{"id":2217,"date":"2025-08-08T14:57:20","date_gmt":"2025-08-08T18:57:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/?p=2217"},"modified":"2025-09-09T15:42:38","modified_gmt":"2025-09-09T19:42:38","slug":"the-great-outdoors-of-the-great-lake-state","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/08\/08\/the-great-outdoors-of-the-great-lake-state\/","title":{"rendered":"The Great Outdoors of the Great Lake State"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-09-145437.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Screenshot 2025-09-09 145437&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-09-145459.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Screenshot 2025-09-09 145459&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; force_fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-14px||||false|false&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>Dear Neighbor,<\/p>\n<p>We Michiganders love our rivers, lakes, parks, and wild spaces. The Great Lakes hold 20% of the world\u2019s fresh water, fueling our economy, supplying drinking water to millions, and sustaining a rich, diverse environment. Our forests, parks, and trails are home to the plants and animals we love to see \u2014 and to all of us who live,<br \/>work, and play in these incredible landscapes.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s why I\u2019ve been working hard to protect our natural areas and waterways. This work is critical. It\u2019s about making sure all of us can enjoy clean drinking water, healthy lakes, and safe outdoor spaces, now<br \/>and for generations to come.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you for the opportunity to represent you. If you have any questions, want to comment on pending legislation, or need help resolving issues with the state government, please contact my office.<\/p>\n<p>In service,<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/03\/shinksignature.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; alt=&#8221;Senator Shink Signature&#8221; title_text=&#8221;shinksignature&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; width=&#8221;59%&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sue Shink<br \/><\/strong>State Senator<br \/>District 14<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/Shink\">SenateDems.com\/Shink<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-09-151215.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Screenshot 2025-09-09 151215&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h4>You Don&#8217;t Need a Passport If Your&#8230;<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Entering on foot or by bicycle<\/li>\n<li>In a school or public transit authority bus<\/li>\n<li>Operating a snowmobile (note: tow vehicles still require a passport)<\/li>\n<li>Driving a Michigan-registered vehicle with one of the following plates:<\/li>\n<li>Ex-Prisoner of War<\/li>\n<li>Disabled Veteran<\/li>\n<li>Medal of Honor<\/li>\n<li>Congressional Medal of Honor<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>More information is available online <a href=\"http:\/\/michigan.gov\/dnr\/buy-and-apply\/rec-pp\">michigan.gov\/dnr\/buy-and-apply\/rec-pp<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;1_2&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h4>Visit a park near you<\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"color: #00ccff\">Waterloo Recreation Area<\/span> is not just the biggest state park in the lower peninsula \u2014 it also has the most different plants and animals living in it! Close to all of us in District 14, you can hike, bike, horseback ride, boat, picnic, camp, and swim at Waterloo Recreation Area! Different activities have different starting points, so you will want to go online to find the right entry point for your activity! Visit <a href=\"http:\/\/michigan.org\/property\/waterloo-recreation-area.\">michigan.org\/property\/waterloo-recreation-area.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #00ccff\">Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve<\/span> offers over 1,000 acres of birdwatching and hiking. It\u2019s associated with the Underground Railroad, so it has a bit of history, too. It is located at 14801 Arnold Rd., Brooklyn.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #00ccff\">Jackson<\/span> County has 18 parks waiting for you! I searched &#8220;Jackson County MI Parks\u201d online to find an easy-to-use list, including the Cascades and Vandercook Lake County Park, which includes, among other activities, swimming<br \/>and boating and is just beautiful.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #00ccff\">Washtenaw County Parks<\/span> offer swimming, picnicking, golf, disc golf, and just hanging out. I searched for \u201cWashtenaw County Parks\u201d online to find a great list of all the options.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #00ccff\">The Border to Border Trail<\/span>, also known as the B2B, is a 10 ft wide, ADA accessible paved pathway consisting of six different trail corridors that connect you to cities, parks, and a great time in Washtenaw County (and it connects to Jackson County at the Waterloo Recreation Area).<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;1_2&#8243;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/09\/DSCF8068-scaled.jpeg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; title_text=&#8221;DSCF8068&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>Sen. Shink Speaks with DNR Staff at Waterloo&#8217;s Eddy Discovery Center<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Looking for fun opportunities across the state? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.org\/\">The Pure Michigan<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/dnr\/places\/state-parks\">Michigan State Parks<\/a> websites will tell you about where you might enjoy visiting in Michigan!