State parks

June 13, 2008 -- Heavy rain and flooding in the west central part of Michigan overnight has caused the Department of Natural Resources to temporarily close Ludington State Park.

Campers that have reservations at Ludington State Park this evening or over the weekend are being contacted by DNR Central Reservation System staff. Campers who have been impacted by the recent storms will receive full refunds and will not be charged the cancellation fee.

According to local weather reports, this area of the northern Lower Peninsula received one foot of rain. Ludington is without power and some of the roads leading into the park are flooded and impassable. Park staff at Ludington encouraged campers to vacate the park and most did of their own accord.    » read more »

Salt Lake City - Utah Governor Jon Huntsman has directed the Division of State Parks and Recreation to not move forward in negotiating an easement that would allow needed access for a proposed project on the east shore of Bear Lake, citing grave concerns for the well-being of the region.

Bear Lake, Utah: Photo by hanacy (CC)    » read more »

Parks Capital Plan Will Increase Tourism, Enhance Communities

April 6, 2008 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson today announced that the Enacted Budget includes $95 million in funding to implement much-needed improvements at state parks across New York – the largest-ever commitment of resources for parks capital projects in state history.

“For too many years, our parks have been neglected.Making long overdue investments in our state parks will not only preserve New York’s natural resources and protect our environment, but it will also serve as a critical engine of economic growth,” said Governor Paterson. “A first-class parks system will draw residents, tourists, and private investment to communities around our state.”    » read more »

HB 176 Creates Causeway Park in Sitka

April 2, 2008, Juneau, Alaska – Alaska Governor Sarah Palin yesterday signed House Bill 176 into law. HB 176, sponsored by Representative Peggy Wilson, creates the Fort Rousseau Causeway Park.

The Fort Rousseau Causeway is a group of several small islands interconnected by an 800-foot dirt pathway located offshore of downtown Sitka. The causeway is part of the Sitka Naval Operating Base and U.S. Army Coastal Defenses National Historic Landmark and contains numerous World War II-era fortifications. The area has deep roots in the Tlingit culture as well, and may include grave sites.    » read more »

Phoenix, AZ - March 28, 2008 - Kartchner Caverns State Park will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The celebration commemorates Arizona State Parks acquisition of the Kartchner Caverns property. Arizona State Parks leased the property on April 29, 1988, and acquired the option to purchase from The Nature Conservancy in July 1988.

Big Room at Kartchner Caverns State Park. (Photo: Arizona State Parks)    » read more »

January 25, 2008 -- TALLAHASSEE, FL -- Florida Attorney General McCollum today commended the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Weeki Wachee Springs for entering into a proposed agreement which will preserve the attraction by converting Weeki Wachee Springs into a state park.

“Weeki Wachee Springs is one of the natural wonders of Florida and I am proud of my role in bringing the parties to the table to ultimately preserve the Springs as part of Florida’s history and heritage.”    » read more »

November 1, 2007 -- New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine today ceremonially signed five pieces of legislation appropriating a total of $137 million dollars from the Garden State Preservation Trust Fund for open space, farmland and soil and water preservation and protection.    » read more »