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Author Topic:   Michigan State Boat Launch Site Fees

jimh posted 09-19-2010 07:24 PM ET (US)
The State of Michigan has over 60 boat launching sites. Many are part of excellent facilities on the Great Lakes. The current system for funding these boat launch ramps has been to assess user fees to the users of the boat launch sites, charging $6 for a daily pass or $24 for an annual pass.The State ran its State Parks in a similar manner, charging residents daily and annual fees. Beginning October 1, 2010, a new system will provide residents with access to State Parks and State boat launch facilities using a single fee of $10-per-year. The fee is assessed at the time of license plate renewal. When a Michigan resident renews their license plates, they can opt in on the State of Michigan PASSPORT for parks and boat ramps.
According to an article on MLIVE.COM, the new system is anticipated to increase the revenue generated to fund the parks and boat launch sites. The current system only generates about $11-million. If one-third of residents opt-in for the $10 PASSPORT, the new system should generate about $20-million. State officials are optimistic that support for the Parks will be higher, and the new system could generate as much as $40-million if two-thirds of license plate renewals elect to purchase the $10 PASSPORT.
Currently the parks and boat ramps get no support from the State's general tax revenues. That source of funding was removed some years ago during the term of Governor Jennifer Granholm.
More details from
http://www.mlive.com/outdoors/index.ssf/2010/04/ michigan_residents_are_winners.html
The Michigan system is similar to one already in place in Montana. Montana residents can pay a single annual fee for use of Parks that is lower than the previous fee charged on a per-user basis. The system is reported to have been successful in raising money for the parks.
Previously I have occasionally purchased an annual boat launch permit, but usually I opt to pay on a daily-use basis. With this new $10 fee system, I plan to purchase the PASSPORT every year.
Marlin posted 09-19-2010 08:38 PM ET (US)
What a deal! Here in the mid-Atlantic, park launch fees tend to be in the $10-12/day range, with many private marinas charging $20.
MarthaB posted 09-19-2010 08:58 PM ET (US)
I plan to opt-in when I renew my license plate next July. It will save me $14 per year for the next 5 years. But later in life it will be $2 more that what a person age 65 and over paid this year, which was $8 per year.
There haven't been any rumors, but will the DNRE raise the daily camping fees for MIchigan residents?
PeteB88 posted 09-19-2010 10:28 PM ET (US)
This is a terrific move by State of Michigan officials that actually had some bumps in the legislature last spring regarding passage. I agree the likelihood is it will generate more revenue than the current system. I predict it will also encourage more people to use our great state park system.
In fact, it's about the most progressive move Michigan has done. Problem with our legislature is it is often a political meatgrinder with politics taking precedent over what's best for our people, resources, visitors and future. That's why this thing is sooo cool for our state!!
This year we bought a State Park sticker for both vehicles and used them a ton. Certainly got our money's worth but we have five State Parks within 30 miles or so and I used the Muskegon Lake state boat ramp most of the time. It's been great.
Many sportsmen including me, have no problem with higher fees for fishing, hunting and park access - within reason. To go along with that I'd like to see the audit of every department to see how the money is spent.
home Aside posted 09-19-2010 10:57 PM ET (US)
Sounds like a great deal, for users and for the State of Michigan Parks....I'll certainly buy one, possibly two seeing as I have two vehicles that could possibly end up in a park and/or at a Launch at the same time, still a good deal....
I used a State of Michigan ramp today for a cruise on Lake St Clair, Harsen's Island, St Clair River, I was surprised when I pulled up to the ramp and there was no attendant to pay (posted daily fee $6.00).....it's been a while since I launched at a State Ramp after Labor Day....I think they stop manning the Toll booths at State Ramps after Labor Day....
Pat
Chuck Tribolet posted 09-19-2010 11:02 PM ET (US)
California State Parks annual pass is $125. Boat pass is
$75. Car admission is $10/day w/o annual pass. Boat use is
$5/day w/o boat pass.

Chuck
Buckda posted 09-20-2010 09:17 AM ET (US)
While I will benefit from this legislation, I am skeptical that it will actually improve the quality of our access sites.
In fact, since the funding now goes into a "general fund" for state parks, I'm guessing that the management of those parks will allocate resources as user demand dictates - and we may actually lose out.
No - I'd rather pay my $24 for the season pass and also pay $24 for a season pass to the state park facilities, if I want to use them. Keep the money flowing where you use it - not to some bureaucracy.
Since my vehicle registration is due very soon, I'm surprised I didn't get any notification of this in my information/renewal packet. I'm going to stop by the Secretary of State to renew in person to ensure I don't miss out on this "discount".

