Rockport State Rec Area closed April 20-23 for military training exercise

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2015

Contact: Blake Gingrich (DNR), 989-734-2543 or Michigan National Guard - Public Affairs Office, 517-481-8141


Rockport State Recreation Area closed April 20-23 for
Michigan National Guard training exercise

Sections of Rockport State Recreation Area (Presque Isle and Alpena counties) will temporarily be closed to the public April 20-23 due to a Michigan National Guard training exercise, “Arctic Eagle.” Parts of the park that will be closed include the Rockport Road entrance, quarry and boating access site at the harbor of refuge. Besser Natural Area will remain open during the entire training exercise. 

Arctic Eagle will consist of ground forces from the Danes and Michigan Army National Guard soldiers. The exercise will include some explosive simulators and weapons firing blanks, helicopters and other aircraft. 

During the training exercise, park staff and National Guard officials will work to minimize any inconvenience to the surrounding communities and park visitors. The Michigan DNR is working with representatives from Camp Grayling to coordinate this training exercise. For more information about Arctic Eagle and scheduled training exercises, please contact the Michigan National Guard public affairs office at 517-481-8141. For information about Rockport State Recreation Area, please call Blake Gingrich, park supervisor, at 989-734-2543. 

The Rockport State Recreation Area is one of Michigan’s newest state recreation spots, located north of Alpena on the beautiful sunrise shores of Lake Huron. The property is comprised of more than 4,200 acres of ever-changing terrain and a protected deep-water harbor. Visitors can enjoy an old 300-acre limestone quarry with Devonian period fossils, a unique series of sinkholes and the Besser Natural Area. 

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. 

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.