Department of Natural Resources Director Rebecca Humphries on Thursday approved a $4 per night increase in camping fees at 35 of Michigan's 70 state parks that have campgrounds. The increase will take effect for all camping stays in 2006.

The increase was recommended by the Citizens Committee for Michigan State Parks, a public advisory panel that is helping the DNR develop a long-term financial strategy for the state park system. Currently, Michigan state parks receive no General Fund support from the state budget and operate primarily on user fees and an endowment from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.

"The increased cost of doing business, of operating and maintaining one of the nation's largest and oldest state park systems necessitates this short-term action until a long-range financial plan can be put into place," Humphries said. "These new revenues will allow the DNR to maintain and operate our state parks, and provide an emergency repairs fund of $1 million to address some of our most pressing needs, such as broken sewer lines and water pumps."

In addition to the $4 increase in camping fees at the 35 high-demand state parks, Humphries also approved proposed increases in transaction fees for the Campground Reservation System (CRS). The new fees include an increase in the non-refundable reservation fee from $2 to $8, a $5 non-refundable transaction fee for drive-in/walk-in campers with no reservation, an increase in the non-refundable cancellation fee from $5 to $10, and a $5 transaction fee for campers who wish to transfer sites while camped at a park.

"The CRS allows us to offer an easy and convenient way for campers to book reservations either online or on the telephone, and we have been able to make cutting-edge upgrades to it, such as interactive online campground maps," said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation Division chief. "Yet the cost of maintaining and operating the CRS only increases every year, and the DNR receives no general tax support from the state budget for the system."

Humphries also emphasized that the fee increases are only a short-term solution while the Citizens Committee for Michigan State Parks works on a long-term financial plan to address the needs of the state parks system.

"Our state park system encompasses everything that is special about Michigan, from towering pines at Hartwick Pines State Park to majestic sand dunes at Hoffmaster to the rugged hiking trails of the Porcupine Mountains," Humphries said. "With the help of the Citizens Committee, we will develop a long-term plan that ensures our state park system is alive and well for future generations to enjoy and appreciate."

A list of the 35 parks that will have increased camping fees is available on the DNR Web site under the Recreation and Camping section.