With spring returning to Michigan and a lot of cooped-up people itching to get outside, there’s been a swell of traffic at parks, trails, fishing piers and boat launches around the state.

But state and local officials are urging people not to travel far to get their fresh-air fix during Michigan’s stay-home order, which is intended to slow the spread of COVID-19.

So, how far is too far?

The stay-home order issued March 24 bans non-essential travel, with an exception for individuals to leave their homes to “engage in outdoor activity” like hiking, running and cycling, so long as the activity is consistent with the 6-foot social distancing guideline.

So far, state officials haven’t given an exact mileage for what may be considered an acceptable distance for people to travel if they are leaving their homes for outdoor activity. But the Michigan Department of Natural Resources maintains that non-essential travel includes outdoor destinations outside one’s local area, because it could unintentionally increase the spread of coronavirus into nearby communities.

“One of the issues is if you do travel a ways, it forces you to have to engage with gas stations and other stopover points. It creates more potential contacts with people,” said Ron Olson, chief of parks and recreation for the DNR. “One of the concerns in the rural parts of the state Up North is that their capacity to deal with the spread of the virus is much less than in the southern part of the state. They’re very concerned about people potentially bringing the virus to their areas.”

“If you’re going to recreate outdoors, comply with the order and stay close to home,” he said. “Pick a spot that is really close by your house, whether it’s a state park, a county park or a local park.”

Not adhering to the stay-home order or following social-distancing protocols -- even when outdoors -- is now subject to a $1,000 fine, per an emergency order issued April 2 by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Olson said enforcement patrols have been stepped up at state park and rec areas, and fines were issued at several locations last weekend.

Around the state, outdoor destinations deemed to be hotspots for travel and unsafe congregating are being monitored and could be at risk of closure altogether.

Last week, the DNR closed Tippy Dam Recreation Area as well as the primary parking lots for Waterloo Recreation Area’s DTE Energy Foundation Trail due to overcrowding and, in the case of Tippy Dam, visitors coming in from out of state to fish there.

Two boat launches in Leelanau County also were closed last week by their local municipalities on account of similar concerns. A city official from Northport said the decision to close the launch was made in part because people were traveling to the area from too far away -- one couple had driven nearly four hours from their home downstate to put their boat in the water, he said.

In Detroit, Mayor Mike Duggan recently said that city officials debated closing parks altogether to quell ongoing social distancing violations. Instead, the city has dismantled basketball hoops, increased park patrols, and will begin issuing misdemeanor citations punishable by $1,000 fines and six months in jail, Bridge Magazine reported.

Even pleasure cruising in one’s car or on a motorcycle has been discouraged by the Michigan State Police, WWJ News Radio recently reported.

Olson’s advice to everyone hungry to spend time outside: “Be patient.”

“It’s sort of like driving responsibly. We’re asking people to recreate responsibly, and to not travel any further than need be,” he said. “This is only for a short period of time. If everybody takes personal responsibility for their actions, a lot of people can still get out and enjoy themselves without creating more situations that could put other folks in jeopardy.”

Whether you fish, hunt or just enjoy the outdoors we want to remind everyone that social distancing guidelines should be... Posted by Michigan Department of Natural Resources on Monday, March 30, 2020

Some pointers from the DNR on how to recreate responsibly during stay-home orders include:

Stay away from busy areas. If the parking lot is full when attempting to visit a park, recreation area, boating access site or trailhead, leave and choose a different nearby location.

Motorized and non-motorized trails are for local visitors only. Stay local and don’t travel far distances to hike, run, bicycle or ride an ORV.

Don’t litter. There have been reports of a significant increase in trash at state parks, boating access sites, and trailheads. Visitors are asked to help protect outdoor spaces by bringing a trash bag to “carry in, carry out” their trash and recyclables.

Dispersed camping is closed until further notice. All state park and rec area campgrounds, and dispersed camping on state public lands, is closed to support the ban on non-essential travel.

Fish responsibly, too: Fishing is still allowed, and the 2020 season is now open. Anglers are asked to remain 6 feet away -- roughly a fishing rod’s distance -- from others, and to stay local.

Go out only if you’re feeling healthy. Don’t visit public outdoor spaces if you’re feeling unwell.

Adhere to social-distancing guidelines and wash your hands often, even when outdoors. Individuals must maintain a minimum of six feet between themselves and people of other households. Anyone not following the social-distancing requirement may face a civil penalty of up to $1,000.

Check your destination ahead of time. Closure updates for state-managed land and boating access sites can be found on the DNR COVID-19 response page and at Michigan.gov/DNRClosures.