LANSING - Dennis Muchmore, Executive Director of Michigan United Conservation Clubs, has been appointed to represent the public on the Natural Resources Trust Fund Board. He succeeds the late Marvin S. (Sam) Washington. The trust fund was established in 1976 to provide a source of funding for public acquisition of lands for resource protection and public outdoor recreation. The funding is derived from royalties on the sale and lease of state-owned mineral rights. In 1985, Michigan voters chose to make the MNRTF part of Michigan's constitution, ensuring this program's future.

“During the 30 years of its existence, the trust fund has provided more than $600 million for state and local land acquisition and natural resource development projects in every county in Michigan,” said Jim Wood, manager of DNR Grants Management section.

These projects have included some very special tracts of land --places such as the Pigeon River Country State Forest, St. John's Marsh and the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula; hundreds of miles of frontage on the Au Sable, Manistee, Jordan and other significant inland rivers and hundreds of acres of precious Great Lakes shoreline

“The opportunity to have input to the future land use policies and protection of our natural resources while protecting our sportsmen’s heritage is paramount,” said Muchmore. “The challenges facing our state will be addressed by this broad-based council that has the interests of Michigan’s future in the forefront.”

This appointment gives MUCC and Michigan’s sportsmen an avenue to ensure that our natural resources are effectively managed and protected for future generations while fulfilling our mission of uniting citizens to protect, restore and enhance Michigan’s natural resources.