@log hauler: All the Payments in Lieu of Taxes for state lands purchased with Trust Fund money will be fully paid by the Trust Fund as a result of a bill package passed last summer. Also, the majority of the funding goes directly to local counties and townships for their own recreation projects.

@Two_creeks: Now that the Trust Fund has reached its max of $500 million, only the interest will be spent. New revenues coming in from oil & gas development on state land will now go into the State Parks Endowment Fund until it reaches $800 million, which was voted into the Constitution specifically to address the issue you raised.

This money comes from the sale of oil and gas from state land that belongs to the people of Michigan. The land purchased provides a place for the people of Michigan to hunt, fish, swim, hike, bike, paddle, ride horses, camp, trap, ski, snowshoe, and the opportunity to fully participate and appreciate our outdoor heritage. It cannot be used for any other purpose because we the people voted it into the Constitution as such. Get out there and enjoy it.