Michigan conservancies protect half a million acres
Heart of the Lakes Center for Land Conservation Policy member land conservancies have protected more than one half million acres of natural, scenic and working farms and forest lands throughout Michigan.
The Heart of the Lakes Center for Land Conservation Policy (Heart of the Lakes) 2009 Annual Acres Protected Survey found that Heart of the Lakes member land conservancies have permanently protected 509,125 acres as of December 31, 2009.
“Protecting more than one half million acres is an exciting achievement for Michigan,” said Rachel Kuntzsch, Executive Director of Heart of the Lakes. Heart of the Lakes is a statewide coalition of individuals and organizations dedicated to land conservation, including 27 member land conservancies. “The lands protected by Michigan’s conservancies provide significant public benefit for local communities and for the state.”
SLand conservancies are community-based nonprofit organizations that partner with landowners, units of government, and organizations to permanently protect and serve as stewards of Michigan land. Every county of Michigan is home to at least one land conservancy dedicated to protecting its valued land. Land conservancies use non-regulatory tools such as purchase of nature preserves or sanctuaries for use and enjoyment by the public, voluntary legal agreements with landowners called conservation easements, and assistance to communities and the state in their efforts to acquire publicly accessible parks and open space. Projects undertaken by land conservancies are selected because they provide a public benefit such as protecting water quality and wildlife, keeping working farms and forests in production, or supporting community goals for scenic lands and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Kuntzsch added, “The protection of Michigan land and natural resources is not only beneficial for Michigan’s environment, it is absolutely critical for our economy. Combined, Michigan’s land-based industries (agriculture, tourism and forestry) contribute more revenue to Michigan’s economy than any other industry. The protection of the land on which these industries depend is crucial for the future success of Michigan’s economy. Protecting more than one half million acres of Michigan land is a tremendous success for Michigan residents and businesses.”
Conserving Michigan’s diverse land base benefits Michigan residents and businesses. Michigan’s working lands, comprised of 19.3 million acres of forest and over 10 million acres of farmland, provide food, fiber, wood sources, and jobs for citizens. The Great Lakes surrounding Michigan are the largest source of fresh water on the planet. The state’s 38,000 miles of rivers and streams are the world-renown and high-quality fishery. Protected wetland systems that flow into these waterways help filter out sediment and pollutants, purifying our fresh water resources. Michigan parks, beaches, and open space that provide outstanding recreational opportunities, connect us to the natural world, and influence where people choose to live, work, and play.
back to top
Conservancy receives land acquisition grant
The Little Forks Conservancy has received a $75,000 grant from the Charles J. Strosacker Foundation to aid in the purchase of 419 acres along the Tittabawassee River.
The Conservancy’s Riverview project is a $1.5 million campaign to purchase and preserve two adjacent parcels of undeveloped land along two miles of the Tittabawassee River in Homer Township, Midland County. The Riverview Natural Area includes vernal ponds, extensive wetland complexes, mature woods and 120 acres of highly productive farmland. The Conservancy will hold Riverview Natural Area as a place where families can hike, cross-country ski or just enjoy the beauty of nature.
“We greatly appreciate the Charles J. Strosacker Foundation’s support of this project,” said Douglas Koop, executive director of The Little Forks Conservancy. “Their contribution moves us one step closer to ensuring that this important natural space is available for our community for generations to come.”
Since the start of fundraising in July 2008, the Conservancy has raised nearly $1.1 million. The Conservancy has received several foundation grants for the project. This includes a $200,000 pledge from The Dow Chemical Company for the Riverview Natural Area. In order to permanently hold all 419 acres, the Conservancy must raise an additional $425,000 by December 2011.
“For every $1,000 we now raise, that’s one more acre that we can keep,” said Koop.
The Conservancy has begun laying out trails and offering guided visits to the property. Full access will be available when the fundraising for acquisition is complete and a parking area and trailhead is established.
Donations to Riverview can be made online at the Conservancy’s web site, www.littleforks.org, or sent to The Little Forks Conservancy, 105 Post St., Midland, MI 48640. The Conservancy is a nonprofit organization formed in 1996 to protect the Tittabawassee River watershed and preserve the region’s unique natural features. To learn more, call the Conservancy at (989) 835-4886 or visit its web site.
Making a splash at MCFTA
Help introduce family members young and old to the amazing world of water! Make a rainbow, capture a raindrop, measure your water footprint, explore the watercycle, use water to power a submarine and lift a friend with hydraulics.
The Little Forks Conservancy is proud to be a not-for-profit sponsor of the exhibit WaterWorks: Soak Up the Science! on exhibit at the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science & Art. This exhibit explores water use, quality, conservation, and power. Water is a limited resource – keeping our water systems clean and healthy is as important to humans as it is to wildlife. This exhibition helps to send the message that every person has a responsibility to conserve water and use it wisely to sustain it for future generations. This message is conveyed through 11 interactive exhibits and a video theater.
WaterWorks: Soak Up the Science! will be on exhibit January 28 - April 25, 2010. Accompanying this exhibition will be a series of not-to-be missed exhibits on water-themed art, special family events, speakers, and other fun activities – visit www.mcfta.org for more information and museum hours. Avoid the crowds! Pre-purchase admissions by calling 989-631-8250. For $1 off admission, check out the latest issue of the Conservancy's newsletter. Don't get our newsletter, pick one up at our office today!
Exhibit on loan from Science North, Sudbury, Ontario; tour presented by Dow Corning Foundation. Sponsored locally by Dow Corning Corporation, The Dow Chemical Company, Bank of America, American Waterworks Association– Michigan Division, The Little Forks Conservancy, QRP (print sponsor), and Citadel (media).
Find us on Facebook
The Little Forks Conservancy is now on Facebook®! Keep up with the latest Conservancy news and events on Facebook. Become a fan of the Little Forks Conservancy today.
Facebook is a social utility that helps people communicate more efficiently with their friends, family and coworkers.
© 2006 - Created by Eden Computing, LLC
