This conservation easement of 360 acres includes about 40 acres of Lake Superior coastal dunes and protects ancient bedrock, two small lakes, forested ridges, numerous ponds, swales, and marshes, and Owl Creek, which empties into Lake Superior. Ten acres are designated as "critical dunes" under the Michigan Sand Dunes Protection and Management Program that established protective standards for the most sensitive dunes in the state. The Preserve hosts pine-drops (Pterospora andromedea), a plant that grows in association with white pine and a root-symbiotic fungus and is listed as a threatened species in Michigan.

Located about 2.5 miles southwest of Eagle Harbor near Great Sand Bay, the Preserve is named for George Hite, a resident of Eagle Harbor who provided matching funds to help purchase the property from a private landowner. The Preserve is an outstanding example of how citizens, local and state governments, and conservation organizations can work together to achieve common goals. Eagle Harbor Township began a land protection program years ago, and was able to acquire this site with funding from the Michigan Coastal Management Program and the generosity of Mr. Hite. The Preserve is adjacent to other land protected by Eagle Harbor Township and the Redwyn Dunes Nature Sanctuary owned by the Michigan Nature Association.

The Preserve is open to the public for non-motorized recreation, including the enjoyment of nature, hiking and cross country skiing.

The Preserve was established in 2004.

"My wife Nancy and I have enjoyed the beauty and natural sounds and serenity of this unique and beautiful land for years. It is a special comfort and reassurance just to know that the lands are under public ownership by Eagle Harbor Township and are protected in perpetuity under the stewardship of a Keweenaw Land Trust conservation easement. Doing what I can to preserve this community of land and people is a calling for me. I love being here more than any other place I know of, partly because of the natural wonder and beauty of places like the Preserve, which nourishes the mind, the body and the spirit, and partly because of the people who so enjoy being here that they continue to work hard to save the quality of life that is our heritage for future generations."

DOUG SHERK,
FORMER EAGLE HARBOR TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

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