CEAC-2020-11-November

A portion of the Boardman Lake Trail is seen, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Traverse City, Michigan. The trail is among many projects that have received financial
support from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, which comes from royalties paid by developers of state-owned minerals such as oil and gas.
Voters on Nov. 3 will consider a ballot proposal to change rules that help determine how much of the money is spent on land purchases and how much on
development projects such as trails and boat launches. (AP Photo/John Flesher)
ects, although it might take years to happen.
Another provision would require that at least 20 percent of
the park fund be used for capital improvements like replacing
shower houses or building new campgrounds, as opposed
to daily operations.
“Once a big parcel gets subdivided and developed, our opportunity
to acquire it is gone forever,” said Roberson, of the
Sierra Club.
“We want to build something with some of that money,” said
Rich Bowman, state policy director for The Nature Conservancy.
“We don’t want to use all of it to mow lawns and empty
trash cans.”
More than 30 environmental and conservation organizations
support the measure, along with business groups including
the Michigan Farm Bureau, several chambers of commerce
and tourism organizations, said Becca Maher, manager of a
campaign called Vote Yes for MI Water, Wildlife & Parks.
They say the proposal would improve the system and prevent
future legislatures from diverting royalty payments to uses
having nothing to do with natural resources.
It needs voter approval because it would amend the state
constitution.
“It doesn’t fundamentally change the trust fund, just tweaks
it,” Bowman said. “The fund is broadly supported. It’s provided
over $1 billion for lands and facilities without a penny of
state taxpayer money.”
Opponents say there are ways to raise money for trails and
parks without reducing the amount used to buy land.
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