Last week, Michigan’s Governor signed legislation authorizing $45.6 million in Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants, expanding opportunities for quality outdoor recreation.
The Trust Fund board makes funding recommendations to state and local governments for development projects and land acquisitions that will improve the quality and quantity of public outdoor recreation opportunities. This grant round reflects the continued support of:
- Purchases of high-quality, one-of-a-kind wildlife and fishery habitat for conservation and public access.
- Trail systems, particularly those like the Potowatomi Trail in Livingston County, have a significant impact.
A diverse set of development projects expands outdoor recreation opportunities throughout Michigan, including creating urban parks and playscapes, sports field improvements, and river access.
Michigan Decides Funds Between Acquiring Land and Projects
The board proposed $22.3 million in acquisition grants and nearly $23.3 million in recreation development grants this year:
Local government units would receive $14.2 million of the $22.3 million recommended to fund acquisition projects. The remaining $8 million would be allocated to the Department of Natural Resources for various projects, including land consolidation at the Pinckney-Waterloo Recreation Area.
The $23.3 million recommended for development grants includes $20 million for 82 local government projects and $3.2 million for 13 state projects, including the development of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail at Fort Custer Recreation Area and the replacement of a footbridge at Harrisville State Park.
The $45.6 million in Trust Fund grants are matched with nearly $39 million in additional funding for a total investment of almost $84.6 million in land acquisition and development projects across the state.
Upper Thumb Receives Two Grants For Park Development.
The City of Caseville in Huron County received $298,000 for the development of Riverside Park and Water Trailhead. A fishing pier along the Pigeon River, an ADA-compliant kayak launch to access the Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail, and a boat launch with a lift to assist boaters are all part of the project. Riverside Park, located in downtown Caseville, provides a unique opportunity for nature viewing, walking, fishing, boating, and picnicking.
The Riverside Park project received a $25,000 boost earlier this year from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant, a mid-Michigan watershed group. Caseville, which has set aside funds for recreation, will cover the remaining cost of the $498,000 project.
The park will be built on the former Riverside Marina site. The marina was officially transferred to the city of Caseville in the fall of 2020.
Sanilac County received an $80,200 grant for the Forester Park Playground Accessibility Renovation. Forester Park on Lake Huron in Sanilac County is being renovated with a playground, seating and viewing areas, grills, and walkways. New, accessible playground equipment will be selected to replace older metal slides and swings and supplement accessible playground equipment obtained through a Trust Fund grant in 2012. The project will also include accessible walkways from the parking area to benches for scenic views of Lake Huron and an accessible fire pit.
