DNR 2002 RECREATION GRANTS APPLICATION MATERIALS AVAILABLE: MI

LANSING--The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today
announced that application materials are now available for
the 2002 recreation grants program. The DNR also has
scheduled two workshops in January to assist communities in
preparing grant applications.
The workshops are free and preregistration is not required.
The application materials and workshops cover the following
recreation grants programs:
* The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program
provides financial assistance to state and local governments
for land acquisition and the development of outdoor and some
limited indoor recreation facilities, with a focus on
meeting community recreation needs. Michigan will receive a
limited amount of funding in 2002 through a federal
appropriation to the National Park Service. Because funding
is limited, this program may be limited to only acquisition
or development projects. The LWCF program requires a minimum
50% local match.

* The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) provides
funding assistance for state and local outdoor recreation
needs, including land acquisition and development of outdoor
recreation facilities. This assistance is directed at
creating and improving outdoor recreational opportunities
and providing protection to valuable natural resources. Both
local governments and the DNR compete for MNRTF assistance.
The MNRTF is supported by revenues from the development of
state-owned mineral resources, in particular oil and gas.

The grant application deadline for both programs is April 1,
2002. In addition to the regular round, additional
applications for MNRTF acquisition only may be submitted to
the DNR prior to Aug. 1, 2002. Application materials can be
obtained by contacting the DNR Grants Administration
Division at its
24-hour voice mail line: 517-373-2724. Materials also are
available online at www.michigandnr.com.
The following application workshops have been scheduled:
* January 24, Grayling, 9 a.m. to noon, Holiday Inn, 2650 S.
I-75 Business Loop.
* January 29, Lansing, 9 a.m. to noon, Michigan Library and
Historical Center (Auditorium)
717 West Allegan.
Topics will include applicant and project eligibility, the
five-year recreation plan requirement, distribution of
funds, how to prepare applications and attachments, project
selection and grantee obligations. A review of the 2002
recreation grants application for both the LWCF and the
MNRTF will be provided. DNR Grants Administration Division
staff also will be available at each session to answer any
questions regarding these programs.

Source: MDNR