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Great Lakes Basin
Great Lakes Basin
Conserving Critical Habitat
At 153,000 acres the Great Lakes Basin conservation easement project is the largest Forest Legacy project in Michigan to date. The project straddles the Lake Superior and Lake Michigan watersheds providing landscape level protection to forests that act as natural water filters for these crucial freshwater systems. This project permanently protects 91 acres of lakes, over 11,500 acres of wetlands and 231 miles of rivers and streams.
The project also contains 20,400 acres of deer winter complex that is vital for the survival of deer in the Upper Peninsula.
Community Engagement
The DNR and Lyme Great Lakes Timberlands are conducting outreach with interested parties and stakeholders for the project. Stakeholders include local, state and federal officials, local governments, businesses, forestry and habitat groups, recreational organizations, and conservation organizations.
The DNR and Lyme Great Lakes Timberlands are planning in-person and virtual stakeholder information sessions as well as providing email updates. Community collaboration will help inform the direction and focus of the project.
Project status
The DNR is working to secure all of the necessary grant funding to complete the Great Lakes Basin project. A grant has been secured through the USDA Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program. Applications have been submitted to a variety of other funding sources to meet the matching funds required for the project.
Next steps include securing the matching funds and conducting an appraisal.
Benefits of permanent conservation
Recreation opportunities
Permanent public access for recreational activities such as hunting, foraging, snowmobiling, camping, and hiking will be secured through the conservation easement. Anglers, kayakers, and canoers will enjoy the 231 miles of rivers and streams including cold water trout streams and designated Wild & Scenic Rivers. Portions of the project also provide public access connectivity between areas of state and federal forestlands.
Keeping working forests working
The conservation easement will ensure that the forest is managed sustainably and keeps the working forest working. The subject property provides an estimated $9.7 million in economic impact to the surrounding counties and supports an estimated 143 jobs locally. The timber from this forest supports the Upper Peninsula’s 128 forest product manufacturers. The property will remain privately owned, maintaining local tax revenue.
Contact
Email Forest Legacy Program coordinator Kerry Heckman for more project information.