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Keweenaw Point state-managed lands
Keweenaw Point state-managed lands
The DNR is seeking public input on a new new general management plans for Keweenaw Point state-managed lands. The process typically takes one year to complete and is in the beginning stages. The project is facilitated by Beckett & Raeder Inc., of Ann Arbor. Public and stakeholder input will be a critical part of the process.
A property’s general management plan defines a long-range (10- to 20-year) planning and management strategy to protect and preserve the site’s natural and cultural resources and provide access to land- and water-based public recreation and educational opportunities.
About Keweenaw Point
Keweenaw Point lands, comprised of current and future state-managed lands at the northern tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, include DNR-managed state forest lands and a portion of The Nature Conservancy-owned Keweenaw Heartlands. Together, the lands would comprise nearly 20,000 acres and be managed by the DNR as one unit.
The DNR-managed state forest lands comprise approximately 9,295 acres, which includes 13 miles of Lake Superior shoreline, several inland lakes, 3-plus miles of the Montreal River and a portion of Manitou Island. The land is managed primarily for dispersed recreation, such as camping, hunting, fishing, and access to water, as well as trails for ORVs, snowmobiles and mountain bikes. There are also plans to expand the trail network in the future. These lands contain unique natural and cultural resources and a variety of recreation and education opportunities. A number of former logging roads currently provide access.
The Nature Conservancy-owned Keweenaw Heartlands consists of three tracts of land, totaling 32,541 acres, purchased by in 2022. The DNR proposes to purchase one of these tracts – The Point – consisting of approximately 10,000 acres. The area represents a largely intact forested landscape punctuated with ecosystems from open peatlands to ridgetop bedrock glades. A number of high-quality natural communities have been found within this area including a mesic northern forest, rich conifer swamp and volcanic cliff. The DNR is currently securing funding
Public input opportunities
The public was invited to learn about and share feedback on new draft general management plan for via an online public survey and public meetings throughout October and November. The public comment period is now closed.
Thank you to those who took the time to provide valuable feedback. The DNR is carefully considering your comments and will incorporate them into a draft plan for each property. We anticipate releasing draft plans for public review in May 2025.
Resources
- Keweenaw public meeting presentation
- Virtual public meeting recording
- Keweenaw Point existing conditions map
- Fort Wilkins and Keweenaw stakeholder presentation
Contact
For more information, contact Debbie Jensen, park management plan administrator for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, at JensenD1@Michigan.gov.