Gov. Whitmer approves $23.3 million in outdoor recreation development and acquisition grants

Aug. 1, 2023
Contact: Jon Mayes, 517-284-5954

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday signed legislation creating more opportunities for quality 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,” said Gov. Whitmer. “Since 1976, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund has helped us protect our precious natural places and invested in accessible outdoor public recreation. Today’s grants will fund 45 projects across the state, anchoring communities, spurring local economies and making our state a better place to live.”

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 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, specifically those – like the Riverwalk Trail and Crooked Bridge in Bay County – that have broad impact.
• 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:

• Of the $15 million recommended to fund acquisition projects, $4.3 million would be awarded to local units of government, while the remaining $10.7 million would be awarded to the Department of Natural Resources for diverse projects such as land consolidation at Jaxon Creek Headwaters in Grand Traverse County.
• 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,” said acting DNR Director Shannon Lott. “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. Over the past 45-plus years, the Trust Fund has granted more than $1.3 billion to local units of government and the DNR to develop and improve public outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan.

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.

Descriptions of the approved development and acquisition projects are available at Michigan.gov/MNRTF.

August packed with summer surprises, outdoor fun

Outdoor exploring, fun festivals, Michigan history and more – when it comes to enjoying our state’s natural and cultural resources, August is full of possibilities! Here is just a sampling of what’s on tap next month:

• Free ORV Weekend Aug. 19-20
• Lodge & Learn at the RAM Center
• Fly fishing, bear hunting, whitetail trail hunting and more
• Enjoy ‘Up North’ downtown at Outdoor Adventure Center
• Immerse yourself in Michigan history all month long
• Learn about pheasants, turkeys and shooting sports
• Music, art, trees, waterfowl and more at state parks

To see the full roster of programs, classes and other opportunities, and to discover what’s happening close to home or across the state, check out the DNR’s events calendar at Michigan.gov/DNRCalendar.

Free ORV Weekend Aug. 19-20

Taking place twice a year, Free ORV Weekend – coming up Aug. 19-20 – is a great time to see, experience and test out Michigan’s off-road vehicle trails. Residents and out-of-state visitors legally can ride Michigan’s 4,000 miles of off-road vehicle trails and routes, as well as the state’s six scramble areas, on two back-to-back days without an ORV license or trail permit. The entrance fee at Holly Oaks ORV Park in Oakland County also will be waived this year. All other ORV rules and laws still apply.

Lodge & Learn at the RAM Center

Families, friends and other small groups can learn about local wildlife, Michigan ecosystems and outdoor skills during summer-camp-style programming at all-inclusive Lodge & Learn weekends Aug. 4-6, Aug. 11-13 and Aug. 18-20 at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon.

Select your favorite Lodge & Learn programs – like birdwatching, kayaking, a family scavenger hunt and many others – when you register. Cost is $275 per person and includes lodging, meals, educational programming, kayak rentals and more.

Fly fishing, bear hunting, whitetail trail hunting and more

The DNR Outdoor Skills Academy offers several opportunities to get started with, or get better at, outdoor pursuits in August. Fly Fishing 101, Aug. 5 at the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center in Mattawan, will cover terminology, etiquette, fly tying, knots, casting and much more. The Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center in Cadillac will host bear hunting clinics – covering habitat, gear, stand placement, baiting, rules and regulations, and carcass and hide care – Aug. 6 and Aug. 12. And learn the skills needed to successfully transition from bait hunting to trail hunting whitetail deer and to better manage your property for wildlife habitat with Hunting Whitetails Naturally, Aug. 19 at the Hunting and Fishing Center. Find more info about all available classes at Michigan.gov/OutdoorSkills.

Enjoy ‘Up North’ downtown at Outdoor Adventure Center

There’s still plenty of summer left – discover new ways to enjoy it with fun programs for all ages at the Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit. The OAC’s August calendar includes archery, education programs for kids, yoga, family hikes and much more. Seniors can learn about Michigan lighthouses during the Aug. 10 Brunch and Learn program, adults can learn to make a pollinator hotel Aug. 18, and everyone can Get Hooked on Fishing Aug. 19 or learn more about one of our favorite flying mammals at the Aug. 24 bat hike at Maybury State Park in Northville.

That’s just a glimpse of what you can do next month at the OAC. Find more info about these and other programs on the Outdoor Adventure Center events calendar.

