State Rep. John Roth recently voted for a plan to fund natural preservation efforts in Northern Michigan. Roth’s support guaranteed more than $3 million in investments in Northern Michigan.

“I’m so proud that we could lock in meaningful contributions for projects in Northern Michigan,” said 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.”

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

Additional projects locked in through Roth’s support include $300,000 for the Grand Traverse Common Natural Area Accessible Trail and more than $2.3 million for the Brown Bridge Quiet Area Spring Lake expansion project.

State funding for the projects is part of Senate Bill 817, which includes $27.3 million for 18 land acquisition and 35 recreational development projects throughout the state with revenues from the Natural Resources Trust Fund.

The Natural Resources Trust Fund board approved its recommendations in December 2023. The projects received overwhelming support from the Michigan House of Representatives earlier this Spring.

Money in the Natural Resources Trust Fund comes from mineral development on state land – not general tax money – and is distributed annually in partnership with local governments. The funding must be used for acquisition or recreational development projects.

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