The Michigan Department of Natural Resources invites comments on a proposed expansion to Port Crescent State Park’s administrative zone for new infrastructure.
DNR Proposes Zoning Amendment at Port Crescent State Park
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public input on a proposed zoning amendment to the Port Crescent State Park Phase 1 General Management Plan in Huron County. The amendment would expand the administrative services zone by approximately 350 feet to accommodate a new wastewater lagoon.
The DNR emphasizes that archaeological surveys have cleared the project area, finding no significant cultural resources. The proposal aligns with the DNR’s strategy of balancing resource protection with recreational and educational enhancements.
Public comments on the proposed amendment can be submitted via email to DNR-PRD-Planning@Michigan.gov until Dec. 31, 2024.
New Infrastructure to Support Long-Term Park Management
The wastewater lagoon is a crucial addition to the park’s infrastructure, facilitating improved waste management to meet modern standards and visitor needs. The administrative services zone, previously designated as a visitor services zone, will shift southward to make room for the project.
General management plans, like Port Crescent’s, serve as long-term blueprints for park development and preservation. They aim to protect the park’s natural and cultural resources while ensuring it remains accessible and enjoyable for visitors.
Debbie Jensen, the park management plan administrator, noted the importance of public participation: “Input from the community ensures that the park’s evolution reflects the needs and values of those who use and cherish it.”
Recent Upgrades Highlight Park Investment
Significant changes are underway at Port Crescent State Park’s campground, aiming to blend natural beauty with modern amenities. The upgrades include new roads, improved water and sewer systems, and a state-of-the-art sanitation station. Campers will soon benefit from 12 full hook-up sites with updated numbering, expanded parking spaces, and enhanced drainage systems. These developments highlight Michigan’s commitment to supporting tourism while preserving and enhancing its cherished natural resources.
Port Crescent State Park has been the focus of significant upgrades in 2024, made possible by $4.95 million in federal relief funding under Gov. Whitmer’s Building Michigan Together Plan. Improvements include:
- Upgraded roads, water, and sewer lines.
- Enhanced electrical service.
- Modernization of the park’s sanitation station.
These updates required temporary campsite closures during the 2024 season, but the park is expected to reopen to campers on June 27, 2025, pending completion of all work.
How to Share Your Feedback
The DNR encourages residents and park visitors to review the draft rezoning map and other details on its project website at Michigan.gov/ParkManagementPlans. Comments on the amendment can be sent via email to DNR-PRD-Planning@Michigan.gov by the Dec. 31 deadline.
For specific questions about the proposed changes or park updates, contact:
- Brian Dunn, Park Supervisor, at DunnB1@Michigan.gov or 989-738-6063.
- Debbie Jensen, Park Management Plan Administrator, at DNR-PRD-Planning@Michigan.gov or 517-230-6837.
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