Facing a mounting fiscal crisis, the state of Michigan is seeking help
to decide how to best begin to divest itself of some of its state
campgrounds.
The state has already closed some campgrounds to meet reduced
funding levels. Looking to the future, if funding cuts continue, as
expected, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in Lansing is looking for public input on how to further shrink the cost of state campgrounds, according to examiner.com.
The DNR has created a questionnaire
for the general public to help it establish which criteria should guide
decision making on reducing expenses to meet the expected revenues.
“The campground evaluation process includes an opportunity for the
public to provide their thoughts on what criteria should be considered
when evaluating the state forest’s 145 campgrounds and two cabin
facilities for downsizing,” the DNR stated. “The public will then be
asked to rank each criteria in their importance for making this
evaluation.”
The DNR has identified six criteria to be used in this effort as outlined on this questionnaire. They are:
Campground quality.
Renovation needs.
Associated recreation activities.
Proximity to other campgrounds.
Use and occupancy.
Financial sustainability.
There is space for the public to add other criteria.
The form on the Web site asks respondents to rank which criteria
are most important. All responses are due to the DNR by close of
business on Sept. 14.
There are two PowerPoint presentations that provide a history of
the campground funding and a description of the evaluation process.
