You have probably heard that we are now launching our next 25 years. It’s a huge moment for all of us. I am a guy who loves to reflect on all it has taken to reach this point, and feel the surge of pride and inspiration.

When I was a college kid at MSU I bought my first flyrod from a guy named Rusty Gates, who owned a lodge and fly shop on the Au Sable River. He was friendly and helped me find the right rod. And I remember him getting serious when I was leaving the shop and making a point to tell me that trout streams were fragile and I needed to join the fight to protect them.

How the Millikens shaped our foundational principles, and memories of the knock at the door that led Keith Schneider to create our predecessor organization, The Michigan Land Use Institute. Plus thoughts from our partners on our 25 years of innovative, local-based solutions for a thriving Michigan!