| August 23, 2006 |
When it comes to conserving the Lower Peninsula’s largest contiguous forestland, it takes a lot of help. That’s why partners ranging from the business community to nonprofit conservation groups to the State of Michigan have teamed together to form the Pigeon River Habitat Initiative.
Born out of a desire to better manage lands bordering the Pigeon River Country State Forest, project partners are working directly with private landowners to promote good land stewardship practices. The mission of the partnership is to protect the ecological integrity and diversity of the forest, while also providing sustainable wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and appropriate wildland recreation.
Volunteers and staff involved with the project meet with landowners and discuss how to provide improved habitat for wildlife, discourage the growth of invasive species, protect water quality and manage for forestry. Information about programs to help landowners, as well as cost-share funding for implementing some conservation practices, is also available. Landowners interested in more long-term land protection, such as working with a land conservancy, can also learn more about available options and tax incentives and can be directed to the experts.
The program is directed by a project steering committee made up of a representative from each of the following organizations: Pigeon River Advisory Council, Montmorency Conservation Club, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Huron Pines, Little Traverse Conservancy, HeadWaters Land Conservancy, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and the Otsego Wildlife Legacy Society.
“It takes a mixed bag of tools to work with private landowners and meet conservation goals at the same time. What this program offers is a number of good resources and access for landowners to get the help they are looking for with the natural resource concerns they have,” noted Brad Jensen of Huron Pines.
Project accomplishments by partner organizations thus far include: securing 7 permanent conservation easements on private lands within the buffer zone around the state forest, conducting nearly 60 free site visits between landowners and resource professionals, installing wildlife food plantings on 178 acres of private land, and establishing forest stewardship management plans across 4,215 acres.
“If you live near the Pigeon River Country State Forest, this is a program worth checking out,” Jensen added.
Funding for the unique project draws from several primary sources, including the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Charlevoix County Community Foundation, Ruffed Grouse Society, Headwaters Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Merit Energy, and the William B. Mershon Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
As the project continues to move forward, partners are looking to increase the visibility of the need for good conservation practices near the Pigeon, raise funds to increase efforts, and continue the effort to work individually with private landowners to meet goals which benefit them and the land, water, and wildlife resources of this special area.
For more information on the project, please contact Huron Pines at 989/344-0753 or info@huronpines.org. Support for the project can be sent to Huron Pines and will be used to help work with landowners and provide incentives for implementing conservation programs.
Huron Pines is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization whose mission is to conserve the forests, lakes, and streams of Northeast Michigan.
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| eric@huronpines.org |
| Pigeon River Country State Forest |
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