Let it snow!

Michigan's Recreation Passport is your key to winter fun at state parks

Whether you ski, sled, toboggan, ice fish, snowmobile or snowshoe, Michigan’s state parks offer lots of seasonal fun. Secretary of State Ruth Johnson reminds Michigan residents that they can get in on the fun by buying a Recreation Passport when they renew their plate tabs or get a new plate.

Many state parks offer snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities and events, among other wintertime outdoor activities, and state boat launches are great places for anglers to find new ice-fishing spots. Select state parks offer winter camping opportunities in lodges, yurts, tepees and several types of cabins.

“Winter is a great time of year and offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation,” said Johnson, who loves the outdoors and has been known to kayak in January. “I encourage people renewing their plate tab to help support Michigan’s exceptional parks by buying a Recreation Passport. For only $11, the natural wonder of Michigan’s woods and waters can be yours all year long.”

The Recreation Passport allows Michigan motorists the option of paying an additional $11 per vehicle, or $5 per motorcycle, when renewing a vehicle registration or registering a new vehicle. The letter “P” is printed on the vehicle tab of people who have bought the Recreation Passport.

The passport allows entry into Michigan state parks and recreational areas, forest campgrounds, and boat launch and nonmotorized trail head parking for no additional cost. Hundreds of shopping discounts are also available across the state to passport holders through the Passport Perks program.

“Michigan’s state parks, trails, boat launches and other outdoor spaces are true treasures. They make our state a great place to live, work and play,” said Department of Natural Resources Director Keith Creagh. “Checking ‘yes’ to the Recreation Passport allows people to enjoy these treasures and ensures that these important natural areas will be around for generations to come.”

Sales of Agricultural Heritage license plates help Michigan's future farmers

When you buy one of Michigan's Agricultural Heritage license plates, you help provide support to agriculture educational programs for grades K-12.

The plates highlight a red barn, silo and rolling green fields crowned with the sun. For every one sold, $25 of the $35 purchase fee goes to help the cause.

Another milestone
for ExpressSOS.com

ExpressSOS.com, the online, no-wait Secretary of State, surpassed its 6 millionth transaction on Dec. 7.

The online services portal has been racking up a million transactions every six months or so. And customers continue to send MDOS feedback about how much they appreciate the online option.

"Thank you for online license renewal. I used Express Renewal today and it was incredibly fast and easy," said one recent customer in an email.

Give the gift of life

One person can save the lives of up to eight people through organ donation. The same person can also improve the lives of up to 50 people through tissue and eye donation.

Watch a touching story about the miracle of organ donation.

This holiday season, please consider giving the gift of life by joining Michigan's organ donor registry. You could make a profound difference.

Make a plan with the
Mi Prepares app

Be sure to check out a new free mobile application for Apple and Android devices including smartphones from the Michigan Department of Community Health that is designed to help citizens and their families prepare for emergencies.

The Michigan Prepares Emergency Plan app allows users to create, manage and export emergency plans from their mobile devices.