Record group 96-34 consists of special project files of the Executive Divsion of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (and its predecessor, the Department of Conservation), for the years 1965-1984 (bulk of material dates 1972-1978). Contains correspondence, studies, maps, environmental impact statements, and proposals. These projects all deal with the creation or expansion of state or national parks within Michigan. Of special note is the documentation on the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The state, with local support, campaigned to have the park designated as a national lakeshore. Throughout the 1960's, the Department of Natural Resources recognized the great need and the economic benefit for outdoor recreational lands and facilities in the Great Lakes area. The Department successfully lobbied for the status of national lakeshore for the area in Leelanau County. It was authorized on October 21, 1970.
