A landmark conservation project in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is set to protect 73,000 acres of wilderness, following the approval of a $4.2 million grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.
This allocation, the largest in the recent $41.7 million round of trust fund recommendations, awaits final approval from the state Legislature according to an article by MLive.
The funds will support the state’s share of a nearly $20 million conservation easement spanning Baraga, Iron, and Marquette counties.
The project has already secured a $15 million grant from the federal Forest Legacy Program and $1 million from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation.
The conservation easement will safeguard forests, lakes, streams, and wetlands, preserving critical habitats and ensuring public access while supporting sustainable forestry.
The Michigamme Highlands region includes some of Michigan’s most ecologically valuable landscapes, such as Mt. Arvon, the state’s highest elevation.
The area features prime winter habitat for white-tailed deer, blue-ribbon trout streams, and more than 13,600 acres of wetlands, home to Michigan’s reintroduced moose population.
Biodiversity in the area is robust, supporting species such as the rare coaster brook trout, eagles, black bears, and pine martens, some of which are listed as threatened or endangered at state and federal levels.
The conservation easement, to be held by the state, will prevent land subdivision and construction while ensuring sustainable logging by landowner Lyme Great Lakes Timberlands. This public-private partnership protects wild habitats while preserving the land’s economic utility.
The trust fund board also recommended grants for other significant land acquisitions, including $2.2 million for the Turtle Woods Nature Preserve in Oakland County and $1.3 million for an expansion of Pinckney Recreation Area in Livingston County.
Additionally, 68 park and recreation projects were approved for funding, supporting developments such as trails, pavilions, and educational displays across the state.
The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, established in 1976, uses earnings from state-owned oil, gas, and mineral rights to fund land purchases and public park projects.
Local governments are set to receive nearly $19 million for recreation initiatives, while the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is allocated $3.6 million for park improvements and $11.85 million for land conservation efforts.
This conservation project in the Upper Peninsula highlights the importance of preserving Michigan’s natural heritage, ensuring access to pristine wilderness while supporting sustainable land use practices. It serves as a model for balancing ecological preservation with community and economic interests.
