The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) administers the state’s largest grant opportunities for parks, including the Natural Resources Trust Fund, Land and Water Conservation Fund, and Recreation Passport Grant Program. With their annual recommendations last week, we were excited to see more than $9 million awarded to Southeast Michigan communities. Projects were funded in all seven counties of the region, including:
- Enhancing regional trails in Hamburg Township, Milford, Port Huron, Ypsilanti, Belle Isle, and the Huron-Clinton Metroparks;
- Improving access to water with paddling launches in Auburn Hills and Dexter-Huron Metropark, and waterfront parkland acquisitions in Chesterfield, Clay, and Oakland Townships, and;
- Developing our recreation amenities with new campgrounds, dog parks, universally accessible playgrounds, and other community park improvements in Dundee, Oak Park, Pittsfield Township, St. Clair Shores, and Ypsilanti Township.
Congratulations to the many communities receiving grants this year! Lately, the role of the Natural Resources Trust Fund has been in the spotlight with Proposal 1 on this year’s election ballot. After passing with the overwhelming support of Michigan voters, we look forward to seeing more funding opportunities to protect and enhance the region’s parks in the future.
To learn more about these funding sources, what’s new under Proposal 1, and tips from successful applicants, SEMCOG is hosting a Natural Resources Trust Fund Round Table webinar on Thursday, December 17. The interactive session will provide an overview of these opportunities from DNR grants staff, advice on on matching funds for trail projects, technical assistance for land acquisition, and success stories from the Huron Clinton Metroparks and St. Clair County. Bring your ideas, questions, and register today!
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