More than 73,000 acres of the Michigamme Highlands will remain permanently protected forest land after the Michigan Department of Natural Resources finalized a conservation easement covering parts of Baraga, Iron and Marquette counties.
The DNR acquired the easement at the end of March, funded by more than $20 million in combined federal, state and private grants. No state general fund dollars were used.
The protected land includes the peak of Mt. Arvon, Michigan's highest natural elevation at 1,979 feet above sea level, along with 37 miles of rivers, 220 miles of perennial streams, 96 lakes and ponds, more than 13,600 acres of wetlands and 4,800 acres of deer wintering complex. Nearly 2 miles of the Yellow Dog River flow through the property, adjacent to the federal McCormick Wilderness where the river holds a Wild and Scenic designation.
State forester Jeff Stampfly called the project an "outstanding example of landscape-level conservation" that also secures public recreational access. "When we can protect critical deer wintering complexes, wildlife and fisheries habitat and provide public recreation all while securing sustainable forest management that will help to support the forest products industry and local economies, it's a big win for Michigan," Stampfly said in the DNR's Aug. 13 press release.
The project is the largest single easement in Michigan's Forest Legacy Program history, bringing the state's total protected forest land under that program to more than 238,000 acres.
Who owns the land
The Lyme Timber Company, which manages nearly 625,000 acres in the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin through its local arm Lyme Great Lakes Timberlands, continues to own and manage the property. Local tax revenue for the three counties stays intact. The DNR holds the easement rights, including public access, on behalf of Michigan residents.
According to the DNR's feature on the project, written by forest land administrator Kerry Heckman, Lyme Timber first approached the DNR about a large-scale conservation easement in 2021. The company employs 25 foresters and other professionals locally and works with more than 42 contractors and 55 sawmill customers.
The easement is permanent and legally binding regardless of future ownership changes, with built-in requirements for sustainable forest management.
Public access
The easement guarantees public nonmotorized recreational access across the entire 73,000-acre property. Motorized users get more than 77 miles of roads and trails for snowmobiling and 70 miles for off-road vehicle use. The area also includes 7 miles of nonmotorized trails and 3 miles of equestrian trails.
Wildlife on the property includes moose, black bears, wolves, pine martens, fishers and grouse. Anglers will find coaster brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, Coho salmon and smallmouth bass, among other species.
Funding breakdown
The more than $20 million in combined grants came from three sources, according to the DNR:
- More than $15 million from the federal Forest Legacy Program
- More than $4.2 million from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund
- $1 million from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, including $550,000 from Walmart's Acres for America program and $450,000 from the Life Time Foundation
Public celebration
A public celebration is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, at the Presque Isle Park Pavilion, 3 Peter White Drive, Marquette. Speakers will include representatives from the DNR, Lyme Timber Company, U.S. Forest Service, Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The event concludes with a ceremonial declaration signing and is open to the public.
