MICHIGAN HABITAT IMPROVEMENT FUND
GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE FEB. 29LANSING-Grant applications for Michigan Habitat Improvement
Fund projects administered by the Michigan Department of
Natural Resources are due February 29, 2000.
Up to $668,000 is available to non-profit groups, local
governmental units and individuals interested in developing
and implementing fisheries enhancement projects for the Au
Sable, Manistee and Mukegon rivers.
Funding for this program is provided by Consumers Energy
Company following agreements reached during the relicensing
of 11 hydropower projects along these rivers in 1992.
The goal of the grant program is to foster working
partnerships at the local level between eligible applicants
and the DNR, in order to develop projects that will produce
healthier fish populations and improve recreational fishing
in and along these rivers.
Previous grant recipients have included watershed
councils, resource development councils, soil conservation
districts, local governmental units and other non-profit
organizations.
Examples of eligible projects designed to produce
healthier fish populations include fisheries habitat
improvement, soil erosion control, resource evaluation and
studies to better understand fish behavior. Projects that
enhance recreational fishing include the construction of
accessible fishing piers and improvements to park boat
launch sites.
A technical review board, comprised of representatives
from the DNR, the U.S. Forest Service and Fish and Wildlife
Service, Consumers Energy Company, the Michigan Hydro-
Relicensing Coalition and two members from the private
sector appointed by the DNR Director, will evaluate each
proposal and prioritize proposed projects for potential
funding. Approved projects will be announced next September,
and funds will be distributed after October 1.
Application forms are available from Kyle Kruger, DNR
Fisheries Division, Box 939, Mio, MI 48647; phone: 517-826-
3211; fax: 517-272-0381; e-mail: krugerk@state.mi.us, or by
contacting the DNR Fisheries Division in Lansing at 517-
373-1280.
Source: MDNR
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