Why Protect Land?
Michigan citizens identify with the state's land based resources, recreational opportunities, outdoor heritage, and pristine landscapes. Thoughtful land protection ensures the sustainability of Michigan’s natural assets vital to our social, economic, and environmental future.

Land Conservation in Michigan
At the heart of Michigan's communities is a fundamental understanding of how thoughtful land conservation enriches lives, secures cherished places, and meets vital needs for all people of the state -- clean water and air, safe and abundant local foods, healthy and diverse wildlife populations, sustainable working forests, and equitable access to some of Michigan’s most special places. 

Michigan's Unique Assessts
  • Michigan’s working lands, comprised of 19.3 million acres of forest and over 10 million acres of farmland, provide food, fiber, wood sources, and jobs for citizens to support the state’s thriving land based enterprises 
  • The Great Lakes surrounding Michigan are the largest source of fresh water on the planet 
  • Land based industries (agriculture, tourism and forestry) when combined, contribute more revenue to Michigan’s economy than any other industry 
  • The state’s 38,000 miles of rivers and streams sustain high-quality fishery 
  • Wetland systems that flow into these waterways help filter out sediment and pollutants, purifying our fresh water resources
  • Michigan parks, beaches, and open space provide outstanding recreational opportunities, connect us to the natural world, and influence where people choose to live, work, and play