Comprised of vast forests, remote lakes, trout streams, Michigan’s highest elevation, moose-inhabited swamps and some of the most climate-resilient landscape in Michigan, the Michigamme Highlands in the western Upper Peninsula is truly exceptional.
That’s why the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is working with the current landowner, Lyme Great Lakes Timberlands, to potentially protect this area through a working forest conservation easement.
The 73,000-acre Michigamme Highlands project includes the summit of Mt. Arvon (Michigan’s highest point), 37 miles of rivers, 220 miles of perennial streams, 96 lakes and ponds, more than 13,600 acres of wetlands, over 4,800 acres of white-tailed deer winter habitat and habitat for federal and state-listed threatened or endangered species. The Highlands are home to moose, black bear, pine marten, fisher, grouse, eagles, coaster brook trout, brown and rainbow trout, Coho and pink salmon, bass and northern pike. The project spans portions of Baraga, Iron and Marquette counties.
The Michigamme Highlands conservation project as proposed would give the DNR conservation easement rights on behalf of Michigan’s residents while the land remains privately owned by Lyme. Those rights would ensure that the property is sustainably managed as a working forest, protect wildlife habitat, prevent development or subdivision of the property and ensure public recreational access forever.
The DNR and Lyme are inviting the public and interested stakeholders to visit and learn more about the Michigamme Highlands project during two upcoming property tours:
- Monday, July 10 at 12:45 p.m. Eastern: Meet at Lyme Great Lakes Timberlands Office, 15800 Mead Road, L’Anse.
- Tuesday, July 11 at 8:45 a.m. Eastern: Meet at Koski Corners Park and Ride, intersection of US-41/M-28 and M-95, Champion.
The informational sessions and property tours will last approximately three hours. Transportation for the property tours will be provided and seating is limited. To ensure that you have a seat on the tour, please RSVP to: MichigammeHighlands@lymegreatlakes.com by Thursday, July 6.
Learn more about the proposed project and keep updated on its progress by visiting the Michigamme Highlands project web page.
Contact: Kerry Heckman (DNR), 517-643-1256 or Bill O’Brion (Lyme), 906-399-5019
