DNR waives Recreation Passport on Belle Isle June 8, offers free fishing June 7-8

Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 06/05/2014 12:32 PM EDT

This 'free day' is a great opportunity to explore Michigan state parks!
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Belle Isle

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2014

Contact: Scott Pratt, 248-359-9040 or Ed Golder, 517-284-5815


DNR waives Recreation Passport on Belle Isle during Summer Kickoff, June 8, 
announces free fishing, June 7-8

This year, Belle Isle Park (open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.) joins Michigan’s 101 other state parks in the Department of Natural Resources’ Summer Kickoff, giving park visitors many opportunities to fish, picnic and enjoy the island’s multitude of offerings – both indoor and out.

The DNR Summer Kickoff on Belle Isle includes:

  • June 8 – for one day only – visitors will be allowed free entry to all 102 Michigan state parks, including Belle Isle. The Recreation Passport, normally required for access to Belle Isle and other state parks, will not be needed on this day. Bring a picnic lunch or grill out, watch your kids enjoy the revitalized Kids’ Kingdom Playscape and visit one of the many free attractions open on the island including the Belle Isle Aquarium, which is expanding its hours to include Sundays beginning June 8. Learn more about Belle Isle Park.

  • June 7-8 is Free Fishing Weekend, when all fishing license fees are waived for two days. Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing both inland and Great Lakes waters (including the Detroit River) for all species of fish. All other fishing regulations still apply. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/freefishing.

“When visiting Belle Isle this weekend to picnic, swim, hike or just to enjoy the day, you’ll notice reopened restrooms – including the recently opened restroom and shower facility near the beach area – refurbished picnic tables and the clean and renovated Kids’ Kingdom Playscape,” said Scott Pratt, DNR Parks and Recreation Division chief of southern field operations.

From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day through Labor Day, the Scott Fountain will also run.

According to Pratt, DNR staff is focusing heavily on general park maintenance; several hundred refuse barrels have been placed around the island with refuse collected frequently, hot coal bins have been placed near grills, and restrooms are cleaned and maintained often during hours of public use.

Indoor opportunities are also available to the public on Belle Isle. A number of these island attractions, which are always admission-free, will be open Sunday, including:

  • Belle Isle Aquarium, which is expanding its current hours to include Sundays. The aquarium is now open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.

  • Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday
  • Dossin Great Lakes Museum, administered by the Detroit Historical Society, is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
  • Belle Isle Nature Zoo, administered by the Detroit Zoological Society, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Free entry to Belle Isle Park (and all Michigan state parks) is for June 8 only. The Recreation Passport requirement is being phased in gradually at Belle Isle Park. Vehicles will not need the Passport during the first year of state management until their next license plate registration renewal date. For example, if the vehicle license plate registration renewal date is in August 2014, then the Passport is not needed on that vehicle to enter Belle Isle until August. Once a full year has cycled (February 2015), all vehicles entering the park must have a Recreation Passport.

Belle Isle Park visitors can purchase their Recreation Passport at the White House (administrative building) from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily or from the Secretary of State during license plate registration renewal.

The Recreation Passport applies only to vehicles, not individuals. Pedestrians, bicyclists and those using public transportation can enter the park for free and will not need the Passport.

The Recreation Passport is an easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. By checking "YES" for the $11 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, nonmotorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($31 annual, $9 daily) at any state park or recreation area or (annual passes only) through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.

Learn more about this creative way of sustaining Michigan's outdoor recreation and natural resources at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.

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.