Heart of the Lakes is proud to stand with a diverse group of environmental, conservation, business, labor and community leaders from across the partisan spectrum to endorse Proposal 1 to invest in protecting and expanding access to our natural spaces for future generations.

For decades, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) has been protecting our drinking water sources, wildlife habitats and outdoor spaces by receiving oil and gas royalties and directing them towards land acquisition and public recreation projects in all 83 counties across Michigan. However, the MNRTF reached its cap in 2011. These royalties are now directed to the State Park Endowment Fund to fund land acquisition for state parks and maintenance, operations and capital improvements of state parks. But that has a cap too.

This November 3rd, Michigan voters have a historic opportunity to update and expand the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund so that it can continue supporting the places that make Michigan unique – from Great Lakes beaches and public lands to our trails, paths, parks and playgrounds. Best of all, it achieves this as it always has, without tax dollars from Michigan families.

Proposal 1 will protect our water, wildlife & parks by:

• Removing the cap on the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, allowing it to again receive revenues from the royalties on oil, gas, and mining on state-owned land once the SPEF reaches its cap – safeguarding a constitutionally protected revenue source for conservation and recreation for future generations.
• Adding renovation and redevelopment of public recreation facilities as an allowable use of Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund dollars, allowing it to help communities reinvest in their aging recreation infrastructure in addition to creating new facilities.
• Requiring at least 25% of Trust Fund disbursements be made available for development, renovation and redevelopment of public recreation facilities to match the minimum 25% for land acquisition and protection, allowing the flexibility needed to fund and update trails, playgrounds, parks and more in communities across the state, while continuing to prioritize land conservation and protection.

These changes were put on the ballot with unanimous support from the Michigan Legislature and are endorsed by a wide range of environmental, conservation, business, labor and community leaders from across the state. You can learn more about the proposal and the organizations endorsing it at www.miwaterwildlifeparks.com. Join us in voting YES on Proposal 1 to protect Michigan’s water, wildlife & parks on November 3rd or by absentee ballot.

Legacy Land Conservancy is seeking a full-time Easement Stewardship Coordinator to provide oversight and leadership to all facets of Legacy’s conservation easement stewardship program. Primary responsibilities include conservation easement landowner education and engagement; facilitation of annual conservation easement monitoring objectives including coordination of Legacy’s large volunteer photo-monitoring team; and management of conservation easement violations. Deadline to apply is September 28, 2020. For full job description and details to apply here.

The Six Rivers Land Conservancy is seeking a seasonal Invasive Species Technician to implement monitoring, treatment, and outreach activities from September to November 2020. Primary responsibilities include implementation of invasive species monitoring, treatment, training CISMA partners, landowner outreach, and other education efforts. Additionally this position will include work performed for the Lake St. Clair Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (LSC CISMA).  View the full job description and application details here.

The Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy is seeking a full-time Director of Conservation Programs  to promote the mission and the interests of the WLAC to the internal membership community as well as in the greater regional community. This position directly influences the Conservancy's activities to acquire land or interests in land, oversees management of fee properties, leads water protection initiatives, administers the conservation easement stewardship program, and assists with communications, fundraising, regional planning as well as staff and volunteer management in coordination with the Executive Director.

The Legacy Land Conservancy is seeking part-time seasonal Stewardship Crew members to implement management plans on its public nature preserves. This position begins in May and ends in August 2020 and will be responsible for invasive species control, trail maintenance, data collection, and assistance with habitat restoration projects and volunteer workdays. Deadline to apply is March 20, 2020.

The Land Conservancy of West Michigan is seeking a full-time Land Protection Director to manage all aspects of conservation easements, land acquisitions and projects with community partners. This position oversees land protection programs and projects through conservation planning, project assessment, and transactional project management. Follow the link above for further position and application details.

Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy is seeking a full-time Director of Development who will be responsible for developing and managing innovative fund development strategies to meet the short and long-term funding needs of the organization. Find the full position description and application details here. Preference will be given to applicants that submit by February 21.