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Stories in Michigan

Deep-Rooted Strategies for Michigan’s Rural Prosperity

For our farms, forests, freshwater and our future.

July 13, 2026

A sunrise breaking over the water in Saginaw Bay.
Saginaw Bay Sunrise The sun rises over calm water in Saginaw Bay. © Fauna Creative

Michigan’s impressive renewable natural resources—including extensive forests, fertile farmlands and abundant fresh water—underpin the state’s economy, create a sense of place and identity and provide a wide range of recreational opportunities for its residents and visitors.

Rural communities are often rich in natural resources and depend on their sustainable use and management, making the care and protection of the state’s natural resources inextricably linked to Michigan’s rural prosperity.

An overhead shot of a farm and surrounding farm land on a sunny day.
Farmland in Michigan Agriculture is essential to Michigan communities. It helps boost the economy, jobs and people's livelihoods. © Fauna Creative

Despite Michigan’s wealth of natural resources and the ingenuity and determination of its residents, many rural areas are struggling. The statistics on population loss and economic challenges are well documented.

In many places, farms, forests and waters are not cared for as well as they could and should be, often because decisions are made by owners or users living outside of those communities. Residents in rural communities frequently express a sense of quiet despair, feeling forgotten and taken for granted.

Support for rural prosperity is bipartisan

Based on findings from TNC's 2026 Rural Prosperity Report

Support for rural prosperity is strong and consistent across political affiliations and geographic regions. Michiganders do not view natural resource protection and economic growth as competing priorities, but as complementary and mutually reinforcing priorities.

Percent of voters that:
Believe protecting Michigan's natural resources should be a top priority for state leaders 97%
Support increased state investment to protect natural resources and clean water 84%
Support creating a new dedicated state funding source for natural resources that contribute to rural prosperity 77%

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) envisions a future in which Michigan’s rural communities are thriving and the lands and waters surrounding them are healthy, productive and well cared for.

With Michigan’s term limits guaranteeing an open seat for a new governor in 2026, candidates are presented with a strategic opportunity to champion rural prosperity and secure the support of rural voters. Establishing a dedicated funding mechanism for sustainable natural resource management and rural prosperity is an important step toward engaging this key demographic.

Voters tie natural resources to economic health

Based on findings from TNC's 2026 Rural Prosperity Report

Although the economic stability of most rural areas is closely intertwined with and dependent on the use of natural resources, very few state initiatives directly prioritize the stewardship of those resources.

Percent of voters that:
Agree Michigan's natural resources are extremely important to the state's economy 89%
Believe protecting natural resources strengthens the economy and keeps communities strong 78%
Agree rural prosperity is closely connected to how well Michigan manages its natural resources 77%

The Nature Conservancy engaged Public Sector Consultants (PSC) to conduct research to understand the barriers to rural prosperity and identify policy solutions that will increase the resilience and productivity of rural Michigan while preserving community values and ensuring the sustainable use of our natural resources.

Research Methodology

To develop these recommendations, PSC interviewed 16 subject matter experts (SMEs), analyzed programs and policies in Michigan and eight peer states, reviewed natural resource management funding mechanisms in Michigan and 14 other states and examined the results of a statewide public opinion survey of 1,021 registered voters. The full report, including detailed methodology, can be accessed below.

As a result of this research, The Nature Conservancy offers four research-backed policy recommendations to boost rural prosperity and secure sustainable, long-term funding for Michigan’s natural resources:

  1. Establish gubernatorial or legislative commission

    to identify long-term funding solutions for natural resource management and the growing demands on working lands, parks and natural areas.

  2. Modify the Office of Rural Prosperity

    Modify the office's structure and increase its funding so it can build capacity to support local rural communities and their governments and serve as a data clearinghouse for accurate, timely information about Michigan's natural resources and rural communities.

  3. Build and fund a new financial toolbox

    to help deliver long-term, sustainable funds for conservation and rural development projects, including: a new Michigan conservation and rural development innovation fund offering flexible co-investment capital for innovative projects; a new dedicated state funding source for natural resource management and maintenance; low-interest loans and low-barrier grants designed specifically to help underresourced communities upgrade and maintain natural resource assets; and tax incentives.

  4. Adopt a unified, state-level strategy

    for rural development that integrates land use planning, economic development and natural resource management to help the state become less reactive and more focused on addressing long-term challenges.

Explore the full report

Click to download the full Michigan Rural Prosperity Strategies report, including case studies from other states.

Download

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Aerial view of houses and forest along a bay.

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Two people kneel in a field on a farm to examine the soil.

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A woman smiles as she reaches for freshly picked produce in an open kitchen.

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