North Michigan News

State Representative John Roth has cast his vote in favor of a plan aimed at funding natural preservation initiatives in Northern Michigan. His support ensures that the region will receive over $3 million in investments.

"I'm so proud that we could lock in meaningful contributions for projects in Northern Michigan," stated Roth, R-Interlochen. "Preservation efforts up north are just as important as those in southeast Michigan. There's nothing better than coming home to celebrate more than $3 million coming home to our communities."

Among the secured funds, Roth obtained more than $600,000 to enhance public access to Betsie River Springs. This funding will expand the area by 105 acres of forestland, spring feeder streams, and over a mile of Betsie River frontage, offering opportunities for fishing, hunting, trapping, hiking, and snowshoeing.

Other projects benefiting from Roth's support include $300,000 allocated for the Grand Traverse Common Natural Area Accessible Trail and over $2.3 million for the Brown Bridge Quiet Area Spring Lake expansion project.

These state-funded projects are part of Senate Bill 817, which allocates $27.3 million for 18 land acquisition and 35 recreational development projects across the state using revenues from the Natural Resources Trust Fund.

The recommendations from the Natural Resources Trust Fund board were approved in December 2023 and received strong backing from the Michigan House of Representatives earlier this year.

The funding derived from mineral development on state land is distributed annually in collaboration with local governments and must be used specifically for acquisition or recreational development projects.