Record group 97-47 consists of files relating to parks and recreation of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks Division (and its predecessor, the Department of Conservation) for the years 1956-1985 (bulk of material is 1984-1985). Contains correspondence, reports and maps. The files document the administration of and the physical development of the state's recreation system. The master plans and the campground development plans of the parks and recreation areas detail the Department's conception of how each area was to balance conservation concerns with recreation requirements. Some special issues of note include a proposed woodland Indian center in Petoskey State Park and the proposed development of the Lakelands trail.
