Craig Lake State Park, located in Baraga County, is considered the most remote state park in the system. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources seeks public input on a strategic plan on this and other state parks. (Photo courtesy of the DNR)

MARQUETTE — Managing the state’s parks and recreation system is a big job with many components, and it could use public input.

As the Michigan Department of Natural Resources works to finalize the draft Parks and Recreation Division Strategic Plan for 2023-2027, it said it is turning to the visitors and residents “who know and love these destinations” for feedback.

However, it noted that the opportunity for draft plan review and comment closes on Jan. 20.

The DNR Parks and Recreation Division currently manages 103 state parks and recreation areas, totaling more than 300,000 acres across the Upper and Lower peninsulas. Additionally, it oversees the state’s boating program, the state motorized and non-motorized trails system, and 140 state forest campgrounds.

“In Michigan, our diverse natural, cultural and recreation resources have always played a defining role in residents’ quality of life and, in a sense, our very identity as Michiganders,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation Division chief, in a news release. “People come back year after year, making memories at state parks, trails, campgrounds and harbors, and it’s vital that we have a clear plan to protect these unique resources while anticipating and meeting customers’ expectations.”

The plan ultimately will guide the division in carrying out its mission to “acquire, protect and preserve the natural and cultural features of Michigan’s unique resources, and to provide access to land- and water-based recreation and educational opportunities.”

The plan is expected to go into effect this spring.

Olson said public feedback is an important component of this plan.

To develop a well-informed and supported strategic plan, input workshops were held with staff and advisory groups to identify the PRD’s strengths, challenges and opportunities, the draft strategy plan says. From those workshops, six priority issues were identified.

They are resources conservation and recreation; staffing; funding; environmental sustainability; diversity, equity, inclusion and justice; and management and administration.

When annual action plans are executed, they will address and respond to these issues.

The plan lists goals and objectives as well. They include preserving, protecting, maintaining and restoring Michigan’s natural and cultural resources on PRD-administered lands; fostering appreciation for natural and cultural resources by providing inclusive and diverse recreation and education experiences; sustainably funding PRD programs, operations and facilities; fostering efficient business practices that support division priorities, staff retention and recruitment; integrating environmentally sustainable practices into PRD culture, which include addressing climate change as well as waste and energy reduction.

At the beginning of each calendar year, the PRD will establish annual actions to be accomplished within the designated year, according to the draft plan. This allows a degree of flexibility to adapt to unforeseen challenges and opportunities, while setting achievable milestones to measure progress.

At the end of each year, the division will report on the status of satisfying the annual action plan and the strategic plan goals and objectives.

The draft plan, which includes a timeline of significant parks-related events, is available for public review and comment, with the comment period open through Jan. 20.

To review the plan, visit Michigan.gov/StateParks. Send comments or suggestions to DNR-PRD-Planning@Michigan.gov.

For more information on the plan, contact Debbie Jensen, park management plan administrator with the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, at 517-230-6837 or JensenD1@Michigan.gov.

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.