Michigan Closing 20 State Forest campgrounds

[Starcraft Dad]

Closing campgrounds.
July 9, 2007 until at least October 1, 2007
I'm missing two someplace.



Bass Lake State Forest Campground (Luce)
Black Lake State Forest Campground and Trail Camp
Headquarters Lake State Forest Campground
High Bridge State Forest Campground
Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp
Long Lake (Wexford) State Forest Campground
McCollum Lake State Forest Campground
Mead Creek State Forest Campground
Muskrat Lake State Forest Campground
North Gemini Lake State Forest Campground
North Horseshoe Lake State Forest Campground
Pike Lake State Forest Campground-Luce
Pinney Bridge State Forest Campground
Shelldrake Dam State Forest Campground
South Gemini Lake State Forest Campground
Thunder Bay River State Forest Campground
Twin Lakes State Forest Campground
Walsh Road Equestrian State Forest Campground and Trail Camp

[mjsmith1223]

That's too bad.  Any indication as to why the state is closing the campgrounds?  Budget reasons?  I'd imagine if they don't re-open by October 1, then they won't re-open until next spring, if ever.

[AustinBoston]

I'd imagine if they don't re-open by October 1, then they won't re-open until next spring, if ever.

Even if they were closed, hunters would force them to be open.

Austin

[ForestCreature]

It's a bummer to hear about the CGs closing. I hope it does not go further into the forest CGs next year. We are lucky to have so many here.  Here is the whole article, copied from the DNR website.  I question now that those are closed if they qualify for dispersed camping.



[size=+1]Campgrounds [/size]                                             [size=-1]July 6, 2007[/size] [size=-1]The Department of Natural Resources today announced the closure of 20 state forest campgrounds throughout the state to facilitate a $75,000 reduction in state General Fund appropriation to the Recreation and Trail Program for fiscal year 2007. The campgrounds will be closed effective Monday, July 9, 2007. [/size]

 [size=-1]State forest campgrounds are within state forest lands in Michigan, and are not state parks. State forest campgrounds offer a more rustic setting for primarily tent camping. Basic campsites are $15 per night or as posted at the campground information stations. State forest campgrounds are not staffed and are not a part of the DNR's online reservation system. [/size]

 [size=-1]?To be forced to limit any outdoor experience has been a very difficult decision for the department," said DNR Director Rebecca A. Humphries. ?Michigan's natural resources offer amazing recreational opportunities, and we encourage everyone to camp at one of the 118 campgrounds that will be open the remainder of this season." [/size]

 [size=-1]All 138 state forest campgrounds were reviewed in developing the closure list. The three factors that were considered in developing the list include revenues collected per campground, revenues per campsite and revenues per mile. The combined factors placed the closed facilities at the low end of the revenue-producing state forest campgrounds. Closing them will provide a cost savings to the program, DNR officials said. [/size]

 [size=-1]Campground closures will occur in the following counties: Alpena, Antrim, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Crawford, Luce, Marquette, Oscoda, Otsego, Schoolcraft, Grand Traverse and Wexford. [/size]

 [size=-1]The remaining 118 state forest campgrounds will be open and available for rustic camping throughout the Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Peninsula. [/size]

 [size=-1]Dispersed camping (camping outside of designated campgrounds) on state forest lands is prohibited within one mile of designated state forest campgrounds. There are no fees for dispersed camping. [/size]

 [size=-1]For additional information on state forest campgrounds that will be open the remainder of this season, please visit the DNR Web site at //www.michigan.gov/dnr and click on Recreation and Camping. [/size]

 [size=-1]The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural resources for current and future generations. [/size]

 [size=-1]State Forest Campgrounds Closing Effective July 9, 2007[/size]

  [size=-1]ATLANTA MANAGEMENT UNIT (3 close; 10 remain open)
 Twin Lakes,          Cheboygan County
 Black Lake Trail Camp,        Cheboygan County
 Thunder Bay River,           Alpena County[/size]

  [size=-1]CADILLAC MANAGEMENT UNIT (1 close; 13 remain open)
 Long Lake,           Wexford County
[/size]

  [size=-1]GAYLORD MANAGEMENT UNIT (2 close; 8 remain open)
 Pinney Bridge,         Antrim County
 Stoney Creek Trail Camp,      Cheboygan County[/size]

  [size=-1]GRAYLING MANAGEMENT UNIT (3 close; 14 remain open)
 Walsh Road Trail Camp,        Crawford County
 Muskrat Lake,          Oscoda County
 McCollum Lake,           Oscoda County[/size]

  [size=-1]GWINN MANAGEMENT UNIT (2 close; 15 remain open)
 Pike Lake,           Marquette County
 N. Horseshoe Lake,        Marquette County[/size]

  [size=-1]NEWBERRY MANAGEMENT UNIT (4 close; 13 remain open)
 Shelldrake Dam,           Chippewa County
 High Bridge,           Luce County
 Headquarters Lake,         Luce County
 Bass Lake,            Luce County[/size]

  [size=-1]PIGEON RIVER COUNTRY (1 close; 7 remain open)
 Johnson's Crossing,        Otsego County[/size]

  [size=-1]SHINGLETON MANAGEMENT UNIT (3 close; 8 remain open)
 Mead Creek,           Schoolcraft County
 N. Gemini Lake,           Schoolcraft County
 S. Gemini Lake,          Schoolcraft County[/size]

  [size=-1]TRAVERSE CITY MANAGEMENT UNIT (1 close; 15 remain open)
 Forks,            Grand Traverse County[/size]

[mjsmith1223]

It's a bummer that Forks on the Boardman River is closing.  Hopefully I can continue to park there to access the river for fishing.