Major Milestone Met + A Successful Celebration
A new local, public Keweenaw Heartlands Authority now exists, and elected Board positions are open!
At a Monday, June 1, 2026, special meeting, the Keweenaw County Board of Commissioners passed Articles of Incorporation for a new local, public Keweenaw Heartlands Recreational & Natural Resources Authority.
This came after a public hearing attended by about 30-40 people, in which about 14 individuals representing diverse organizations and perspectives offered public comment in support of the Articles.
The successful passage of these Articles and the creation of the Keweenaw Heartlands Authority are 100% the result of collective action and consensus-building by community members.
Now, members of the Keweenaw Heartlands Project’s Community Advisory Committee are working in partnership with Keweenaw County to prepare for an election of Authority Board members in November 2026.
Eligibility Requirements
Individuals eligible to vote in Keweenaw County who are interested in running for one of five non-partisan Authority Board spots must complete and file candidacy paperwork with the Keweenaw County Clerk, including signatures of support, by Tuesday, July 16, at 4:00 PM. Candidacy paperwork can be picked up from the Keweenaw County Clerk’s Office.
Public Information Sessions
Are you a Keweenaw County resident interested in learning more about this non-partisan board opportunity? Members of the Community Advisory Committee are facilitating three open house-style information sessions:
Session 1: Wednesday, June 17 @ 5 - 6 pm
Keweenaw County Courthouse (5095 4th, Eagle River, MI 49950)
Session 2: Tuesday, June 23 @ 6 - 7 pm
Copper Harbor @ Grant Township Hall (220 Gratiot St, Copper Harbor, MI 49918)
Session 3: Thursday, June 25 @ 5 - 6 pm
Allouez Township Community Center (388 Bumbletown Rd, Allouez, MI 49805)
We filled the barn for For the Heartlands—thanks to YOU!
Wow-oh-wow, did the community ever come out in support of the future Keweenaw Heartlands Community Forest! Over 100 people came out for a beautiful evening of camaraderie, community, and commitment to the Keweenaw’s forests.
The For the Heartlands dinner and concert was a big success, thanks to delicious food from Fletchy’s Otter Belly Lodge, Mohawk Superette, and the Keweenaw Co-op Market & Deli; refreshing drinks served with smiles by CLK Rotary Club members; awesome auction items chock full of the best Keweenaw experiences; the amazing sounds of The Go Rounds; and YOU!
Thanks to your support, we reached our event fundraising goal, pushing us closer to our total campaign goal of $600,000.
Special thanks to the Hidden Pines Barn in Calumet for hosting this event in their beautiful space, and to all the event sponsors and auction item providers.
Check out photos of the event HERE.
Missed out on Keweenaw Heartlands swag from Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear and Superior Graphics? No worries… there are still a few items left, but not for long!
Very soon, the items will be available for purchase at the Visit Keweenaw store in downtown Houghton. Every order supports the Keweenaw Heartlands Forest Fund.
