DNR reminds inland fishing guides about state land use permits

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2012

Contact: Steve Sutton, 517-241-9049 or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014

Inland fishing guides reminded of permit required to use state lands

The Department of Natural Resources reminds fishing guides who use state-owned lands to access Michigan's inland lakes or streams as part of their commercial operation that they are required to have written permission from the DNR prior to using state-owned lands.

Since 2006, inland fishing guides in Michigan have been required to obtain written permission, in the form of an operating agreement, to use state-owned public water access sites. In addition to paying an annual Use of Land fee, guides must also provide proof of general liability insurance and must have a state-issued inland pilot's license or a U.S. Coast Guard captain's license. Annual fees provide funding for state forest lands maintenance, including public-water access sites. Guides are also required to participate in the Recreation Passport initiative when using boating access fee sites.

For more information, contact, Brenda Mikula, DNR Parks and Recreation Division, at 231-597-0472 or visit www.michigan.gov/fishing and click on Angler Information, then Inland Fishing Guides, to find a link for the fishing guide operating agreement application form.

For information on how to obtain an inland pilot license, contact Sylvia Roossien, DNR Law Enforcement Division, at 517-241-3793.

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.