To avoid double counting acres where multiple programs contributed to the acquisition of a single parcel, the parcel acreage is only aggregated under the program that provided the majority of funding. For example, if the chart displays a dollar amount greater than $0, but also shows 0 acres, it is because the program was not the primary contributor for any parcels in that year.
Local data coming soon.
The Farmland and Open Space Preservation Act of 1974 authorized a property tax incentive program that offers a term enrollment for conservation of farmland protection. Landowners enter into contract with the state to keep their land in farming, and in turn may receive state income tax credits. If a landowner withdraws their land from this program prior to the expiration of the term, s/he is charged a fee. This conversion fee funds the Agricultural Preservation Fund, which provides grants to local governments for the purchase of agricultural conservation easements.
The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Act was originally passed in 1976 and provides constitutional protection for the acquisition of land for public recreation and conservation purposes. Financial assistance is available to local governments and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) through the Trust Fund. The Fund, which may not exceed $500 million, is generated by the leases, royalties, and other fees collected for the extraction of non-renewable resources from state-owned lands. As stipulated by the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Act (MNRTF) of 1985, at least 25 percent of annual expenditures must be made available for land acquisition. No more than 25 percent may be expended for public recreation facilities. The MNRTF Board of Trustees and the Grants Management office of the DNR administer the program. Full text available on the Michigan Constitution, Article IX, section 35.
| Year | Acres | Dollars |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 2,891.9 | $16,257,554 |
| 1999 | 2,501.6 | $14,237,544 |
| 2000 | 3,502.1 | $16,447,086 |
| 2001 | 6,344.1 | $30,578,639 |
| 2002 | 53,258.2 | $19,216,806 |
| 2003 | 512.9 | $2,806,400 |
| 2004 | 7,161.1 | $13,924,709 |
| 2005 | 1,609.8 | $20,257,465 |
| Total | 77,781.7 | $133,726,203 |