Many of these critical projects are possible through millions of dollars in federal relief COVID-19 funding – the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 – while other planned projects are funded through Recreation Passport dollars and various state and federal grants.

A total $250 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds was made available to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources last March to help address a long list of critical needs in state parks and trails and build a new state park in Flint. These federal ARPA relief funds are part of a $4.8 billion infrastructure package outlined in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Building Michigan Together Plan.

“It wasn’t more than a few years ago that we were trying to identify nearly $300 million in funds to assess a backlog of state park infrastructure needs,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation chief. “Today, we have the great fortune of administering a once-in-a-lifetime investment of $250 million over three years, allowing us to deliver tangible improvements at these outdoor spaces that people love and return to, season after season.”

Federal funding requirements stipulate that ARPA funds must be obligated (committed to a project) by Dec. 31, 2024, and spent on that project by Dec. 31, 2026.

Olson also said that approximately 97% of regular state parks funding is generated by user fees, which includes revenue from Recreation Passport entry fees, and royalty revenues. Only 3% comes from Michigan’s General Fund tax dollars, further illustrating the incredible value and importance of these one-time federal funds and their long-term impact on the system.

A few examples of ARPA-funded work are campground enhancements at Algonac, Cheboygan, Hoffmaster, Interlochen and Straits state parks and Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area; major renovations to the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory in Belle Isle Park; visitor center improvements at Bay City State Park, and restoration work at the Tawas Point Lighthouse.

Beyond the ARPA-funded work, there are additional planned state park and trail enhancement projects that are using other funds or are due to weather-related conditions. All closures will be temporary, and staff is working hard to minimize the impact to visitors.

“We are excited to support those who want to increase habitat and enhance existing habitat through the Wildlife Habitat Grant Program,” said DNR Wildlife Division Chief Jared Duquette.  “Healthy and abundant habitats not only benefit wildlife, but also benefit Michigan residents.”

Funding is available for local, state, federal and tribal governments, profit and nonprofit groups, and individuals through an open, competitive process. The minimum grant amount is $15,000, and the maximum is the total amount of funds available for the grant cycle, which is approximately $1 million for 2023.

The Wildlife Habitat Grant Program, which began in October 2013, is funded from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses. The program’s main objective is to enhance and improve the quality and quantity of wildlife species habitat in support of the DNR Wildlife Division’s strategic plan.

The grant program application period began Monday, and applications must be submitted through the MiGrants system no later than March 16 to be considered for funding. Successful grant applications will be announced in May. The detailed program handbook and more information are available at Michigan.gov/DNRGrants.

“There are still wet areas that are normally frozen by this time of year and there are wet areas that are not normally wet at all,” said Peter Costa, eastern Upper Peninsula trail specialist for the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division. “Most areas still have good riding, but there are spots riders need to be careful and aware of.”

The situation highlights one of the tenets of riding best practices and that is to “know before you go.” Checking with websites or social media pages generated by local snowmobile trail clubs can be a great source of local information on trail conditions.

Another place to check would be the DNR’s trail reports page.

Over the next few days, unseasonably warm temperatures are forecasted for much of the Upper Peninsula and parts of the northern Lower Peninsula.

In general, snowmobilers are reminded of ways to safely “ride right” along the state’s more than 6,000 miles of snowmobile trails:

• Ride at a safe speed.
• Ride sober.
• Ride on the right.
• Ride within your abilities.
• Watch out, and move over, for trail groomers.

Find out more about snowmobiling at the DNR’s snowmobiling and DNR closures webpages.

Please note that registration is required for all volunteer workdays, which will take place at:

• 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 14, at Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County)
• 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 14, and Saturday, Jan. 28, at Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien County)
• 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, and Sunday, Jan. 29 at Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry County)
• 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, at Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo County)
• 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 21, at Belle Isle Park (Wayne County)
• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County)

Get more workday details and registration information on the DNR volunteer events calendar.

The counties under review include Alger, Allegan, Barry, Bay, Gladwin, Lake, Midland, Montmorency, Presque Isle, Schoolcraft and Wexford. The updated web map reflects the latest staff recommendations since the initial public comment period closed, making it easy for people to see what has changed. The state land review was implemented as part of the 2013 managed public land strategy and involves the review of DNR-managed lands that are 200 acres or less in size or that, due to an irregular boundary, may be difficult to manage.

All feedback received through Feb. 8 will be compiled and provided to the DNR director. A final decision on recommendations is expected at the Feb. 9 meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission.

Follow the latest updates on the state land review process at Michigan.gov/PublicLands.

Classes in January include:

• Feeding Winter Birds (virtual class), Jan. 21. Feeding birds is easy to do with a little knowledge. Learn which birds are likely to visit your backyard and which foods and feeders they prefer. This class will also introduce you to free birding resources and apps, cover how to clean your feeder and explore ways to get involved in community science projects such as the Great Backyard Bird Count. Cost is $25. Each participant will receive a Peterson Field Guide to Feeder Birds and will be entered into a prize drawing.
• Hard Water School (ice fishing class), Jan. 21-22 at Mitchell State Park in Cadillac. Learn to ice fish from the pros in this two-day class covering everything from how to set up equipment and where and when to fish, to ice safety and rules and regulations. The class will focus on techniques for panfish, walleye and pike. Cost is $40, which includes one-on-one instruction from a pro, lunch Saturday and Sunday, bait and a goodie bag.

The Outdoor Skills Academy offers in-depth, expert instruction, gear and hands-on learning for a range of outdoor activities at locations around the state. Learn more at Michigan.gov/OutdoorSkills.

Parks hosting events in January include:

• Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The Porkies Winter Sports Complex in the western Upper Peninsula offers a variety of events for those looking to explore the snowy park, known for its wild beauty and nestled along the Lake Superior shore. January events include beginner and advanced snowshoe guided hikes and lantern-lit trail hikes.
• Van Riper State Park (Marquette County), which will host a lantern-lit snowshoe hike Jan. 20.
• Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon County). The park kicks off its series of winter snowshoe hikes Jan. 21 (adequate snow permitting).
• Ludington State Park (Mason County). The park offers a series of lantern-lit ski, snowshoe and hike events this winter, with the next one coming up Jan. 21.
• Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area (Lapeer County), which invites visitors for a candlelight cross-country ski event Jan. 21. If there is a lack of snow, this will be a walking event.

To plan your own cold-weather adventures – ice fishing, winter birding, Porkies downhill skiing, a winter luge, snowmobiling, fat-tire biking, cross-country skiing and more – visit Michigan.gov/WinterFun for ideas on how to enjoy the season.

January programs include:

• Wonderful Winter Outdoor Activity and Wild Science Saturdays: Let It Snow, both Jan. 21. Join us outside for a fun winter activity like snowshoeing or snow painting or come inside to learn about the science behind snow.
• The OAC Running Club, designed for those new to running, which kicks off Jan. 22. We’ll follow a nine-week Couch to 5K plan, with a weekly informational session followed by an outdoor run on the Dequindre Cut.
• Birding Belle Isle, Jan. 29, focusing on migrant waterfowl on the waters of the Detroit River and inland canals and lagoons throughout the island.
• Ice fishing, Jan. 29 at Milliken State Park. Equipment and guidance will be provided.
• Ongoing series including archery, nature education for kids, programs for seniors and more.

Check out the Outdoor Adventure Center event calendar for more details.