May Keweenaw Heartlands Project Updates
You can view the May updates on the Keweenaw Heartlands Project below! If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the project staff directly at keweenaw@tnc.org.
Hello, from your new project manager for the Keweenaw Heartlands. My name is Julia Petersen, and I am thrilled to join more than 50 employees working for The Nature Conservancy in Michigan, including many here in the Upper Peninsula.
Though I was born and raised in Michigan, I spent much of my adult life moving from military base to military base with my Air Force spouse and our three kids. When we had the opportunity to choose where we wanted to live long-term, we made the Keweenaw Peninsula our home. We’ve lived in Atlantic Mine for nearly three years, and we love the area, which is why I am honored to work with you to help fulfill your vision for the Keweenaw Heartlands.
On Thursday, May 18, I’ll be at the Eagle Harbor Township Hall from 3 – 4 p.m. I hope you’ll come by and say hello. If you’re not able to make it then, know that I’ll be a regular at all sorts of community meetings and events. You can also reach me by email at julia.petersen@tnc.org.
Michigan Tech grad rejoins TNC as restoration associate
Julia isn’t the only new hire for TNC in the Keweenaw. Savannah Obert-Pfeiffer, who was a preserve specialist at our preserves in the Keweenaw Peninsula last summer, has been hired as a restoration associate. Savannah, who recently graduated from Michigan Tech with a degree in Sustainability Science and Society, will be assisting with our Keweenaw Heartlands inventory and will work on TNC’s three preserves in the area.
Latest Blueprint section is available for public review and input
A draft of Section 4, Principles and Values for Management of the Keweenaw Heartlands Blueprint has been published online and is available for review. The public is invited and encouraged to share feedback via email at keweenaw@tnc.org. A draft is available here. The draft summarizes the community and stakeholder input we have received on the desired principles and values for managing the more than 32,000 acres of land near the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula recently acquired by The Nature Conservancy (TNC). Please review and make sure we have heard you correctly.
Make safety a top priority on Keweenaw Heartlands
As the ground dries out (eventually), we wanted to share a few tips for enjoying the Keweenaw Heartlands safely this spring:
• Have a plan and make sure you tell somewhere where you are going, because cell phone service is spotty in the area.
• Bring plenty of water, a snack and sunscreen.
• If you’re biking Keweenaw Heartlands trails, be sure to wear a helmet.
• Pack out whatever you pack in.
• ORV’s are welcome on designated trails. Make sure you have your registration and State of Michigan Trail Sticker. The money spent to purchase those items helps to maintain the trails and keep everyone safe.
• Protect our forests and wildlife: open fires, including campfires, are not permitted in the Heartlands.
• Please camp at designated local campgrounds or with a dispersed camping permit on DNR owned land. No camping is allowed on TNC lands, including the Heartlands.
• While there aren’t many gates on the Heartlands, the ones that are there are protecting something important. Please respect any gates and signs.
• Above all, no matter how you enjoy the Heartlands, be considerate of others and be safe. And if possible, take a young person outside to pass along love of the Keweenaw, because someday they will be the caretakers of this special place.