PeteB88 posted 09-20-2010 10:48 AM ET (US)
Great thing for Michigan. Great comments from Jim. Buckalew - we need to push to reestablish the Citizen's Advisory committee that was knocked off. NOTE - Chamber of Commerce OPPOSED this extremely positive thing for our state.
NO CHILD LEFT INSIDE!
fishgutz posted 09-20-2010 10:55 AM ET (US)
Several first class launches by me. All are free, free, free. Only ones you have to pay for are at private marinas. All are perfectly maintained and built at perfect angles with nice long docks. One even has fuel, bait, snacks, fishing gear and a public fishing pier. Lots of parking, too.
PeteB88 posted 09-20-2010 11:16 AM ET (US)
Jimh - I sent this info and part of your message to part of my list serve who appreciated the info. Jim Bedford, DNR Toxicologist (retired), fisherman and outdoor writer sent this
Pete,
Good idea on spreading the word. Need to change over 60 to over 1,000 boat launching sites (actually over 1,200). Over 60 doesn't do justice to what we have.
Jim
I told him I thought you meant big lake launches.
FYI - PB
jimh posted 09-20-2010 01:32 PM ET (US)
The passport only gets you into the State of Michigan run boat launch ramps which charge a fee. Most of the ramps I tend to use are run by the local municipality, and you have to pay their fee whether or not you have a State of Michigan boat launch annual sticker. For example, the city of Charlevoix has a very nice ramp facility which I typical use a couple of times per year. You would still have to pay their fees. The City of Cheboygan also has a nice ramp, and as I recall it is run locally, not by the State of Michigan.
If you refer to the article I mentioned above, it says the passport provides entry to "66 boating access sites where fees are charged." [It would be wildly inaccurate to represent the $10 PASSPORT as a pre-pay for 1,000 boat launch sites, and I hope you do not spread that sort of misinformation.]
jimh posted 09-20-2010 10:22 PM ET (US)
[Deleted off-topic replies.]
Hoosier posted 09-20-2010 10:36 PM ET (US)
Interesting. I use three ramps, Aune Osborn at the Soo, and both ramps at Detour, none charge a fee. I plan on expanding my boating territory next season and the pass would come in handy. Since I do not have a Michigan drivers license, I have an Indiana one, can I still get the PASSPORT if I go to an SOS office?

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Author	Topic: Michigan State Boat Launch Site Fees
jimh	posted 09-19-2010 07:24 PM ET (US) The State of Michigan has over 60 boat launching sites. Many are part of excellent facilities on the Great Lakes. The current system for funding these boat launch ramps has been to assess user fees to the users of the boat launch sites, charging $6 for a daily pass or $24 for an annual pass.The State ran its State Parks in a similar manner, charging residents daily and annual fees. Beginning October 1, 2010, a new system will provide residents with access to State Parks and State boat launch facilities using a single fee of $10-per-year. The fee is assessed at the time of license plate renewal. When a Michigan resident renews their license plates, they can opt in on the State of Michigan PASSPORT for parks and boat ramps. According to an article on MLIVE.COM, the new system is anticipated to increase the revenue generated to fund the parks and boat launch sites. The current system only generates about $11-million. If one-third of residents opt-in for the $10 PASSPORT, the new system should generate about $20-million. State officials are optimistic that support for the Parks will be higher, and the new system could generate as much as $40-million if two-thirds of license plate renewals elect to purchase the $10 PASSPORT. Currently the parks and boat ramps get no support from the State's general tax revenues. That source of funding was removed some years ago during the term of Governor Jennifer Granholm. More details from http://www.mlive.com/outdoors/index.ssf/2010/04/ michigan_residents_are_winners.html The Michigan system is similar to one already in place in Montana. Montana residents can pay a single annual fee for use of Parks that is lower than the previous fee charged on a per-user basis. The system is reported to have been successful in raising money for the parks. Previously I have occasionally purchased an annual boat launch permit, but usually I opt to pay on a daily-use basis. With this new $10 fee system, I plan to purchase the PASSPORT every year.
Marlin	posted 09-19-2010 08:38 PM ET (US) What a deal! Here in the mid-Atlantic, park launch fees tend to be in the $10-12/day range, with many private marinas charging $20.
MarthaB	posted 09-19-2010 08:58 PM ET (US) I plan to opt-in when I renew my license plate next July. It will save me $14 per year for the next 5 years. But later in life it will be $2 more that what a person age 65 and over paid this year, which was $8 per year. There haven't been any rumors, but will the DNRE raise the daily camping fees for MIchigan residents?
