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outdoors
outdoors
WATERSMEET — The 160-acre Wildcat Falls Community Forest near Watersmeet was established under the USFS Community Forest Program eight and a half months ago. Now, it is being expanded.
The Northwoods Alliance has undertaken a 40-acre expansion of the community forest to provide further public access and protect the water quality flowing to the waterfall. This expansion required another round of fundraising, and the support of the community has been instrumental to achieve this goal.
“Without the luxury of time to apply for another USFS Community Forest grant, we reached out to the community for support in achieving the required funds,” said Northwoods Alliance president Casey Clark. “The large donations from a few generous individuals started off the fundraising effort, but in the end over three dozen individuals contributed to making this acquisition a reality. We are very grateful to all current and past contributors who made this special place available to future generations”
Following the creation of the Wildcat Falls Community Forest in September 2020, the Northwoods Alliance has been active in protecting the future for this public educational forest. The organization has established an endowment fund with the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula, has completed the community forest management plan, and is currently making signage to assist visitors.
Those interested can see more about visiting Wildcat Falls and experiencing the splendor of nature at its best - with old growth trees, waterfalls, rock outcrops and rare flora and fauna - at northwoodalliance.org. For further information on this project or Northwoods Alliance and its mission of conserving native habitat, call 715-479-8528 or email nwa@nnex.net.
The Wildcat Falls Community Forest was created with widespread community support and a grant from the USFS Community Forest & Open Space Conservation Program. The forest is managed by Northwoods Alliance Inc. and community partners.