DICKINSON COUNTY, MI— The Superior Watershed Partnership and Land Conservancy, in cooperation with Waucedah Township, are pleased to announce the purchase and protection of over 4 miles of waterfront property on the Sturgeon River (Dickinson County) including whitewater rapids, dramatic waterfalls and 944 acres of adjacent forestland. The property also includes a variety of important terrestrial and aquatic habitats.
Township officials recently completed the $2.1 million Sturgeon River Scenic Park acquisition with support from the SWP and funding from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, a program that supports outdoor recreation projects throughout the state. This stunning parcel is located near Norway in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. SWP Executive Director Carl Lindquist noted that; “As a land conservancy the SWP is expanding our assistance to local partners in the Upper Peninsula. Protecting this river and this land also furthers the vision of the Michigan Healthy Climate Plan which includes the goal of protecting 30 percent of Michigan’s land, water and biodiversity by 2030.”
The property offers numerous sustainable recreation opportunities for community members and tourists to experience and enjoy the unique characteristics of the property through activities including but not limited to kayaking, fishing, bird watching, hiking, and swimming or simply enjoying the beauty of the wild north woods! Waucedah Township Supervisor Louis Sturm described it like this; “It’s a gorgeous area that will be a real asset to local residents and visitors.”
The SWP and the Great Lakes Climate Corps (GLCC) will be working with Waucedah Township and local partners on planning several miles of hiking trails, kayak launches and environmental education kiosks. The SWP will insure that all trails and public access sites are designed to promote truly sustainable tourism. Designated parking will be established and users will be encouraged to limit traffic to established roads and trails. Once established, the new public recreational site will provide for numerous environmental, community, and sustainable economic benefits and will fill a highly prioritized need outlined in the Waucedah Township Recreation Plan.
The acquisition provides extensive wildlife corridor connectivity and reduces habitat fragmentation. The property provides critical habitat for numerous terrestrial and aquatic species such as the federally listed Canada lynx and the gray wolf. The Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) notes that over forty plant and animal species documented in Dickinson County are listed as threatened, endangered, or of special concern. The acquisition also protects water resources by maintaining the integrity of streams, creeks, and intermittent drainages that encompass the Sturgeon River watershed. Protecting the riparian area helps sustain water quality and the natural fishery through preservation of physical, chemical, and biological processes.
