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Take a look at what's going on and what's coming up in Michigan's woods and waters this fall:
 November means hunting season, and wherever you are in Michigan, you can find public hunting land with the DNR's web-based Mi-HUNT Application. This interactive map application contains the most up-to-date information to help you plan your next hunting trip. The maps contain both public hunting land as well as private land open to the public for hunting.
The app is compatible with computers, tablets and smartphones and can be acessed at www.michigan.gov/mihunt.
Looking to brush up on your shooting skills before hunting season begins? Visit www.michigan.gov/shootingranges to learn about the DNR's shooting ranges. Click here to receive email updates about the shooting ranges.
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Volunteers are needed to remove invasive species which threaten Michigan's natural areas. No training is needed and equipment will be provided for volunteers. Participants of all ages are welcome to help.
-Sat., Nov. 1: Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
-Sat., Nov. 1: Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
-Sun., Nov. 2: Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry), 1-4 p.m.
-Sun., Nov. 2: Highland Recreation Area (Oakland), 1-4 p.m.
-Sat., Nov. 8: Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland), 9 a.m.-noon
-Sat., Nov. 8: Ionia State Recreation Area (Ionia), 9 a.m.-noon
-Sun., Nov. 9: Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw), 1-4 p.m.
-Wed., Nov. 12: Muskegon State Park (Muskegon), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
-Sat., Nov. 15: Belle Isle Park (Wayne), 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
-Sat., Nov. 15: Holland State Park (Ottawa), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
-Sat., Nov. 22: Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan), 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
-Sun., Nov. 23: P.J. Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon), 1-4 p.m.
Volunteers should bring work gloves, drinking water and appropriate clothing for outdoor work, including long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes.
All volunteers are asked to register using the form available on the DNR website or via email. For workday details, maps and directions, visit the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers and click the link Calendar of Volunteer Stewardship Workdays.
For details about southeastern Michigan workdays, contact Laurel Malvitz-Draper at 517-719-2285 or malvitzl@michigan.gov. For details about southwestern Michigan workdays, contact Heidi Frei at 517-202-1360 or freih@michigan.gov.
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This fall, Bay City State Recreation Area became the first state park in Michigan to offer an electric vehicle charging station, paid for by Bay City Electric Light and Power. An opening ceremony was held on October 14, and the public can now use the charging station for free, thanks to a partnership with local car dealership Graff Chevrolet, which will cover the electrical costs for the first three years of operation.
The installation was also made possible in part by Adopt a Charger, a national nonprofit organization which helped connect the park with partners and resources to make the plan a reality.
The charging station is located in the day use area of the park. Click here to read the full story and see more photos from MLive. Learn more about Bay City State Recreation Area at www.michigan.gov/baycity.
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Have you made your plans for winter camping, or 2015 lodging at a state park? If not, now is a great time to do so before state park camping prices increase to match the consumer price index.
Camping reservations (for RV and tent campsites) can be made up to 6 months in advance through the Central Reservation System at www.midnrreservations.com or by calling 1-800-44-PARKS (1-800-447-2757). Please note: lodges cannot be reserved through the Central Reservation System. Please call the state park directly to check availability and make a reservation.
Overnight lodging reservations can be made up to one year in advance, and a variety of accommodations are available. Here's a quick breakdown of the overnight lodging options available at Michigan state parks:
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Mini-cabins: one-room heated cabins that sleep up to four people, with bunkbeds and mattresses provided. Reservation includes use of a picnic table and a grill or fire ring.
- Camper cabins: a step up in size from the mini-cabins, these 6-person accommodations feature electrical outlets, a covered front porch, picnic tables and fire circles.
- Rustic cabins: single-sized beds or bunks with mattresses, a table, chairs, brooms and a propane heater or wood stove for heat. Many of these cabins boast waterside views, and some can accommodate up to 24 people.
- Yurts: constructed of wood and sturdy, tent-like canvas, yurts include a wooden deck, bunk beds for 4-6 people, mattresses, a table, chairs, solar lantern and a woodstove for heat, firewood included.
- Tepees: these unique structures feature a solid floor, a closeable flap and bunk beds or cots to sleep up to four people.
- Deluxe cabins: These modern cabins include indoor plumbing, can accommodate 6-8 adults and often feature waterside views, volleyball courts, boat rentals and other recreational bonuses.
- Lodges: amenities vary from park to park, but usually include fully-furnished living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms. *Please note that modern lodges cannot be reserved through CRS. Call the park directly for availability and reservations.
Campground rates will go up by $4, $2 or $1 per night, depending on occupancy rates at the particular location, with the higher increases going to the higher-occupancy campgrounds. An 8 percent rate increase will apply to cabins and lodges, and fees will also be adjusted at the Ralph A. McMullan Center in Roscommon.
Camping fees have remained the same since 2007, and this year’s adjustments are expected to raise an additional $1.8 million in revenue annually for the Parks and Recreation Division of the DNR. The revenue will assist with maintaining, improving and expanding the state park system. For more information about camping fees, please call 517-284-6098.
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