Michigan’s most remote state park expands, adding more beautiful wilderness.
The Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy has granted nearly 1,300 acres of pure highlands wilderness in Marquette County to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), according to a report.
The property comprises three parcels of land from the conservation’s Peshekee Headwaters Nature Preserve, which lies on the eastern side of Craig Lake State Park, the most remote state park in Michigan.
The land hosts wildlife such as bears, moose, loons, and wolves. It also includes the majority of the watershed which fills the Indian Lake, the headwaters of the West Branch of the Peshekee River. It also has 10 miles of hiking trails that connect with the park.
“The watershed, lake, and river are a source of freshwater that provides healthy drinking water and clean fish to eat, provides many kinds of safe recreation for the community and visitors, and supports healthy forest ecosystems downstream,” said Andrea Denham, executive director of the conservancy.
“The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is the best partner in continued protection of this freshwater resource given the work they already do to protect forests and freshwaters in the Peshekee River Watershed.”
The DNR said that the donation would keep the land open to the public and provide more recreational activities like hiking, hunting, trapping, and fishing.
“This property augments the remarkable remote landscape at Craig Lake State Park,” said Doug Rich, western Upper Peninsula district supervisor for the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division.
“The acquisition also helps achieve department goals and supports strategies and plans involving trails, public lands and protecting natural resources for the future.”
Craig Lake State Park is famous for its unspoiled beauty. It comprises more than 8000 acres, including six lakes, over seven miles of the National North Country Scenic Trail, and rustic camping, cabins, and yurts.
For more information on Craig Lake State Park, click here. For Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy, visit uplandconservancy.org.
This article originally appeared on MLive. Featured image from michigan.org.
This land donation is like a gift to Mother Nature! Bears throwing a party for moose and loons? Epic!
Did you hear? Craig Lake State Park in Michigan just got a whopping 1,300 acres added to its wilderness! It’s like a nature wonderland with forests, wetlands, and critters galore. Perfect for outdoor lovers to explore, from birdwatching to camping. What a fantastic gift for nature lovers like us!