{"id":7815,"date":"2025-08-01T14:10:03","date_gmt":"2025-08-01T18:10:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/?p=7815"},"modified":"2025-08-26T14:10:40","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T18:10:40","slug":"the-great-outdoors-of-the-great-lakes-state","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2025\/08\/01\/the-great-outdoors-of-the-great-lakes-state\/","title":{"rendered":"The Great Outdoors of the Great Lakes State"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/08\/The-Great-Outdoors.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;The Great Outdoors of the Great Lakes State&#8221; title_text=&#8221;The Great Outdoors&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; force_fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p>Dear Neighbor ,<br \/>Our state is home to bountiful parks, lakes, and wild spaces that not only provide generous natural resources but also contribute to the Michigan way of life \u2014 and it&#8217;s up to all of us to preserve the integrity of our environment and outdoor spaces.<\/p>\n<p>And as chaos continues to unfold in the federal government, I&#8217;m doing everything in my power at the state level to provide security for our environment and our residents. I&#8217;ll always continue fighting to safeguard our Great Lakes, our state parks, and our natural resources \u2014 no matter what we&#8217;re up against<\/p>\n<p>As always, I&#8217;d love to hear from you about proactive ways we can work together to protect Michigan&#8217;s environment. Please<br \/>feel free to reach out to my office to share your perspective this or any issue \u2014 we are here to serve you.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2022\/12\/Brinks-signature.jpeg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;Senator Brinks Signature&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Senator Brinks Signature&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><strong>Winnie Brinks<\/strong><br \/>State Senator<br \/>District 29<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/08\/Sen-Brinks-Arbor-Day-Planting-Trees.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;Senator Brinks spent Arbor Day planting trees with Friends of Grand Rapids Parks at River City Scholars (elementary school)&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Sen Brinks Arbor Day Planting Trees&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; force_fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<h2>Tackling Pollution, Protecting our Drinking Water, &amp; Investing in our Environment<\/h2>\n<p>Everyone, regardless of where they live, deserves a healthy community that supports their well-being and a high quality of life. But for far too many Michiganders, that has not been their reality, including right here in West Michigan. So many of our neighbors have been burdened by environmental contamination, including toxic PFAS in our drinking water &#8211; and tackling this injustice has been a significant chapter of my career. Together, my Democratic colleagues and I have:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Championed legislation to hold polluters accountable for leaking dangerous contaminants into our environment, making it easier for those harmed by pollution to seek justice.<\/li>\n<li>Passed legislation that requires schools and child care facilities to install water filtration systems to protect our children&#8217;s drinking water and health.<\/li>\n<li>Increased fines for illegal dumping in urban and rural communities alike. Invested in lead service line replacements in our state&#8217;s most overburdened communities.<\/li>\n<li>Provided funding for infrastructure grants for several Grand Rapids parks and Wyoming&#8217;s City Center project that improves walkability and trails linking to greenspace.<\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<h2>Enjoying Michigan&#8217;s Great Outdoors<\/h2>\n<h4>Explore with a Recreation Passport<\/h4>\n<p>A recreation passport is an easy way to access Michigan&#8217;s state parks, trails, historic sites, boat launches, and more. The purchase of a recreation passport also supports the protection of our state&#8217;s natural spaces and remains good for use year-round. Passports are valid for one year or until your license plate expires.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/08\/Michigan-Passport.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;Michigan Recreation Passport pricing&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Michigan Passport&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<h2>Free National Park Days<\/h2>\n<p>You and your loved ones can visit Michigan&#8217;s beautiful national parks for free on August 4 and September 27. On these days, all entrance fees will b e waived for national these days, all entrance fees will be waived for national parks across the country. National parks in Michigan that \u00a0you can visit include the Sleeping Bear Dunes, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and Isle Royale National Park.<\/p>\n<p>Our national park units &#8211; such as the River Raisin National Battlefield Park, Keweenaw National Historical Park, and more than 1,100 miles of the 4,800-mile North Country National Scenic Trail \u2014 are always free.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/08\/Sen-Brinks-Sleeping-Bear-Dunes.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;Senator Brinks and her husband at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Sen Brinks Sleeping Bear Dunes&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/08\/100-Clean-Renewable-Energy.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;Moving Michigan to 100% Clean Renewable Energy&#8221; title_text=&#8221;100% Clean Renewable Energy&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/08\/Get-the-latest.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;Get the latest from our team&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Get the latest&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Get the Latest from Our Team<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Sign up for my e-newsletter or learn more about upcoming events.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][wpforms_selector _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; form_id=&#8221;69&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/wpforms_selector][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_button button_text=&#8221;View PDF&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/brinks\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/08\/202506-brinks-outdoors_01.pdf&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dear Neighbor ,Our state is home to bountiful parks, lakes, and wild spaces that not only provide generous natural resources but also contribute to the Michigan way of life \u2014 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":7821,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7815","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-newsletter"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.4 (Yoast SEO v26.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Great Outdoors of the Great Lakes State - Senator Winnie Brinks<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/brinks\/2025\/08\/01\/the-great-outdoors-of-the-great-lakes-state\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta 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