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2019 in Review: New Year, Who Dis?

1/3/2020

 
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At the core of our work is an understanding of people's connection to land and water — how it enriches our lives, defines our sense of place and provides for our most vital needs. As we welcome a new year, we wanted to give you a recap of some of our favorites from 2019. Looking back, we cannot thank you enough for your continued support.

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Coastal Adventures

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All last year we've been sharing insights into our coastal project that highlights outdoor businesses in Michigan who give back to coastal conservation. 

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The wait will finally be over on January 8, 2020, when we launch the film and the stories behind each featured brand. 

Ahh man, the content in this space is only available for those who subscribe to our monthly emails. 
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Don't miss out next time!

Michigan's Outdoor Recreation Industry

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2019 was a monumental year for Michigan's Outdoor Recreation Industry! In the Spring, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced the creation of an Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry, driving the expansion, awareness, and protection of the state's natural resources for recreational purposes that will bolster our economy.

More industry news followed in the Fall during a gathering of conservation nonprofits and outdoor businesses. Governor Whitmer announced Michigan would be signing onto the Confluence Accords in October, moving towards ensuring Michigan brings a unified "outdoor voice" to the national conversation surrounding outdoor recreation and conservation.

Parks, Trails, & Land

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Sharing common missions and philosophies, Heart of the Lakes, Michigan Parks and Recreation and Michigan Trails and Greenway Alliance banded together last summer and aligned themselves on several policy issues — including Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and Michigan Recreation Passport program.

Michigan Creates Outdoor Recreation Advisory Council

5/30/2018

 
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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Natural Resources Commission have announced the formation of an advisory body to identify new collaborative opportunities and further broaden the base of support for outdoor recreation and natural resource stewardship within the state.

The Outdoor Recreation Advisory Council is composed of leaders in Michigan’s outdoor recreation industry, reflecting the manufacturing, retail and service sectors, as well as employers in health, community finance and other leading industries.  Heart of the Lakes' Executive Director, Jonathan Jarosz, has been asked to serve on the Council representing the interests of Michigan's land conservancies and their friends. 

“Enjoying the great outdoors in many different ways is a significant driver of our state’s economy, and a big part of what draws people to visit, live and work in Michigan,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. “

The creation of the Outdoor Recreation Advisory Council will pay dividends in both expanding the outdoor recreation economy and further supporting the enjoyment and stewardship of natural resources for all of Michigan.” 


The council’s creation recognizes the tremendous economic contributions of the state’s outdoor recreation opportunities and businesses and accessible natural resources, as well as the positive effect those collective assets have on Michigan’s quality of life.  

Read more here

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The Outdoor Recreation Advisory Council is modeled on similar efforts in eight other states. The Michigan council will be the first in the Midwest. 

When asked about the connection between outdoor recreation and conservation, Jonathan Jarosz said, "It's simple.  We believe that the precedent exists for the adventurers of today to become the fiercest defenders of wild places tomorrow." 

Jarosz continued, "The common narrative of outdoor recreation and conservation is one of relevancy.  How we address issues of outdoor access, stewardship, and next generation leadership are all key to the future of Michigan's natural resources.  The places we protect, the organizations we support, and the communities we call home — all say something — about who we are, our values, and our passions." ​
DNR Director Keith Creagh and NRC Chair Vicki Pontz, jointly appointed members to the council. In addition to NRC Commissioner Chris Tracy, they include:
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  • Suzanne Miller Allen, director of Community Responsibility, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Michigan’s largest health insurer.     
  • Bo Brines, owner of Little Forks Outfitters, a Midland sporting goods store.
  • Troland V. Clay, president and CEO, Mno-Bmadsen, an investment enterprise of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi.
  • Chris Lampen-Crowell, co-owner of Gazelle Sports, a running gear retailer with five Michigan locations.
  • Linda Hubbard, president and COO of Carhartt, Inc., a work and outdoor apparel manufacturer.
  • Jonathan Jarosz, executive director, Heart of the Lakes, a conservation organization representing the state’s land conservancies and affiliate organizations.
  • Andy Lindsay, VP of Sales Americas, Groupe Beneteau Cadillac Operations.
  • Chris MacInnes, president and co-owner of Crystal Mountain, a ski and golf resort in Benzie County.
  • Tracy Mayer, owner of Backcountry North, a sporting goods retailer with three Michigan locations.
  • Steve Nadolski, vice president of commercial accounts, AMROCK, a real estate title company, and part of the Rock Venture family of companies.       
  • Jeff Poet, president and co-owner of Jay’s Sporting Goods.
  • Matt Ruiter, general manager of Velocity USA, a manufacturer of bicycle wheels.
  • Chuck Smith, CEO of Hemisphere Design Works, manufacturer of kayaks, fishing boats, canoes, pedal boats and hunting/fishing accessories.
  • William Smith, CFO of Detroit RiverFront Conservancy.
  • Lindsay Struve, store manager, Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) in Ann Arbor.
  • Paul Vitrano, vice president of global government relations, Polaris Industries, manufacturer of ORVs and snowmobiles.
  • Dennis West, president of Northern Initiatives, a community development financial institution.


