Our Initiatives

Heart of the Lakes Center for Land Conservation Policy unites Michigan land conservancies' individual efforts around a common goal – protecting Michigan’s land base. Heart of the Lakes supports land conservancies by researching conservation policy and practice, advocating sound public policies, and providing tools to strengthen conservancy effectiveness.

Protecting Michigan

Michigan Land and its natural resource base critically tied to the economy, health, and quality of life of this state. Supporting Resources, Michigan Policy
Michigan Land Conservancies are nonprofit organizations dedicated to the protection of Michigan land forever. Michigan Land Conservancies, Land Conservation History, Tools for Conservancies
Heart of the Lakes Center for Land Conservation Policy is pivotal in land conservancy success, uniting their individual actions around a common goal - to protect Michigan land. Heart of the Lakes Programs and Initiatives, Research, Policy, Conservancy Services

Our Focus

Conservancy Services
Heart of the Lakes advances the vital work of Michigan’s land conservancies through services that strengthen their effectiveness. Our Advancing Conservancy Excellence (ACE) program and helpful tools such as our Conservancy Clearinghouse and Service Providers Directory combined with training, networking opportunities and timely communications created by Heart of the Lakes help conservancies protect more of the Michigan lands we love.

Policy and Legislation
Heart of the Lakes is the policy voice for Michigan’s land conservancies. Core to our mission, Heart of the Lakes works to educate state and federal policymakers on issues critical to land conservancies. Through policy research and outreach, we help to shape and advocate for sound policies that advance land conservation in Michigan.

Heart of the Lakes Resources
Through research and various partnerships Heart of the Lakes has developed multiple resources to both make the case for land conservation in Michigan as well as support the critical work begin done by our member land conservancies.

Typical Michigan Tourist Changing as State Travel Industry Rebounds

April 3, 2012 - The profile of the typical traveler in Michigan is changing. People who vacation here are increasingly educated and ethnically diverse and have interest in beaches, wineries and restaurants rather than fishing and boating, tourism researchers from Michigan State University said Tuesday. Read More

Show Me the Money: Michigan Tourism Industry Optimistic for 2012

April 3, 2012 - Rainy weather and higher gas prices didn’t stop tourists from spending more money in Michigan last year, and experts and industry leaders forecast more increases for 2012. Researchers at Michigan State University predict a 6 percent rise in the sales and use taxes collected by Michigan hotels and motels this year, after experiencing a nearly 8 percent bump in 2011. Read More

Heart of The Lakes Member Conservation Lands Grow to 560,000 Acres

February 21, 2012 - Grand Ledge, MI –Heart of the Lakes Center for Land Conservation Policy announced today that as of December 31, 2011, its member land conservancies accumulatively conserve 560,000 acres of Michigan land. The total, compiled as a result of the 2011 Heart of the Lakes’ Annual Acres Protected Survey, is 12,662 more acres than were reported in conservation for 2010. Read More

Enhanced Incentive for Conservation Easements Sees Overwhelming Support

February 15, 2012 - Today, Heart of the Lakes Center for Land Conservation Policy and its national partner, the Land Trust Alliance, announced that over 300 U.S. Representatives, including 13 of 15 Michigan representatives, are signed on as co-‐sponsors of the Conservation Easement Incentive Act (H.R. 1964), which would make the enhanced incentive for conservation easements permanent. Read More

Michigan ACE II applications accepted through February 29, 2012

February 1, 2012 - Heart of the Lakes and its partner, the Land Trust Alliance, are pleased to announce that applications to receive advancement services under the Advancing Conservancy Excellence (ACE) program are now being accepted from Michigan land conservancies through February 29, 2012. Read More

Peer to Peer Mentor Program

January 20, 2012 - Application Deadline Extended to February 29! Gathering Waters Conservancy, Heart of the Lakes Center for Land Conservation Policy, and the Land Trust Alliance are teaming up to offer a peer-to-peer mentoring program in Wisconsin and Michigan in 2012. Read More

Frey Foundation to Match New Donations

November 8, 2011 - The Frey Foundation will match a significant portion of new contributions. Read More

Michigan Motorists Support Recreation Passport

October 25, 2011 - From the October 25 edition of the Battle Creek Enquirer. Read More

DNR Exceeds Passport Goals

October 21, 2011 - The Department of Natural Resources today announced that the participation goal for the first year of the Recreation Passport was met and exceeded by Michigan citizens. Read More

In Our Opinion: State Land Cap

July 20, 2011 - As we in Michigan enjoy summer in our state’s beautiful woods and waters, legislation that could significantly impact the state’s ability to acquire and strategically manage state lands is moving through the state legislature. Senate Bill 248 (S-2) would cap the amount of land held for the people of our state by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). Read More

Governor Snyder Signs Farmland Preservation Bill into Law

July 13, 2011 - Governor Snyder signed the farmland preservation bill (HB 4666, now Public Act 79 of 2011), sponsored by Rep. LaFontaine (R-Richmond), into law yesterday at the Michigan Capitol. Read More