Michigan has awarded nearly $1.4 billion for land protection and recreation projects across the state. The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund that was created in 1976, is also marking 50 years of a conservation fund that has used earnings from the state’s oil, gas and mineral revenues to support public land and outdoor recreation.According to Michigan state government official site, the latest funding comes through Michigan’s fiscal year 2027 budget. It includes $45 million in Trust Fund grants for 75 land acquisition and park development projects. The grants are expected to combine with nearly $64 million in local and matching funds, creating a total investment of $108.9 million in public land and outdoor recreation.One of the biggest allocations is for the Keweenaw Peninsula. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will receive $6.5 million to acquire nearly 22,650 acres. The land acquisition will consolidate state-managed land for recreation and natural resource protection.The funding also includes $1.5 million for the DNR to acquire 460 acres next to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The land includes wooded hills, trout streams and wildlife habitats. Another $5 million will help the DNR acquire more than 1,400 acres of forestland, including all of Turtle Lake and nearly two miles of the Turtle Creek corridor, to protect habitat and water quality in the Au Sable River watershed.
Turning resource revenues into conservation
The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund is a restricted fund established to support the public acquisition of land for resource protection and outdoor recreation. s The fund is financed through interest and earnings from revenues generated by state-owned oil, gas and mineral leases.The Trust Fund is administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and was placed in Michigan’s Constitution for permanent protection. Over five decades, it has supported land purchases, land rights and improvements to outdoor recreation facilities across the state.According to DNR Director Scott Bowen,“Since its inception, the Trust Fund has awarded crucial grant dollars to local governments and state agencies for creative projects and acquisitions that greatly benefit residents and local economies in every county of the state.”
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (Wikimedia Commons photo)
75 projects receive funding
The fiscal year 2027 budget supports projects across Michigan, covering both land acquisitions and improvements to existing parks and trails.Among the acquisition projects, East Bay Township will receive $4.8 million to acquire an easement on 333 acres known as the Ridge Nature Preserve. The project will protect public access and future trail connections to the Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation trail system.Saugatuck Township will receive $2.5 million to acquire 119 acres along the Kalamazoo River. The property includes more than 2,200 feet of river frontage and is planned as a destination park and nature preserve.The DNR will also receive $1.6 million to acquire 354 acres of oak-pine barrens habitat in Newaygo County. The acquisition will connect the east and west units of the Muskegon State Game Area.Other acquisitions include former railway land for the North Country National Scenic Trail and Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail, waterfront land along Petty’s Bayou and additional land along the Grand River and Black River.The development grants will fund a wide range of improvements. Projects include accessible trails, playgrounds, boat launches, boardwalks, restrooms, parking areas, trailheads and waterfront facilities.The city of Grayling, for example, will receive $400,000 to build a 1.8-mile shared-use pathway along M-72. In Detroit, $400,000 will support an inclusive playground at Clemente Park, along with parking, a multi-sport court and landscaping.Other projects include a new accessible path through Bliss Park in Saginaw, improvements to Rosy Mound Natural Area in Ottawa County and a three-mile extension of the Blue Star Trail in Saugatuck Township.
Fund has also shaped Detroit Riverfront
The Trust Fund’s impact can also be seen along Detroit’s riverfront. In June, the Michigan DNR highlighted projects supported through decades of state and local partnerships.The Detroit Riverfront attracts about 3 million people each year and has received more than $45 million in Trust Fund-supported community investment through different projects.At Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park, $5.7 million in Trust Fund support helped create connections to the riverfront, including the West Riverfront Connector. The 22-acre park has play areas, a water garden, a sport house and landscaped paths.The William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor has received $26.25 million in Trust Fund funding. Projects there include a 1,500-foot pedestrian trail, the final connection of the Detroit East Riverwalk through the park and land and easement acquisitions along the Detroit River.Trust Fund support also helped acquire 48,000 square feet of space in the historic Globe Building for the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center. Another $3.4 million supported work linked to the Belle Isle Iron Belle Trail and Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Trail.
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