Latest news with #stateparks
CBS News
16-07-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Camping fees in Michigan are increasing across state parks
Higher fees go into effect soon for Michigan campers after the Department of Natural Resources adjusted fees for modern and semi-modern campsites and all overnight lodging. Officials say this increase, the first in three years, will help ensure the long-term sustainability of state park operations and keep rates aligned with fixed costs. Officials say the adjustments were based on market analysis to improve customer service, foster cleaner parks and restrooms, uphold natural resource stewardship efforts and upgrade campground amenities. The Michigan State Park Advisory supported the fees. Specialists used the Consumer Price Index, and a demand-priced lodging model to establish them. The new rates, which begin on August 1, 2025, include: Other new rates include facility rental fees at Belle Isle Park, which will be adjusted in phases. The Outdoor Adventure Center and Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center will be adjusted this year. However, no fees will increase for rustic campsites in state parks or forests. User fees and royalty revenues contribute 97% of state parks' funding for operations and maintenance.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
DNR say 73% of its projects funded by federal COVID-19 relief are completed or underway
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park | Susan J. Demas The Michigan Department of Natural Resources on Wednesday offered a significant progress update on improvements to state parks funded by federal COVID-19 relief. With the American Rescue Plan Act supplying $273 million the DNR was able to reduce its decades long maintenance and repair backlog, while developing a new state park in Flint, with construction on the park expected to finish in 2026. Out of 168 projects, the DNR has begun or completed 122, with the department beginning its efforts in early 2024. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 'These critical federal relief funds are at the heart of many incredibly transformative projects at 55 state parks across our peninsulas,' Kristen Kosick, the department's parks and recreation chief said in a statement. 'Visitors are already seeing or will see important upgrades and enhancements to park amenities and infrastructure, changes that are geared toward a safer, more welcoming environment, greater comfort and more positive guest experiences. We appreciate the public's understanding and patience while some locations are closed for construction, and we look forward to visitors enjoying these vital upgrades when the projects are complete.' Among those projects are renovations at the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory on Belle Isle, which reopened in December, alongside complete trail paving at Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park, major renovations at the newly reopened visitor center at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and upgraded water and electrical systems at Tahquamenon Falls State Park's modern campground. As other federally-funded projects continue into the Summer and Fall, updates on project details and park closures are available at The DNR has until Dec. 31, 2026 to expend its American Rescue Plan Funds.
The Guardian
28-06-2025
- The Guardian
Woman likely bitten by shark at New York's popular Jones Beach
A 20-year-old woman was likely bitten by a juvenile shark while waist-deep in the surf at a suburban New York beach, according to state officials. The unidentified woman suffered minor lacerations to her left leg and foot after being bitten Wednesday at Jones Beach state park on Long Island. She was treated for injuries that were not life-threatening, according to a release from state parks officials. The woman did not see what bit her, and a subsequent drone search for dangerous marine life was not successful. But experts analyzing photos of the injuries and other factors believe the bites 'most likely' came from a juvenile sand tiger shark, state officials said. Swimming was immediately suspended after the incident and resumed on Thursday morning after a check of the water by drones and lifeguards. Patrols aimed at protecting swimmers will reportedly remain in place through the summer. Though they get a disproportionate amount of public attention, cases of sharks biting humans are rare. There had been 47 confirmed unprovoked shark bites worldwide last year after an average of 64 annually between 2019 and 2023, said the International Shark Attack File, a renowned resource. Seven of those attacks last year were fatal. Twenty-eight of 2024's unprovoked shark attacks were in the US – and half were registered in Florida. None were in New York – though in 2022, a cluster of five attacks over two weeks in the same Long Island area captured international headlines.
Washington Post
28-06-2025
- Washington Post
Officials believe a young shark bit a woman at a New York beach
WANTAGH, N.Y. — A 20-year-old woman was likely bitten by a juvenile shark while waist-deep in the surf at a suburban New York beach, according to state officials. The unidentified woman suffered minor cuts to her left leg and foot after being bitten Wednesday at Jones Beach State Park on Long Island. She was treated for injuries that were not life-threatening, according to a release from state parks officials.
Associated Press
28-06-2025
- Associated Press
Officials believe a young shark bit a woman at a New York beach
WANTAGH, N.Y. (AP) — A 20-year-old woman was likely bitten by a juvenile shark while waist-deep in the surf at a suburban New York beach, according to state officials. The unidentified woman suffered minor cuts to her left leg and foot after being bitten Wednesday at Jones Beach State Park on Long Island. She was treated for injuries that were not life-threatening, according to a release from state parks officials. The woman did not see what bit her, and a subsequent drone search for dangerous marine life was not successful. But experts analyzing photos of the injuries and other factors believe the bites 'most likely' came from a juvenile sand tiger shark, state officials said. Swimming was immediately suspended after the incident and resumed Thursday morning after a check of the water by drones and lifeguards.
