UP Gazette

State Representative Karl Bohnak has cast his vote in favor of allocating nearly $1 million for recreational projects in Munising. This funding is part of the Natural Resource Trust Fund (NRTF), which derives its revenue from state land leases related to oil and gas mineral exploration. The proposed NRTF budget for 2025 aims to allocate $41.8 million towards 17 land acquisition and 68 recreational development projects, pending approval by the Senate and being signed into law.

Bohnak expressed the significance of this funding, stating, “Folks in the U.P. have been balancing the use and preservation of our natural resources since the first mining and logging camps popped up in the mid-1800s.” He emphasized that this initiative continues a tradition of reinvesting profits from oil and gas into long-lasting conservation efforts.

A portion of this funding, amounting to $619,000, will be directed towards the Munising Bay Overlook Acquisition project. This will enable Munising City to acquire 375 acres of forested land adjacent to existing city-owned property, intended to be managed as a community forest accessible to the public. The overall cost for this project is estimated at $1,239,000 with Munising City covering the remaining expenses.

Additionally, $300,000 will support renovations at McQuisten Recreational Area in Munising Township. The funds will facilitate developing an accessible loop trail linking park features and constructing a vault toilet unit with a family changing station. Other improvements include replacing parts of an existing boardwalk through Cox Pond and adding benches, picnic tables, and a native plant rain garden. The total cost for these renovations is projected at $430,000 with Munising Township financing the balance.