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.

POSITION FILLED: Huron Pines is seeking a full-time Watershed Planner who will work directly with communities and partners to identify, develop, and implement watershed management best practices. The anticipated focus areas for this position will be related to green infrastructure and low impact development to help reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality, plan and create opportunities for the public to access water recreation areas, and manage projects that prevent and reduce pollution. Applications due by November 21, 2018.

​View the full job description and application details here. 

POSITION FILLED: The Conservation Resource Alliance is seeking a full-time Administrative/Development Assistant. The position's primary duties will focus on the following: general office/organizational support, database management, development and communications support and program support. This position may also involve assisting with contract administration, grant administration, document retention, accounting, or benefits administration activities.

For a full job description and application details visit here. 

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." ​

Heart of the Lakes is currently seeking a 24-32 hour/week Outreach Coordinator.  The Outreach Coordinator, under the supervision of the Executive Director, will be responsible for the communications and engagement activities within the organization. Duties include, but are not limited to, social and digital media, website, donor and sponsorship development, as well as event planning and staffing.
 
We’re looking for someone who brings social media know-how, writing skills, or graphic design experience. If you have all of these skills, you’re probably a unicorn and we’d definitely like to meet you. This position will provide the applicant with an opportunity to gain experience in non-profit operations, with opportunities for special projects, depending on the applicant’s skills.
 
If you’re looking for a ho-hum job where you sit at a cubicle from 9-5, hover over your keyboard, and only do a couple of repetitive things, this is NOT the job for you. We’re a small nonprofit with a big mission looking to add brainpower and creativity to support our work. No one on our small team will ever do just one thing, and you’ll be expected to really learn about the organizations we represent.
 
The ideal candidate for this job is creative, personable, proactive, and possesses strong digital communication skills.  Applicants should be well-organized and have experience in communications, advocacy and/or fundraising.  Applicants should be comfortable working independently, reaching out to partners and supporters across state as well as engaging with government agencies and legislators alike.

Download the full posting and application instructions here.

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.