Immerse yourself in Michigan history all month long

Step back in time and learn more about our state’s past at Michigan History Center sites. Drop by the Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee on select Tuesday afternoons and discover the Upper Peninsula’s intriguing history, courtesy of a variety of experts. The Aug. 1 program features a screening of the documentary “Saving Our Theatre,” about the importance of local theater in several U.P. communities, followed by a question-and-answer session with the filmmaker. Aug. 8, it’s a screening of the documentary “Linked to Legends: The U.P. Teams that Played the Packers” followed by a question-and-answer session with the filmmaker. Women of the Watch: Keepers of the Light on Aug. 15 looks at the role of women as lighthouse keepers in Michigan. The Tuesday afternoon programs are also available on the Michigan Iron Industry Museum Facebook page. Cambridge Junction Historic State Park in Lenawee County hosts Sauk Trail Memories, with demonstrations of traditional “lost” arts, Aug. 13. And cheer on the home team in the annual Walker Wheels Vintage Base Ball Invitational Aug. 26, with historic base ball clubs playing by 1860s rules – no gloves, no swearing! Learn more about Michigan History Center programs at Michigan.gov/MHC/Events.

Learn about pheasants, turkeys and shooting sports

On Pheasant Fridays, join representatives from Pheasants Forever and learn about firearm safety and the organization’s effort to restore habitat for these beautiful birds. You’ll have the opportunity to shoot a BB gun with expert instruction in a safe environment. There will also be hands-on activities to learn about grasslands and pollinators. Pheasant Friday will take place Aug. 4 at Hayes State Park in Onsted, Aug. 11 at Seven Lakes State Park in Holly, Aug. 18 at Ionia State Recreation Area and Aug. 25 at Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area.

The National Wild Turkey Federation brings its interactive, inflatable shooting range to several state parks for BB gun shoots in August. Families and kids can shoot BB guns alongside trained range-safety professionals and learn about firearm safety practices, conservation efforts and the biology of the wild turkey. For ages 7 and older; children must have a parent/guardian present.

BB shoots are scheduled for Aug. 7 at Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon, Aug. 9 at Ludington State Park, Aug. 10 at Silver Lake State Park in Mears and Aug. 11 at Mears State Park in Pentwater.

Music, art, trees, waterfowl and more at state parks

Festivals and special events abound at Michigan state parks next month! Celebrate Michigan forests with live music, hear Civilian Conservation Corps storytelling and get up close with DNR firefighting equipment, during a Tree Party at Higgins Lake Nursery and CCC Museum in Roscommon Aug. 5. That same weekend (Aug. 5-6), over a hundred artists, food trucks, art activities and more will be on hand for the Belle Isle Park Art Fair in Detroit, and the Saginaw Bay Waterfowl Festival – featuring duck and goose calling competitions, a wildlife arts and crafts show, a hunting expo, canoe races and many other activities – takes place at Bay City State Park. During Forest Fest at Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling Aug. 12, visit various stations around the park to learn more about Michigan’s forests and get a goodie bag upon completion of the provided activity booklet. Also happening at Hartwick Pines is Black Iron Days, Aug. 16-17, when you can join blacksmiths and other artisans as they demonstrate how they make their crafts and observe the steam-powered sawmill in operation. And the Porcupine Mountains Music Festival, Aug. 25-26 at the Porkies Winter Sports Complex, returns for its 17th year with a diverse selection of musical styles: blues, country, bluegrass, rock, folk and more.

Contact: Beth Fults, 517-231-6215 or Kerry Heckman, 517-643-1256

Power line determined as cause of wildfire in Manistee, Wexford counties

Fire 80% contained as of Tuesday afternoon

Michigan Department of Natural Resources firefighters and two local fire departments continue working today to contain a wildfire in Copemish, northwest of Mesick on the Manistee-Wexford county line. “The 4 Corners Fire started in Wexford County Monday afternoon and quickly spread to Manistee County,” DNR Resource Protection Manager Don Klingler said. “We have confirmed it was caused by a power line. “Several structures were lost during the fire, but we are still working on finalizing our investigation and will release more information as it becomes available.” The fire is estimated at approximately 225 acres as of 1 p.m. today and is currently 80% contained. It is fueled by a mix of jack pine, red pine and hardwoods, Klingler said. Fire danger in the area was extreme Monday due to windy, dry, warm weather and because forests and fields are still dry due to a lack of rain this spring. Fire danger in the area remains high today. Thirty people were evacuated from their homes due to the fire Monday, and road closures in the area accommodated firefighting efforts and ensured public safety. “All evacuation orders have been lifted,” Klingler said. The fire was reported Monday via a 911 call to Wexford County. When DNR crews were dispatched at 3 p.m., it was already at 20 acres. For a fire danger map, to check if burn permits are being issued, for fire prevention information and more, visit Michigan.gov/DNR/FireAlert.

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

Aerial smoke: The 4 Corners Fire was reported to 911 dispatch around 3 p.m. Monday afternoon in Copemish, northwest of Mesick on the Manistee-Wexford county line. By 1 p.m. Tuesday it is estimated at 225 acres in size and 80% contained.

Smoke plume: A significant smoke plume rises from the 4 Corners Fire,  which burned in red pine,  jack pine and hardwoods Monday afternoon. As of 1 p.m. Tuesday, the fire is 80% contained.