New state game area, expansion included in $45.6 M appropriation

lschultz • July 21, 2022

On Tuesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an appropriations bill funding the full slate of Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) recommendations.

SB 1028 appropriates $45.6 million in funding for projects including the acquisition of a new state game area (SGA) in Berrien County and the expansion of the Portland SGA. 

Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) fully supports the passage of this appropriation as a critical conservationist access acquisition, said policy assistant Justin Tomei.

“As a resident of West Michigan, I fully understand the lack of public access in the region,” Tomei said. “MUCC supports these acquisitions as critical expansions of our state game area system and public land access for Michiganders.”

Along the St. Joseph River, Michigan’s hunters, trappers, anglers and outdoor recreationists will  have new access to an 839-acre SGA in Berrien County. There has historically been a significant lack of public access in this region of the state. This area will provide long-term outdoor recreation benefits to the residents and visitors to this corner of Michigan.  

In the Portland SGA, the legislature has funded the acquisition of 66 acres bordering the Grand River, providing enjoyers of the area expanded access to the river. With a diversity of quality habitats, this area is well suited for wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, small game, waterfowl and sandhill cranes.

Data on hunter recruitment, retention and reactivation consistently show that access and time are two of the most significant factors in hunting decisions. By providing a place that is both open to hunting and situated in an easy driving distance from Benton Harbor, Battle Creek and less than 100 miles from Grand Rapids, they would be well-used assets and perhaps an entry for urban and suburban populations to expand their outdoor activities to include wildlife-centric recreation. 

A more detailed breakdown of the entire project list can be found here . 

To ensure our natural resources remain protected and managed thoughtfully in perpetuity, join Michigan United Conservation Clubs today: http://bit.ly/JoinMUCC . 

Recent Posts

MUCC Submits Public Comment in Support of Line 5 Tunnel Project

By Justin Tomei • June 30, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MUCC Submits Public Comment in Support of Line 5 Tunnel Project Lansing, MI — Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC), the nation’s largest statewide conservation organization, has submitted formal public comments urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to approve the Enbridge Line 5 Tunnel Project. In a letter submitted today, MUCC emphasized the need to move this critical infrastructure forward to protect the Great Lakes while maintaining safe, reliable energy transportation. “MUCC supports the tunnel project as the best available alternative to reduce the risk of an environmental disaster in the Straits of Mackinac while continuing to deliver essential energy products to Michigan families and industries,” said Amy Trotter, CEO of MUCC. “We believe the tunnel project strikes a balance between protecting the environment and maintaining energy security.” MUCC’s position is backed by a formal resolution passed by its membership, which includes thousands of hunters, anglers, trappers, and outdoor enthusiasts across Michigan. The resolution supports the tunnel as a long-term solution that replaces the aging and exposed pipeline segment currently crossing the Straits, offering greater environmental safeguards through secondary containment. The organization cited the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which acknowledges the tunnel’s benefits, including reduced spill risk and a controlled, buried environment for transporting light crude oil and natural gas liquids. MUCC also rejected the "no action alternative," which would allow the existing line to remain in operation without any new protective infrastructure. “Other alternatives, like transporting fuel by truck or rail, are inefficient and carry greater environmental and safety risks,” Trotter added. “Allowing the current line to operate exposed on the lakebed indefinitely is simply not acceptable.” MUCC’s comment stresses that the organization is not weighing in on the type of energy transported, but rather on the environmental risks and safety benefits of the tunnel itself. Originally approved by the Michigan legislature and governor in 2018, the Great Lakes Tunnel Project represents a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure and environmental protection. MUCC urges the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to issue the necessary permits and move forward with construction without further delay. For Media Contact: Justin Tomei jtomei@mucc.org 517-346-6488 #####

Michigan Wildlife Conservation Month: MUCC's Impact

By Olivia Triltsch • June 26, 2025
Since its inception, MUCC has made great strides in the conservation of natural resources through advocacy, habitat, youth education, and communications.

On the Ground: Native Plug Planting at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute

By Katelyn Helsel • June 25, 2025
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, MUCC’s On the Ground program partnered with the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute (PCCI) for a native plug planting day in Barry County. Located on 850 acres, the institute offers both environmental education opportunities and serves as a biological field station for conducting research. Many diverse native communities from wetlands to prairies are present at PCCI, and many rare or threatened species in Michigan like the eastern box turtle call the institute home. 
More Posts