Funding Available for Natural Resource Restoration in the Saginaw Bay Watershed

lschultz • November 11, 2021

This blog is designed to highlight some of the key information provided in a Michigan DNR press release regarding restoration funding and projects in the Saginaw Bay watershed from November 4, 2021. To read the entire press release and learn more about the funding available for restoration efforts in the Saginaw Bay watershed, please click HERE . The press release was issued jointly by The Natural Resource Trustees for the Tittabawassee River and the Saginaw River and Bay to inform the public of settlement funding available for restoration efforts within the watershed.

  • View the Tittabawassee River Restoration Plan and associated projects HERE .
  • View the Saginaw River and Bay Restoration Plan and associate projects HERE.

 

Known restoration projects to date in the Saginaw Bay watershed. Map created by and sourced from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

How much funding is available?

There is approximately $5.7 million available to fund restoration projects in the Saginaw Bay watershed. These funds will also be used for projects that were outlined in the settlements with Dow Chemical and General Motors.

Who is providing the funding?

The funding has been made available through a 2020 settlement with The Dow Chemical Company and a 1998 settlement with General Motors and others for natural resource damages within the Saginaw Bay watershed. These funds will be issued through the two Trustee Councils mentioned above.

What is the funding for?

The funds are to go toward the completion of restoration projects within the Saginaw Bay watershed, including projects that would focus on the Tittabawassee River and the Saginaw River.

What kind of restoration projects will be selected?

Restoration projects being submitted for consideration for funding should benefit natural resources that were injured due to the release of harmful chemicals such as dioxins, furans, or polychlorinated biphenyls by Dow Chemical or General Motors. Restoration projects that improve public access and enjoyment of natural resources in the area may also be considered, so long as the projects also focus on helping or improving the injured natural resources. More information about criteria for restoration projects within and along Saginaw Bay, the Tittabawassee River, and the Saginaw River can be found at links available in the press release (click HERE to be redirected to the press release).

When is the deadline to submit restoration project pre-proposals?

December 31, 2021, is the deadline for the submission of restoration project pre-proposals. No submissions will be accepted after this date.

Recent Posts

October NRC Recap

By Justin Tomei • October 9, 2025
The Natural Resources Commission met today, Thursday, October 9th for their October meeting. The commission reaffirmed its intent to allow for lethal year-round coyote management on public and private land via a unanimously passed resolution before passing fisheries orders, and tabling more for consideration in November. The commission passed Fisheries Orders 210.26 , and 254.25 before tabling 206.26, 219.26 , and 253.26 . Commissioner John Walters provided an amendment to the fisheries order to expand underwater spearfishing opportunities to most of the Great Lakes, allowing for some spatial closures for the protection of particularly sensitive areas. The commission took steps to make good on their promise to allow year-round coyote management, unanimously passing a resolution more clearly stating their intent and what the pending wildlife conservation order will look like. The next meeting is Thursday November 6 in Lansing.

October NRC Meeting Preview: Wildlife, Habitat, and Regulation Updates on the Agenda

By Justin Tomei • October 7, 2025
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) will convene for its October meeting on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Michigan Technological University’s Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts in Houghton, MI. This monthly gathering brings together commissioners, Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff, and the public to discuss policy decisions and updates impacting the state’s natural resources, wildlife, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The meeting will begin with Coffee with Commissioners from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., followed by the formal session at 9:30 a.m. Attendees can park for free in Lot 10, located east of the Rozsa Center. The meeting will open with a presentation from DNR leadership, including several notable updates and informational reports: Spring Turkey Regulations: Wildlife Division staff will present proposed changes to spring turkey hunting regulations for 2026. Wildlife Habitat Grants : Program leads will outline new habitat grant initiatives and highlight ongoing restoration efforts across the state. Moose Population Monitoring: A presentation will cover results from the most recent moose survey and discuss ecological and environmental factors limiting population growth. White-Nose Syndrome: The Wildlife Division will provide the latest data on the spread and impact of white-nose syndrome on Michigan’s bat populations. New Business The commission will consider a range of new proposals and action items, including: Oil and Gas Lease Auction: Approval for a proposed October 21, 2025, lease auction for energy development on state-managed lands. Land Transactions: Consideration of multiple land sales, acquisitions, and donations, including parcels in Tuscola, Wayne, St. Clair, and Luce counties. Wildlife Orders: Review of spring turkey regulations for the 2026 hunting season . Old Business The NRC will also revisit several regulatory items from previous meetings, including proposed amendments to a number of Fisheries Orders. This includes an amendment further expanding underwater spearfishing to larger portions of the Great Lakes. All orders and amendments for consideration can be found at the NRC agenda, HERE .

Michigan Legislature passes budget, DNR highlights

By Justin Tomei • October 3, 2025
Early Friday, morning, the Michigan Legislature approved a budget for the 2026 fiscal year. The two chambers and the governor agreed to a deal earlier this week and passed a stopgap to keep the state government open while work on the omnibus bill was finalized. The DNR budget is highlighted by some minor cuts, and new boilerplate language: No license fee increases were included No recreation passport opt-out was included Nature awaits program was removed as an on-going program Reduces 4.0 FTE positions for Fish Production and 15.0 FTE positions for Fisheries Resource Management Reduces 20.0 FTE positions and $200,000 for Wildlife Management Reduces invasive species prevention and control by $1.2 million Appropriates $2.8 million GF/GP (one-time) for fish production and stocking in Great Lakes and inland fisheries Reduces wetland restoration, enhancement, and acquisition funding by $1 million. In-person work prioritization New DNR scorecard and reporting requirements Prohibition on utility scale solar and wind projects on public lands An authorization to increase restricted fund appropriations if a license fee bill is passed The House Fiscal Analysis of the budget can be found HERE . To ensure our natural resources remain protected and managed thoughtfully, and our outdoor heritage defended, join Michigan United Conservation Clubs today: http://bit.ly/JoinMUCC .
More Posts