State Rep. John Roth this month secured over $1.7 million for natural resource preservation projects throughout Northern Michigan. State funding comes from the Natural Resource Trust Fund (NRTF), which is earned through state land leases for oil and gas mineral exploration.

“The continued preservation of our natural resources is absolutely critical to ensuring our children and grandchildren can enjoy the same outdoor beauty we’re currently surrounded by today,” said Roth, R-Interlochen. “The Natural Resource Trust Fund takes revenue from valuable oil and gas projects and puts that money right back into conservation efforts across Michigan. Through this critical funding, Northern Michigan will be able to expand trails, enhance recreation areas, and continue to safeguard our most valuable resources. I’m honored to play a part in bringing this money back home to our communities.”

$400,000 of NRTF funding would support the Ottaway Crossing Footbridge project. The development would connect trails across the Boardman-Ottaway River through the construction of a prefabricated steel truss bridge and adjacent parking. The total project cost is $800,000, with Grand Traverse County covering the remainder.

$237,500 of NRTF funding would support the Lake Street Fishing Pier Development project. The project includes the development of a parking area with accessible parking, an accessible walkway with benches and picnic tables, and a large fishing pier on the Intermediate River. The total project cost is $321,000, with the Village of Central Lake covering the remainder.

$400,000 of NRTF funding would support the 3-Mile Trail Extension project, extending the trail from the current terminus at South Airport Road to a new trailhead. The total project cost is $1,027,300, with East Bay Township covering the remainder.

$193,700 of NRTF funding would support the Thurston Park Kayak Launch project. The proposal includes the construction of an accessible kayak/canoe launch, ADA-compliant parking, a loading/unloading zone, and improvements to walkways and park accessibility. The total project cost is $261,800, with the Village of Central Lake covering the remainder.

$94,000 of NRTF funding would support the Man-Made Lake Parcel Acquisition project. The purchase of a 0.33-acre parcel will provide public access to Man-Made Lake and Lake Michigan. The total project cost is $154,000, with the City of Manistee covering the remainder.

$400,000 of NRTF funding would support the Platte River State Fish Hatchery Accessibility and Education project. The development would overhaul the visitor center experience to further educate and inform visitors about Michigan’s fish production efforts, upgrade outdoor learning opportunities, and construct new trails and an outdoor shelter.

The NRTF proposals for 2025, if signed into law and approved by the Senate, would provide $41.8 million for 17 land acquisition and 68 recreational development projects.

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