Natural Resources Trust Fund is 50 Years Old

a news release of Michigan.gov

These are numbers worth celebrating! For 50 years, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund has granted nearly $1.4 billion to state and local units of government, across 3,000-plus allocations, to expand recreation opportunities for Michigan residents and visitors.

Established in 1976, the Trust Fund – long described as one of those great ideas that comes about every generation or two – is funded through interest and earnings on funds derived from the revenues of state-owned oil, gas and minerals. Those dollars help purchase public lands for natural resources conservation and outdoor recreation, as well as provide funding for public outdoor recreation development projects.


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Rosy Mound Improvements Funded

Events Calendar

existing and proposed trails at Rosy Mound ( map from the Rosy Mound Master Plan with highlights)

from Ottawa County

One of the 2025 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund recommendations was for $800,000 to Ottawa County. The one-line description was for the Petty's Bayou area. This, however, does not tell the full story. Two specific projects will split the funding. One will be covered in this article.

Half the money will be applied to development on the recently acquired 127 acres at Rosy Mound near Grand Haven, Michigan, which will proceed according to the Master Plan. This will result in an additional 2.6 miles of foot trail, bringing the total to 4.4 miles.

A new parking area on Lakeshore Drive with 50 spots for day use will be built. Additional project elements include 0.85 miles of universally accessible paved trails, two new beach connections, two scenic overlooks, an extensive stair and boardwalk system, and a vault toilet.

It is proposed that the improvements will be implemented in four phases:
A. The new parking area, a loop trail and spur to an overlook
B. Additional trails leading to the Lake Michigan beach
C. Connections south to the existing Rosy Mound trails
D. An additional connection between the two parking areas, nearer to Lakeshore Drive.

The map above shows existing trails highlighted in lime green. All trails to the north of that will be constructed.

The legislature must still approve the appropriation, but this is usually a formality.

See Rosy Mound Master Plan for additional info and more maps (a pdf)


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2025 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Monies Coming to West Michigan

Events Calendar

Boardwalk at Gales Pond built with NRTF money (photo by jhy)

mostly from a news release of the Michigan DNR

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund is a restricted fund that was established in 1976 to provide funding for public acquisition of lands for resource protection and outdoor recreation, as well as for public outdoor recreation development projects. It is funded through interest and earnings on funds derived from the revenues of state-owned oil, gas and minerals. The fund was created by Constitutional amendment, and so far has rebuffed efforts to raid the money for other purposes.

Over the past 49 years, the Trust Fund has granted more than $1.3 billion to state and local units of government, across 3,015 allocations, to develop and improve recreation opportunities in Michigan. Look for signs at any number of small properties to see where this money has made your life more rich. Small and large projects are funded each year.

“The Trust Fund continues to be a tremendous source of funding for important projects and land acquisitions across Michigan,” said Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Scott Bowen. “Since 1976, more than 3,000 projects or acquisitions have been funded with the help of Trust Fund dollars, creating an outstanding legacy spanning nearly half a century.”

This year, the board recommended $19.1 million for development project grants and $25.8 million for acquisition grants. Seven of these awards will come to West Michigan:
• Saugatuck Township, Riverside Park Acquisition, Allegan County, $ 2,464,300
• Spring Lake Township, Petty's Bayou Waterfront Acquisition, Ottawa County, $ 840,000
• East Bay Township, Ridge Nature Preserve Acquisition, Grand Traverse County, $ 4,813,600
• DNR - Parks and Recreation Division, Elmdale to Lowell Trail Acquisition, Kent County, $ 1,000,000
• DNR - Wildlife Division, Muskegon State Game Area Land Consolidation, Newaygo County, $ 1,600,000
• City of Muskegon, Hartshorn Marina Expansion, Muskegon County, $ 730,200
• DNR - Forest Resources Division, Turtle Lake Acquisition, Otsego County, $ 5,000,000

The Natural Resources Trust Fund may be the best gift outdoor lovers in Michigan have ever had.

See Full List of 2025 NRTF awards


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1000 New Acres of Public Land Along AuSable

upper AuSable River (photo from the Michigan DNR)

a news release of Michigan DNR

More than 1,000 acres of prime forest land – including 1.5 miles of the Au Sable River corridor – will provide fish and wildlife habitat, forest management opportunities and be open for public recreation thanks to a grant provided to the DNR by the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.

