Michigan fund created from oil and gas revenues has awarded nearly $1.4bn

Michigan’s Natural Resources Trust Fund is marking 50 years of supporting land conservation and outdoor recreation. Created in 1976 using earnings from state-owned oil, gas and mineral revenues, the fund has awarded nearly $1.4 billion so far. Its latest grants include $6.5 million to acquire nearly 22,650 acres in the Keweenaw Peninsula, along with funding for parks, trails, waterfront areas and recreation projects across Michigan.