The Superior Watershed Partnership and Land Conservancy (SWP) is pleased to announce the purchase and protection of an ecologically unique 226 acre parcel in the Keweenaw Peninsula that includes over 3,100 feet of rugged Lake Superior shoreline and over 3,000 feet of the wild Gratiot River.
The SWP received a $600,000 grant through the US Forest Service Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Community Forest Program to assist in acquiring the property. SWP field staff and the Great Lakes Climate Corps (GLCC) will be creating a trail network with interpretive signs for hiking, skiing and K-12 environmental education purposes. The property’s Lake Superior coastline also complements existing water trails and kayaking routes.
“As a truly local land conservancy the SWP protects important coastal and riparian habitats working with local stakeholders, local organizations, local communities and local Tribes across the Upper Peninsula. Projects like the Gratiot River Community Forest help support a sustainable nature tourism economy and further local climate resiliency goals!” said Carl Lindquist the Executive Director of the SWP Land Conservancy.
In addition, the SWP acquisition will permanently link five local conservation areas to create a contiguous 1,300 acre block of wilderness preserve. This linkage is especially significant to the overall protection of the lower Gratiot River watershed and miles of Lake Superior coastline and nearshore habitats. The Gratiot River Community Forest contains a variety of important habitat types including numerous rare, protected or endangered plant and animal species such as the gray wolf, Canadian lynx, and the long-eared bat. The project is located in the Great Lake Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Terrestrial Habitats and Connectivity Priority Area and furthers the goal of protecting forests that are considered important for habitat connectivity.
“This SWP acquisition serves as the keystone piece linking five other public access parcels in the contiguous Gratiot River Recreation Area, providing critical habitat connectivity.” said Neal Bungard, Community Forest Program Manager for the Forest Service’s Eastern Region.
Long-term management and monitoring of the Community Forest will be conducted by the SWP and the Great Lakes Climate Corps. SWP staff possess expertise in conservation planning, field inventory, habitat restoration and environmental monitoring.
“This is truly a wild place.” said Lindquist. “It has that feeling of walking back in time. The SWP is honored to help protect such an important ecological treasure!” For more information on this site or other SWP protected properties that open to the public please visit: www.superiorwatersheds.org
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