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HOUGHTON -- State officials have marked the passage of a balanced and bipartisan budget for fiscal year 2027 that includes $45 million in Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants for 75 land acquisition and park development projects across the state, leveraging nearly $64 million in local and matching funds for a combined $108.9 million investment in public land and outdoor recreation.
The 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. To date, the Trust Fund has granted more than nearly $1.4 billion to state and local units of government to protect public land and develop and improve recreation opportunities in Michigan.
"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,” said Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Scott Bowen. “The protection and enhancement of Michigan's outdoor recreation opportunities and cherished wild places are more important than ever."
As the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund celebrates its 50th anniversary year in 2026, visit Michigan.gov/MNRTF to see a list of all previous grant awards, information about the fund, anniversary events, and a map pinpointing the locations of many funded projects throughout Michigan.
This round of acquisitions and developments includes $6.5 million for the DNR to acquire nearly 22,650 acres in the Keweenaw Peninsula, consolidating state-managed land for recreation and natural resource protection and ensuring Michiganders can enjoy the natural beauty of the Keweenaw for generations to come.
It also includes $1.5 million for the DNR to acquire 460 acres adjacent to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State park, adding wooded hills, trout streams, and wildlife habitats to one of Michigan's most popular and beautiful state parks. Finally, it includes $5 million for the DNR to acquire over 1,400 acres of forestland, including all of Turtle Lake and nearly 2 miles of the Turtle Creek corridor, protecting habitat and water quality in the Au Sable River watershed.
Other developments:
• $400,000 for the DNR to stabilize bin walls and the seawall at Copper Harbor State Harbor, protecting boater access to Lake Superior.
• $280,000 for the DNR to install wayfinding and interpretive kiosks throughout White Pine Trail State Park, sharing the trail's natural and cultural heritage.
• $227,800 for the city of Bessemer to build a new trailhead near downtown with a pavilion, restrooms, paved parking and a multi-purpose plaza and ice rink.
• $106,200 for Chassell Township to build a new parking area and vault toilet at an existing canoe and kayak launch on the Sturgeon River.