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October 1, 2010 marked a significant change in the way that State Park Passes are issued. Previously, you would buy a daily pass for about $6 or an annual pass for about $24 (I didn't check the numbers, I'm just working from memory). Starting this month, Michigan Recreation Passports are sold with your license plate renewal. The new cost is $10 per vehicle, or $5 for motorcycles.
I feel that I'm fortunate that my license plates expire in October. I just finished renewing for 2010-2011 and I purchased a pass for each of my vehicles. The total was $25 added to the cost of my license plates - just $1 more than a single annual pass would have cost me under the old payment structure. For that extra dollar, I got passes for all three vehicles in our household. I consider this a great deal.
First, I expect that in the next twelve months we will have occasion to visit the parks just for their own sake -- camping trips, nature hikes, geocaching. Second, there are some events in the parks (my wife's annual company picnic, for example) that have historically required us to have a pass. This meant taking the one vehicle that we had a pass for. I never purchased a pass for my motorcycle, because it was the same cost as a "four-wheeler" pass and I didn't see the value.
Under the new system, all of our vehicles are authorized to enter the parks. This way, if I'm riding anywhere in Michigan, I can stop for a break at one of the State Parks without a second thought.
The hope of the program is two-fold. First, it is expected to raise the revenue for the parks -- something which is badly needed. The logic here is a little shaky and depends on more people purchasing the "discounted" passports. $10 isn't all that much for many residents, and the ease with which the Recreation Passport is purchased as part of the annual license renewal (simply check a box when completing the online renewal) will hopefully encourage more drivers to authorize more vehicles. Second, they hope that since the Passport will be included in more registrations, use of the Parks will be increased.
Michigan has a fantastic State Park system, but it needs work to become even better. As with all things government, it has experienced budget cuts and is looking for a way to increase revenue. If you license your vehicle in Michigan, please check the "Michigan Recreation Pass" box. Minimally, it will help preserve one of our great State resources. Even better, if you have the pass, it will encourage you to visit one or more of the parks this year!
What do you think of the "Michigan Recreation Passport" program? I'd like to read your opinions in the comments!
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. No separate pass, sticker or otherwise, is included.
I think its a great idea, I wish Colorado would move to something like this as well. It seems like an easy process for consumers, and efficient for government as well.