What’s in a name? For the winner of a Department of Natural Resources contest starting today, it’s the chance to be a part of history by suggesting the official name for a landmark bicycling/hiking trail stretching from Belle Isle Park in Detroit to Ironwood in the western Upper Peninsula.

“This contest is a fun, inclusive opportunity for people to share their creativity, draw on their passion for our state’s trails and be involved in celebrating a milestone accomplishment for Michigan’s outdoor recreation,” said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division.

Name suggestions will be accepted now through Oct. 13, 2014. People can submit their ideas online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/namethetrail, via Facebook at www.facebook.com/midnr, or by mailing in a paper entry form, which is available by visiting www.michigan.gov/dnrtrails and clicking “name the trail.” Read more

DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division named a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador

When a severe thunderstorm capable of producing damaging hail and 60-mph winds rolled through Yankee Springs State Recreation Area on a hot and humid Sunday afternoon in late July, park rangers were faced with a daunting task: ensuring the safety of the hundreds of visitors enjoying the park’s campgrounds, picnic areas and lakes.

After a flurry of activity – directing visitors to storm shelters, checking on the welfare of campers, avoiding trees that were toppled by the wind, and assessing other damage to the park – the weather eventually calmed and it became clear to the rangers that their mission had been accomplished. Read more