In This Issue- State Policy Update
- Federal Policy Update
- Project Highlights
- Project Awards
- Transitions
- Funding Opportunities
- New Resource
- Events and Training
Heart of the Lakes
Heart of the Lakes strengthens the collective efforts of land conservancies and organizations dedicated to the conservation of Michigan’s environmentally and economically significant lands. Heart of the Lakes provides leadership, innovative ideas, and advocates for smart public policy for the benefit of our communities and for generations to come. 
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Michigan State Policy Update
Preparing for FallWith the legislature on break for the past few months, there has not been much action in state conservation policy recently. However, we are busy and looking forward to working on a few legislative projects once the legislature resumes after Labor Day. We will be working with a Senator to introduce legislation that would prevent property taxes from popping up when landowners donate conservation easements by will and another piece that would exempt property owned by land conservancies from property tax. We will also be asking legislators to oppose Senate Bill 248 (Sen. Casperson, R-Escanaba), which would cap the number of acres that the State of Michigan can own. Click here to read our recent op ed on that issue. Read More
Federal Policy Update
Land Trust Alliance Needs Farm Bill InputBased on input from land trusts around the country, The Land Trust Alliance developed a series of provisions that should be incorporated in the 2012 Farm Bill. LTA is looking for agricultural land protection success stories from conservancies or any feedback about connections you may have with House and Senate Agriculture Committee members. If you have any information, please contact Lynn Sherrod at lsherrod@lta.org. Read More
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Project Highlights
Heart of the Lakes’ members work with landowners and communities to establish nature preserves, natural areas and sanctuaries, many of them open to the public for quiet recreation such as bird and wildlife watching. The following are just two examples of this important work.
The Little Forks Conservancy (Midland) will officially open the Riverview Natural Area to the public at a ribbon cutting Thursday, September 29 at 4:15 pm. The Conservancy began the 419-acre acquisition along the Tittabawassee River in July 2008 and completed fundraising earlier this year. Read More
Chikaming Open Lands, based in Lakeside, will dedicate a new preserve in Harbert on Monday, September 5, and will unveil the name of this special back dune property at that time. Read more
Project Awards
Transitions
Heart of the Lakes welcomes new Executive Directors to the land conservancy community in Michigan:
In July, Garret Johnson was tapped to lead the statewide Michigan Nature Association based in Williamston. Garret has more than 10 years of experience in conservation and land protection, including The Nature Conservancy in Michigan. Read more
Chris Thompson took the reigns of Chikaming Open Lands on August 1. Chris recently directed the land protection department of the Willistown Conservation Trust in Pennsylvania. Read More
Laura Justin is the new Executive Director for HeadWaters Land Conservancy based in Gaylord. She previoiusly served as the Membership & Recreational Activities Director at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa for the last 5 1/2 years. Read More
And Brian Obits was named Interim Executive Director for the Land Conservancy of West Michigan in Grand Rapids as the group launches a new executive director search. Brian succeeds Peter Homeyer who left the organization in July. Read More
Funding Opportunities
Water Quality Grants
Notice of Intent Due Date: September 7, 2011
Application Due Date: October 19, 2011
Available Funds: ~$4M
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality is seeking applications from state agencies, local governments, and nonprofit organizations for watershed management planning projects and projects that implement previously approved watershed management plans.
Urban and Community Forestry Grants
Due Date: September 16, 2011
Available Funds: $100K
Maximum Award: $20K
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking applications to provide funding to local units of government, nonprofit organizations, and schools engaging in community forestry on non-federal public land or land open to the public.
New Resource
The National Conservation Easement Database is the first national database of conservation easement information, compiling records from land trusts and public agencies throughout the United States while respecting landowner privacy. The Database is a tool intended to help planning and policy-making for conservation, natural resource management, or development. Read more
Events and Training
Advancing Conservancy Excellence
Ask An Expert Conference Call
Keys to Year-end Fundraising Success
Friday, September 30, 2011 , 10:00 – 11:00 am, no cost
Led by: Judy Anderson, Community Consultants
Watch for registration info!
Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition 7th Annual Great Lakes Restoration Conference
October 12-14, $170 before September 1
Detroit, Michigan
Register Online
Other Training OpportunitiesFor other organizational training opportunities throughout the state, check out the Michigan Nonprofit Association’s Statewide Training Calendar: www.mnaonline.org/events.aspx
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