DNR working to improve dune-ready access to Silver Lake State Park ORV Area

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2015

Contact: Greg Sherburn or Charlotte Kiefer, 231-873-3083


Silver Lake State Park ORV Area access improvements

The Department of Natural Resources has collaborated with a Silver Lake Off-Road Vehicle Area (SLORVA) core task group since January to develop an improved access plan for the SLORVA.

The process began last fall to address the long waiting lines to access the ORV area, which have caused inconvenience for the users of the area and the local community.

After the DNR's initial ORV area plan was outlined and considered last fall, the DNR received additional public comment, resulting in a more robust process to improve the plan.

More than 248 users participated in the first meeting in January. Three additional planning sessions followed, concluding with a final meeting involving a 16-member core task group comprised of volunteers. Several improvement strategies were identified. The objective is to speed up access to the ORV area by ensuring users are “dune-ready” prior to arriving at the entrance to the dunes. Strategies include:

• Online instruction and educational videos.
• Better educational and flow signage.
• Ability to purchase ORV and trail permits and Recreation Passports off site.
• More efficient check-in process and dune access.
• Assessing options to expand parking.
• Realignment of the site traffic flow.
• Establishing a welcome center for dune information. 

Local businesses, sheriff’s department, emergency management, township and road commission representatives joined Silver Lake State Park and other DNR Parks and Recreation staff to provide input in this dynamic planning process.

ORV riders planning to visit Silver Lake should review the updated system online at www.michigan.gov/silverlake.

There will no longer be a voucher system for dune-ready access; however, the voucher process will be used consistent with the past process for use of the parking lots for trailered ORV units.

“We have a very passionate community of ORV riders,” said DNR Parks and Recreation Chief Ron Olson. "We are glad to have their participation and input as we work to improve Silver Lake State Park ORV Area and provide high-quality recreation experiences that our visitors love and expect.”

This season will be treated as a pilot program. Particularly on busy holiday weekends, volunteers will assist in implementing the new procedures. The process will be evaluated throughout the summer to ensure that it functions well, maximizes the recreational experience and creates minimal impact to the community.

For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/silverlake or contact Silver Lake State Park Supervisor Charlotte Kiefer at 231-873-3083.

Inside Michigan’s Great Outdoors subscribers are always the first to know about reservation opportunities, state park events and other outdoor happenings. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr to subscribe now. You can also sign up for updates on specific topics like off-road vehicle trails.

A Recreation Passport grants vehicle access to any Michigan state park, boat launch, state forest campground or nonmotorized state trailhead parking. Residents can purchase the Passport for just $11 ($5 for motorcycles) at the time of Michigan license plate renewal through Secretary of State. Forgot to check “YES” during renewal? Residents and nonresidents can purchase a Recreation Passport window sticker during regular business hours at state parks. Learn more about how the Recreation Passport supports state parks and local outdoor recreation opportunities at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.