Second Annual Friends Group Summit – Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center

1. Second Annual Friends Group Summit – Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center Future Project Collaborations Fund matching for success Blending state requirements with friends groups’ focus www.michigan.gov/DNR

2. Overview & Introductions • Who we are….. • Keith Cheli, Mackinac Regional Planner • Dan Lord, Development Program Manager • Why we’re here….. • Interactive opportunity • Share information • Gather input • Points of contact….(handouts) • Unit Supervisors • District Supervisors • Regional Field Planners & Rec. Specialists • Division Staff (planning & stewardship) www.michigan.gov/DNR

3. Iron Sharpens Iron – Team Effort & Approach • It’s critical to function as a team. • Support one another. • Be informative. • Be respectful. • Set realistic goals. • Be patient. • Make it fun. • Celebrate success. www.michigan.gov/DNR

4. What’s Changed in the Last Year • Merger of State Forest recreation elements into the State Park system • More campground, more trails, more Friends Groups • Restructuring of staffing • Blue Ribbon Panel to evaluate the long term focus and efforts of Michigan State Parks • Diversity of projects Friends Groups are involved with • Playgrounds • Spray parks • Trails • Site amenities • Historical restoration • Operational & maintenance work • Overall facility focus (Thompson’s Harbor & Rockport example) www.michigan.gov/DNR

5. How Projects are Funded • Typically development projects fall into one of these categories • Division Based Project with Capital Outlay Funding or Grant • Gift & Acceptance Policy Based Project • Division Based Project with Organizational Funding • All of these projects, because of being located on State lands, have specific requirements: • Align with the Department & Division goals • Adhere to legal stipulations • Internal reviews & approvals • Permits & fees (environmental, construction, etc) • Other agency reviews, inspections & approvals • Quality standards www.michigan.gov/DNR

6. Gift & Acceptance Policy • Department policy 16.01-04 • Defined procedure for accepting a gift of a design and/or construction of a facility • One version for large projects and a simplified version for site amenities • Contractual agreement between an entity and the department addressing: • Design, construction, inspections • Insurances, bonding, indemnification • Who’s doing what, where and how www.michigan.gov/DNR

7. Gift and Acceptance Policy Example –Bay City R.A. • “Spray by the bay” spray park • Over 100 individuals, corporate and foundation donors targeting $300,000 • Many in-kind and donated items • Direct control over vendors, contractors, materials and services • Differences in phase 1 (Friends) and phase 2 (State) www.michigan.gov/DNR

8. Fund Raising Example Ideas www.michigan.gov/DNR

9. Fundraising Match Program • Initially conceptualized around playground projects in April, 2011 • Team assembled to lay the basic framework (Friends of Bay City, DNR Procurement, District Supervisor, Unit Supervisor, Division Development Unit) • Looking for a flexible program compared to and modeled from the Recreation Passport local unit development grants and existing programs through Georgia and Wisconsin • Intent – to leverage and match fund raising from state park friends groups and other qualified entities • Leveraging may consist of either a monetary grant or concurrent purchasing and construction activities administered by PRD up to 50% of the total project’s cost www.michigan.gov/DNR

10. Fundraising Match Program • Evaluation & prioritization criteria: • Supports Parks and Recreation Division Strategic Plan Goals • Supports the Four Priorities of the DNR • Supports existing location Management & Stewardship Plans • Has been coordinated with and supported by the local state park or recreation area through an approved work item proposal • Expands recreation opportunities • Addresses visitor/public health, environmental safety or security problems • Expands or improves educational and interpretive programs • Restores habitat in a manner consistent with approved stewardship plans • Renovates historical structures and monuments www.michigan.gov/DNR

11. Fundraising Match Program • Potential amount of annual funding = $350,000 • $50,000 towards “small tier” projects ($1000 – $10,000 range) • Examples: materials for maintenance / renovation projects, programs or events • $300,000 towards “large tier” projects ($10,000 - $100,000 range) • Examples: new infrastructure items, utility upgrades, etc. • Funds would need to be spent in 3 years • Application Periods • Biannually, October 1st & April 1st • Administered by the Division’s vacant Grant Analyst position • Targeting October of 2012 to commence www.michigan.gov/DNR

12. Steps to Success – Elements to be Considered as a Basic Checklist • Take a deep breath and plan ahead (repeat as needed)! • Establish a consistent and inclusive basis for communication; this will help to add efficiency while minimizing confusion, misunderstandings & redundancies • Get a Work Item Proposal (WIP) approved (internal review process) by the Unit Supervisor; addresses location, improvement type & related details • Be aware of all applicable permits, codes, for federal & state law compliance • Include barrier free accessibility of all elements, areas and features (ADA) • Utilize the Regional Field Planner as a resource • These projects need to enhance recreational value while representing & supporting the PRD Mission • The theme & character needs to include the natural setting &/or cultural & historical resources • Don’t forget about the long term maintenance & operation plan as well as funding www.michigan.gov/DNR

13. Now We’d Like to Hear from You! • Questions about today’s presentation • Questions about projects that you’re currently working on • Input on the fund raising match program • Thanks for your time! www.michigan.gov/DNR