Heart of the Lakes
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Research

Heart of the Lakes researches policy and land conservation issues, offering credible resources that inform public policy and guide model conservation practices for the benefit of our members, our partners, and their land protection goals. We connect the environmental importance of land conservation to the economic significance of ensuring the sustainability of our state’s thriving land-based industries – agriculture, tourism, and forestry.

Envision MI Lands
Envision MI Lands is a program to provide Michigan’s land conservancies with tools for strategic conservation planning and a proactive conservation policy platform to advocate and advance private lands conservation.

Farmland Preservation Initiative
Heart of the Lakes’ Farmland Preservation Initiative, makes the case for farmland preservation, assess needs, synthesizes documentation and case studies, and recommends action through advancing public policy and strengthening existing preservation programs.

Funding Options for Michigan's Natural Resources
In partnership with the Land Policy Institute, Heart of the Lakes investigated the drivers of conservation spending in the United States, and compared Michigan to other states.

Protecting Michigan’s Agricultural Future
Heart of the Lakes’ Protecting Michigan’s Agricultural Future report, makes the case for farmland preservation, assesses needs, synthesizes documentation and case studies, and recommends action through advancing public policy and strengthening existing preservation programs. Download (PDF 1256KB)

Water Quality and Land Conservation
The collective actions of conservation professionals around the state are helping to protect Michigan’s greatest natural assets – our land and our water. When properties are permanently protected through conservation easements and land donations, not only has a landowner helped to conserve their land in perpetuity, they has also helped to protect the health and function of the greater ecosystems and watersheds their land is a part of. Download (PDF 171KB)

Economic Valuation of Natural Resource Amenities Download (PDF 1398KB)

Economic Impacts of Michigan State Parks Download (PDF 1335KB)

Benchmark for State Funding of Natural Resources
In partnership with the Land Policy Institute, Heart of the Lakes investigated the drivers of conservation spending in the United States, and compared Michigan to other states. Download (PDF 1630KB)



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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