The legislation was announced by Senator Patty Birkholz, chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee, and Representative Rebekah Warren, chair of the Great Lakes and Environment Committee, at a press conference in Lansing .

      "During these difficult economic times, we want to encourage state residents to visit Michigan 's state parks and take advantage of our vast natural resources," said Birkholz, R-Saugatuck Township .  "The state parks are in need of funding to ensure proper maintenance and upkeep for years to come, and Michigan residents need close and reasonable vacation locations.  This proposal will provide the funding our parks need and make it more affordable for residents to visit our parks system."

     The two-bill package would provide a long-term funding source for state parks, local recreation programs, boating access sites, and non-motorized forest recreation areas.  It allows Michigan residents to voluntarily contribute $10 to the parks system when they pay their annual vehicle registration fee.  The legislation eliminates the need for the current special vehicle parks permit, which costs $24.  Instead of a specific permit, an official Michigan license plate will serve as the parks passport.

     "Although the general fund once provided most of the capital necessary to support state parks, these dollars are now used in other areas of the budget," said Warren, D-Ann Arbor.  "This legislation will provide Michigan residents the opportunity to show their support for state parks and will also free up park employees to work on other essential activities in the parks."

     Funds raised would be used for state park operations and maintenance; local and regional recreation grants; forest recreation pathways and state forest campgrounds; cultural and historic resources on Michigan Department of Natural Resources managed lands; and operations maintained by the Secretary of State's office. 

     Birkholz thanked the Citizens' Committee for Michigan State Parks, which was c reated in 2004, for helping develop the alternative funding proposal.  

     "The committee has been dedicated to finding a viable alternative for our state parks funding," Birkholz said.  "I appreciate their efforts to help provide Michigan residents with a more convenient and affordable way to visit our state parks."

Out-of-state residents will still be required to purchase an annual pass for $29 or a day pass for $8.

Read the resolution then share your thoughts on this idea. 

Email DNR-RecreationFeedback or visit the Citizens Committee for Michigan State Parks