The DNR and Huron Pines will host a closing ceremony to celebrate the acquisition of the Upper Au Sable River Property at 3:30 p.m. Aug. 14 on the property near Grayling. The public is welcome.

“Public access to and protection of designated natural rivers and trout streams is a high priority for the DNR,” said Shannon Hanna, DNR natural resources deputy director. “This piece of land is nearly surrounded by state forest and increases access to the world-renowned fishing available in the Au Sable River. We appreciate the investment from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund that enabled the success of this project.”

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund has supported high-quality outdoor recreation opportunities for Michigan citizens and visitors for over 40 years. A restricted fund established in 1976 to support land conservation and outdoor recreation, the Trust Fund is financed through interest earned on funds derived from the development of publicly owned minerals such as oil and natural gas. Over the past 40-plus years, the Trust Fund has granted more than $1 billion to state and local units of government to develop and improve public outdoor recreation opportunities in all 83 counties.

The $2.1 million acquisition includes 1,010 acres of forest land that completes the protection and public ownership of this entire stretch of the Au Sable River. A cabin and outbuildings on the property will be removed.

The property features a mixed forest of mature oak, jack pine, white pine, and red pine as well as lowland conifers near the river, including cedar. There are also 400 acres of wetlands. The property provides habitat for game birds such as woodcock, ruffed grouse and waterfowl in addition to black bear, white-tailed deer, river otter and the threatened Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake.

Birdwatchers can find sought-after species for life lists, including bald eagles, osprey, the pileated woodpecker, waterfowl and songbirds.

“Public recreation opportunities include hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, bird watching, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing,” said Brad Jensen, executive director of Huron Pines, a Gaylord-based nonprofit organization that works to protect, restore and conserve Michigan's natural resources.

Huron Pines has developed a watershed plan for river restoration and actively partners with a variety of agencies and stakeholder groups to implement this plan. Huron Pines worked to rally these stakeholders and other organizations and businesses in support of the DNR’s efforts to acquire and protect the Upper Au Sable River property.

Directions:

From Grayling: Take M-72 west to South Au Sable Trail, which is about three-tenths of a mile west of the stop light at Ole Dam Road. Turn right (north) onto South Au Sable Trail and take it to Pollak Bridge Road. Turn left. The entrance leading back to the property will be located on the right in approximately 50 yards.

From Traverse City: Take M-72 east to South Au Sable Trail. Turn left (north) onto South Au Sable Trail and take it to Pollak Bridge Road. Turn left. The entrance will be located on the right in approximately 50 yards.

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West Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grants

Bay Harbor Park in Petosky which has benefited from the Natural Resources Trust Fund

a news release of the Michigan DNR

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) has been in place since 1976. It provides financial assistance to local governments and the Department of Natural Resources(DNR) to purchase land or rights in land for public recreation or protection of land because of its environmental importance or its scenic beauty. It also assists in the appropriate development of land for public outdoor recreation.

West Michigan Grants awarded December 2011 include:

• Belvidere Township (Montcalm County) is recommended to receive $59,000 to develop a fishing pier and parking lot on First Lake at Belvidere Township Park
  
• City of Buchanan (Berrien County) is recommended to receive $288,000 to develop a linear urban trail from St. Joseph River on the east end of the city to the natural prairie on the west end of the city.
  
• Charlevoix County is recommended to receive $300,000 to construct a 10-foot wide non-motorized recreational trail from Boyne City to the Evangeline/Bay Township line.
  
• Coldsprings Township (Kalkaska County) is recommended to receive $47,000 to develop Sands Park, including an accessible picnic shelter, restrooms, trails to the beach and parking area, lighting, beach improvements, grading, a maintenance shed and nature trail grading.
  
• Comstock Township (Kalamazoo County) is recommended to receive $300,000 for improvements to Robert Morris Park, including a multi-use building, pavement/concrete removal, sidewalk, topsoil/seed/mulch and storage building demolition.
  
• City of Dowagiac (Cass County) is recommended to receive $300,000 to develop Silver Creek Russom Park. The project includes construction of an entrance road, a 325-car parking area, a one-quarter mile paved, universally accessible walking and exercise trail and a universally accessible play area.
  
