Natural Resources: An economic driver Jon Spieles, Acting UP Regional Coordinator

Economic Impact DNR-managed recreation facilities are the backbone of Michigan’s $22.8 billion tourism industry that supports 214,000 direct jobs Fishing and boating add $7 billion to Michigan’s economy Hunting adds $2.3 billion to Michigan’s economy Forest Products Industry adds $17.5 b 2

Economic Impact: Recreation Facilities include: 102 state parks (22 million state park visits) (20 UP State Parks) 138 state forest campgrounds (97 UP) Nearly 1 million overnight camp nights ranking 2 nd in the nation behind California (Michigan ¼ population of Ca.) 1,300 boating access sites and 80 public harbors support $3.9 billion boating industry (219 BAS and 9 Harbors in UP) 3

Economic Impact: Recreation More than 12,000 miles of trails - positions Michigan as “The Trail State” (5,675 Designated in UP) 2,600 miles of rail trails (most in nation) (570 UP) Michigan mountain biking, ORV and snowmobile trails are regularly cited as among the best in their class With over 200,000 snowmobilers, Michigan ranks 1 st in the nation. Snowmobilers provide $1 billion to Northern Michigan economies (3,272 miles UP snowmobile trails) MDOT study shows bicycling alone provides a $668 million annual benefit to the state economy 4

Economic Impact: Fishing 1.2 million anglers – ranks fifth in the nation Value $2.5 billion to Michigan’s economy Produces 37,989 direct jobs Anglers fish more than 11,000 lakes, 3,000 miles of Great Lake shoreline and 20,000 miles of trout/salmon streams- most diverse freshwater fishing in world Field & Stream recently named Michigan the best fly fishing state in America 5

Economic Impact: Fish Production Benefits 1.Estimated annual economic benefit is conservatively estimated to be $500-$600 million dollars (USFWS Method) 2.Ecosystem and Fish Community Benefits (850 sites stocked annually) a)Great Lakes “Balance” (alewife / smelt) b)Species specific rehabilitation (walleye, lake sturgeon, muskies and lake trout) 6

Economic Impact: Fishing Family Friendly Fishing Waters michigan.gov/fishing and select the bobber Fishing sites in every county that are easy to access and have amenities such as restrooms, picnic areas, fishing platforms and playgrounds Anyone can add more sites for their county simply by completing the online form and submitting a photo or two. Local fisheries biologists verify the site to ensure it is family friendly and the species that are available. 7

Economic Impact: Fishing Trout Trails michigan.gov/trouttrails Online map application with detailed information on trout fishing sites throughout the state. Site info includes species, regulations, noteworthy information, detailed directions and when to fish for success! Each site has a link to the local convention and visitor bureau for regional visitor information to connect anglers to area lodging, restaurants and other activities from golf to local festivals or events. 8

Economic Impact: Fishing Weekly Fishing Report michigan.gov/fishingreport Subscribe to DNR’s weekly fishing report to find out where the fish are biting! This weekly report is available online or by subscribing to receive via Five regions in the state are highlighted and currently more than 70,000 people receive this weekly report to help them decide where to go fishing next 9

Economic Impact: Hunting 760,000 hunters - Michigan ranks third in the nation behind Texas and Pennsylvania Hunting generates 34,473 direct jobs and produces $2.3 billion for Michigan’s economy Hunters have access to 4.5 million acres of public hunting lands including 187 state game areas and seven managed waterfowl areas 10

Economic Impact: Hunting 9 GEMS Business Discounts for GEM Hunters 11

Economic Impact: Wildlife Birding trails and other wildlife viewing 12

Economic Impact: Shooting Sports Shooting Sports in Michigan: – Provide for over 800,000 participants – Support over 7,000 jobs Contribute $725 million annually to the economy Provide over $257 million in labor income

Resource-Based Industry 4 million acres of DNR-managed forest support $17.5 billion timber industry and supports 84,000 jobs (35,000 direct jobs) 839,000 cords of certified timber harvested annually from DNR- managed lands 6 million seedlings planted each year on DNR-managed forest lands 14

Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Since 1976 has funded outdoor recreation acquisition and development in all 83 counties in Michigan Has received strong support from the public when put to statewide votes Promotes quality of life and regional economies 15

Public land engagement Focus regionally and act collaboratively What values public lands provide How public lands are managed Unify plans with regions and local government Provide quality outdoor recreation opportunities Foster regional economic prosperity Protect natural and cultural resources for future

Thank you Questions?