Groveland Twp.- Sandwiched between two populated metropolitian areas is a natural oasis that harbors a wilderness setting much like the northern regions of the state.
Since Dec. 19 the wildlife, campers and natural attributes that comprise the 8,000 acre Holly State Recreation Area are now under the experienced direction of new park supervisor Shawn Speaker.
‘The Holly Recreation Area is truly a natural setting, we have no Great Lakes or other significant feature to attract campers,? said Speaker. ‘It’s a very rural area and very wild. This park can be compared to the Upper Pennisula parks’many visitors say it’s like being up north except it’s close to both the Flint and Detroit areas.?
Speaker, 34, a native of Fort Wayne, Ind., attended Indiana University where he received a bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation and Resource Management. He worked for the Bloomington, Indiana Parks and Recreation Department, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Arizona State Parks systems.
‘My first goal is to promote stewardship through educating the public,? said Speaker. ‘The Holly Recreation Area is actually two separate areas with about 3,000 acres dedicated to the Wildlife Division and 5,000 to the State Park. Understanding that some of the areas are open to the public there are also several ecologically sensitive areas prominent in the park.?
Ronald Olson, who was appointed chief of the State Parks and Recreation Division in January visited the Holly Recreation Area earlier this year and along with Speaker evaluated the park and the needs. The Department of Natural Resources, like other state divisions, is facing a host of budget reductions due to the state deficit.
‘Olson has made smart cuts to the parks budget without impacting the public’he’s stablizing the current situation,? said Speaker. About 90 percent of the park is in excellent condition with about 10 percent that still needs attention.?
Several miles of roads through the park have deteriorated and still need repair. Some of the wells and septic systems for the more than 160 campsites need to be replaced, says Speaker.