• Emmet County is recommended to receive $300,000 to develop a 10-foot wide multiuse recreational rail-trail connecting the communities of Conway, Oden and Alanson to Petoskey and Harbor Springs.
  
• Fred Meijer Ionia to Owosso Rail-Trail Development, a project managed by the DNR, is recommended to receive $300,000 to develop eight miles of paved rail-trail through the communities of Ovid, St. Johns, Fowler, Pewamo and Muir. The project includes grading and drainage, bridges and culverts, access management, site amenities and signage.
  
• Garfield Township (Grand Traverse County) is recommended to receive $300,000 to develop Historic Barns Park and Garden to include universally accessible paved trails, a picnic grove, interpretive center and site amenities.
  
• City of Grand Rapids (Kent County) is recommended to receive $300,000 to develop Pleasant Park to include play/informal sports and neighborhood gathering areas, barrierfree playground, sledding/rolling hill, accessible concrete walks, native landscaping and rain gardens.
  
• Grattan Township (Kent County) is recommended to receive $23,400 to develop a parking lot, trails, gazebo, two boardwalks with observation decks and kiosks at Seeley Creek Park.
  
• City of Hastings (Barry County) is recommended to receive $244,900 to develop the .66 mile non-motorized recreational trail from Tyden Park to the existing pedestrian corridor of State Street, including paved trails, a river overlook, restoration of the river’s edge in the park and site amenities.
  
• Ionia County is recommended to receive $300,000 for five miles of rail-trail surface improvements, surface grading and drainage, bridges and culverts, access management, site amenities and a signage system.
  
• City of Kentwood (Kent County) is recommended to receive $125,400 to develop a boardwalk addition and replace existing boardwalk at Northeast Park.
  
• Village of Lake Odessa (Ionia County) is recommended to receive $200,000 to develop the Lake Odessa Municipal Beach to include floating docks, walkways, new parking and security system. All will be universally accessible.
  
• Laketon Township (Muskegon County) is recommended to receive $300,000 to develop 1.25 miles of non-motorized trail along the entire length of Bear Lake Road to extend to an existing trail.
  
• Laketon Township (Allegan County) is recommended to receive $50,000 to develop a picnic area, soccer field and ball diamond at Township Hall Park.
  
• Village of Lakewood (Muskegon County) is recommended to receive $45,000 for improvements to Fox Lake Park, including 1,300 linear feet of six-foot wide paved, nonmotorized trail along the edge of Fox Lake, seating overlook areas and boardwalk
  extensions for viewing and fishing.
  
• Little Manistee River Weir, managed by the Department of Natural Resources’ Fisheries Division, is recommended to receive $300,000 to develop interpretive, educational and recreational facilities on the weir property in Manistee County.
  
• City of Lowell (Kent County) is recommended to receive $300,000 for improvements at the Flat River Amphitheater Park to include replacing existing concrete amphitheater with a greenspace park located on the Flat River. The project also includes a kayak/canoe launch, a boat dock, walkways and an observation/fishing area.
  
• Village of Luther (Lake County) is recommended to receive $84,300 for improvements to Luther Mill Pond Park, including a trail system, fishing pier, educational interpretive garden and updates to an existing parking lot and basketball court.
  
• City of Manistee (Manistee County) is recommended to receive $280,000 to remove and replace the First Street Beach House in Douglas Park. The new facility will be universally accessible.
  
• Mason County is recommended to receive $129,600 for improvements to the Mason County Campground to include replacement of an out-dated entry station with a new Welcome Center building, site entrance drive, parking/pull-off area and new entrance
  gates and signs.
  
• Village of McBride (Montcalm County) is recommended to receive $132,300 for improvements to Robert Lee Davis Memorial Park to include a restroom, playground equipment, accessible parking, accessible walkways and a new nature trail.
  
• Mullett Township (Cheboygan County) is recommended to receive $280,000 for improvements to Topinabee Lakeside Park to include site preparation, observation/viewing plaza, signage, furniture, plantings, fencing, well/drinking fountain, retaining wall, universally accessible fishing/viewing deck and play apparatus.
  
• Muskegon County is recommended to receive $150,800 to develop Rotary Park, to include providing access to canoeing and kayaking for persons with disabilities and a barrier-free play ground.
  
