The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board (MNRTF) recommended 76 recreation development projects and land acquisitions to the Michigan Legislature for funding next year.
The MNRTF reviewed 136 eligible applications seeking more than $60 million in funding using board-approved scoring criteria. The 2021 recommended projects total $37,789,600.
“Easy access to the beauty of Michigan’s natural places and open spaces during a challenging, uncertain year has been a source of comfort and connection for residents across our state, and the Trust Fund is a major part of making those opportunities available,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer stated. “Whether you’re enjoying a trail or park close to home or exploring the deep forest, outdoor recreation resources like these are big contributors to each community’s quality of life and unique appeal.”
The Trust Fund board recommended $27,289,600 for acquisition grants and $10.5 million for development grants. Twenty-six acquisition grants totaling $20,805,400 were awarded to local government units, while four acquisition grants totaling $6,484,200 went to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
The board recommended $9.3 million in 42 development grants be awarded to local government units, while four DNR projects amassed $1.2 million.
“This year’s grant recommendations represent a broad range of land acquisition and outdoor development projects that will make a real difference,” DNR Director Dan Eichinger stated. “With the results of Proposal 1 this fall, it’s clear that Michigan’s residents support this program and its continued investment in projects that speak to the recreational needs of communities across our state.”
The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund is a restricted fund established in 1976 to provide public land acquisiton funding for resource protection and outdoor recreation, along with public outdoor recreation development projects. Interest and earnings derived from state-owned oil, gas and mineral revenues support the fund.
Over the past 44 years, the Trust Fund has granted more than $1.2 billion to state and local government units to develop and improve recreation opportunities in Michigan, the board stated.
“Under the challenges of gathering with friends and family this year, outdoor spaces and public recreation played a major component in people’s lives,” Trust Fund board chair Bill Rustem stated. “This program’s ability to continue to acquire and develop parks and green spaces is more important now than ever to ensure that every Michigander has access to the state’s natural resources.”
The board’s recommendations will be reviewed by the Michigan Legislature through the appropriations process. Upon approval, the Legislature will forward a bill to the governor.