The council also will benefit from two ex-officio members representing state agencies:
  • Claire Stevens, for Director Kirk Steudle, Michigan Department of Transportation.
  • Brenda Stewart, for Director Jeff Mason, Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Heart of the Lakes Announces New Board Chair

2/18/2015

 
Susan Lackey has been appointed Chair of the Board of Directors at Heart of the Lakes Center for Land Conservation Policy.  Lackey is the Executive Director of Legacy Land Conservancy, and brings brings a significant amount of land trust expertise to her new position.

In addition to her position as Executive Director of Legacy, Susan was President of the Washtenaw Development Council and first president of the Ann Arbor IT Zone.  In those positions, she was twice recognized by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation as their economic development partner of the year. She is one of just two people to win both of the Michigan Economic Developers Association awards in lifetime achievement and for further professional education.  

During her tenure with Legacy Land Conservancy, the organization became one of the first in the nation to receive accreditation from the Land Trust Alliance Accreditation Commission, a third party organization that evaluates professional and technical best practice in the conservation community.  Over the past 10 years, Legacy has increased its conservation holdings by 230%, through creative partnerships with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation, Dahlem Conservancy, Raisin Valley Land Trust, Huron River Watershed Council and others.  


Susan resides in Chelsea, on the edge of the Waterloo Recreation Area, with her husband, Steve Daut, and dog, Chili.

Over 588,000 Acres Protected! 

5/2/2014

 
Heart of the Lakes is pleased to announce that its member land conservancies are protecting 588,000 acres of natural, scenic and working farms and forest lands in Michigan.   Based on data collected from 27 organizations in its annual Protected Lands Survey, the total cumulative acreage reflects an increase slightly less than 10,000 acres since the last survey conducted at this time in 2013.

“These protected lands support a wide variety of critical conservation purposes, including improved water quality, wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, local foods and healthy forests, “ said Jonathan Jarosz, Heart of the Lakes’ Executive Director.  “Moreover they contribute to the economic vitality of our communities and regions, creating exceptional places to live and work.”

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Michigan Conservancies Achieve National Recognition 

2/26/2014

 
Heart of the Lakes Center would like to congratulate the Michigan Nature Association and Chikaming Open Lands—both the nonprofit land conservancies achieved first time national accreditation and accreditation renewal, respectively.

“We applaud both these organizations on these significant accomplishments,” said Jonathan Jarosz, Executive Director of Heart of the Lakes Center for Land Conservation Policy, a statewide organization that strengthens the collective efforts of organizations dedicated to the conservation of Michigan’s environmentally and economically significant lands. “Accreditation means that these groups meet national standards of excellence and uphold the public trust with the organizational strength and ability needed to ensure the permanence of the important lands they work to protect.”

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Heart of the Lakes strengthens the collective efforts of organizations dedicated to the conservation of Michigan’s environmentally and economically significant land and water. We provide leadership, innovative ideas, and advocate for smart public policy for the benefit of our communities and for generations to come.
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Heart of the Lakes
PO Box 1128
Bay City, MI  48706
Heart of the Lakes is a statewide organization that concentrates and strengthens the efforts of Michigan’s land conservation community. Founded by Michigan’s land conservancies, Heart of the Lakes does what no individual organization can do on its own-- unites them under the common goal of protecting Michigan’s land. 

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Heart of the Lakes
P.O. Box 1128 Bay City, MI  48706
989-292-3582

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