MICHIGAN Michigan National Guard Partners with DNR to Improve State Parks and Increase Accessibility Story by Capt. Cammy Alberts and Capt. Trevor Kay Michigan National Guard MARQUETTE, Mich. — The spirit of collaboration echoes through the woodlands and shores of Michigan’s upper pen- insula as the 107th Engineer Battalion (107th EN BN) of the Michigan Army National Guard joins forces with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to embark on an ambi- tious journey of state park improvement projects. This initiative is slated to commence in the spring of 2024, with the facilita- tion of the Department of Defense (DoD). The primary objec- tives are twofold: to elevate the quality of state park facilities and concurrently enhance the mission readiness of the Guard. In the serene landscapes of northern Michigan, Engineer Soldiers stand ready to lend their expertise to the construction and repair of infrastructure at Craig Lake State Park, nestled near Craig Lake in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Beyond the immediate benefits of these projects lies an additional layer of purpose – an avenue for skills training known as Innovative Readiness Training (IRT). As these soldiers engage in construc- tion endeavors, they simultaneously fortify their proficiency in the intricate art of construction, ensuring a robust skill set for future challenges. The 1430th Engineer Company (1430th EN CO), based in Traverse City, gears up for a transformative year in 2024. Collaborating with the Michigan DNR, the engineering Soldiers are slated to undertake more than eight construction projects at Wilderness State Park, located near Carp Lake in Michigan’s Northern Lower Peninsula. Four of these projects carry a specific request to enhance camping accessibility for visitors with disabilities, aligning seamlessly with the vision set forth by Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s 2021 park improvement initiative. Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the Adjutant General for the Michigan National Guard, recognizing the significant strides in collaboration, expressed, “The collaboration between the MIARNG and the DNR is a significant step towards enhancing our state parks and facilities so that all Michiganders are able to enjoy the beauty of our great state. This joint effort is a
cost-saving benefit that utilizes the skills and resources avail- able. These improvements not only benefit the state parks but also provide our Soldiers with valuable training opportunities to sharpen their skills and contribute to the well-being of the public.” The soldiers of the 1430th EN CO, equipped with expertise in carpentry, masonry, electrical work, and plumbing, are poised to execute critical repairs to rustic cabins, usher in updates to park infrastructure, and pave the way for the installation of the DNR Gaylord District’s inaugural Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant playground at a state park of this size and scope. Rogers, commends the collaborative spirit, stating, “Our collaboration with the Michigan DNR exemplifies the Na- tional Guard’s commitment to serving our communities. The utilization of our skilled engineering Soldiers from the Mich- igan-based 107th Engineer Battalion not only contributes to the vital repair of state park infrastructure but also allows our Soldiers to enhance and maintain their skills and proficiency, ensuring our readiness for any mission.” For over two decades, the Michigan National Guard has fostered a robust and positive collaboration with the DNR, ex- emplifying a longstanding partnership rooted in mutual benefit. The DNR’s willingness to support and facilitate these train- ing initiatives reflects a shared commitment to ensuring the readiness and preparedness of the Michigan National Guard. This collaborative history underscores the effective synergy be- tween military training needs and the responsible use of state resources, resulting in a positive and constructive relationship that has endured for more than 20 years. In a continuation of this legacy, the MIARNG engineers have recently engaged in an innovative collaboration with the Michigan DNR through the IRT program. Launched in 2020, this innovative IRT partnership evolved when the DNR approached the MIARNG, seeking the expertise of its engineers to assist in critical projects. These projects span a range of essential tasks, including the repair of state parks, roads, water breaks on lakes, and the restoration of cabins. The IRT program, a joint effort leveraging military services and community resources, underscores the MIARNG’s commitment to enhancing value and cost savings in tandem with supporting American com- munities. As the MIARNG’s engineers contribute their skills, manpower, and equipment to these projects, the IRT collabo- ration exemplifies the National Guard’s dedication to produc- ing mission-ready forces while providing key services for the betterment of communities.
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