The MNRTF has awarded St. Clair County more than $4.6 million to fund: the purchase of former railroad right-of-way for the creation of the Wadhams to Avoca Rail-Trail and the Blue Water River Walk; the purchase of 16 acres of natural land including 350 feet of Lake Huron frontage for the creation of a County park; the acquisition of 300 acres with 1.5 miles of Belle River frontage for the creation of a County park; the acquisition of former Camp Woodsong to provide public access to the Black River for hunting, fishing, nature observation, and other recreation uses; and the acquisition of approximately 9.4 acres with 360 linear feet of shoreline on the North Channel of the St. Clair River for the development of a universally accessible County park.

The County has received additional recommended 2014 funding of $118,400 and $666,000 to fund the expansion of the Blue Water River Walk and the purchase of vacant land on Bouvier Bay of Lake St. Clair to provide universal access for swimming, fishing, paddling, birding, and a rest stop for bicyclists and sightseers.

“The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund has allowed St. Clair County to acquire several significant properties that we would never have been able to purchase with only local funds. In return for the Trust Fund investment, we use local funds to develop the properties into first-class, universally accessible parks. The State and County partnership results in great parks that serve local residents, state residents and visitors to the State of Michigan. The end result is ‘Pure Michigan.’”

– Mark Brochu, Director, St. Clair County Parks and Recreation