 8 Natural Resources Commission meeting.
Department of Natural Resources Director Rodney Stokes signed a land use order, effective immediately, that classifies state forest campgrounds and non-motorized pathways as state recreation areas. It requires campers using state forest campgrounds and persons using the state's non-motorized trails and pathways to have a valid Michigan Recreation Passport on their vehicle.
In January, a reorganization of the DNR's former Forest Management Division resulted in the transfer of state forest recreation programs to the DNR's Parks and Recreation Division so that all campgrounds and recreation programs of the Department would be managed by one division.
Since the Recreation Passport was adopted in 2010, it has only been required to enter a state park, recreation area or state-administered boat launch fee site. By requiring the Recreation Passport at state forest campgrounds and non-motorized pathway parking areas, the DNR hopes to increase sales of the Recreation Passport and provide more funding for state forest-based recreation programs.
"We intend to keep all state forest campgrounds open and available for campers," said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR's Parks and Recreation Division. "The days of closing state forest campgrounds are over. During this transition, we will raise awareness of the Recreation Passport requirement for state forest campgrounds and non-motorized pathway parking areas, and put those funds back into maintenance and operations of state forest recreation programs."
The Recreation Passport replaced motor vehicle permits for entry into Michigan state parks, recreation areas and state-administered boating access fee sites. This new way to fund Michigan's outdoor recreation opportunities also helps to preserve state forest campgrounds, trails, and historic and cultural sites in state parks, and provides park development grants to local communities.
Enforcement of the Recreation Passport at state forest campgrounds and non-motorized pathway parking areas will focus on notification of the change. Visitors who do not have the Recreation Passport will be given the opportunity, without penalty, to secure one for the first year.
Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($10 for motor vehicles; $5 for motorcycles) by checking "YES" on their license plate renewal forms, or at any state park or recreation area. To learn more about the Recreation Passport, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport , or call 517-241-7275.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
SKIERS NEED ICE
All of us know how easy it is to get separated from companions at a ski resort. There's also the possibility of disaster just driving to and from a ski resort. That's why it's a good idea to have emergency contact information at the ready. Every minute a ski patroller or first responder saves is a better chance for a good outcome for you.
Every skier should know about and utilize ICE – In Case of Emergency. It’s an internationally recognized program which “enables first responders, such as police, fire and paramedics to identify victims and enable contact with next of kin, guardians or other entrusted persons to obtain important medical information or make emergency notifications. It encourages people to enter emergency contacts in their cell phone contacts list under the name ICE.” www.ems-options.com If you don’t have this information readily available to the responders, they have to search for medic alert jewelry, use visual clues and vital signs, or rely on witness descriptions to make treatment decisions. First responders know to look in a person’s contact list for the ICE listing, so it’s to your advantage to put as much information under your listing as possible.
However, if you have an iPhone there’s a more full-featured application (app) you can put on your phone. The app is called “smart-ICE” and there are free and paid versions. I downloaded the free smart-ICE app and it allowed me to enter emergency contacts, information about my regular doctors, the medications I use, my allergies, special instructions, and even my picture. The app also has a 911 button which I can push to call the nearest 911 operator (regardless of where I am) and then emits an alert noise so responders can locate me. EMS-Options.com recommends that “you place the smart-ICE Icon in the upper left-hand corner of the main page.” For more information about ICE, the Ice4Safety.com website has a wealth of additional information, including free kits and wallet cards you can print out or order.