Register your boat by March 31
 Don't be a fish out of water this season! Make sure that your boat registration is up to date. All watercraft, unless exempt, must be registered with the Michigan Secretary of the State. Registrations expire March 31 in the third year of issuance.
Boaters can register their watercraft online, by mail or in person at the Secretary of State. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/boating.
Don't forget these "ferry" helpful tips :)
- Schooner or later, you'll need to register your boat.
- An unregistered boat is as helpful as a screen door on a submarine.
- Don't get caught dead in the water with an unregistered boat.
- Register your boat and you're in for a whale of a good time.
- You'll have a hull of a time boating Michigan waters.
Pardon our puns. We have been landlubbers for way too long - we're ready to get out on the water!
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Boating improvements
 The Michigan State Waterways Fund, which is funded through the state marine fuel tax and watercraft registration fees, helps fund many improvement projects and waterways program grants.
To enhance boating in Michigan, there are a number of exciting waterways projects taking place across the state.
2016 highlights:
- Fayette Snail Shell State Harbor Pier construction (Delta County) (pictured)
- Belleville Lake East Boating Access Site redevelopment (Wayne County)
- Porcupine Mountains State Park Union Bay Boating Access Site redevelopment (Ontonagon County)
2017 planned for completion:
- East Tawas State Harbor Pier construction (Iosco County)
- White Lake BAS redevelopment (Oakland County)
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Free Fishing Weekend Feb. 18-19
 Grab a fishing rod and take advantage of the first of two Free Fishing Weekends Feb. 18-19. Twice a year, residents and non-residents can enjoy two back-to-back days of fishing without a license. All other fishing regulations apply.
Additionally, the DNR will waive the regular Recreation Passport entry fee that grants vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks and recreation areas. Several of these locations will host Free Fishing events!
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Slip-specific reservation options for 2017
 A new pilot program now allows boaters to make slip-specific reservations in select Michigan state harbors. As a result, boaters will have the opportunity to reserve their favorite slips and know exactly what they are getting before arriving.
The five facilities participating in the pilot project are William G. Milliken State Harbor (Wayne County), Straits State Harbor (Cheboygan County), Grand Haven Marina (Ottawa County), Lake St. Clair Marina (Macomb County) and Saint Clair Boat Harbor (St. Clair County). Reserve your slip up to six months in advance at www.midnrreservations.com.
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Reservations available at Beaver Island Municipal Dock beginning late March
 Beaver Island Municipal Dock will join the list of other municipal marinas taking advantage of the DNR's centralized reservation system. Beginning late March, boaters will be able to reserve their favorite slips online at www.midnrreservations.com or by calling 1-800-447-2757.
The marina, which serves the boating needs of Beaver Island, is located in the St. James Township near the ferry dock. It is open May 15 to Sept. 30.
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Embrace Michigan's great outdoors with new state parks Instagram account!
 Follow
@mistateparks and fold a little Michigan love
into your Instagram feed! The new Instagram account connects outdoor
enthusiasts to Michigan state parks, trails and waterways.
Share your boating photos
(and your experiences) by using the hashtag #miparks or #mistateparks and, you never know, we might
just feature your photo in our next post!
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Prepare to set sail at upcoming boat shows
 See hundreds of boats and models on display under one roof. Find out the latest trends in accessories, engines, fishing gear and more.
Don't miss these upcoming shows:
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