23 state forest campgrounds are proposed to be closed to save money
CHEBOYGAN CO, MI -- In an effort to save the state money, several Michigan campgrounds could shut down.
But legislators are looking for ways to try to keep these campgrounds open.
"It’s a tourist area and you’re closing your parks?" wonders John Constantine.
Constantine loves to fish, but maybe more than just to catch a trophy. He says there's something about "roughing it” in a campground.
"It had a water pump, you pumped it by hand, it had two pit toilets," explains his favorite type of camping.
He made the trip to Twin Lakes State Campground in Cheboygan County for several years with his brother and other friends. It closed a couple years back.
"When the state of Michigan prides itself on its Great Lakes, inland lakes, campgrounds, and we continue to close them, this does not reflect good things for our state," said Constantine.
That's why he's baffled by the possibility of more state forest campgrounds closing. DNR Director Rodney Stokes will decide May 12th on whether or not to close 23 campsites, with a majority of them in Northern Michigan.
Two state forest campgrounds in Pigeon River Country are proposed to be closed among the 23. But state lawmakers don't want them to die that easy, in fact, they're looking for ways to keep them alive."
Michael Overton is the Cheboygan County Administrator and says he's been contacted by state representatives about his thoughts on the county or local townships taking over the parks if they are in fact closed.
“I don't think it's in anybody's interest to allow the parks to close," said Overton.
Overton says it would hurt the economy if the sites do close. Lawmakers are looking into leasing the camp sites for one dollar if local counties or townships will take over and keep them as campgrounds.
"Sounds like a good deal to me!" said Overton.
“We're not opposed to locals taking these campgrounds and running these campgrounds. if the local government is willing to take additional responsibility and cost," said Michigan Department of Natural Resources Spokesperson Mary Dettloff.
“Keeping them open is a benefit to the state," said Constantine.
The DNR says it would cost counties about $8,000 to $10,000 a year to maintain their own campsites.
To learn more information on the proposed sites to be closed, visit THIS LINK.
