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The Keweenaw Peninsula is a crown jewel of geographic, archeological and cultural significance for the mid west. And some even say the world. That is why the Nature Conservancy has taken a vested interest in helping Keweenaw County, and townships acquire 32,000 plus acres of forest land from the property’s owner The Rohatyn Group (TRG). The management group values the land at 43 million dollars. If either the state or The Nature Conservancy were to purchase the properties, they would only be able to offer fair market value. Many attendees last night believe the acquisition is a once in a lifetime chance for the people of the region.
The Michigan DNR is not able to purchase the land in bulk. As there is not enough money in their budget to acquire such a large swath of land. Additionally TNC, is happy with the properties they currently maintain in the area. And do not have desire to own the Keweenaw Heartlands for the long term. But the group is willing to help broker a deal with a future entity to manage the park, whether that ends up as the county, townships or a non profit. The Keweenaw National Historic Park was brought up in the meeting as an option for management, but they are unable to participate in management; as when the park was set up, a clause was included that denies them from purchasing more land in the peninsula.
As the situation continues to move forward, The Nature Conservancy, has received approval from their board of directors to begin the process of purchasing the land, and two appraisals for the acreage are underway. Representatives from the group, last night during the public forum, mentioned that it is a matter of time, and understanding who makes up the group that the land will eventually transition too, in order to maintain park facilities, trails, and other recreation developments. No deal has been made as of yet, but everyone involved is working very hard toward that goal.
The idea for the Keweenaw heartlands park is to protect its historic use for hunting, fishing, hiking, and other authorized recreation uses. The goals laid out are; to purchase the lands in bulk, provide 9,000 acres to the DNR to conserve the tip of the Keweenaw and join with existing DNR land, transition ownership to a local organization (likely made up of municipalities or a non-profit), and preserve revenues for township in form of property tax or payment in lieu of tax.
The Nature Conservancy hopes to have a basic plan done by the end of the year, regarding how long it will take to transition ownership, and to whom the land will go. One of the group’s biggest priorities is engaging with the public and residents to gain understanding of both wants and needs regarding the 32,000 and some odd acres. The planning committee that is working on detailing those goals further is made up of 17 members from local invested organizations that would likely have some sort of involvement with setting up future recreation developments in the area.
Last night’s meeting held at Calumet High School, was the first of three public forums to meet with The Nature Conservancy, and the DNR to ask questions about the project. And come to an understanding of how residents want to see the land used. And further, what will have to be done in the region to prepare for an influx in tourists to the county. During the pandemic, visitor numbers spiked dramatically. Which was good for many reasons, but also shed light on issues for local communities, such as housing and the need for a willing workforce to maintain the land. These growing pains would likely be exacerbated by the purchase, if the right steps to prepare the region are not taken. Representatives from the Keweenaw Heartlands project have notified state entities, like Michigan Economic Development Corporation, to the challenges residents in the Keweenaw are already seeing regarding the housing market, and maintaining a strong workforce. In an effort to get everyone from Lansing, and local residents prepared for the future.
As mentioned by many attendees during the meeting, the Keweenaw Heartlands hold significant historic sites from the mining industry, cultural sites for Native Americans, and pre-contact archeological evidence that likely mirrors what has been researched on Isle Royale. It is no doubt that the area is significant, especially when it comes to its intrinsic value to the people who live in the upper peninsula, and to those that have come to know and enjoy the Copper Country. Beyond that is its value for environmental health, and placing more land under designation for public use. If TRG were to not find a bulk purchase buyer, such as the Keweenaw Heartlands Park or another management entity like themselves, the company could begin to parcel the 32,000 plus acres for smaller acquisitions; forcing a checker board pattern of private land, no trespassing signs, and loss of recreation that many have enjoyed for years.
Tonight a second public meeting will happen in Mohawk, at the Horizons Alternative School, and tomorrow night at Grant Township’s hall in Copper Harbor. Both meetings will start at 6:30 pm. The Nature Conservancy wants input from the public as to how and who the land will transfer too. What sort of uses would garner economic vitality of the land. And gauge the public’s interest in them going forward with a planning committee for the project. A survey has been set up for the public to participate in. More information can be found on the Nature Conservancy’s website.
The Nature Conservancy Keweenaw Heartlands Survey
