National Park Service A Study of the Park and Recreation Problem of the United States

A LARGE PROPORTION of the total population of the State resides in the southern half of the lower peninsula, 88 percent of the population being either in the industrial cities of southern Michigan or within 50 miles of these urban centers. Population figures indicate a definite trend away from the rural farm areas and toward urban centers and rural nonfarm areas near cities.

The northern half of the lower peninsula and the upper peninsula contain a large proportion of land naturally suitable for recreation, and a considerable portion is used for that purpose. It is primarily vacation land, since it is too far from the majority of the population for frequent use.

More recreation lands are required in the southern section, particularly in the vicinity of Detroit and other large urban areas, and along the shores of Lake Michigan. Parks, parkways, and other types of recreation areas should be provided jointly by municipal, county or metropolitan and State agencies. Of particular importance is the recent creation of a metropolitan recreational district for the Detroit region, embracing several counties.

In the northern sections, continued and sane development of the recreation industry is vital to the economy of the regions. Essentially, the future of the recreation industry will depend upon proper land use, the proper distribution of public areas and private holdings, and enough control over private developments to protect the community interests. Large tracts of land having natural beauty, combined with other recreational advantages, should be acquired and preserved for parks in locations well distributed over the State.

Within the authorized boundaries of National and State forests, priority should be given to the acquisition of lands along streams and on lake shores to assure public access to water areas and to protect scenery.

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¹ Area being developed for recreation, wildlife, and forestry

² Area under Federal administration June 1938.

³ Closed during deer season only.

⁴ State military board area leased to Grayling Winter Sports Park Association for operation.

⁵ Acreage of 1 park not reported