Cass County and its residents have directly benefitted from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. The county received MNRTF grants to fund the acquisition and development of Dr. T.K. Lawless Park, with a total investment of more than $329,000.

“Without a doubt, the grant monies from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund made all the difference in the development of Dr. Lawless Park. We are a relatively small department, but with the help of the Trust Fund we are a small department with one of the most popular mountain bike trails in Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana. Our seven miles of hiking and cross-country ski trails are known regionally as some of the most scenic around.

Thanks to Trust Fund acquisition monies, visitors now have access to four outstanding fishing lakes; the [MNRTF also] allowed the department to increase our hunting lands by over 20%. Trust Fund monies have allowed us to increase visitation and revenue by over 50% over the last 25 years. Without the Trust Fund, Dr. Lawless Park as we know it would simply not exist.”

– Scott Wyman, Director, Cass County Parks