The Department of Natural Resources will celebrate the completion of the Crisp Point project, an acquisition that includes 3,810 acres of forest land and more than 2 miles of Lake Superior shoreline, at a closing ceremony 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15, at the Crisp Point Lighthouse in Newberry. The event is open to the public.
The acquisition of the property was made possible by a $4.5 million federal grant through the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program and a $1.5 million donation from a private donor.
Speakers at the event will include DNR Deputy Director Bill Moritz, Forest Legacy Program representative Dennis McDougall, and Little Traverse Conservancy Executive Director Tom Bailey. Moritz will also sign a ceremonial deed, signifying the acquisition and protection of the property.
“This outstanding acquisition on behalf of the public will guarantee the protection and sustainable management of one of Michigan’s natural resource treasures, while also serving to support tourism, recreation and forest products industry jobs,” DNR Director Keith Creagh said. “I would like to thank the Forest Legacy Program and our private donor for their significant investments on behalf of the state of Michigan, without which this project could not have been possible.”
In addition to the stretch of Lake Superior shoreline, the property is comprised of extensive forests, steep bluffs, streams, an inland lake and sand dunes. It contains approximately 2.5 miles of “snowmobile trail No. 8,” a major trail connector across the northern Upper Peninsula, and offers numerous public outdoor recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, wildlife viewing and kayaking.
The completion of the Crisp Point project not only ensures the protection of wildlife habitat, sustainable forest management, and opportunities for public outdoor recreation, but it will also preserve a portion of Lake Superior shoreline. Michigan residents and visitors alike will forever have the opportunity to enjoy this piece of the Upper Peninsula.
“Thanks to a great team effort that included the DNR, the Forest Service, our private funding partner and a caring, patient landowner, everybody wins in this project,” Bailey said. “The public has 3,810 acres of recreational land that includes managed forest and fragile dunes, endangered species and lots of hunting opportunities. The neighboring Crisp Point Lighthouse will benefit from additional public land, and an endowment for payments in lieu of taxes will benefit local government.”
The Crisp Point Lighthouse is located on County Road 412 east of Little Lake Harbor. The lighthouse can be reached by following M-123 to County Road 500 and taking County Road 500 to County Road 412 at Little Lake Harbor. County Road 412 ends at the lighthouse. Please note that this road is narrow and curvy in several locations; for travelers’ safety the use of headlights while on the road is encouraged.
For more information on the project, or the Forest Legacy Program, contact DNR forest land administrator Kerry Wieber at 517-643-1256, or visit www.michigan.gov/privateforestland.
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