Michigan DNR Seeks Public Input on Long Range Plans for Pinckney and Waterloo Recreation Areas at Oct. 2 Open House
The Department of Natural Resources will host an open house on Tuesday, Oct. 2, to gather public input on the proposed Phase 2 Long Range Action Goal Plans for Pinckney Recreation Area (in Livingston and Washtenaw counties) and Waterloo Recreation Area (in Jackson and Washtenaw counties). The open house is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Gerald Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Road in Chelsea, Mich.
Pinckney Recreation Area and the adjacent Waterloo Recreation Area combine to provide more than 30,000 acres of public recreational property in Jackson, Livingston and Washtenaw counties. The parks are home to diverse natural and cultural resources.
Waterloo Recreation Area, for example, features more rare animals and plant species and more exemplary natural communities than any other park in the state system. A variety of recreation opportunities are enjoyed in both parks, including modern and rustic camping; many boating and fishing options; and a vast area of public land open to hunting, trapping and other recreation uses. Trail-use activities are especially important in both parks, popular with equestrians, mountain bikers, hikers, runners, walkers and others.
The open house will provide an opportunity for the public to review and comment on specific long-range actions that are recommended for these two parks. The DNR’s planning consultant, Birchler Arroyo Associates, will conduct the open house. DNR staff will also be available to participate in an overview of the planning process and to address questions regarding the park and the planning efforts already under way.
Anyone needing more information about this open house or the proposed plans, or persons needing accommodations to attend this open house, should contact Paul N. Curtis, DNR Park Management Plan administrator, at 517-335-4832 (TTY/TDD711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired) at least five business days before the open house.
The Recreation Passport is an easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. By checking “YES” for the $10 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, non-motorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. In addition, Recreation Passport holders can experience real savings at businesses and retailers that participate in the Passport Perks discount program. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) at any state park or recreation area or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.
Learn more about this creative way of sustaining Michigan’s outdoor recreation and natural resources at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport. For information on Passport Perks shopping discounts or how businesses and retailers can enroll in the program, visit www.michigan.gov/passportperks.
