The Munising Township Commission voted to approve the new five-year recreation plan for the municipality at the township’s regular meeting on Monday, November 6. This was after a public hearing and a month of public review of the plan.

While the plan helps the township qualify for major funding opportunities down the line, the plan will not automatically start any projects.

“Really, we just want to make sure we qualify for DNR funding,” said Lisa Howard, Munising Township Supervisor. “All grants require at least a 25 percent match, so this is something that doesn’t guarantee anything, but keeps us eligible for funding.”

Small updates are expected after the public hearing and review, like adding the local snowmobile grooming group Alger SORVA to the plan as interested parties relevant to improving recreational opportunities in Munising Township.

According to Howard, the township has received four DNR grants from previous recreation plans totaling $396,000. The township board said that projects including walkways, vault toilets and multi-use pickleball/ tennis courts would be a priority. Officials said that if there was enough public interest in fundraising, they would be interested in installing an MHSAAapproved facility that would allow Munising High School to host tennis meets.

With the City of Munising moving towards curbside garbage and recycling pickup, the Munising Township government wants to be included in any further expansion of the recycling program.

“I’m hoping that as they continue with things in the city, that we can piggyback on this,” said Township Treasurer Carmon Decet. “I know there is a different dynamic, but I’m hoping that they know that there is some interest in the township as well.”

According to Howard, the township does not have a

The township also approved the 2024 early voting site as the Alger County Courthouse, heard reports from the fire chief and assessor and reviewed bidding policies for future projects.