Keweenaw Heartlands – Exciting progress underway!

Photo Credit: Charlie Eshbach

The Keweenaw Community Foundation (KCF), a key partner on the Heartlands Project invites community members and media to Performances in the Park in Copper Harbor on Thursday, July 24, for the official public kickoff of the Keweenaw Heartlands Forest Fund. As partners on this project since 2022, KCF is excited to be at the point where they can work with community members to fundraise locally in support of the future community forest. On July 24, they will share details about the fundraising campaign and the exciting successes so far in raising funds.

KCF’s special announcement will take place during the evening concert at Donny Kilpela Memorial Park, located at 240 Gratiot Street, Copper Harbor, MI 49918. The evening will feature live music by Gail English and Friends, performing from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. KCF staff and members of the Keweenaw Heartlands Forest Fund Committee will be on hand throughout the event to share information, answer questions, and talk with community members about how they can support their future community forest. See you there!

Question of the month: I heard about amendments to state legislation that would permit creation of a new, public entity that would govern and manage a portion of the Heartlands… is there an update on that?

Yes! In late June, Representative Markkanen introduced to the State of Michigan Legislature amendments to the Michigan Recreational Authorities Act (MRAA). If passed, these amendments would allow for local, public decision-making and management of an approximately 20,000 acres portion of the Keweenaw Heartlands. Visit each bill’s webpage to read and track each bill as they move through the legislative process: House Bill 4694 and House Bill 4695.