Grants preserve scenic parcel along Lake Superior
A federally funded land acquisition will preserve 3,810 acres of forest and more than two miles of Lake Superior shoreline in Michigan.
Description
Crisp Point is located on a scenic stretch of Lake Superior shoreline in the eastern portion of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A 3,180 acre parcel of privately-owned land adjacent to the Crisp Point Lighthouse includes a vast forest, more than two miles of pristine Lake Superior coast, sand dunes, an inland lake and a river that flows into Lake Superior. The landowner agreed to sell the property, provided it would be managed to protect wildlife habitat, sustainable forestry practices and ensure public access to a popular snowmobile trail that crosses the site. The state of Michigan acquired the property with a $4.5 million grant from the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program and a $1.5 million contribution from a private donor. The acquisition ensures that Michigan residents and visitors will forever be able to enjoy the scenic, remote site. The parcel contains approximately 2.5 miles of snowmobile Trail No. 8, a major trail connector across the northern Upper Peninsula, and offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, including hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, wildlife viewing and kayaking. State officials said the neighboring Crisp Point Lighthouse would benefit from additional public land, and an endowment for payments in lieu of taxes will benefit local government.
Resource Challenges Addressed
Lack of preservation of fish and wildlife habitat
Lack of coastal sand dunes
Lack of forestland
Location
Newberry, Mich.
Approximate Cost
$6,000,000
Key Partners
U.S. Forest Service, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Little Traverse Conservancy and a private donor who contributed $1.5 million to the project
Types of Jobs Created
Land surveyors, ecologists, appraisers and mortgage processors
CRISP POINT PROJECT
A large amount of land near the Crisp Point Lighthouse, similar to the one pictured above, will preserve valuable wildlife habitat. Credit: Mark Breederland Michigan Sea Grant.
Results and Accomplishments
The project preserved more than two miles of Lake Superior shoreline and 3,810 acres of adjacent forestland, which will ensure the protection of wildlife habitat, sustainable forestry practices and enhance the overall health of the Lake Superior ecosystem.
