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.
Each year, after the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board makes grant recommendations at its December board meeting, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources drafts and provides a supplemental request to fund the recommendations to the State Budget Office, which then submits it to the Michigan Legislature for consideration and action. When the bill is formally sponsored and introduced in the Michigan Legislature, updated information and guidance will be provided here to help you track the progress through its stages of approval.
Contact Jon Mayes, program manager, at 517-284-5954 or MayesJ@Michigan.gov, or the grant coordinator for your region.