• Ottawa County is recommended to receive $300,000 to develop a waterfront walkway along 1,300 feet of Lake Macatawa to include paved walkways, boardwalks, overlooks and interpretive displays.
  
• City of Petoskey (Emmet County) is recommended to receive $300,000 to develop a 10-foot wide concrete path, trailhead parking, road crossings, benches, interpretive signs and native seeding for the city’s Downtown Greenway north segment.
  City of Petoskey (Emmet County) is recommended to receive $59,700 to construct a .37 mile paved, accessible non-motorized trail connecting Village Harbor Drive and Resort Township’s East Park.
  
• Village of Pewamo (Ionia County) is recommended to receive $85,200 to develop a trailhead with a pavilion, restrooms and parking.
  
• Richfield Township (Roscommon County) is recommended to receive $55,800 to develop a universally accessible fishing pier, canoe/kayak launch, accessible route for pedestrian corridors and interpretive information displays at Lake St. Helen.
  
• City of Roosevelt Park (Muskegon County) is recommended to receive $45,000 to renovate four existing tennis courts.
  
• Silver Creek Township (Cass County) is recommended to receive $298,200 to develop the Silver Creek Russom Park to include the construction of an entrance road, a 205-car parking area, a three-quarter mile paved, universally accessible walking and exercise trail, a universally accessible play area and an irrigation well.
  
• City of South Haven (Van Buren County) is recommended to receive $254,800 to develop universally accessible restrooms, pavilion, basketball courts and fencing at Elkenburg Park.
  
• City of St. Joseph (Berrien County) is recommended to receive $247,100 for improvements at Lions Park Beach, including replacing restrooms, adding an accessible picnic pavilion, improving access to the water and concrete walkway enhancements.
  
• Village of Suttons Bay (Leelanau County) is recommended to receive $240,000 to develop a 1.3 mile 10-foot wide non-motorized pathway with universally accessible amenities along Front Street.
  
• Texas Township (Kalamazoo County) is recommended to receive $300,000 to construct 1.7 miles of universally accessible, non-motorized trail from the Al Sabo Well Preserve to 12th Street.
  
• City of Traverse City (Grand Traverse County) is recommended to receive $210,000 to develop 2,900 linear feet of 10-foot wide non-motorized, multi-use trail on the Boardman Lake Trail West within a city recreation area to include picnic areas, shelters, seating, a fishing pier, a kayak/canoe launch and bike racks.
  
• Tuscarora Township (Cheboygan County) is recommended to receive $250,900 to develop a trailhead for the North Central Lake Trail to include parking, a trail gateway, landscaping, lighting, benches, trash receptacles, bike rack and universally accessible restrooms.
  
• Wilson Township (Alpena County) is recommended to receive $73,600 for improvements to Wolf Creek Park to include installation of a universally accessible restroom, accessible fishing platform, landscaping and crushed limestone pathways.
  

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Revisions to Natural Resources Trust Fund Rules

by Nancy Krupiarz, Executive Director, Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance

Today was the day the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund board met to discuss and act on new scoring criteria for 2009’s application cycle. As you may know the Natural Resources Trust fund board was concerned because there has been a decline in the number of applications submitted over the last few years, particularly from urban areas. To address this situation Chuck Nelson, Professor, from Michigan State University, conducted some listening sessions in several “distressed” community locations (Marquette, Roscommon, Muskegon, Kalamazoo, Taylor and Saginaw). These are some of the concerns they heard:

• Lack of match
  
• Lack of dollars for planning in order to prepare a proposal
  
• Their budget situation is such that they can barely keep their existing facilities running, let alone developing and operating a new facility
  
• Perceived complexity in preparing the grant application

The community representatives also offered various recommendations for changes in the application process, all of which were taken into account by the staff in preparing proposed revisions to the scoring criteria. Here is a general summary of the changes that the Natural Resources Trust Fund Board approved to help address the above concerns and others. There are now 13 priority project types instead of 6. Trails and greenways is one of those projects. Every year the board will decide 3 priority project types that will receive extra points. The board decided the 2009 priority project types to be 1) trails and greenways; 2) projects in urban areas; and 3) wildlife and ecological corridors. All projects fitting these categories will receive 50 extra points, but contrary to past years, your project can only fit in one category, so the most you can get is 50.

