Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Department of Natural Resources approved more than $109 million for public land investment, development and acquisitions throughout Michigan

“Michigan’s parks, trails and public lands are some of the best places to spend time with family and friends, and these investments will help make them even better,” said Gov. Whitmer. “I’m proud we got a balanced, bipartisan budget across the finish line that includes grant funding for 75 projects in communities across our state. By partnering with local communities, we’re expanding access to the outdoors, protecting our natural resources and creating more places where people can live, work and play. Let’s keep getting it done.”

Among the 75 projects, four are in Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo and Osceola counties.The largest investment was a $1.6 million acquisition of 354 acres of oak-pine barrens habitat in Newaygo County. This purchase connects the east and west units of the Muskegon State Game Area.

As the first of area developments, the city of Lakeview was awarded $400,000 to build off-road segments of a multi-use trail loop around Tamarack Lake, including two trailhead parking lots.

The city of Big Rapids will receive $391,400 for the Clay Cliffs Nature Area project. The funds will be used to build a three-quarters-mile stretch of universally accessible waterfront and two footbridges over Mitchell Creek.

A third investment is $280,000 for the installation of wayfinding and interpretive kiosks throughout White Pine Trail State Park. The 92-mile trail system runs north and south through Kent, Montcalm, Mecosta, Osceola and Wexford counties.

“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 DNR Director Scott Bowen. “The protection and enhancement of Michigan’s outdoor recreation opportunities and cherished wild places are more important than ever. We’re grateful to the visionaries who created this unique funding source and to the many partners who continue to elevate its impact for current and future generations of Michiganders."

Parks and recreation facilities are a big part of Michigan’s economy, generating value for surrounding communities, creating jobs and helping sustain small businesses. Michigan’s outdoor recreation industry sustains 126,000 jobs and more than $4.7 billion in wages and salaries. On average, every $1 invested in land conservation leads to $4 in economic benefit.

For more information on the Trust Fund, visit https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/Buy-and-Apply/grants/rec/mnrtf.

_{Release information courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources.}