<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h4>Protecting Michigan\u2019s Air, Water, and Natural Beauty<\/h4>\n<p>For years, Michigan residents have demanded stronger action to combat climate change and protect natural resources. It\u2019s a big part of the reason I got involved in politics! My Democratic colleagues and I are working<br \/>to move Michigan toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. These actions not only address environmental and health concerns but also support local communities and promote economic growth:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Passed the Clean Energy Future Plan to diversify the<br \/>economy, strengthen Michigan\u2019s position as a clean<br \/>energy leader, and ensure protections for workers,<br \/>landowners, and farmers.<\/li>\n<li>Repealed a law that blocked stronger environmental<br \/>standards, enabling Michigan to tackle issues<br \/>like algae blooms, the Flint water crisis, and PFAS<br \/>contamination.<\/li>\n<li>Introduced legislation to restore local control over<br \/>plastic waste, allowing communities to ban or limit<br \/>plastic bags.<\/li>\n<li>Invested $7.5 million in Urban and Community<br \/>Forestry to increase equitable access to the urban<br \/>tree canopy that promotes mental and physical health.<\/li>\n<li>Invested $2 million in wetland restoration, with a<br \/>quarter of this funding for urban wetlands.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h4>Investing in Our Recreation Opportunies<\/h4>\n<p>We introduced \u201cMichigan the Beautiful\u201d legislation to protect our parks and natural areas, so all Michiganders have places to enjoy the outdoors, while also supporting local jobs in tourism, conservation, and outdoor recreation. We delivered millions of dollars in funding for parks and trails!<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>$3 million for the Border-to-Border Trail<\/li>\n<li>$2 million for cultural resource management<\/li>\n<li>$2 million for park development in Northfield Township<\/li>\n<li>$780,000 to expand outreach and access to parks<\/li>\n<li>$500,000 to assist state water trail organizations<\/li>\n<li>$450,000 for Safe Routes to School in Columbia School District<\/li>\n<li>$300,000 for renovations to Jackson\u2019s MLK Equality Trail<\/li>\n<li>$250,000 for an inclusive, ADA compliant park in Brooklyn<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-09-153634.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Screenshot 2025-09-09 153634&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>Living in Michigan, you\u2019re never far from a lake. If you are going out on a boat or personal watercraft to enjoy the Michigan summer or go fishing, then you are likely going to need a Boating Safety Certificate.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Online:<\/strong> Take a boating safety class at BoatEd.com. After you finish the class, you must pay the course fee and pass the final exam to print off your permanent Michigan boating safety certificate.<\/p>\n<p><strong>In Person:<\/strong> The DNR\u2019s Recreational Safety Education Class Database has in-person classes available throughout the year and across the state. The Boater Safety Education classes are a few hours long, and you will get your boating safety certificate upon successful completion of the final exam.<\/p>\n<p>For more information on boating in Michigan, including locations of in-person boating safety classes, visit <a href=\"http:\/\/michigan.gov\/Boating.\">Michigan.gov\/Boating.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>If you enjoy kayaking, the DNR keeps a list of launch sites on their website. You can check out the nearest DNR kayak launch sites at: <a href=\"http:\/\/michigan.gov\/dnr\/about\/accessibility\/kayak-launches\">michigan.gov\/dnr\/about\/accessibility\/kayak-launches<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h4>Share Your Thoughts with the DNR at Upcoming Meetings<\/h4>\n<p>The DNR is committed to giving Michigan residents the opportunity to share input and ideas on policy decisions, programs, and other aspects of natural resource management and outdoor recreational opportunities. One important avenue for this input is at meetings of the public bodies that advise the DNR and, in some cases, also set policies for natural resources. <strong>Contact NRC@Michigan.gov<\/strong> if you\u2019d like to attend public meetings.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_button button_text=&#8221;View PDF&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dear Neighbor, We Michiganders love our rivers, lakes, parks, and wild spaces. The Great Lakes hold 20% of the world\u2019s fresh water, fueling our economy, supplying drinking water to millions, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":2219,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","twitterCardType":"","cardImageID":0,"cardImage":"","cardTitle":"","cardDesc":"","cardImageAlt":"","cardPlayer":"","cardPlayerWidth":0,"cardPlayerHeight":0,"cardPlayerStream":"","cardPlayerCodec":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2217","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-newsletter"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Great Outdoors of the Great Lake State - Senator Sue Shink<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/2025\/08\/08\/the-great-outdoors-of-the-great-lake-state\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Great Outdoors of the Great Lake State\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Dear Neighbor, We Michiganders love our rivers, lakes, parks, and wild spaces. 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