LANSING, MI (MPRN)-- The state Senate passed legislation Thursday that supporters say could put millions of dollars toward state parks.
The bills would change the recreation passport fee to get into Michigan’s state parks. Instead of the current ability to opt-in to the passport when renewing your car’s registration, you would automatically pay for the passport unless you opt out.
Environmentalists are behind the move. Sean Hammond is with the Michigan Environmental Council.
“We like to think of it as that this gives Michiganders default access to our state parks unless they choose not to,” he says.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says in states with similar programs, more people choose to opt in – that means more money for the state’s parks and recreation areas.
Opponents say people might not think to opt out and they shouldn’t be charged for parks they don’t use.