Miles of Wild River and Hundreds of Forested Acres Permanently Protected with Trust Fund Grant

MARQUETTE - The Superior Watershed Partnership and Land Conservancy (SWP) in cooperation with Waucedah Township are pleased to announce the purchase and protection of over four 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. This stunning parcel is located near Norway. 
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.
Located in the Lake Michigan watershed, the Sturgeon River flows south into the Menominee River before the merged waters reach Green Bay, Wisconsin. Protecting this property also protects Great Lakes water quality and indirectly benefits over 30 million people living downstream.
The Superior Watershed Partnership and Land Conservancy is a 100% local, non-profit organization and a regional leader in Great Lakes protection, climate adaptation and community pollution prevention. The SWP implements a variety of habitat restoration, energy efficiency, sustainable tourism and public education projects with an emphasis on communities in the Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron watersheds. For more information, please visit: www.superiorwatersheds.org.