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HOL Urges You to Vote YES on Proposal 20-1

10/1/2020

 
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.

#RecreateResponsibly Michigan

5/21/2020

 
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In anticipation of Memorial Day weekend, I want to highlight the launch of the new #RecreateResponsibly coalition and its message. As supporters of our outdoors, I hope you might join us and consider sharing this content with your own constituents and network of partners.

During this public health crisis, spending time in outdoor spaces has become so important for many, and we anticipate this trend will continue. People are drawn to the outdoors for fresh air, stress relief, and the freedom it provides.  As our public lands and waters reopen, our special places could get overwhelmed and people could be at risk.

To help ensure people thrive outside and stay safe, a national coalition launched today: www.recreateresponsibly.org.

The #RecreateResponsbily campaign shares guidelines and best practices to protect each other and our natural landscapes. We are a diverse community brought together by our love of the outdoors and a desire to help everyone experience the benefits of nature safely during this public health crisis.

If you’d like to join the movement:
  • Use the hashtag #recreateresponsibly on your social media posts.
  • Download graphics and social contact specific to Michigan at 
    ​bitly.com/recreate-responsibly.
  • Adopt, integrate, and promote this content in any way you wish!
  • Join the national coalition by visiting  www.recreateresponsibly.org/coalition.
 
We're not out of the woods and there will be updates of course and continued conversation over the long term including aligning efforts with other messaging efforts. The Fourth of July and Labor Day will see their own special needs.
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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.

Top Photos

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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.

Huron Pines Seeks Watershed Planner

10/23/2018

 
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. 

Conservation Resource Alliance Seeks Administrative/Development Assistant

9/5/2018

 
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. 

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 seeks Outreach Coordinator

6/5/2017

 
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.

Director of Land Protection:  GTRLC

5/2/2016

 
POSITION FILLED: The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy seeks a Director of Land Protection,  responsible for leading and overseeing the Conservancy’s land protection programs, managing a high-level portfolio of complex land conservation projects through leadership, program development, conservation planning, transactional project management, and by building relationships with partners, land owners, and funders. This position requires a strong understanding of conservation principles, excellent written, oral communication, and managerial skills, a sense of humor, plus comfort and effectiveness working in a highly collaborative environment.   A complete job description and application instructions can be found at www.gtrlc.org/about/job-openings/




Six Rivers Seek Director of Development

4/4/2016

 
​POSITION FILLED: Six Rivers Land Conservancy is seeking a committed, proven development
professional to join an organization that preserves the natural, agricultural and
recreational lands that sustain the quality of life in our region. The Director of
Development will lead the task of formalizing and institutionalizing a development
program supporting operations and projects and enabling the organization to fulfill
its mission and potential.  Full job description available at www.sixriversrlc.org

Read More

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.
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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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