Four miles of waterfront property on the Sturgeon River are being protected through a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant. Assisting in the effort were the Superior Watershed Partnership and Land Conservancy and Waucedah Township. (Photo courtesy of the SWP)

By Journal Staff

MARQUETTE — The Superior Watershed Partnership and Land Conservancy, in cooperation with Waucedah Township, has announced the purchase and protection of over four miles of waterfront property on the Sturgeon River in Dickinson County.

The property includes whitewater rapids, dramatic waterfalls and 944 acres of adjacent forestland, the SWP said in a news release. 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, a program that supports outdoor recreation projects throughout the state.

This parcel is located near Norway.

“As a land conservancy the SWP is expanding our assistance to local partners in the Upper Peninsula,” SWP Executive Director Carl Lindquist said. “Protecting this river and this land also furthers the vision of the Michigan Healthy Climate Plan, which includes the goal of protecting 30 percent of Michigan’s land, water and biodiversity by 2030.”

The property offers numerous sustainable recreation opportunities for both area residents 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, the SWP said.

“It’s a gorgeous area that will be a real asset to local residents and visitors,” Waucedah Township Supervisor Louis Sturm said.

The SWP and the Great Lakes Climate Corps will work with Waucedah Township and local partners on planning several miles of hiking trails, kayak launches and environmental education kiosks. The SWP will ensure that all trails and public access sites are designed to promote 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, SWP said. The property also 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 noted that over 40 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, SWP said.

Located in the Lake Michigan watershed, the Sturgeon River flows south into the Menominee River before the merged waters reach Green Bay. Protecting this property also protects Great Lakes water quality and indirectly benefits over 30 million people living downstream, the SWP said.