Outdoor News Daily

The Department of Natural Resources announced today that renovations to VanEtten Lake State Forest Campground in Iosco County are scheduled to begin in August. Closure of the campground and boat access site will be necessary beginning July 28 to enable staff to prepare the site for construction. The planned improvements, funded with grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Marine Safety Fund, are scheduled to be completed by mid-November.

The effort will complete work started several years ago to convert the campground from water wells to a municipal water supply. Additional water spigots will be provided in this work phase, along with improvements to the entrance road, lakeside campsites, boat launch and parking area.

Questions concerning the improvements at VanEtten Lake State Forest Campground may be directed to Brenda Curtis, DNR forest recreation planner, at 517-373-6260. Information regarding other camping opportunities in Iosco County may be found on the DNR’s Web site, www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails, or by calling the DNR Gaylord Operations Service Center at 989-732-3541, extension”0” for the operator.

DENVER — Colorado State Parks announces the release of the draft 2008 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) for public review and comment.

Colorado’s SCORP provides a critical five-year planning framework for addressing key outdoor recreation needs and issues through 2013. The SCORP was developed in collaboration with a diverse 33-member steering committee, after 18 months of analysis, data gathering and stakeholder input. It serves as the principal guide for statewide outdoor recreation planning.

The main goal of the 2008-2012 SCORP is to identify outdoor recreation trends, needs, and issues for Colorado, as well as to provide a strategic plan to help address priority issues. The SCORP must also evaluate the demand for and supply of outdoor recreation resources and facilities statewide.
(more…)

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced today that Silver Creek Pathway has reopened. The pathway was temporarily closed following storm damage which required extensive tree clearing and foot bridge repairs. This pathway is located in the Pere Marquette State Forest in Lake County. The trailhead is located within the Silver Creek State Forest Campground, 5.5 miles north of Luther via State Road.

Questions concerning this pathway, or other pathways in the Pere Marquette State Forest, may be directed to Todd Neiss, DNR recreation specialist, at 231-775-9727, extension 6045.

Information about other recreation opportunities in nearby counties may be found on the DNR’s Web site www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails, or by contacting the DNR Cadillac Operations Service Center at 231-775-9727, extension “0” for the operator.

BARABOO – Devil’s Lake State Park will re-open on Thursday, June 26, at 6:00 a.m., the Department of Natural Resources announced today. The popular 10,200 acre state park near Baraboo in Sauk County has been closed since June 13, when flood waters damaged the park’s infrastructure.

While the park and campgrounds will be open to visitors, a number of trails and facilities will remain closed due to flooding and storm damage, according to acting park superintendent Steve Schmelzer.

These include:
(more…)

Department of Natural Resources forest recreation managers today announced that Silver Creek State Forest Campground in Lake County and several trails in Lake and Osceola counties (Evart Motorcycle Trail, Little Manistee Off-Road Vehicle Route and Little Manistee Trail) have reopened. These recreational facilities had been closed as a result of recent storm damage.

The Silver Creek hiking pathway remains closed until further notice. Questions may be directed to Todd Neiss, DNR recreation specialist, at (231) 775-9727, ext. 6045. Information regarding other camping, ORV riding, or hiking opportunities in Lake and Osceola counties may be found on the DNR’s Web site www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails, or by calling the DNR Cadillac Operations Service Center at (231) 775-9727, ext. 0 for the operator.
(more…)