Public Comments Due Feb. 22 on Interlochen State Park Management Plan

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has opened a public comment period on a new general management plan for Interlochen State Park in Grand Traverse County, and an online survey and project materials are available through Feb. 22, 2026. The DNR says a public meeting will follow in the summer of 2026 to give residents another chance to review and comment on the draft plan.

The plan process is part of the DNR’s long-range planning to protect natural and cultural resources and to address recreation and education needs at the park. Debbie Jensen, DNR park management plan administrator, said, “Public input is essential to the park’s draft general management plan, ensuring the final vision reflects the community’s insights and priorities.” Jensen is listed as the contact for questions at JensenD1@Michigan.gov or 517-230-6837.

Interlochen State Park sits between the shores of Duck and Green lakes and offers modern and rustic camping, boating, paddling, fishing, swimming and much more. The park holds a special place in state history: it was acquired by Michigan in 1917 and established by the Legislature as the state’s first state park in 1919. The DNR notes accompanying photos related to the planning effort are available for download, and at least one recent photo of the park sign has been provided with a January 21, 2026 caption.

Local residents, visitors, stakeholder groups and other community members are invited to complete the online survey and review project materials on the DNR’s Interlochen project page to register preferences on resource protection, access, facilities and educational programming. The public meeting in summer 2026 will provide an in-person forum to discuss the draft plan; specific date, time and location for that meeting have not yet been announced.

How the DNR frames the plan will affect shoreline management, trail and campground maintenance, boating access and educational outreach at a park that is both a regional recreation hub and a site with century-long status in Michigan’s parks system. Input collected now will be used to shape proposals that guide management decisions for years to come.

Residents who want to weigh in before the Feb. 22 cutoff should use the DNR’s Interlochen project page to find the survey and supplementary materials, or contact Debbie Jensen at JensenD1@Michigan.gov or 517-230-6837 for more information. Expect the DNR to announce details for the summer 2026 public meeting as the draft plan moves toward public review.