Michigan Public Act 454 of 2002 (SB 415) requested the Great Lakes Center For Maritime Studies at Western Michigan University, in conjunction with the Department of History, Arts and Libraries and the Michigan 4-H Youth Conservation Council to develop a statewide recognition program called the "Michigan Heritage Water Trail Program." This partnership was charged with the development of a blueprint for local and regional watertrails development through a series of pilot studies for the research, planning, implementation, monitoring, and marketing of heritage watertrails. With proper funding, the Center would create and maintain a website for water trail location and history, develop a workbook for local groups to develop their own heritage watertrails, and act as a resource for local heritage water trail planning efforts. This program would be designed to do the following:

• Research and develop methods for planning, designing, implementing and monitoring a heritage water trail system in the State of Michigan
• Develop an interactive and educational website allowing users to locate water trails based on distance, accessibility and trail characteristics (i.e., length and difficulty)
• Create a workbook for Michigan heritage water trail development, implementation, monitoring, and operation for local and regional groups and authorities
• Research the impact of heritage water trails on local and regional economic development and natural resources in the State of Michigan
• Establish methods for local units of government to participate in programs that complement the designation of Michigan Heritage Water Trails
• Assure that private property rights along Michigan Heritage Water Trails are not disturbed or disrupted