The Lake St.Clair Network: Free Mobile App For Michigan Recreation

Explore Michigan State Parks, Campgrounds and Boat Launches

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has entered the app world with the launch of the official MI Camping and Recreation Locator application. Now available at no cost at Black Berry App World, Android Market and on the App Store, the app offers users an easy way to locate information about their favorite Michigan state parks, forest campgrounds, boat launches and outdoor activities.

Developed by the DNR and the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB), this user-friendly app offers search opportunities for state parks, forest campgrounds and boat launches by region, city or proximity. Features include:

• Camping, lodging and boating information

• Maps showing the location of each state park, forest campground and boat launch

• Distance between you and each recreational opportunity

• Click-to-call phone numbers to easily contact the recreational facilities

• Boat launch information such as name and size of the lake, river or pond, details about the ramp and number of parking spaces

• State park and forest information such as size of the park, special rules, description of the park and activities you can find there

• Information about outdoor recreational opportunities, such as swimming, hiking and horseback riding

Developed to help Michigan citizens and visitors discover the state’s plentiful outdoor recreation resources, the app aims to boost attendance at Michigan state parks, a goal of Governor Rick Snyder’s administration, and to create even greater customer service.

“With the MI Camping and Recreation Locator app, the people of Michigan and our many guests now have a great tool to conveniently sort through information about our 99 state parks and recreation areas, forest campgrounds and over 1,000 boat launches to easily determine the best place for them and their families to camp, hike, boat, ride horseback and truly experience Michigan’s great outdoors,” said Governor Snyder.

“The use of technology to improve customer service will help Michigan residents and visitors enhance their outdoor experience,” said DNR Director Rodney Stokes. “This is the fi rst of many apps we hope to develop to help our customers enjoy Michigan’s great outdoors.”

According to Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation Division chief, the app is another example of the DNR’s commitment to customer service, offering a convenient and fun way to locate the perfect recreational opportunity.

“Customer service is a department priority,” Olson said. “In fact, it’s highlighted as one the DNR’s top four priorities. This user-friendly app gives our visitors yet another facet to explore and enjoy Michigan’s natural treasures.”

David Behen, DTMB chief information officer, pointed out that Michigan citizens are accessing information differently than they have in the past. “Our great partnership with the Department of Natural Resources is what made this possible, and you can expect to see more mobile applications and these types of partnerships as we utilize technology to move the state forward.”

To learn more about the app, go to www.michigan.gov/campandreclocator.

About the Recreation Passport:

The Recreation Passport has replaced motor vehicle permits for entry into Michigan state parks, recreation areas and state-administered boating access fee sites. This new way to fund Michigan’s outdoor recreation opportunities also helps to preserve state forest campgrounds, trails, and historic and cultural sites in state parks, as well as providing park development grants to local communities.

Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($10 for motor vehicles; $5 for motorcycles) by checking “YES” on their license plate renewal forms, or at any state park or recreation area. Nonresident motor vehicles must still display a valid nonresident Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) to enter a Michigan state park, recreation area or stateadministered boat launch. These can be purchased at any state park or recreation area, or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.

To learn more about the Recreation Passport, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport or call the Recreation Passport call center at 517-241-7275.

About the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.