Michigan DNR announces $1.25 million in funding for Aquatic Habitat Grant Program

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently revealed the latest round of projects to gain approval for the Aquatic Habitat Grant Program, which will receive a total of $1.25 million.

The Aquatic Habitat Grant Program was developed to support projects that protect and rehabilitate the state’s aquatic resources. Projects must also develop self-sustaining aquatic communities, so that the aquatic habitats can be used for recreational opportunities and support natural resource-based economies. Additionally, they need to foster strong relationships and partnerships.

"This year's grants will enhance a broad range of aquatic habitat that is the foundation for Michigan's world-class fishing opportunities,” DNR Aquatic Habitat Grant Program Fisheries Division Coordinator Chris Freiburger said. “We’re excited for these projects to get under way and to really make a difference.”

Funding for the Aquatic Habitat Grant Program comes from a portion of the state’s annual fishing and hunting license sales. The current round is the program’s third, and the biggest grant awarded was $430,168 given to the Conservation Resource Alliance for the second phase of the Free Span the Maple River Connectivity Initiative. The alliance won a second grant, of $200,000, for its Bridging the Jordan River Restoration. Other grant winners were: the Barry Conservation District, for the Cedar Creek Aquatic Habitat Restoration; the Jackson County Parks Department for the Lime Lake Restoratioin; the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division for the W. G. Milliken State Park Pocket March with River Connection; and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa Indians for the Boardman River Dam Removal Monitoring project.