LANSING, Mich. — Senate Appropriations Minority Vice Chair Jon Bumstead on Wednesday supported committee approval of a Natural Resources Trust Fund (NRTF) bill to invest $41.8 million in recreational development projects and public land acquisitions across Michigan, paving the way for the legislation’s passage by the full Senate.
“The Natural Resources Trust Fund continues to reinvest money into our state’s wonderful network of outdoor recreation opportunities without increasing costs to taxpayers,” said Bumstead, R-North Muskegon. “Each year, the fund supports forward-thinking projects that help protect our shared natural resources and enhance the quality of life for all who enjoy the great outdoors in our beautiful state.”
House Bill 4392 would authorize the NRTF to release $41.8 million in restricted funds to support 68 development projects and 17 land acquisitions across the state, including the following projects in Benzie, Manistee, Mason and Muskegon counties:
- $276,600 to the village of Thompsonville in Benzie County to support a multiuse trailhead development along the Betsie Valley Trail with amenities to serve bikers, hikers, runners and other trail users, along with upgrades to the adjacent campground at George Sharp Park.
- $400,000 for the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division to develop a visitor center experience at the Platte River State Fish Hatchery in Benzie County to help guests learn more about Michigan’s fish production efforts. The project will include an accessible trail to guide guests to the edge of the Platte River, a picnic shelter, a new 700-foot trail section to complete a planned loop trail, and upgrades to outdoor educational displays.
- $94,000 to assist the city of Manistee in acquiring a 0.33-acre parcel of land in Man-Made Lake Park to provide public access to Man-Made Lake and Lake Michigan.
- $400,000 for the Mason County Picnic Area trail and other trailhead improvements, including the development of a paved path for walkers and bikers visiting the county campground, picnic area and Hull Field. The project will also include the development of two accessible trailheads, rain gardens and an observation deck overlooking Lake Michigan, along with possible future connections to trails in Pere Marquette Township and Oceana County.
- $400,000 to Pere Marquette Charter Township to support the development of 105 acres of land along Pere Marquette Lake in Mason County. The project will establish a trail connecting Pere Marquette Conservation Park to Buttersville Campground, where users can access beachfront property. Additional developments will include a paved trail for cyclists and hikers to enjoy views of Pere Marquette Lake, parking safety upgrades, solar lights for fishing access, signage detailing wildlife, bike racks, native trees and new park signs. A paved driveway will also feature a loop with access to pavilions and picnic tables.
- $400,000 to the DNR Parks and Recreation Division to construct a canopy tour trail at the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park. The Lake Michigan Adventure Canopy Tour project will build upon the park’s existing zipline structure by installing an accessible 60-element adventure rope course. Guides and interpretive signage will provide visitors with information about the forest canopy, dunes and native animals.
- $595,000 for the DNR Wildlife Division to acquire an additional 141 acres to expand the Muskegon State Game Area, providing more opportunities for hunting, trapping and other wildlife recreation. A new parking area will also be constructed to provide access to this property and the east unit of the game area.
The NRTF is supported by interest earned on funds generated from the development of state-owned mineral rights. Since its inception in 1976, the fund has granted over $1.4 billion to support local and state recreational projects in all 83 counties.