In 2024, The Nature Conservancy in Michigan (TNC) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) engaged Public Sector Consultants (PSC) to lead outreach efforts to diverse audiences to help inform the development and implementation of a suit of conservation measures that can conserve, connect, and restore at least 30 percent of Michigan’s lands and waters.

This input will shape the roadmap for achieving that goal: the DNR and TNC’s “Pathways to Michigan the Beautiful” report. These efforts also address one or more of the objectives in the MI Healthy Climate Plan, the plan to reach 100 percent carbon neutrality by 2050.

Over the course of four months in the summer and fall of 2024, PSC conducted an online survey, statewide listening sessions, one-on-one interviews, and two public webinars. Feedback was provided by nearly 3,000 residents throughout the state of Michigan. This report is meant to provide a synopsis of that feedback and meaningful insights into the collective outreach efforts.

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Key Findings

From nearly 3,000 unique perspectives, some key themes emerged around how people connect to and envision nature conservation in Michigan.

  • Barriers to Accessibility: Participants believe public outdoor spaces and recreation activities can be made more inclusive and accessible for people of all abilities.
  • Conservation and Protection: Conservation and protection of natural spaces is a significant priority for participants, especially in relation to the challenges of climate change and human encroachment.
  • Educational Opportunities: Participants told PSC they value education and outreach, and support more of it to increase knowledge and stewardship of nature and natural spaces.
  • Health Benefits: Many participants credited being in nature with improving their physical and mental health by relieving stress and promoting activity.
  • Partnerships for Success and Sustainability: Success in conservation and care of nature and natural spaces may require partnerships to be successful and sustainable, as many participants stated.
  • Public Policy and Regulation: State and local policy and regulation were identified as important methods by which to advance conservation goals.
  • Urban Equity: In urban areas where engagement occurred, residents reported feeling they have fewer, blighted, more polluted, and unsafe natural spaces, and that more investment is needed to connect people to trails, parks, and natural areas.