To help create a roadmap for future planning at Silver Lake State Park in Oceana County, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking the public for feedback on a new general management plan for the park via an online survey.

The DNR uses such plans to define long-range planning and management strategies that protect the resources of state parks, while addressing recreation and education needs and opportunities. The updated Silver Lake plan will replace the park's Phase 1 general management plan completed in 2012 and incorporate goals for the next 10 years. 

"Public input is a critical component of park planning, and the draft general management plan will be developed in response to the valuable information learned during that process," said Debbie Jensen, park management plan administrator for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. "The DNR will also host a public meeting in the fall of 2024, providing opportunities for people to review and provide comment on the park's updated draft plan."

Silver Lake State Park is home to nearly 3 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 2,000 acres of sand dunes, a modern campground, a day-use area, a boating access site and the popular 450-acre Silver Lake ORV Area – the only motorized sand dune riding opportunity east of the Mississippi River – and more. Mac Wood's Dune Rides operates an interpretive, 40-minute dune tour in the summer months, and special fat-tire bicycling and horseback riding seasons take place in the winter months. Little Sable Point Lighthouse provides opportunities to climb the 100-foot tower, an experience facilitated by the Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association.