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Campgrounds closed, but state lands open for access

Outdoors Report

IRON MOUNTAIN — Effective through at least April 13, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has closed state park campgrounds, overnight lodging facilities and shelters.

State parks and recreation areas will remain open to provide residents with opportunities to get outdoors, provided all visitors adhere to the requirement for proper social distancing — at least 6 feet between yourself and another person — in all areas of the parks.

For the duration of the COVID-19 situation, the state is waiving the need for the Recreation Passport for entry at state parks and other destinations. All bathroom buildings and vault toilets are closed. Playgrounds located in state parks and recreation areas are closed until further notice, as are viewing platforms, fishing piers and many other park amenities.

Many locations, where available, will be transitioning to portable toilets that will be cleaned by local vendors, the DNR said.

The DNR will not honor camping reservations for dates between March 23 and April 13. Reservations for that time frame will automatically be canceled. Reservation holders will receive full refunds, including the reservation fee paid at the time reservations were made, officials said. No cancellation/modification fees will be charged.

Reservation holders will receive email notifications once cancellations are processed. Refunds will be applied to the original payment method.

For questions about reservation cancellations, call 1-800-447-2757.

State and federal health officials repeatedly have pointed to the physical and mental health benefits of spending time outdoors, especially at a time when many are feeling house-bound.

DNR Director Dan Eichinger stressed that while state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forests and other state-managed resources are open to help meet those needs, people must still practice effective social distancing.

The DNR Fisheries Division Coffee and Conversations events have been canceled. One exception is the northern and southern Lake Michigan management unit virtual meeting scheduled for May 7. Some canceled events may be rescheduled as virtual meetings, the DNR said.

Charter and fishing guide operations that involve boats, canoes and other marine vessels are not currently permitted.

These activities should cease immediately and not resume until at least April 13, Michigan officials said.

Fishing and hunting licenses will remain available for purchase online. Hunting and fishing guides and digests are also available online.

Although the DNR has temporarily suspended its weekly fishing report, residents are encouraged to head out to fish if feeling well and practicing social distancing.

In Wisconsin, Gov. Tony Evers issued the Safer at Home order on Tuesday, which is effective through 8 a.m. April 24, or until a superseding order is issued.

The Wisconsin DNR has temporarily suspended its outdoors report, but all state parks, trails and forests remain open with fees waived. Current regulations still apply for hunting, trapping and fishing seasons.

If you do go out, implement social distancing at all times, the Wisconsin DNR advised.

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