UP Gazette

State Representative Greg Markkanen has secured over $1.4 million in funding for conservation projects across the Western Upper Peninsula. The funding, derived from the Natural Resource Trust Fund (NRTF), is sourced from state land leases for oil and gas exploration.

"Considering how much of Michigan’s natural beauty is located north of the Mackinac Bridge, the U.P. gets the short end of the stick for state preservation funding far too often," said Markkanen, R-Hancock. "I’m glad we could secure key resources for so many projects in the Western U.P. These dollars will make campgrounds more accessible, expand popular walking trails, and continue ongoing conservation efforts."

Several projects will benefit from this initiative:

- Eddy Park Campground will receive $274,200 to enhance facilities with camper shelters and improved accessibility features. The total project cost is $365,600 with additional funds provided by the City of Wakefield.

- Swedetown Chalet Renovation and Trail Addition project will be supported with $400,000 to improve restroom accessibility and add new amenities including a dining area and a trail loop. Calumet Charter Township will cover the remaining costs of this $541,000 project.

- Heritage Trail Extension to Bewabic State Park is allocated $215,000 to extend a paved trail nearly half a mile into Iron County with scenic enhancements. Crystal Falls Township contributes to completing this $307,200 project.

- Eagle Harbor Beach Accessibility Project receives $83,700 for shoreline accessibility improvements and erosion safeguards totaling $111,600 with Eagle Harbor Township covering remaining expenses.

- Sturgeon River Sloughs Acquisition project secures $440,000 to add 320 acres to a wildlife management area near Houghton-Hancock for public recreational use.

The NRTF proposals for 2025 aim to allocate a total of $41.8 million towards 17 land acquisition and 68 recreational development projects pending Senate approval.