The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says its statewide outdoor recreation plan has won federal approval.
The endorsement from the National Park Service is important because it makes the state eligible for federal funding to boost outdoor recreation opportunities.
About $40 million is available nationwide each year under the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. To qualify for grants, states must prepare and win approval of a recreation plan that's updated every five years.
Michigan's newly approved plan covers the years 2013-2017. DNR Director Keith Creagh said Tuesday that putting together the document helped the department learn about trends and needs in outdoor recreation.
The state distributes about half the money it receives to local governments, which are required to match 50 percent of the grants.