• Projects for both acquisition and development are awarded extra points for:
  
• Never having received a Natural Resources Trust Fund grant
  
• Having a formal recreation department or parks commission or committee
  
• Being located within a core city, or a metropolitan statistical area (an inner ring city) or a micropolitan statistical area (most of these are small cities in otherwise rural areas)
  
• No charging of entrance fees to recreational facilities or at least providing a waiver for low-income visitors or having another mode of entry (bike or walk) in which the visitor is not charged a fee
  
• For urban projects: the site sits on a public transportation route
  
• Having greater financial need, i.e., jurisdictions in upper 1/3 of median household income get no points, middle 1/3 of median household income gets ½ the points and lowest 1/3 of median household income gets full points
  
• Presenting a plan for how the public will be made aware of the project

Points for match will be awarded based on ability to pay. Proposals from jurisdictions that are in the bottom 1/3 of median household income will receive some points for match contribution of higher than 25% and the highest points possible for a match of 50% or greater. Middle 1/3 of median household income receive some points (not as many) for match of higher than 25% and only 2/3 of the points possible for a match of 50% or greater. The top 1/3 of median household income communities do not receive points until they match at 30% or greater and only receive ½ the points possible for a match of 50% or greater. There was discussion (proposed by MTGA) about possibly having a sliding scale whereby all communities are able to gain the full points possible, but the board decided to wait a year and see how the new change works out. For acquisition projects, extra points are awarded for:

• Being part of a green infrastructure plan for the community, region, or ecoregion
  
• Fee simple purchases rather than easements

For development projects, extra points are awarded for:

• Use of environmentally friendly materials and innovative technology
  
• Plans for addressing potential crime issues
  
• Renovation projects that are not needed as a result of inadequate maintenance
  
• Demonstrating the incorporation of universal design to accommodate persons with disabilities

Also in the new process will be a provision for small grant awards both for acquisition (possibly $500,000 total) and development (possibly $250,000 total). Included in the original proposal was the elimination of the August 1 second application deadline for last minute submittals. In response to quite a bit of opposition (MTGA included) to the 2nd deadline elimination, the board voted to keep it intact for this year. Next year, there may be a shifting of points to reward those who submit at the 1st deadline so as to lessen the pressure on grants management staff who have been receiving an increasing number of applications at the 2nd deadline. Overall, I think trails are still well-positioned to receive funding from the Natural Resources Trust Fund, and this year, especially in the urban areas. That is, of course, the Legislature decides to tamper with it. WE understand there was a senate joint resolution introduced today by Senator Sheltrown that would open up the constitution to amend the Trust Fund! See Michigan DNR These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news See Get Off The Couch

Michigan Recreation Trust Funds for West Michigan

from the Michigan DNR

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) Board of Trustees on Wednesday recommended to Governor Jennifer M. Granholm that 81 recreation projects and land acquisitions totaling $48.5 million be funded for 2008. The board had considered 159 applications for projects and acquisitions totaling $83.5 million, which were competitively evaluated based on scoring criteria developed by the board.

This is the largest amount the MNRTF board has recommended for grants in the history of the program.

The next step is for Governor Granholm to forward the recommendations to the Legislature for appropriation of the funds from the MNRTF. Typically, this part of the process is completed by the end of the summer following the board's recommendations.

Projects in west Michigan that are on this year's list include:

