Preparing for the Next Round: Insights from the DNR Mobility Challenge Info Session

November 10, 2025 

By Thelenwood Consulting

As Michigan continues to advance its Future Mobility Plan 2.0, state agencies like the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are stepping into the spotlight as part of the ongoing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Mobility Challenges. These challenges are designed to spark innovation, foster state–industry partnerships, and identify scalable, real-world applications for advanced mobility technologies.

Stewart, W. (2017). Gray quadcopter drone in the middle of forest during day [Photograph]. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/gray-quadcopter-drone-in-the-middle-of-forest-during-day-1QrqstxH-Uw

Context from the DNR Information Session

This is what we heard during the November 6 DNR AAM Challenge information session. While we’re still waiting for the finalized DNR FAQ to be released, our takeaways were focused on the following key themes and potential opportunities emerging from the discussion. An additional info session was held yesterday (November 10, 2025), and we will publish an updated summary once more information becomes available.

During the call, DNR staff outlined priorities centered on modernizing operations, improving efficiency, and increasing field-level data collection and analysis through unmanned systems. The agency expressed interest in collaborating with partners capable of demonstrating advanced drone, eVTOL, and data integration capabilities that can directly enhance field operations and environmental monitoring.

The overarching message was about extending mission duration, covering more ground, and improving operational efficiency — particularly in remote or infrastructure-limited environments where mobility, power, and communication remain persistent challenges.

Key Themes and Insights

Several consistent themes emerged from the call and align closely with guidance found in the MSP AAM Challenge FAQs:

• Partnerships with the State: Projects should demonstrate strong collaboration with Michigan agencies and show measurable public benefit. Out-of-state partners are eligible but must maintain a Michigan presence.

• Funding Structure: The Challenge uses a reimbursement grant model, with payments tied to milestone completion. Award amounts are expected to range between $200,000 and $400,000, depending on scope and platform coverage.

• Matching Requirements: Matching funds are required but can include in-kind contributions. No minimum match is set, staff stated that there is no socring parameter for match, so projects with higher match will not score higher.

• Eligible Technologies: Both aerial and land-based drone systems are eligible, including Blue UAS-compliant platforms and fixed-wing or multi-rotor systems. Mobile charging infrastructure may also qualify when paired with an operational drone or eVTOL platform.

• Evaluation Factors: Applications should clearly tie objectives to the four overarching Mobility Challenge goals—public benefit, feasibility, scalability, and innovation.

Potential Opportunity Areas Identified

The DNR discussion identified several opportunity areas where advanced mobility and data tools could help modernize state operations and improve field efficiency. While these concepts were noted from the information session and may not reflect final program criteria, they highlight promising areas for collaboration:

• Wildlife and Habitat Monitoring: Using UAS and sensor payloads for habitat surveys, population tracking, and environmental observation—particularly for species like moose, muskrat, and the Kirtland Warbler. Remote sensing could support ongoing conservation and species recovery work.

• Forest Health and Management: Leveraging aerial imagery, LiDAR, and multispectral tools for forest canopy analysis, prescribed burn planning, regeneration surveys, and detection of invasive species.

• Wildfire and Disaster Response: Expanding DNR’s aerial capabilities to monitor fuel loads, downed trees, and post-disaster recovery operations, including mapping road obstructions and assessing impacted acreage.

• Archaeological and Mineral Site Surveys: Applying drone-based terrain analysis and ground-penetrating sensors to support site assessments, identify underground structures, and prevent disturbance of sensitive locations.

• Integrated Data and GIS Platforms: Enhancing DNR workflows through advanced GIS integration, data fusion, and site-by-site analysis tools to streamline decision-making and operational readiness.

  
  

Next Steps and Recommendations

Based on the structure of the MSP Mobility Challenge, the next round of applications will likely favor projects that clearly define deliverables, demonstrate state collaboration, and provide measurable outcomes tied to DNR’s mission areas.

Prospective applicants should begin forming teams and identifying pilot opportunities now to ensure readiness once formal guidance is released.

Thelenwood Consulting can support partners by helping to align proposals with state goals, identify complementary partners, and position projects to demonstrate strong technical and operational value. We specialize in bridging public and private sector priorities—helping teams design, scope, and structure proposals that meet funding requirements and accelerate implementation timelines.

To learn more or connect with our team, visit us at:  🔗 https://www.thelenwoodconsulting.com/ (Contact Us to connect)