Michigan puts $6.5 million toward 22,650 Keweenaw acres as conservation fund tops $1.4 billion

One of the biggest allocations is for the Keweenaw Peninsula (Photo: Michael George via The Nature Conservancy) Michigan has awarded nearly $1.4 billion for land protection and recreation projects across the state. The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund that was created in 1976, is also marking 50 years of a conservation fund that has used earnings from the state’s oil, gas and mineral revenues to support public land and outdoor recreation.According to Michigan state government official site, the latest funding comes through Michigan’s fiscal year 2027 budget. It includes $45 million in Trust Fund grants for 75 land acquisition and park development projects. The grants are expected to combine with nearly $64 million in local and matching funds, creating a total investment of $108.9 million in public land and outdoor recreation.One of the biggest allocations is for the Keweenaw Peninsula. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will receive $6.5 million to acquire nearly 22,650 acres. The land acquisition will consolidate state-managed land for recreation and natural resource protection.The funding also includes $1.5 million for the DNR to acquire 460 acres next to Porcupine...