Free DNR Grant Workshop Feb. 14 at Little Bear East

An informational workshop for applying for grants through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be held Wednesday, February 14, from 9 a.m. to noon at Little Bear East Arena and Conference Center. The workshop is free and open to the public. Reservations are not necessary.

The DNR's Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund provides funding assistance for state and local outdoor recreation needs, including land acquisition and development of outdoor recreation facilities. The assistance is directed at creating and improving outdoor recreational opportunities and providing protection to valuable natural resources.

Both local units of government and the DNR are eligible for trust fund assistance. The trust fund is supported by revenue from the development of state-owned mineral resources, in particular, oil and gas.

New information for 2007 will include the "Access to Recreation Initiative," funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for universally accessible recreation projects, changes to the criteria used to score projects, as well as new special initiatives supporting trails and projects in urban areas.

Topics will include applicant and project eligibility, distribution of funds, preparing applications and attachments, projection, and grantee obligations.

The grant application deadline is Monday, April 2. Grant application materials will be available at the workshop. They can also be obtained from the DNR Web site at www.michi gan.gov/dnr-grants.