DNR Seeks Public Input on Five-Year Parks Plan
Michigan residents can weigh in through an online survey open until November 18 on state parks, trails, and waterways.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in National Parks
Live Poll
Should Michigan spend more on maintaining its state parks and trails?
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is developing a five-year plan for state parks, state forest campgrounds, trails, harbors, and boating access sites. An anonymous online survey for public input closes November 18.
Why it matters
Responses will help establish themes that will inform the DNR's vision for Michigan's state parks, trails, and waterways. The DNR is also seeking input on a new stewardship plan for Wilderness State Park in Emmet County.
The planning cycle covers a five-year period, and the public survey closes November 18. No response totals or comparison to previous planning cycles were released, and the plan's final content remains undetermined.
The players
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
The state agency responsible for managing Michigan's public lands, parks, forests, and waterways, including state park planning and recreation programs.
Road Commission for Oakland County
The county agency that builds and maintains public roads in Oakland County, Michigan, and oversees road reconstruction projects such as the planned Kent Lake Road intersection work.
The details
Michigan residents can share input by completing an online survey at research.net/r/PRDpublicinput. Thomas Bissett, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, is overseeing the planning effort, and survey responses are anonymous and confidential.
Timeline
Early this year: Wilderness State Park general management plan was completed.
November 18: DNR parks public input survey closes.
2027: Planned reconstruction of the Kent Lake Road and Grand River Avenue intersection.
Seasonal Patterns
The DNR's current five-year planning cycle sets the framework for how Michigan's state parks, campgrounds, and trails will be managed going forward. The Wilderness State Park stewardship plan follows the general management plan completed earlier this year, extending that park-level work into a community input process.
Visitors who want to shape future campgrounds, trails, and boating access can respond to the survey before November 18. Those who use the Island Lake Pathway should note that its Kent Lake Road pedestrian crossing will be rebuilt as part of the 2027 intersection project.
The takeaway
Public comment periods like this one shape how Michigan plans for the next five years of park use. Taking a few minutes to complete the survey gives residents a direct voice before the plan is finalized.
What happens next
The DNR parks public input survey closes November 18, and a public meeting for the Wilderness State Park stewardship plan will be scheduled with details to be shared.
Further reading
Explore more on National Parks to see how state park planning fits into broader recreation trends.
More information
Share your views on the DNR parks public input survey before the November 18 deadline.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Thealpenanews.
Live Poll
Should Michigan spend more on maintaining its state parks and trails?
