Conservation and Environment

Projected revenue based on participation includes:

• # 25 percent participation generates $18,060,000
• # 50 percent participation generates $36,120,000
• # 75 percent participation generates $55,180,000
• # 100 percent participation generates $72,240,000

This Recreation Passport initiative grew out of a proposal developed by the Citizens Committee for Michigan State Parks, to provide a more stable, sustainable funding source for state parks, which lost all general taxpayer support in 2004. Since then, state parks and recreation areas have operated primarily on user fees and by borrowing from funds intended for capital repairs and improvements.

For the 2010 calendar year, a Motor Vehicle Permit will still be required for entry to state parks, recreation areas and boating access sites. As citizens renew their vehicle registrations on and after Oct. 1, 2010, they will be offered the option to support state parks and recreation areas, state forests and boating access sites by paying an additional $10 toward their vehicle registration fee.

Out-of-state residents will still be required to purchase a $29 annual Motor Vehicle Permit, or $8 Daily permit.

According to Olson, the signing of this new law is timely. In 2011, all fund balances in the restricted funds that operate state parks will be exhausted. "There are $38 million in annual unmet needs for failing infrastructure at our state parks that the current system cannot generate enough revenue to cover," he said. "This new system will prevent the further decline of the state park and state forest system."

Visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport for more information, or call the DNRE, Recreation Division at 517-373-9900.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is committed to the conservation, protection, management and accessible use and enjoyment of the state's environment, natural resources and related economic interests for current and future generations.

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