2007
Robert and Susan Piesko , 140 acres
Franklin Township, Clare County

A unique partnership between The Little Forks Conservancy, Robert and Susan Piesko and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources protected 140 acres in Clare County.

During discussions with the MDNR about a land exchange, Robert said, a conservation easement “was suggested by Jon Mayes from the State (MDNR).”

In October, the Pieskos donated a conservation easement to permanently protect their 75 acre Clare County property as well as the 65 acres they acquired from the State.

In developing their conservation easement, the Pieskos wanted to see that the land remain undeveloped, while still allowing them to manage their forest and improve wildlife habitat on the property.

“The main factor,” Robert said, “was maintaining this property. I didn’t want anyone down the road, after I’m gone, to develop it.”

“A lot of people start chopping (the land) up,” he continued, “and make it miserable for the rest of us. This guaranteed that that wouldn’t happen.”

Adjacent to the Au Sable State Forest, the land is primarily wild forest and wetland. The property features numerous varieties of trees including aspens, oaks, maples, and white pines. A dense cedar swamp with a wide variety of plant life runs through the property and provides valuable winter cover for wildlife.