Michigan Votes Forum

Introduced in the House on August 1, 2007

Click here to view bill details.

The DNR I believe, must have control over pricing of campgrounds. If fees are set by statute the only choice if it did not cover costs is to reduce service or close completely. I believe it is a very bad idea. It may be well intentioned but not well thought out.

I urge you to support House Bill 5075 introduced by Representative Kevin A. Elsenheimer. I am very frustrated that the state would close a campground that I have use for 30 years to save $75,000. The same bill that cut spending for the DNR on campgrounds also increased money for the Department of Corrections and even though a cut in state lottery promotional spending was called for, the Governor vetoed that. It's a sad commentary that the State of Michigan values taking care of inmates and promoting gambling more than it does on providing my family a place to grow memories with my father and new nephews. I also find it strange the DNR closed 20 campgrounds and is asking for $500,000 to improve campgrounds. I enjoy the type of camping that the rustic campgrounds provide, and it looks as though Lansing has decided that is not as valuable of an experience as state parks with hundreds of people. At least the federal government just reduces service, Lansing just closes them during the middle of tourist season.

Why dont you folks put a store in the campgrounds that will support them (like the county parks do), and make some money from them to offset the costs? Oh thats right, it might work, and we sure couldnt have that in this state could we??