In May, MEC joined the Funds for the Future Coalition, a diverse group of organizations including the Michigan United Conservation Clubs, The Nature Conservancy-Michigan Chapter and the Michigan Oil and Gas Association, all working together to help pass Proposal 2. This statewide proposal, appearing on the August 6 primary ballot, asks voters to approve an amendment to the State Constitution that would increase the money available to the highly successful Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MRNTF). The MNRTF has protected many of Michigan's natural and recreation areas during its 25-year run.

The proposed changes would alter the investment strategy of the fund balance, allowing MNRTF money, along with the State Parks Endowment Fund and Veterans Trust Fund, to be invested in stocks rather than being restricted to bonds and other traditionally lower-return investments. This investment strategy is similar to the state's retirement fund management and would dramatically increase the amount of money available to the MNRTF. The proposal, if approved, would also raise the cap on the MRNTF from its current maximum of $400 million up to $500 million and would continue to allow up to one-third of the Trust Fund revenue to be spent annually.

"This is a clear winner for Michigan," said James Clift, Policy Director for MEC. "Proposal 2 increases the amount of money available to protect our lakes, rivers, land and recreational opportunities, without affecting personal or business taxes. If Proposal 2 passes on the primary ballot, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund could gain more than $500 million over the next 20 years. Without it, state and local conservation programs could lose at least $15 million annually."

In 1976, Michigan became the first state in the nation to establish a land trust fund specifically supported by revenues generated from the exploration and production of oil and gas on state-owned lands. Since then, more than $540 million has been used to finance more than 1,200 recreational projects in every county of the state.

There are already more requests for these outdoor recreation projects than is available from the MNRTF. In 2001, there were $92 million in requests and only $38 million available in grants. Without the investment changes in Proposal 2, a mere $12 million will be available annually.

Although the MNRTF is the main focus, Proposal 2 also affects several other funds. It would allow half of the money that goes into the Michigan State Parks Endowment Fund every year to be spent on state park improvements, and allow for further investment of the Non-game Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund, Game and Fish Trust Fund, Civilian Conservation Corps Endowment Fund and the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund.

MEC encourages everyone to vote YES on Proposal 2 on August 6th, and also help spread the word about this tremendous opportunity by telling your friends, neighbors and co-workers to head to the polls as well.

If you would like to help the campaign with a financial contribution, you can send donations to: "Funds for the Future Committee," 2101 Wood Street, Lansing MI 48912.