State Rep. Julie Calley and the Michigan Legislature recently approved funding for two projects at Yankee Springs Recreation Area in Barry County, as well as improvements to parks and trails in Ionia and Saranac and the expansion of the Portland State Game Area.
The funding was included in recommendations from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and approved with overwhelming support by the House and Senate last week. The measure is awaiting consideration from Gov. Whitmer.
A $120,000 investment will replace the popular fishing pier at the Gun Lake day-use area. The existing pier has exceeded its useful life.
The measure also includes $50,000 to replace the stone beach wall on Gun Lake in front of the renovated pavilion.
A $300,000 development project will renovate 3.2 miles of the Fred Thwaites Grand River Trail along the Grand River. The trail serves as a vital connection between Ionia’s commercial district, neighborhoods, Riverside Park, and the Ionia Free Fair Grounds.
In the village of Saranac, a $300,000 investment will enhance Scheid Park, a 15.6-acre neighborhood park along the Fred Meijer Grand River Valley Rail Trail.
A $350,000 investment will purchase 66 acres of land to expand the Portland State Game Area. The property will provide wildlife habitat conservation, land consolidation, and additional recreational opportunities such as hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing, and fishing.
Funding for each of the projects is part of Senate Bill 1028, which includes $45.6 million for 22 land acquisition and 95 recreational development projects throughout the state with revenues from the Natural Resources Trust Fund. The fund’s board approved the projects in December 2021.
Money in the Natural Resources Trust Fund comes from the development of minerals on state land – not general tax money – and is distributed on an annual basis in partnership with local governments. The money must be used for acquisition or recreational development projects, according to the Michigan Constitution.
