The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF), a restricted fund that supports land conservation and outdoor recreation, is the focus of a ballot proposal on November 3.

Since its establishment in 1976, MNRTF has provided over $1.2 billion in funding for projects across every county in Michigan. Many of the MNRTF projects have been further supported by CMF members and generate economic, quality of life and public health benefits through environmental conservation and development.

Proposal 1 would change how funds for parks and recreation could be spent from the MNRTF and the State Parks Endowment Fund (SPEF), and lift restrictions on the endowment fund, allowing MNRTF funding to be allocated to renovate and redevelop land for projects. This will appear as Proposal 1 on the ballot for the general election in November.

According to the Secretary of State’s office, if passed Proposal 1 would:

• Allow the State Parks Endowment Fund to continue collecting revenue from oil and gas sales on state-owned land for creating, improving and maintaining state parks, capping its total balance at $800 million.

• Require additional oil and gas revenue to go towards the MNRTF.

• Require at least 20% of State Parks Endowment Fund spending to be spent on improving state parks.

• Require at least 25% of MNRTF spending to go towards state parks and recreation areas, with an additional 25% allocated for land conservation.

The MNRTF has helped to fund hundreds of parks, community beaches and other natural recreational areas across the state. The fund was originally capped at $500 million. If Proposal 1 passes, the cap will be increased by $300 million to help continue this work.

"Protecting our land, water and parks is critical to the prosperity of Michigan and its citizens, and we've felt the value of these assets, especially during COVID-19 with many Michiganders taking to the outdoors for their health and mental wellbeing," Nick Occhipinti, government affairs director of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters told Gongwer. "Investing in Michigan's natural areas is already critical for so many Michigan residents who access these public spaces, and it will only be more so as Michigan responds to climate change going forward."

Many CMF members have contributed additional funds to support MNRTF projects.

In St. Clair County, the MNRTF collaborated with county government and the Community Foundation of St. Clair County to develop the Blue Water River Walk, creating a trail, outdoor classrooms, art displays and more. The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation partnered with the MNRTF and Washtenaw County officials to develop a 7.8-acre parcel of land off of M-52 as part of the Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative.

Due to the intersections and partnerships between Michigan philanthropy and MNRTF projects, CMF’s Green and Blue Network (GBN) is hosting “A CMF Member Conversation on the Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund,” a free virtual conversation this Wednesday, September 30 for CMF members to learn more about the MNRTF and the ballot proposal. The event will include stories from your peers on the impact they have seen in their community and guidance on how you can consider elevating awareness on the issues in your community.

Want more?

Learn more about the MNRTF and Proposal 1.

Learn more about the Green and Blue Network and register for its September 30 virtual conversation.

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