DETROIT, MI -- After the decision to turn Belle Isle into a state park became final this week, state officials said Wednesday that visitors will start to see some initial changes on the island over the winter before new staff and security take full control in the spring.

Detroit's island park, although it's remained a popular destination and has seen a rise in major events like concerts and races, has long been badly in need of landscaping and infrastructure improvements.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Keith Creagh said state crews will start tackling "low hanging fruit" like hazardous tree removal, trail improvements and trash can placement while they conduct lighting, safety and other assessments during a 90-day transition period.

"You'll begin to see some changes," Creagh said.

Eventually, a full time staff of seven will take over daily operations and maintenance along with seasonal personnel, Michigan State troopers, DNR conservation officers and other security workers, Creagh said.

The state is preparing to make dramatic improvements at the park under a 30-year, rent-free lease putting the island under DNR control, which will require an $11 per car annual Recreation Passport for visitors.

Detroit City Council tried to reject the 30-year lease in favor of a 10-deal with with improvement benchmarks, but because the city is under control of an emergency manager, a state board had final authority and approved the original plan Tuesday.

(Related: State rejects Detroit City Council's proposal, approves 30-year lease making island a state park)

Creagh says the state still plans to gather input from Detroit leaders and tweak lease terms during the transition.

"We did feel strongly that it should be a 30-year agreement so that we could maximize granting and bonding opportunities," he said.

"We'll continue to work with city council and the city to perfect the lease over time. By no stretch of the imagination do we feel that this is set in stone as we continue to get information."

Belle Isle Conservancy President Michele Hodges said the lease can be amended over time, but that a 30-year plan opens doors to funding.

"Maybe it isn't 30 years, but for now, we have that power in our tool box," Hodges said.

"This is an opportunity for all of us to be part of something good, very good... Belle is elegant and magnificent even in the rough, and the prospect of improving it is truly tantalizing."

DNR Parks and Recreation Division Chief Ron Olson said previously planned Belle Isle events like next year's Grand Prix races and Orion music festival are still on, but that future contracts will be negotiated through a different process, and that the DNR won't want to overbook the island.

He said it hasn't yet been determined whether a booth will be placed at the entrance, but that there will be a way for visitors to purchase Recreation Passports on the island in addition to the option of adding it to their vehicle registration through the Secretary of State's office.

Visitors who walk, bike or take public transportation to the island won't have to pay a entrance fee.

Olson said other rules and procedures on the island will be determined by blending traditional park practices with state standards during the transition.

"We're in a 90 day transition. we will be slowly evolving ourselves to hiring staff that will be fixed on the island. They will wear green or brown shirts and they will be out and about."

Follow MLive Detroit reporter Khalil AlHajal on Twitter @DetroitKhalil or on Facebook at Detroit Khalil. He can be reached at kalhajal@mlive.com or 313-643-0527.