Whitmer’s budget includes outdoor projects
Includes $6.5 land purchase in Keweenaw
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LANSING -- On Thursday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer celebrated the passage of the 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. These investments will help more working Michigan families explore and enjoy Michigan's public lands and natural resources.
"Michigan’s parks, trails, and public lands bring are some of the best places to spend time with family and friends, and these investments will help make them even better," said Governor 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."
"Every corner of Michigan benefits from this investment, whether it's a new trailhead, a riverfront park, or land protected for the next generation," said State Budget Director Jen Flood. "These grants will turn local visions into places where families can hike, fish, and connect with the outdoors. When we invest in parks and public land, we're investing in the quality of life that keeps people 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 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."
The Michigan Natural Resources 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.
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.
Among the 75 land acquisitions and development projects in the western UP are $1 million for the DNR to acquire 6.62 miles of former railroad right-of-way, closing a critical gap in the North Country National Scenic Trail, which includes about 1,176 miles in both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas and Michigan's Iron Belle Trail, which runs from Ironwood to Detroit.
Among developments included in the budgets are:
• $400,000 for the DNR to stabilize bin walls and the seawall at Copper Harbor State Harbor, protecting boater access to Lake Superior
• $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
Investing in Michigan Parks and Public Lands
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 over $4.7 billion in wages and salaries in the state. On average, every $1 invested in land conservation leads to $4 in economic benefit.