• City of East Grand Rapids, Reeds Lake Waterfront Park, $490,000. This project includes accessible trails, lake viewing areas, fishing piers, floating boardwalks along 2,225 feet of Reeds Lake, along with parking, historical and environmental interpretation, and habitat protection.
• Bear Creek Township (Emmet County), Jones Landing Park, $487,600. This project includes a boat launch area, roads, parking lot, restroom building, pavilion, viewing deck and beach area.
• City of Wyoming, Oriole Park Site Development, $378,900. This project will redevelop the 12.9 acre Oriole Park to include parking and access improvements, a walking trail, new basketball and tennis courts, children’s playground and splash pad, shade structure, oak habitat and landscaping and interpretative signage.
• DNR, State Park Infrastructure Repairs, $350,000. This project will renovate and repair obsolete and deteriorated infrastructure at various state parks statewide.
• City of Grand Haven, East Grand River Park Improvements, $300,000. This project includes a barrier-free boardwalk with fishing piers along the Grand River, a playground and gazebo.
• City of Portland, Portland Trail Connector Loop, $284,800. This project will develop 3,000 feet of 10-foot wide asphalt trail which would connect two existing trails and complete a loop around the city.
• City of Greenville, Baldwin Lake Beach Improvements, $277,900. This project will incorporate the Fred Meijer Flat River Trail with the Baldwin Lake Beach and provide improvements to the beach facility and parking lot.
• Newaygo County, Sandy Beach Park Improvement, $267,500. The project will include improvements to Sandy Beach Park on Hardy Pond that include paving the entrance and interior road, upgrading 22 campsites to full electrical hookups, add two camping cabins, a courtesy ramp at the boat launch and a day-use picnic shelter with walkway.
• DNR, Inland Fishing Piers in State Parks and Recreation Areas, $250,000. This project will include expanding recreational fishing access to inland lakes by constructing fishing piers at Bald Mountain, Ionia, Rifle River, Waterloo and Yankee Springs state recreation areas.
• DNR, Building Demolition Initiative, $250,000. This project will demolish abandoned, vacant and surplus buildings on DNR properties statewide to reclaim the sites for recreational and resource protection uses.
• Barry County, McKeown Bridge Park Development, $215,300. This project includes fishing/overlook decks, wetland boardwalks, paved walkways, a canoe launch, parking improvements, picnic and restroom facilities and natural plantings.
• City of Niles, Riverfront and Plym Park Trail Development, $170,500. This project will include development of a 1.79 mile extension of an existing trail within Riverfront Park northward to Plym Park and southward to the city limits.
• City of Ludington, Streams Park Breakwall Improvements, $125,300. This project will build an accessible pathway over a new breakwall on Lake Michigan.
• Acme Township (Grand Traverse County), Acme Waterfront Park Acquisition, $3,006,200. This three-phase acquisition involves the purchase of 11.5 acres and 2,000 feet of lake frontage as an addition to Bayside Park, along the east arm of Grand Traverse Bay. Recreational opportunities will include fishing, wildlife viewing, picnicking and swimming.
• Cascade Township (Kent County), Cascade Natural Park Acquisition, $1.2 million. This project will acquire 197 acres of undeveloped land with an unnamed tributary to the Grand River, mature beech and maple forest, and open field and grassland areas. The property contains habitat for the Eastern Box Turtle, a species of special concern in Michigan.
• Village of Elberta, South Elberta Dunes Natural Area Acquisition, $1,158,800. This project will acquire 58 acres with critical dunes and 1,425 feet of Lake Michigan frontage to be used for hiking, surf-fishing, wildlife viewing and cross-country skiing.
• DNR, Mitchell Creek Land Acquisition, $1 million. This project will acquire 28.79 acres of land adjacent to Traverse City State Park and provide recreation and fishing access to Mitchell Creek.
• DNR, Northern Lower Peninsula Eco-Regional Land Consolidation, $1 million. This project will acquire various parcels within the northern lower eco-region of the state that will improve DNR ownership by eliminating in-holdings within state project areas.
• DNR, Grand River Edges Rail-Trail Acquisition, $850,000. This project would acquire .85 miles of inactive railroad corridor along the Grand River in the City of Grand Rapids, which will connect the city to the State Trail Network and over 200 miles of state rail-trail.
• Emmet County, Emmet County/Maple River Acquisition, $675,000. This project will acquire 128 acres and approximately 4,500 feet of undeveloped river frontage along the West Branch of the Maple River.
• Casco Township (Allegan County), Casco Township Nature Preserve Phase II, $668,800. This project will acquire 8.62 acres of property for the township’s nature preserve.
• DNR, Manistee River Deeryard and Bog, $600,000. This project will acquire 280 acres of land in Wexford County surrounded by the Pere Marquette State Forest, including 1,000 feet of Manistee River frontage and 1,000 feet of frontage on a tributary of Fife Lake Creek and a 90-acre bog complex.
• DNR, Southwest Lower Peninsula Eco-Regional Consolidation, $500,000. This project will acquire various properties within the southwest eco-region of the state to improve DNR ownership by eliminating in-holdings within state project areas.
• DNR, Mitchell State Park Bear Marsh Acquisition, $500,000. This project will acquire 293 acres of wetlands/upland wild area that adjoins the north edge of Mitchell State Park in Wexford County.
• Almira Township (Benzie County), Ann Lakefront Park Acquisition, $478,100. This project will acquire 1.65 acres of property, including 175 feet of frontage on Ann Lake for a public park and swimming beach.
• Muskegon County, Meinert County Park Property Acquisition, $428,300. This project will acquire 95.17 acres of critical dunes, woodlands, wetlands and small inland ponds near Lake Michigan and adjacent to Meinert County Park.
• City of Dowagiac, Youth Sports Park Acquisition, $100,000. This project will acquire 17.83 acres, including five existing baseball fields, ADA restrooms/concessions/parking area for use as an active sports field complex.
• Silver Creek Township (Cass County), Silver Creek Area Youth Sports Park, $100,000. This project will acquire 18 acres for development of youth soccer and football facilities, a picnic pavilion, roadway and parking, and a Sister Lakes to Dowagiac bike path.
• City of Petoskey, Skyline Trail Acquisition, $99,000. This project will acquire 65 acres of land to link together over 800 acres of city and State of Michigan lands to provide a route for a new trail section of the national North Country Trail.
• City of Kentwood, North Stanaback Park Acquisition, $85,000. This project will acquire 17.3 acres of natural, wooded and preserved area with ravines adjacent to Stanaback Park.
• St. Joseph County, Cade Lake County Park Expansion, $79,500. This project will purchase 40 acres with 250 feet of frontage on Cade Lake containing woodlands and wetlands contiguous to the existing 52-acre county park for natural resources-based recreation.
• City of Bangor, Veterans Park and Kiwanis Park Additions, $37,800. This project will acquire 4.3 acres to add a trail connecting Veterans Park and Kiwanis Park, and providing scenic viewing opportunities.

