The Chelsea Standard
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
DNR, MUCC to convert Mill Lake Camp for tourists
By Edward Freundl, The Chelsea Standard
PUBLISHED: June 12, 2008
A former 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps camp in the Waterloo State Recreation Area is itself the focus of conservation efforts.
Advertisement
A press conference is planned for 9:45 a.m. Friday at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn to announce that the Michigan United Conservation Clubs, Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Ryan Newman Foundation will restore the Mill Lake Camp in Sylvan Township as a year-round environmental education center.
The announcement is in conjunction with the Racing for Wildlife 200 ARCA Re/Max 200-mile race that will take place later that day at MIS.
"I am very appreciative of Michigan International Speedway's dedication to Racing for Wildlife and the Racing for Wildlife 200," said NASCAR driver Ryan Newman.
"The restoration of Mill Lake Youth Camp will preserve a peaceful and beautiful place that I would be proud to be able to share with other families," he continued.
"My love of fishing and the outdoors was cultivated by my family when I was growing up, so it's important to keep traditions like that alive for the future."
MIS President Roger Curtis has made conservation one of his priorities since taking over at MIS two years ago. A father of three, the Indiana native and his family enjoy outdoors activities.
"We're thrilled to partner with Racing for Wildlife to host the Racing for Wildlife 200," Curtis said.
Bob Pierce, executive director of the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce, said he saw the project as a way to provide new opportunities for the local business community.
"This announcement is wonderful news for the Chelsea area and will positively impact us in many different ways," Pierce said.
According to Pierce, this camp will accommodate up to 140 people year-round when completed.
"First, this project will save a 1930s-era CCC camp. That in itself is great news. Additionally, in a time when conservation of our natural resources is top of mind for many people, this project will ensure that special attention will be given to one of Michigan's finest outdoor centers," he added.
"We will certainly experience an increase in tourists to our area and potentially develop into a center for ecotourism in the Lower Peninsula."
Not all stories are guaranteed to appear
online. The Web edition contains a reasonable
sampling of the print edition stories.
For the most complete news coverage, we invite you to
subscribe
to the print edition of the paper.
Expanded
Web
Coverage
TOP JOBS
