Silverlake opening weekend

[mmaterni]

Looks like I may be heading out to Silver Lake Michigan for opening weekend. Anyone interested in meeting up?

 

[Big Blue]

Looks like I may be heading out to Silver Lake Michigan for opening weekend. Anyone interested in meeting up?

FYI. Changes for 2015 Season...

Silver Lake State Park ORV Area access improvements

The Department of Natural Resources has collaborated with a Silver Lake Off-Road Vehicle Area (SLORVA) core task group since January to develop an improved access plan for the SLORVA.

The process began last fall to address the long waiting lines to access the ORV area, which have caused inconvenience for the users of the area and the local community.

After the DNR's initial ORV area plan was outlined and considered last fall, the DNR received additional public comment, resulting in a more robust process to improve the plan.

More than 248 users participated in the first meeting in January. Three additional planning sessions followed, concluding with a final meeting involving a 16-member core task group comprised of volunteers. Several improvement strategies were identified. The objective is to speed up access to the ORV area by ensuring users are “dune-ready” prior to arriving at the entrance to the dunes. Strategies include:
Online instruction and educational videos.
Better educational and flow signage.
Ability to purchase ORV and trail permits and Recreation Passports off site.
More efficient check-in process and dune access.
Assessing options to expand parking.
Realignment of the site traffic flow.
Establishing a welcome center for dune information.
Local businesses, sheriff’s department, emergency management, township and road commission representatives joined Silver Lake State Park and other DNR Parks and Recreation staff to provide input in this dynamic planning process.

ORV riders planning to visit Silver Lake should review the updated system online at DNR Silver Lakes State Park Redirect.

There will no longer be a voucher system for dune-ready access; however, the voucher process will be used consistent with the past process for use of the parking lots for trailered ORV units.

“We have a very passionate community of ORV riders,” said DNR Parks and Recreation Chief Ron Olson. "We are glad to have their participation and input as we work to improve Silver Lake State Park ORV Area and provide high-quality recreation experiences that our visitors love and expect.”

This season will be treated as a pilot program. Particularly on busy holiday weekends, volunteers will assist in implementing the new procedures. The process will be evaluated throughout the summer to ensure that it functions well, maximizes the recreational experience and creates minimal impact to the community.

For more information, go to DNR Silver Lakes State Park Redirect or contact Silver Lake State Park Supervisor Charlotte Kiefer at 231-873-3083.

 

[mmaterni]

Looks positive

Thanks Big Blue. The changes look positive and hopefully things will go smooth with the transitions. Either way, I'll see everyone out there.

 

[Java]

word of advise...this early in the season the sand is still frozen. The landings can be a little harsh.

 

[mmaterni]

Thanks for the heads up. This will be my first time out there. I just got the truck a few months ago. Looking forward to just playing around and seeing what trouble I can get in. Been wheeling for about 10 years in a variety of vehicles so hopefully I won't get in too much trouble! Thanks again.