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ANNOUNCEMENTS & ARTICLES
PIGEON RIVER HABITAT INITIATIVE
The Pigeon River Country State Forest is the largest block of contiguous undeveloped land in the lower peninsula. Concerns over the ecological integrity of the forest have grown as private parcels surrounding the forest are coming under increased development pressure. Important wildlife habitat is quickly being fragmented.
Prompted by this concern, the Pigeon River Habitat Initiative (PRHI) partnership was formed in 2001 as a collective of private citizens, state and federal agencies and nonprofit organizations all with an interest in preserving the ecological integrity of the Pigeon River Country. In December of 2008, the PRHI adopted the 2009-2012 Strategic Plan.
 Landowner Conservation
The Pigeon River Habitat Specialist meets with interested landowners to discuss their personal desires for their property and to help them explore land conservation options. After the intial meeting, the Habitat Specialist makes recommendations based on inventories of their parcel and coordinates with appropriate PRHI partners to assist landowners in deciding on the most appropriate course of land management action. Also, the Habitat Specialist helps landowners find the technical and financial resources needed to implement the land management option they have chosen.
Find out if you own land in the PRHI project area by clicking here. If you do own property in the buffer lands, contact Eric Nelson to schedule a free site visit.
The benefits for landowners participating in this project include enhancing wildlife habitat, providing additional recreation opportunities, and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. In addition, conservation cost share programs and tax incentives may be available.
The key to the program are the landowner meetings beacause the Habitat Specialist can bring the entire toolkit of conservation options directly to landowners. The process of meeting with landowners and helping them implement conservation management practices on their properties keeps important land intact and improves the natural resources of the area.
When a landowner is involved with hands-on management of their land, it forms a special relationship which fosters a sense of ownership and good stewardship of the land. If these values are passed on, it will continue the process of conservation in one of our state’s largest unspoiled wild areas and ensure generations will have an opportunity to enjoy this unique wildlife area.
Project Updates
Click here for the 2009-2012 Strategic Plan
Click here for the 2007 Project Update
Click here for the February 2009 Project Update
Project Partners
Headwaters Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Headwaters Land Conservancy
Huron Pines
Little Traverse Conservancy
Michigan DNR
Montmorency Conservation Club
Otsego Conservation District
Pigeon River Country Association
Pigeon River Country State Forest Advisory Council
Private citizens
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Want to Get Involved?
To learn more about how we can help enhance your property, support vital wildlife habitat and participate in valuable cost sharing programs, schedule a free meeting with our Habitat Specialist. If you own property in the Pigeon River Country or know someone in the area who would be interested, please call (989) 344-0753 or email info@huronpines.org.
Consider supporting this project and Huron Pines by making a donation. |
