Proposal One ensures outdoor recreation for all

As we celebrate Trails Week, the Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance (MTGA) urges everyone to take the Michigan Trails Week Challenge. It’s easy to do — whether you enjoy walking, hiking, biking, running, paddling or riding horses, Michigan has a trail for you.

Fromthe Iron OreHeritage Trail in Marquette County to the Macomb Orchard Trail in Macomb County, Michigan is home to over 13,000 miles of state-designated trails and pathways. With more trails than any other state, those trails play an integral role in connecting our citizens.

Our trails are free and accessible to all, thanks in large part to large part to theMichigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF). The MNRTF has invested over $245 million in our trails in all 83 counties with funds from oil, gas and mineral leases on state land.

In addition to trails, the MNRTF has played a key role in acquiring and increasing recreational access to over 1,000 public parks throughout Michigan. That includes special places like Lake St. Clair Metropark, Pine River Nature Center and Marysville

City Park. Our parks and trails funded by the MNRTF have spurred economic development opportunities such as the Blue Water River Walk, while revitalizing communities.

Citizens in every community have relied on trails to connect us to our special places during COVID-19. While on the trail, we improve our mental and physical health. Those benefits are available for free to all and with projects like the Iron Belle Trail, theMNRTF has ensured Michiganders from Detroit to Ironwood have access to trails.

Trails provide a safe way to connect communities and people to each other. In our urban and suburban areas, trails like the Clinton River Trail also provide a healthy transportation alternative. Trails benefit us in so many ways that MTGA is urging a yes vote on Proposal One in November.

Proposal One allows the MNRTF to keep using oil and gas revenues to continue funding the creation and renovation of our parks, trails, and playgrounds. Proposal One does not raise taxes and ensures outdoor recreation for all.

To take the free, virtual Michigan Trails Week Challenge, visit michigantrails.org and for information on the MNRTF visit protectMI.org.