Starting Off 2023 With A Conservation Win
In January, we shared news and case highlights for an easement violation in Acme Township. Heart of the Lakes partnered with the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, the Land Trust Alliance, and the American Farmland Trust to file an amicus brief with the Michigan Court of Appeals. We're excited to report that the brief successfully supported a conservation win! You can read an in-depth case summary by HOL's Legal Affairs Committee.
When Flannels, Khakis, and Suits Collide
Heart of the Lakes traveled to Lansing in March to partner with Michigan Recreation & Parks Association (mParks) on a Parks and Open Space Advocacy Day. Members from HOL and mParks teamed up to meet with key legislators and shared issues of importance around conservation and recreation. The day was a loud statement on the vital role our parks, trails, and open spaces play in benefiting the health and economy of our communities and all those who call Michigan home.
HOL also participated in the annual mParks Conference & Tradeshow by leading sessions focused on the impact and capacity for creating accessible urban open spaces (recordings from these sessions here!). And while we were there, we recorded three podcasts as part of our urban conservation work with The C.S. Mott Foundation and The Conservation Fund. The podcasts will host a variety of leaders, stakeholders, supporters, and on-the-ground catalysts!
Mr. Bean Goes to Washington, DC
Heart of the Lakes had the opportunity to join Outdoor Industry Association and other state and national outdoor leaders in Washington, DC. From panels and events to hitting the Hill, it was a packed week spent with many partners and friends. Collectively using our outdoor voices to speak loudly for the places we love — on key topics such as the Farm Bill, Climate Conservation Corps, and Creating Equitable Access to the Outdoors — to name a few.
Representing Michigan in meetings through the Land Trust Alliance's efforts were our members and friends, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy. As the voice for Michigan's land and waters, it takes passionate and committed organizations to advocate for the protection of Michigan's natural resources — the benefits open spaces extend to our economy, communities, and health and wellbeing.
Fueled by Caffeine + A Passion for the Outdoors
Heart of the Lakes partnered with Boxed Water and Populace Coffee to launch a collaborative campaign to contribute to our conservation efforts in Michigan.
In May, Boxed Water and Populace Coffee introduced a special instant cold coffee bundle, where 10 percent of the proceeds will be donated to Heart of the Lakes. With each purchase, coffee lovers will enjoy smooth chilled flavors and directly contribute to protecting our land and water.
Creating Open Spaces Close to Home
In August, we had the opportunity to tour the many upgrades and features of Chandler Park and open spaces within Detroit's Poletown East neighborhood that are creating more close-to-home opportunities to get outside. Featured projects ranged from forest and prairie restoration work to outdoor walking trails and areas for spiritual reflection. The tour was hosted by Detroit Parks Coalition and Detroit Future City with support from Heart of the Lakes.
Igniting Passion + Purpose
The 2nd Michigan Outdoor Summit, held on September 26-27th, brought together all sectors of the outdoor economy to connect, learn, grow, and build together with a vision for the future, health, and vitality of Michigan's outdoors. Heart of the Lakes worked with a team of organizers — investing months of planning and preparation to ensure a unique experience for attendees.
The event showcased the growth and increased interest in Michigan's vibrant outdoor community, offering a stoke-packed agenda full of outdoor activities, inspiring presentations, discussions, and technical and breakout sessions aimed at helping more people get outside and protecting the places they love.
Expedition Detroit provided a comprehensive overview of the event's key takeaways, shedding light on significant developments for the outdoor economy and its future in Michigan. The article highlights four main points: the pandemic boost to the outdoor economy, the importance of inclusivity, defining the future of outdoor culture, and the need for investments to continue improving the outdoor economy.
Nearly a Million Acres Protected in Michigan
We're stoked to share that Michigan's land conservancies and the broader conservation community have protected nearly a million acres — 806,560 to be exact — of natural, scenic, and working farms and forest lands throughout the state! This data is collected through our Michigan Protected Lands Survey, tracking multiple protection tools used to protect the places you love.
This milestone represents a significant step forward in our collective efforts to protect the places we love and ensure the well-being and accessibility of Michigan's land and water for future generations. In the full report, share and find more information, including numbers for members and other organizations, along with data comparisons over the years (who doesn't like a good bar graph?).
Open Spaces Open Minds: A Call for Access and Investment
The outdoor economy has tremendous value to Michiganders — being outside is good for our physical and mental well-being, helps us connect with family and friends, and is the foundation for a powerful stewardship ethic and a passionate community of advocates.
The recent release of statistics by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) showcases the impact of outdoor recreation on the economy.
In 2022, outdoor recreation contributed $12.4 billion to Michigan's economy, supporting 119,000 jobs and generating $5 billion in wages.
At a national level, these new numbers show outdoor recreation generates $1.1 trillion in gross economic output, 3.2% of U.S. wage and salary employment, and 4.98 million jobs. This means the outdoor recreation economy contributes more to the U.S. economy than mining, utilities, farming and ranching, and chemical products manufacturing.
With outdoor recreation growing, it's even more essential to invest and advocate for statewide policies that bolster access to the outdoors, expand trail networks, and safeguard our open spaces to ensure that every Michigander has the opportunity to enjoy, explore, and benefit from our state's unparalleled outdoor resources.
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