Insider Intelligence

Three trails and three communities were recognized as Pure Michigan Trails and Pure Michigan Trail Towns by the Department of Natural Resources during the Governor’s Conference on Tourism this week. Pure Michigan Trails are routes that provide access to national, state, or regional scenic resources. They may be single trails or a combination of trails, […]

This year, Michigan celebrates the 100th anniversary of its state park system.  Michigan’s state parks incorporate a wide array of outdoor recreation opportunities – camping, fishing, boating, swimming, trails, historical fun – the outdoor experiences are endless and create some of the best life moments and memories. It’s a vast system made up of 103 […]

With the proverbial “end of summer” behind us (though not the technical end of summer which is September 23) I’m wanting not to let go. We were robbed of the first half with all the rain, grey skies, and cool temps, so my fight continues. So, to keep it going there’s a lot of summertime […]

Michigan offers a myriad of settings to run in unique and beautiful places.  Fifteen years ago, I was provided an opportunity I couldn’t turn down – one of the most unique there is and established by a former governor’s quick step.   Most everyone is familiar with the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk, hosted annually […]

Given the abundance of natural resources and outdoor recreation in Michigan, the state is taking a step to further promote outdoor recreation activities throughout Michigan. To accomplish that, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the creation of the Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry. The new office will be a partnership between the Department of Natural Resources and […]

$26 million would be appropriated for 34 recreational development projects and 30 land acquisition projects statewide, under legislation approved by the House Appropriations Committee this week. The money would come from the Natural Resources Trust Fund, which under the Michigan constitution is used to support these types of projects. The projects outlined in the bill […]

This week members of the House Democratic caucus held a press conference to urge the legislature to take immediate action to strengthen PFAS water quality standards. Since PFAS was first discovered in private Michigan wells last year, 16 out of 83 counties have identified contaminated sites, with thousands of additional sites still being tested. The […]

State Treasurer Nick Khouri announced that the State of Michigan sold more than $149 million in General Obligation Environmental Program Bonds. The bonds are being issued under the Great Lakes Protection and Clean Michigan Initiative Program and will primarily support environmental contamination remediation, water infrastructure, asset management plans, and water quality monitoring in communities across […]