See the complete list of 2008 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board Recommendations
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Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant Applications Now Available

The Department of Natural Resources today announced that communities interested in applying for grants through the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) to support outdoor recreation development have until April 1, 2008 to submit their applications. There will be an Aug. 1 secondary deadline for land acquisition applications only.

The MNRTF provides funding assistance for state and local outdoor recreation needs, including land acquisition and development of outdoor recreation facilities. This assistance is directed at creating and improving outdoor recreation opportunities and providing protection to valuable natural resources. Both local government and the DNR may compete for MNRTF assistance.

MNRTF-assisted land acquisitions preserve unique natural features and provide public access to natural resources. Development projects eligible under the MNRTF include waterfront parks, non-motorized trails and riverwalks, fishing and boating access sites, shooting ranges and other facilities. The MNRTF is supported by revenues from the development of state-owned mineral resources, in particular oil and gas. Between $25 and $35 million in MNRTF assistance is available annually.

Grant application materials can be obtained from the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr-grants; click on Grant Programs and then Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. Interested individuals also can call Grants Management at (517) 373-9125 or write to the Department of Natural Resources, Grants Management, P.O. Box 30425, Lansing, MI 48909-7925.

a news release of the Michigan DNR, Jan 24, 2008
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Natural Resources Trust Fund Workshops

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced today that informational workshops for communities interested in applying for grants from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) will take place around the state in January and February.

The MNRTF provides funding assistance for state and local outdoor recreation needs, including land acquisition and development of outdoor recreation facilities. The assistance is directed at creating and improving outdoor recreational opportunities and providing protection to valuable natural resources. Both local units of government and the DNR are eligible for MNRTF assistance. The MNRTF is supported by revenues from the development of state-owned mineral resources, in particular oil and gas.

Workshops are scheduled in Flint, Alpena, Manistique, Lansing, and one in west Michigan:

• Traverse City: Wednesday, Jan. 23, from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. at the Michigan Recreation and Parks Association Conference at the Grand Traverse Resort located at 100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd. in Traverse City. For more information on the conference, visit the association's Web site at www.mrpaonline.org.

Communities and their representatives are encouraged to schedule an appointment to ask specific questions about a potential project, the application process or how to complete a successful project. Appointments are available only at the February workshops (not the Traverse City one).

Topics for all of the workshops will include applicant and project eligibility, distribution of funds, preparing applications and attachments, project selection and grantee obligations.

The grant application deadline is Tuesday, April 1, 2008.

from a news release of the Michigan DNR, Jan 14, 2008
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