PeteB88	posted 09-19-2010 10:28 PM ET (US) This is a terrific move by State of Michigan officials that actually had some bumps in the legislature last spring regarding passage. I agree the likelihood is it will generate more revenue than the current system. I predict it will also encourage more people to use our great state park system. In fact, it's about the most progressive move Michigan has done. Problem with our legislature is it is often a political meatgrinder with politics taking precedent over what's best for our people, resources, visitors and future. That's why this thing is sooo cool for our state!! This year we bought a State Park sticker for both vehicles and used them a ton. Certainly got our money's worth but we have five State Parks within 30 miles or so and I used the Muskegon Lake state boat ramp most of the time. It's been great. Many sportsmen including me, have no problem with higher fees for fishing, hunting and park access - within reason. To go along with that I'd like to see the audit of every department to see how the money is spent.
home Aside	posted 09-19-2010 10:57 PM ET (US) Sounds like a great deal, for users and for the State of Michigan Parks....I'll certainly buy one, possibly two seeing as I have two vehicles that could possibly end up in a park and/or at a Launch at the same time, still a good deal.... I used a State of Michigan ramp today for a cruise on Lake St Clair, Harsen's Island, St Clair River, I was surprised when I pulled up to the ramp and there was no attendant to pay (posted daily fee $6.00).....it's been a while since I launched at a State Ramp after Labor Day....I think they stop manning the Toll booths at State Ramps after Labor Day.... Pat
Chuck Tribolet	posted 09-19-2010 11:02 PM ET (US) California State Parks annual pass is $125. Boat pass is $75. Car admission is $10/day w/o annual pass. Boat use is $5/day w/o boat pass. Chuck
Buckda	posted 09-20-2010 09:17 AM ET (US) While I will benefit from this legislation, I am skeptical that it will actually improve the quality of our access sites. In fact, since the funding now goes into a "general fund" for state parks, I'm guessing that the management of those parks will allocate resources as user demand dictates - and we may actually lose out. No - I'd rather pay my $24 for the season pass and also pay $24 for a season pass to the state park facilities, if I want to use them. Keep the money flowing where you use it - not to some bureaucracy. Since my vehicle registration is due very soon, I'm surprised I didn't get any notification of this in my information/renewal packet. I'm going to stop by the Secretary of State to renew in person to ensure I don't miss out on this "discount".
PeteB88	posted 09-20-2010 10:48 AM ET (US) Great thing for Michigan. Great comments from Jim. Buckalew - we need to push to reestablish the Citizen's Advisory committee that was knocked off. NOTE - Chamber of Commerce OPPOSED this extremely positive thing for our state. NO CHILD LEFT INSIDE!
fishgutz	posted 09-20-2010 10:55 AM ET (US) Several first class launches by me. All are free, free, free. Only ones you have to pay for are at private marinas. All are perfectly maintained and built at perfect angles with nice long docks. One even has fuel, bait, snacks, fishing gear and a public fishing pier. Lots of parking, too.
PeteB88	posted 09-20-2010 11:16 AM ET (US) Jimh - I sent this info and part of your message to part of my list serve who appreciated the info. Jim Bedford, DNR Toxicologist (retired), fisherman and outdoor writer sent this Pete, Good idea on spreading the word. Need to change over 60 to over 1,000 boat launching sites (actually over 1,200). Over 60 doesn't do justice to what we have. Jim I told him I thought you meant big lake launches. FYI - PB
jimh	posted 09-20-2010 01:32 PM ET (US) The passport only gets you into the State of Michigan run boat launch ramps which charge a fee. Most of the ramps I tend to use are run by the local municipality, and you have to pay their fee whether or not you have a State of Michigan boat launch annual sticker. For example, the city of Charlevoix has a very nice ramp facility which I typical use a couple of times per year. You would still have to pay their fees. The City of Cheboygan also has a nice ramp, and as I recall it is run locally, not by the State of Michigan. If you refer to the article I mentioned above, it says the passport provides entry to "66 boating access sites where fees are charged." [It would be wildly inaccurate to represent the $10 PASSPORT as a pre-pay for 1,000 boat launch sites, and I hope you do not spread that sort of misinformation.]
jimh	posted 09-20-2010 10:22 PM ET (US) [Deleted off-topic replies.]
Hoosier	posted 09-20-2010 10:36 PM ET (US) Interesting. I use three ramps, Aune Osborn at the Soo, and both ramps at Detour, none charge a fee. I plan on expanding my boating territory next season and the pass would come in handy. Since I do not have a Michigan drivers license, I have an Indiana one, can I still get the PASSPORT if I go to an SOS office?