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MARQUETTE -- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday signed legislation creating more opportunities for outdoor recreation by authorizing $23.3 million in Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants.
"From camping and kayaking to swimming and snowmobiling, Pure Michigan offers us world-class recreation right in our backyard," Whitmer said in a statement. "Since 1976, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund has helped us protect our precious natural places and invested in accessible outdoor public recreation."
The grants will fund 45 projects across the state, Whitmer said.
House Bill 4437 approves funding for the 45 recreation development projects and land purchases recommended by the board. It is now Public Act 119 of 2023.
The Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority was given a recommendation of $150,700 for acquisition of 176 acres of natural area next to the Iron Ore Heritage Trail. The property will be developed for a single-track internal loop trail in Marquette and Negaunee townships. The system will provide a recreational destination along the main trail corridor for riders of snow and mountain bikes, hikers, snowshoers, hand cyclists and cross-country skiers.
The property offers view of Lake Superior as well as Hogback and Sugarloaf mountains as well as access to Bishop Creek within the Marquette metropolitan area.
The IOHRA provides a multi-use, interpretive trail across the Marquette Iron Range.
Other acquisition grants for the Upper Peninsula were recommended for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' Parks and Recreation Division for $5 million and the city of Manistique for $345,000.
The DNR funding would be for acquisition of about 4,000 acres near Fort Wilkins Historic State Park to consolidate state land holdings in the Keweenaw Peninsula for recreation and natural resources conservation.
Manistique's project is for acquisition of a 4-acre parcel on U.S. 2 adjacent to Lakeshore Campground on Lake Michigan. The new park, along with a contiguous parcel funded by a 2021 Trust Fund grant, will allow the park and campground to be expanded by 9 acres. Additionally, the acquisition will allow for the development of a trailhead on U.S. 2 for the Iron Belle Trail bike route, which extends from the far western tip of the U.P. to Belle Isle Park in Detroit, with routes for bicycling and hiking.
The IOHRA was recommended for a development grant of $300,000 to extend the trail 5 miles eastward to Lakenenland Sculpture Park in Chocolay Township. The new aggregate trail is expected to be 12 feet wide and accommodate multiple user groups.
A new trailhead at Lakenenland would include accessible parking, a kiosk with trail maps and information, a bench, a bike rack and a bike repair station on the state-owned corridor. The trailhead would mark the eastern terminus of the IOHT to create a 52-mile, year-round interpretive trail.
The other U.P. development project recommendation was for $120,700 for a Pentoga Park boat launch and Iron Belle trailhead in Iron County. The park project would include replacement of the existing boat launch, a new vault toilet and accessible parking improvement. The launch site will double as a trailhead and connect the park to the nearby non-motorized Iron County Heritage Trail.
Outdoor rec the priority
The Trust Fund board recommends funding to both state and local agencies for development projects and land acquisitions that will increase the quality and quantity of public outdoor recreation opportunities. This round of grant funding reflects continued support of:
≤ acquisitions of high-quality, unique wildlife and fish habitat for conservation and public access;
≤ trail systems that have broad impact; and
≤ an extensive range of development projects that expand opportunities across Michigan for outdoor recreation, including development of urban parks and playscapes, sports field enhancements and river access.
This year the board recommended $15 million in acquisition grants and $8.3 million in recreation development grants, the DNR indicated in a news release. Of the $15 million recommended to fund acquisition projects, $4.3 million will be awarded to local units of government, while the remaining $10.7 million will be awarded to the Department of Natural Resources for diverse projects.
All of the $8.3 million recommended to fund development grants would support 30 local government projects. Collectively, the $23.3 million of Trust Fund grants is matched with over $15.8 million of additional funding for a total of $39.1 million being invested in land acquisition and development projects across the state.
"Since its inception, the Trust Fund has awarded more than $1.3 billion in grants to local governments and state agencies, greatly benefiting the quality of life for the people of Michigan," acting DNR Director Shannon Lott said in a statement. "By leveraging dollars from local government partners, the Trust Fund has dramatically influenced the quantity and quality of outdoor recreation opportunities available to residents and visitors of all ages and abilities while continuing to conserve our natural resources."
The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund is a restricted fund established in 1976 to provide funding for public acquisition of land for resource protection and outdoor recreation, as well as for public outdoor recreation development projects. It is funded through interest earned on funds derived from the development of publicly owned minerals, primarily oil and gas, and can only be used for public outdoor recreation.
The Trust Fund board's recommendations go to the Michigan Legislature for review as part of the appropriation process. The Legislature then forwards a bill to the governor for approval.