In This IssueFrom the Executive DirectorState Policy
- Land Cap Legislation Stalled
Federal Policy
- Enhanced Conservation Easement Incentive
- Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
- Funding Increase for LWCF
Great Member Works
- Tom Bailey Thanks the MNRTF
Transitions
- Valerie Roof Leaves Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy
Job Openings
- SBLC Search for Executive Director
Events and Training
- Heart of the Lakes Retreat
- Advancing Conservancy Excellence
- Land Trust Alliance Webinars
- The Stewardship Network
- Other Training Opportunities
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. 
Happy Holidays
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December 21, 2011
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Dear Friend,
We hope that you have found our monthly Policy and Conservation Updates informative and useful. Together we accomplished great land conservation work this last year. All signs are pointing to a very active 2012.
Your financial support is essential to our success. Please consider making a gift today. All first time donors will have a portion of their gift matched thanks to the Frey Foundation. If you recently made a gift or are renewing, thank you so much for being a Friend of Heart of the Lakes. Your generous support helps us strengthen the voice for Michigan’s land conservancies and land conservation. All the best for a wonderful holiday season!
Sincerely,
Executive Director
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Michigan State Policy Update
Land Cap Bill Stalled
The pressure Heart of the Lakes members and conservation partners have been putting on members of the House Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Committee to oppose SB 248, the land cap bill, is making an impact as the bill was not taken up for a vote in committee before the legislature adjourned for the holidays. Heart of the Lakes opposes Senate Bill 248, which would artificially cap the number of acres of land owned by the public and managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Read More
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Federal Policy
Enhanced Conservation Easement Incentive
Due to the Congress’ debate over the payroll tax extension, the enhanced conservation easement incentive is likely to expire at the end of this year despite a strong, year-end push for co-sponsors. However, the easement incentive extension could be included with any number of tax bills early in 2012 and retroactively applied as has been done with previous extensions. Read More
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
The 2012 federal budget bill, which passed both chambers of Congress and is waiting to be signed into law by President Obama, includes $300 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). This is the same level of funding received in the past year for GLRI, a major victory that this critical program did not receive more cuts. Read More
Funding Increase for Land and Water Conservation Fund
President Obama is expected to sign an appropriations
package for FY 2012 that includes level funding for many critical
conservation programs and an increase of $21.9 million to the Land and
Water Conservation Fund. Thanks to those of you who joined Heart of the
Lakes in signing on to letters in support of funding for this important
program. Read More
Great Work Our Members Are Doing
Michigan
Natural Resources Trust Fund
For the past 35 years, Michigan has
benefited from a novel compromise that harkens back to the Pigeon River
oil and gas development controversy in the 1970s, resulting in the
state’s only designated funding for conservation purposes. In exchange
for developing publicly owned mineral resources, which can only be
sold once, the compromise directs those revenues to long-term or
permanent assets for the people of Michigan through what we know today
as the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) and the State Park
Endowment Fund.
The result has been an investment of millions of dollars that protect
and provide access to scenic and natural resources at the heart of place
making and economic vitality for Michigan communities. To celebrate
the 35th Anniversary of the MNRTF, Tom Bailey, Executive Director of the
Little Traverse Conservancy, says thanks and happy birthday. Read More
Transitions
 Heart of the Lakes extends best wishes to Valerie Roof who left her position as Executive Director of Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy (SBLC) this month to join the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. Read More
Job Openings
With Valerie’s departure (see above), SBLC is looking for a resourceful leader with excellent management skills and experience to guide the organization as an Executive Director with a fundraising track record and ability to work with a diversity of organizations and individuals. Read More
Events and Trainings
Heart of the Lakes
Heart of the Lakes Strategy Retreat
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Grand Ledge Opera House, Grand Ledge
For: Heart of the Lakes members, no cost, lunch provided
For more info: julie@heartofthelakes.org
Advancing Conservancy Excellence
Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program
For Michigan and Wisconsin Land Trusts
Applications Due Friday, January 20, 2012
For applications or more info: julie@heartofthelakes.org
Sustain Our Great Lakes Webinar
Sustain Our Great Lakes
2012 Funding Opportunities Webinar
January 11, 2012, 11:00 am ET
For more info and to register...
Land Trust Alliance Webinars
Determining Easement Stewardship Costs
When: January 18, 2012, 2:00 pm ET
Led by: Jane Ellen Hamilton
Cost: $55
Determining Stewardship Costs
for Fee Lands
When: January 24, 2012, 2:00 pm ET
Led by: Paul Doscher
Cost: $55
Conservation Easement Monitoring
When: January 25, 2012, 2:00 pm ET
Led by: Jane Ellen Hamilton
Cost: $55
The Stewardship Network
The Stewardship Network Webinar Series
Topic TBA
Wednesday, January 11, noon to 1 pm, no cost
2012 Science, Practice & Art
of Restoring Native Ecosystems
January 20-21
East Lansing, MI
Other Training Opportunities
For other organizational training opportunities throughout the state, check out the Michigan Nonprofit Association’s Statewide Training Calendar
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