Keweenaw Land Trust - Voice for protection of land and water in the Western Upper Peninsula

A recent change in ownership of a 1360 acre commercial forest property in the Pilgrim River watershed has created the opportunity for a project supporting sustainable forestry, watershed protection, public recreation and education. The property includes over 2 miles of the Pilgrim River, a good portion of the River’s headwaters, and the land is enrolled in the Michigan Commercial Forest program and enjoyed by the public for hunting and fishing. The new owners support these goals for forestry, conservation and expanded public recreation and encourage the community to develop approaches to accomplish a project that permanently achieves these land uses. Several local groups have come together to form the Pilgrim River Watershed Steering Group to gather information, engage the broader community, and explore options to accomplish a successful project. Initial Steering Group members include representatives from:

Keweenaw Land Trust
Western Upper Peninsula Planning & Development Region
Copper Country Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Keweenaw Trails Alliance
Houghton-Keweenaw Conservation District
Center for Water and Society – Michigan Technological University
Copper Country Audubon
North Woods Alliance
Partners in Forestry

Portage Township is invited to join the Steering Group to bring the ideas and concerns of local residents. Area hunting and angling clubs are encouraged to participate in the Steering Group and pursue the interests of hunters and anglers. Several neighboring landowners who are interested in the project have been participating, including some who are considering conservation opportunities for their own land as a way to contribute to the larger project.

We welcome all individuals and groups who would like to participate in this effort!

The Steering Group is currently working to identify funding sources, both public and private, to support this project and to explore different strategies to accomplish our goals. A current priority for the Steering Group is to contact local landowners in the Pilgrim River Watershed to inform them about this project and learn their ideas and concerns to develop the most effective and positive project strategy.

A website for the Pilgrim River Watershed Project is in development and will be launched in early 2010 as a public information source and communication tool for the Steering Group.

Pilgrim River Watershed Fund
A local fund has been established for the Pilgrim River Watershed Project to pursue permanent land and water protection, non-motorized public recreation, and perpetual stewardship. This dedicated fund will support conservation easement expenses, land acquisitions, long-term site monitoring and resource stewardship.

Donations to this fund received by December 31st, 2009 will be matched by an anonymous donor. Click on the link below to download a Donation/Pledge form.

Pilgrim River Watershed Project Donation/Pledge Form (PDF)

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