Michigan parks and trails had a banner year in 2021 with a record-breaking 35 million visitors and 1.4 million camping and lodging nights.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Chief Ron Olson said, “Our state parks and recreation system resources, including trails, boating and state forest recreation, are as relevant now as they’ve ever been to the state of Michigan in the past 100 years.”
DNR staff remained on the job throughout the pandemic to offer enhanced recreation opportunities for people who craved outdoor gathering spaces.
As more people took up boating or used motorized vehicles on public trails, there became a need for upgraded law enforcement. Gary Hagler, chief of the DNR Law Enforcement Division said, “This surge of customers has introduced a new demand for outdoor recreation areas and opportunities, reiterating the importance of recreational safety education staff and programs and the need for readily available conservation officers.”
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
