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Jan. 26, 2017
Contact: Stephanie Yancer (DNR), 989-274-6182 or Jason Wilkinson (Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency), 517-284-5228
Fireworks-Free Fourth of July offers veterans, others quieter camping options in several Michigan state parks
It's not too early to reserve your favorite campground spot
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Veterans Aff airs Agency again have collaborated to offer Fireworks-Free Fourth of July alternative camping options for veterans and other visitors seeking a quieter holiday this season. Several Michigan state parks and recreation areas will participate July 1-4.
For the third year in a row, the DNR and the MVAA have worked together to offer alternative camping options for those veterans and other visitors, including pet owners, looking for a calmer Fourth of July. These participating campgrounds are located farther away from traditional community firework displays.
“We are pleased to help honor our veterans by offering alternative camping options for veterans, or anyone, who wants a quieter experience in Michigan's great outdoors,” said DNR Parks and Recreation Division Chief Ron Olson. "It's early enough that campsite reservations are still available in all of these parks."
Camping reservations can be made up to six months in advance, which means that the window to reserve these campsites is already here. To check camping availability and make a reservation, visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-44PARKS (1-800-447-2757).
“We are proud to partner with the DNR to offer those veterans seeking quieter Fourth of July alternative options,” Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Director James Robert Redford said. "Post-traumatic stress injury, also known as post-traumatic stress disorder, can occur after a person has been through a traumatic event. For some, fireworks and other loud, unexpected noises can trigger intense feelings of stress, fear or anger, and Fireworks-Free Fourth provides an alternative when celebrating our nation’s freedom.”
The following parks will host *Fireworks-Free Fourth of July, July 1-4:
*Fireworks-Free Fourth of July parks are located far from community displays; however, the DNR cannot guarantee that fireworks will not be set off near the state parks. Aerial fireworks such as Roman candles and bottle rockets are not allowed in Michigan state parks at any time, but small, low-impact fireworks such as fountain fireworks, sparklers and ground spinners are allowed.
To learn more, visit www.michigan.gov/FireworksFreeFourth. Learn more about services for Michigan veterans at MichiganVeterans.com or call 800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838).
Join the conversation online and spread the word about Fireworks-Free* Fourth of July with the hashtag #FwF4th. For more information, contact Stephanie Yancer (DNR) at 989-274-6182 or Jason Wilkinson (MVAA) at 517-284-5228.
/Editors’ note: Accompanying resources, including infographics and photos, are available below for download. Caption information follows.
FFFInfographic.png: Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency have collaborated to offer Fireworks-Free Fourth of July alternative camping options (in several state parks July 1-4) for veterans and other visitors seeking a quieter holiday.
FFFMIVeteransInfographic.png: Michigan is home to 640,000 veterans, with 12 percent having some type of post-traumatic stress injury.
FFFFireworksInfo.pdf: A summary of fireworks prohibited in Michigan state parks and recreation areas, as well as safety tips.
FFFFlyer2017.pdf: A list of the Michigan state parks and recreation areas participating in Fireworks-Free Fourth of July, taking place July 1-4.
FFFPTSIInfo: A summary of how Fireworks-Free Fourth of July was created, facts about post-traumatic stress injury and contact information./
WellsStatePark.jpg: Fireworks-Free Fourth of July offers alternative camping options July 1-4 for veterans and other visitors seeking a quieter holiday this season. Eleven Michigan state parks and recreation areas are participating this season, including Wells State Park in the Upper Peninsula.
LeelanauStatePark.jpg: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Veterans Affairs have partnered for the third year in a row to offer Fireworks-Free Fourth of July in several state parks and recreation areas. Leelanau State Park, in the northwest Lower Peninsula, is one of 11 state parks accepting reservations./
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.
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